County News
WCFR Congratulates Two Graduates
Please join us in congratulating Aiden Vela and Colton Serpas on their graduation from the Gulf Coast State College EMT program. Their dedication and hard work have prepared them to make a real difference in the field of emergency medical services. We are proud of...
WCSO Welcomes Newest Deputy Sheriffs, Promotes Five Others
Taking the oath of office as a new deputy sheriff is a critical step toward ensuring the integrity and safety of our residents and visitors. As our county continues to grow, our misson must hold fast. That is our commitment to you, our community. Join us in...
Nominate Your Favorites for the 2026 Perfect in Walton County Awards
It's that time of year again! The nomination period for the 2026 Perfect in Walton County Awards is open July 29 to Aug. 15. During this time, anyone can nominate their favorite businesses, events and activities in Walton County using the online form only available...
Bobby Kemp Heritage Festival Scheduled for September in Paxton
Bobby Kemp Sr. known to many as "Papa Kemp" was born and raised in Walton County, Florida. Papa Kemp was a dedicated community leader and set an example for so many. He spent countless hours volunteering his time to his community, he served the City of Paxton as a...
Meth, Fentanyl Found During Traffic Stop, Booking; Two Charged
WALTON COUNTY, Fla— Two are facing drug charges in Walton County after a traffic stop leads to the discovery of methamphetamine and fentanyl. On Monday night, a deputy stopped a vehicle at State Highway 20 and Jefferson Street in Freeport. The registered owner of the...
DFS Man Arrested on Animal Cruelty Charges After Dead Cat Found in Trash Can
A DeFuniak Springs man is arrested after a dead cat is found on his property in Walton County. On Tuesday, July 29th, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office was called to a residence on W Violet Lane following a report of animal abuse. A neighbor reported smelling a foul...
Young Man Recognized for Life-Saving Actions
South Walton Fire District Junior Lifeguard Hudson Howland was at work in the Santa Rosa Beach area when one of his coworkers began choking. She had been eating during a break and then began signaling that she needed help. She was not able to speak or cough, but...
United Way Emerald Coast Celebrates Achievements at Annual Meeting
FORT WALTON BEACH, FL – 7/29/2025 United Way Emerald Coast (UWEC), a local non-profit dedicated to improving lives and building stronger communities, hosted its Annual Meeting on Tuesday, July 29th at The Place on Beal in Fort Walton Beach. The sold-out event...
Obituaries
Lovell Scott Moore
Lovell S. Moore, 95, of Ponce de Leon, Florida, passed away at home on July 17, 2025, peacefully and surrounded by the people who loved him most. Lovell was born on September 12, 1929, in Ponce de Leon to George Moore and Eunice Moore (née Farrior). He became deaf as...
Robert “Bob” William Blaikie
Robert William “Bob” Blaikie, 67, of Inlet Beach, Florida, passed away on June 27, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. Bob was born on May 20, 1958, in Frankfurt, Germany, and raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He later moved to Sarasota, where he spent the...
George Henry Stanley
George Henry Stanley, age 90, passed away quietly Wednesday, July 2, 2025 in DeFuniak Springs, Florida. He was born September 3, 1934. He spent most of childhood in Cullomberg, Alabama. George served twenty years in the United States Air Force. He was a part of the...
Socorro Ramirez
Mrs. Socorro Ramirez, age 95, passed away July 18, 2025. She was born November 22, 1929 in Aqililla Michuacan, Mexico to Luis Comparan and Imelda Oseguera Comparan. She was one of eight children. Mrs. Socorro Ramirez was a resident of Santa Rosa Beach Florida, a...
Sports
SEC Spring Meetings Day 2 Notebook
MIRAMAR BEACH, Fla. (May 28, 2025)-----The 2025 Southeastern Conference Spring Meetings, a gathering of the SEC's Presidents and Chancellors, Athletics Directors, Senior Woman Administrators, Faculty Athletic Representatives, Head Football Coaches and Head Men's and...
SEC Spring Meetings Day 1 Notebook
The 2025 Southeastern Conference Spring Meetings, a gathering of the SEC’s Presidents and Chancellors, Athletics Directors, Senior Woman Administrators, Faculty Athletic Representatives, Head Football Coaches and Head Men’s and Women’s Basketball Coaches, began...
Northwest Florida Claims First NJCAA National Softball Championship
YUMA, Ariz. — Over three decades and more than 4,000 games later, the moment finally arrived: Northwest Florida State Softball are national champions. The Raiders made history on Saturday afternoon, taking down No. 1 Florida SouthWestern 4-1 to capture their...
Raiders Take Down No. 1 Florida SouthWestern, Punch Ticket to National Championship
YUMA, Ariz. — The 2025 season has been nothing short of historic for Northwest Florida State softball. From going undefeated in conference play, to rattling off a record-setting 38 straight wins, to breaking the program's single-season wins record for the third...