Public Safety

Dive teams, drones deployed in search for missing Shalimar swimmer

Multiple agencies conducted searches Wednesday and Thursday after a distressed swimmer was reported going underwater near the Shalimar Bridge in Okaloosa County.

Jared Williams

Authorities searched for a swimmer who went missing near the Shalimar Bridge early Wednesday morning in Okaloosa County.

Deputies from the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of a distressed swimmer around 3:30 a.m. Wednesday after witnesses reported seeing a white male go underwater in the area.

Multiple agencies joined the search effort, including boats from the Sheriff’s Office, Eglin Air Force Base, and Florida Fish and Wildlife. The U.S. Coast Guard also responded to assist.

The Sheriff’s Office deployed its Unmanned Aerial Surveillance team with drones, while the OCSO Dive Team searched several locations in the water. Despite these efforts, the swimmer had not been located as of Thursday afternoon.

The Sheriff’s Office asks anyone with information to contact them at 850-651-7400 or reach out to Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers.

Join the conversation...Cancel reply

Continue reading 👇

Public Safety

Okaloosa deputies issue 454 underage drinking citations so far during spring break

Public Safety

“I was hired at Bass Pro in 2018 as ‘front end lead’, although I knew nothing about hunting, fishing, camping, gun handling, etc. I was a tall white dude with...”

Respond

Keith commented on Okaloosa approves purchase of old Red Lobster building in Fort Walton Beach

“Oscar, it's going to be ok. It's not some random purchase: Its right next to the park property, appraised at higher than they acquired it for, will be used for...”

JACK MCALLISTER commented on Walton County TDC unanimously supports bringing PGA Tour event to the area

“The Emerald Coast Classic at Sandestin was a golf tournament on the Korn Ferry Tour. It was played in April 2021 at Raven Golf Club at Sandestin Golf and Beach...”

BIG EASY commented on Fort Walton Beach Fire Department dedicates new engine to retired firefighter Calvin “P-Nut” Pina

“I’m a great friend and brother to Pnut! You’ll never meet a more personable and friendly guy!! Being familiar with his service and dedication to the community, this is a...”

Jack commented on Okaloosa approves purchase of old Red Lobster building in Fort Walton Beach

“Tourism increase when you can't get anywhere by car because of the traffic? Yeah we need more of that.”

Barry commented on Kite Festival set to return to The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island

“If it rains on Sunday, is there a back up plan?”

Matt Nece commented on Okaloosa approves purchase of old Red Lobster building in Fort Walton Beach

“That's part of Liza Jackson park, which is being renovated. It says it in the article.”

“It's from the bed tax otherwise known as tourism money from the hotels. It can only be used to promote tourism. There isn't local taxpayer money.”

Jan commented on destin-parking-dolphin-point

“How will this impact owners? It seems there are quite a few of these condos coming on the market this spring.”

Kris Ed commented on Senate committee advances bill to repeal Walton County beach access law

“If these property owners want to deny others access to the beach because it’s their property, then those private property owners are responsible for the beach renourishment cost. Why should...”

Dive teams, drones deployed in search for missing Shalimar swimmer

Join the conversation...Cancel reply

Continue reading 👇

Okaloosa deputies issue 454 underage drinking citations so far during spring break

Okaloosa deputies, rideshare driver save elderly woman from $8,000 scam

Bullets hit two homes in Fort Walton Beach area, no injuries reported

Okaloosa Sheriff’s Office details spring break enforcement plan

Join Our Newsletter

Community Comments

GET OUR FREE LOCAL NEWSLETTER