POLITICS

Perillo and Livingston enter race, challenging Okaloosa Sheriff Eric Aden’s re-election bid

Two last-minute candidates have entered the race for Okaloosa County Sheriff, challenging incumbent Eric Aden in the upcoming August election. 

• Edward “Eddie” Perillo and Ron Livingston filed their candidacies shortly before the deadline, setting up a three-way contest for the top law enforcement position in the county. 

The election, scheduled for Tuesday, August 20, 2024, comes at a time when the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office has faced scrutiny over two high-profile incidents: the so-called “acorn incident” and the officer-involved shooting death of Airman Roger Fortson.

Edward “Eddie” Perillo

Perillo, a former Okaloosa Sheriff’s Deputy, announced his candidacy in a detailed social media post. He emphasized his ‘deep roots’ in the community, citing his family’s ownership of the now-closed Joe & Eddie’s Restaurant since 1954.

“I have grown up serving and interacting with the wonderful people of Okaloosa County, giving me a unique understanding of our community’s values and needs,” Perillo stated in his announcement.

Perillo’s platform focuses on “restoring trust, ensuring accountability, and building a safer environment for all families in the county.” He outlined several key priorities, including:

1. Implementing effective, community-oriented policing strategies.
2. Establishing clear protocols and independent oversight for departmental actions.
3. Developing programs to support victims of abuse, mental health crises, and marginalized individuals.
4. Engaging with community leaders and organizations to build trust.
5. Implementing comprehensive training programs for all deputies and staff.

Perillo also touched on personal experiences that have shaped his perspective, including challenges faced by his own son within the justice system. “This has only strengthened my resolve to fight for a better, more just future,” he said.

“I know a lot of the deputies of Okaloosa County personally and understand and know their dedication, challenges, and the support they need to serve our community effectively,” Perillo wrote on social media. “Together, we can create a safer, fairer, and more united Okaloosa County.”

Ron Livingston

Livingston is a Florida State Trooper with over three decades of public service. He highlighted his leadership roles spanning more than 20 years and his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration.

• “I have specialized experience that helps to identify and solve problems that challenge management, plan for short-and long-term strategic plans,” Livingston stated in his campaign announcement. He emphasized his experience in developing training programs and resolving internal organizational issues.

Livingston’s family has a long history in law enforcement and public service in the area. His grandfather served as both a State Trooper and an Okaloosa County Judge, while his father was also a Florida State Trooper.

In his recently updated campaign platform, Livingston outlined several key priorities:

1. Deputy Support: He emphasized creating a work environment that retains talent and supports deputies to ensure community safety and security.
2. Enhanced Training: Livingston plans to increase deputy training in mental health, drugs, and alcohol, particularly focusing on educating children about these issues.
3. Mental Health Collaboration: He proposes partnering with mental health professionals to better equip deputies in addressing community mental health challenges.
4. Drug Epidemic Response: Livingston aims to combat the drug issues in the community, starting with youth education and extending to drug dealer intervention.
5. Transparency: He believes in creating a new level of transparency in the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office to build trust with the community.
6. Restoring Law and Order: Through his focus on change and transparency, Livingston aims to “restore law and order” for county residents.

“My objective is to use my personal, professional, educational experience while in law enforcement to be a humble public servant for the citizens of Okaloosa County,” he said. “I ask for your support to bring change and transparency to the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office.”

This is not Livingston’s first bid for the sheriff’s position. In 2010, he ran against Larry Ashley, securing 12.27% of the vote (3,446 votes) compared to Ashley’s 43.61% (12,245 votes).

Sheriff Eric Aden

Sheriff Aden, a native of Okaloosa County and graduate of Choctawhatchee High School, began his law enforcement career in the county in 1995 under Sheriff Larry Gilbert. He later served as Operations Bureau Chief under Sheriff Larry Ashley before running unopposed in 2020.

In an interview with Get The Coast, Aden addressed the recent controversies head-on, describing them as “certainly been the most stressful thing that our agency has been through, probably ever.” However, he maintained that his office has been transparent and accountable throughout the process.

“I think it’s the bricks of trust that I’ve built through the community my whole life, being born and raised here,” Aden said, explaining how he’s navigated the recent challenges. “I think that if you’ll ask any of the people that have been involved in this case, that I’ve been transparent, been communicative, been open and certainly been accountable and credible through the process.”

Sheriff Aden emphasized that while the administrative investigation has been completed in the Fortson case, the criminal investigation, conducted by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and the state attorney’s office, is still ongoing.

Despite the recent controversies, Aden highlighted several achievements during his tenure:

1. Crime Reduction: Violent crime has dropped nearly 26% during Aden’s tenure. In 2022, the county reported 4,005 violent crimes, which decreased to 2,880 in 2023.
2. Recruitment and Retention: The sheriff’s office boasts a 4% vacancy rate, compared to the national average of 7%. For dispatchers and communications roles, their 16% vacancy rate is significantly better than the national average of 26%.
3. Diversity Initiatives: Women comprise 18% of the force (compared to the national average of 12%) and 11% of leadership roles (compared to 3% nationally). The percentage of persons of color in the department has increased from 10-13% before 2021 to 16% currently.
4. Technology Implementation: Aden created a Real Time Crime Center, utilizing license plate readers and other technologies to enhance law enforcement capabilities. That has been implemented for the past 18 months.
5. Cadet Program: The sheriff emphasized the success of their cadet program in attracting new recruits to law enforcement.

