A public collective bargaining session between Walton County Sheriff’s Office and local firefighters is scheduled for May 6, 2026 in DeFuniak Springs. The event will address labor negotiations and ensure accessibility under ADA guidelines.
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an armed home invasion robbery on Pilgrim Avenue near Fort Walton Beach. No life-threatening injuries were reported, and authorities are seeking information from the public as they work to identify suspects.
A Fort Walton Beach area woman faces charges after allegedly throwing beer bottles at a toddler who tried to help her following a fall from her bicycle. Witnesses say quick action by the child prevented injury, and no harm was reported.
A Walton County Grand Jury has indicted Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky for second-degree manslaughter after a surgical error led to an Alabama man’s death in August 2024. Authorities say Shaknovsky mistakenly removed a patient’s liver instead of his spleen during surgery.
Defuniak Springs Medicaid providers saw their Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment billing reach $12,224 in 2024, reflecting a 146.1% increase over the prior year.
Crestview saw a 19% uptick in Medicaid payments for Durable Medical Equipment in 2024, underscoring changing trends in usage and reimbursement.
Providers in Gulf Breeze billed $113,979 to Medicaid for Medicine Services and Procedures in 2024, representing a 165.9% increase from the prior year.
In 2024, Medicaid providers in Pace billed $169,771 for anesthesia services, an increase of 6.9% over the prior year.
In 2024, Medicaid providers in Fort Walton Beach submitted $2,259,120 in claims for services under the National Codes Established for State Medicaid Agencies, reflecting a 7.3% rise over the prior year.
Medicaid spending in Niceville for Drugs Administered Other than Oral Method climbed 1323.5% in 2024, signaling significant shifts in service usage and reimbursement patterns.