SPONSORED BY
Good morning!
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office has closed a 1973 cold case after the suspect died in a traffic crash. Retired Air Force Colonel Michele Shelton has been named Okaloosa County’s new health department administrator, LuLu’s Destin will host a free lunch for Okaloosa and Walton first responders, and get an inside look at how Fort Walton Beach Councilman Ben Merrell juggles waterfront businesses, big projects, and a hands-on approach.
- Plus, try today’s WordroW puzzle.
HOW I WORK
How FWB Councilman Ben Merrell juggles waterfront businesses, big projects, and a hands-on approach
“How I Work” is brought to you by the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce. Join the most influential organization in Okaloosa. Learn more here.
Ben Merrell may not have been born in Fort Walton Beach, but after moving here as a child following Hurricane Andrew, this community became home.
- Today, his work touches nearly every corner of the waterfront — from Power Up Watersports and Soundside Waterfront Bar to tour boats and the redevelopment of the former Playground Inn property.
As a business owner and elected Fort Walton Beach City Councilman, Ben’s days are anything but predictable. Whether he’s handling high-level decisions or jumping in to clean bathrooms to keep things running smoothly, his approach stays the same: do what needs to be done, work hard, and keep moving forward.
SPONSORED
Raise your game
With Mastercard® rates as low as 7.9% APR and no balance transfer fee, it’s time to lower your rate and raise your game.
Eglin Federal Credit Union. Where Members Matter Most.
Apply in person or online at eglinfcu.org/mastercard. Must be 18 or older to apply online.
GAMES
WordroW: January 7, 2026
WordroW is brought to you by Fort Walton Beach Chiropractic – keeping your mind sharp and your spine aligned, one game at a time.
Can you guess today’s 5-letter word in six tries?
WordroW is Get The Coast’s daily word puzzle featuring local words, places, and phrases from our community. You have six guesses to find the mystery word – green letters are correct and in the right spot, yellow letters are in the word but wrong position, and gray letters aren’t in the word at all.
BUSINESS
Michele Shelton named Okaloosa County’s new health department administrator
Michele Shelton spent 28 years serving in the U.S. Air Force, rising to the rank of colonel. Now she’s preparing for a new mission: leading the Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County.
- “Service is the rent that we pay for living,” Shelton told the Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday, quoting Shirley Chisholm. “Having the opportunity to serve as our public health administrator is an even greater opportunity for me to continue to serve the community that I live in.”
Commissioners unanimously approved her appointment during their Jan. 6 meeting.
Shelton, a registered nurse who holds a master of science degree and a bachelor of science in nursing, said she decided to settle in Okaloosa County after her military career and has since volunteered with nonprofit and community organizations.
State Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo requested the appointment in a Dec. 23 letter to the commission, describing Shelton as having “an excellent and diverse background in all aspects of public health” and praising her abilities as “a skilled leader.”
GIVING BACK
LuLu’s Destin to host free lunch for Okaloosa, Walton first responders
From giving back to investing in the future, FPL is powering strong communities. Learn more here.
Local first responders will have the opportunity to enjoy a complimentary lunch at LuLu’s on Tuesday, January 13, as the restaurant expresses its appreciation for their service to the community.
- The Destin LuLu’s, led by General Manager Alex Lozano and his crew members, is inviting deputies, police officers, firefighters and EMTs from Okaloosa and Walton counties to stop by for a free meal between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
“Reservations are not required for these dedicated men and women, it will be first come, first serve for the complimentary lunch, and alcohol is not included,” Lozano said.
The event is designed to give first responders a break during their workday while recognizing their contributions to the area.
“LuLu’s is thankful for the area’s first responders in Okaloosa and Walton Counties who work tirelessly to protect and care for our community,” Lozano said. “We invite them to stop by, take a break, and let us serve them.”
PUBLIC SAFETY
Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office closes 1973 cold case after suspect dies in traffic crash
Nearly 53 years after a 19-year-old college student was found dead in a shallow grave, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office has closed the case, naming a man who died before he could be charged as the person responsible for her death.
- Debra Espey, described as a quiet, sweet, all-American girl, was reported missing by her father on March 12, 1973, after she failed to return home from classes at the local college in Niceville. Her body was found just over a month later in a shallow grave in the Rocky Bayou area.
Investigators identified Dennis Murphy as a suspect early in the case, and he remained the sole suspect for more than five decades.
A custodian at the college told investigators he observed Espey leaving the school parking lot with Murphy on the day she was reported missing. The witness was able to identify Murphy and describe his vehicle.
Sr. Investigator Kelly Henderson, who worked the case for the Sheriff’s Office, said Espey and Murphy knew each other through school.
- “They were acquaintances. I would say that they were friends but not close friends,” Henderson said. “They kind of hung out with the same group of people.”
Investigators were unable to determine a motive and were preparing to seek an arrest warrant for Murphy when they learned he had died in a traffic crash in Alabama in February 2023. The case was officially closed as “death by offender,” meaning the suspect died before he could be charged and arrested.
OK, that’s all I have for you this morning! I hope you have a great Wednesday! Help us shape the future of local news and make a meaningful impact on your community. Click here to learn how you can support us!
p.s. What did you think of this morning’s newsletter? Hit the reply button and let me know!
Jared
Published with ♥ by Get The Coast.
Did someone forward you this email? Subscribe here.
124 Eglin Parkway SE Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548