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Missing kayaker found safe by U.S. Coast Guard off Grayton Beach

The Walton County Sheriff’s Office announced that Chris Smelley, 37, who went missing while kayaking in the Gulf of Mexico off Grayton Beach yesterday, has been located safe by the United […]

WCSO

The Walton County Sheriff’s Office announced that Chris Smelley, 37, who went missing while kayaking in the Gulf of Mexico off Grayton Beach yesterday, has been located safe by the United States Coast Guard out of Mobile.

  • According to the WCSO, Smelley had gone fishing in his blue and black kayak around 8:30 a.m. and failed to return. The WCSO and South Walton Fire District deployed jet skis to search for Smelley off Grayton Beach.

The United States Coast Guard out of Mobile was notified, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife launched from the Inlet at Destin Pass, heading east towards Grayton to assist in the search efforts.

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Patty commented on WordroW: April 3, 2026
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“Who are the providers for the facility?”
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Joe commented on WordroW: April 3, 2026
“3min 33sec”
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Michael L. Cobb commented on WordroW: April 3, 2026
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“Use part of the $5million to remove the docks that are in an already overcrowded harbor.”
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“Fire hydrants are color coded for the rate of water flow measured in gallons per minute (GPM). Seems like painting the hydrants in artistic color designs would mess up this...”
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“Isn't that going to make that area of waterway too crowded during tourist season ? As is already is!”
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Michael L. Cobb commented on WordroW: April 1, 2026
“1 min 36 sec”
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“Who authorized the building of the docks?”
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