Responding to criticism about the department’s training, Aden defended their programs vigorously. “We have 274 years of law enforcement experience in our training department, 190 of those years all just in training alone,” he stated. He noted that their training facility, built with funds from a half-cent sales tax, is considered state-of-the-art and is used by local and even federal law enforcement agencies.

Looking to the future, Aden expressed his commitment to continuing the use of technology to enhance law enforcement capabilities. He mentioned upcoming projects including a new radio system and an RMS Cad system, which he believes will improve efficiency for patrol staff, the jail, and the judiciary.

As of the latest reporting, Sheriff Aden has raised $147,000.00 for his re-election campaign. Financial details for the challengers were not updated on the Supervisor of Elections website.

Upcoming Candidate Forum

All three candidates have been invited to participate in a forum on Thursday, June 27, at the Fort Walton Beach Civic Auditorium. The event, presented by the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce and the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors, will begin with a “Meet the Candidates” session at 5 p.m., followed by moderated questions and answers.

This forum will provide an opportunity for voters to hear directly from the candidates about their plans for the sheriff’s office and their approach to the challenges facing law enforcement in Okaloosa County.

PARKS+REC

Okaloosa County to break ground on 4-mile bridge-to-bridge multi-use path

Okaloosa County officials will break ground on a new multi-use path connecting two bridges on Okaloosa Island, marking a significant step in improving safety and recreation for residents and visitors.

• The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for 7 a.m. on Monday, July 8, 2024, at John Beasley Park on Okaloosa Island. The path will stretch approximately four miles between the Brooks Bridge and Marler Bridge.

“The safety and well-being of our residents and visitors is a top priority and this new path will improve safety while also providing a quality recreational asset in the County,” said Okaloosa County Board Chairman Paul Mixon. “I applaud the work of the County staff and the perseverance of Commissioner Ketchel who has worked to move this project forward.”

The project includes a 12-foot wide path that will offer cyclists and pedestrians a protected route to enjoy the scenery of Destin-Fort Walton Beach. Construction plans also involve stabilizing the shoulders and parking areas along the south side of U.S. Highway 98 where the path will be built.

Okaloosa County District 2 Commissioner Carolyn Ketchel, who has been instrumental in moving the project forward, stated, “This path has been a vision for many people who have been looking for a safe place to walk, bike, and exercise on Okaloosa Island. We are fortunate to be able to move this project forward with input from local residents and the cooperation of our partners at Eglin Air Force Base.”

The project is a collaborative effort, with input from local residents and cooperation from Eglin Air Force Base. Funding for the construction comes from multiple sources, including tourism revenue and a grant from the Florida Department of Transportation.

Officials expect the path to be open to the public in early 2025, providing a new recreational option for the community and visitors to the area.

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MILITARY

96th Test Wing to welcome new commander at Eglin Air Force Base on July 3

The 96th Test Wing will hold a change of command ceremony on July 3 at 9:06 a.m., with Maj. Gen. Evan Dertien, Air Force Test Center commander, presiding.

• Col. Mark Massaro will assume command from Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Geraghty.

Col. Massaro, a distinguished graduate from Reserve Officer Training Corps Detachment 165 at the Georgia Institute of Technology, currently commands a Data Masked organization. In his role, he oversees military and civilian personnel, as well as project contractors, and manages $10 billion in resources across multiple locations.

• Prior to the ceremony, Massaro will be promoted to the rank of brigadier general.

Geraghty, the outgoing commander, is set to take on a new role at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio. He will serve as the Director of the Air Force Security Assistance and Cooperation Directorate, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, and the Director of International Affairs for Air Force Materiel Command.

As a senior pilot, Geraghty was no stranger to the 96th TW’s mission when he took command in 2022. The veteran was both an F-15 Eagle and F-16 Fighting Falcon test pilot as well as a flight commander within the 40th Flight Test Squadron here.

POLICE BLOTTER

Destin man charged in Sea Glass Apartments shooting that left victim paralyzed

The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Destin man in connection with a June 14 shooting at Sea Glass Apartments that left the victim paralyzed from the neck down.

• Timothy Rettinger, 56, was charged on June 20 with Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon for his alleged role in the incident that occurred in the apartment complex parking lot on Commons Drive.

According to investigators, the 60-year-old victim suffered three gunshot wounds – two to the back of his right shoulder blade and one to the back of his neck. The shooting reportedly stemmed from an altercation that escalated.

Video evidence captured by a nearby car shows the victim driving quickly through the parking lot in a white truck before stopping and opening his driver’s side door.

• Rettinger’s truck is then reportedly seen pulling up next to the victim’s vehicle, followed by smoke and glass exploding from the car. The footage shows the victim falling as Rettinger drives away.

After the incident, Rettinger called the OCSO to report his location. Emergency medical personnel treating the victim discovered a pistol underneath his torso.

The OCSO has not released any additional information about the motive behind the altercation or the events leading up to the shooting. The investigation is ongoing.

MILITARY

Hurlburt Field to perform planned detonations on EOD Range on June 27

Residents near Hurlburt Field may experience loud noises and vibrations on June 27 as the 823d RED HORSE Squadron conducts explosive demolition operations.

The planned detonations will take place at the Hurlburt Field Range between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. Base officials warn that demolition charge detonations will occur periodically throughout the day.

• Nearby residents might hear loud noises or feel vibrations associated with the explosions. Officials note that high humidity or cloud coverage can make the effects seem louder and closer than on clear days.

The training is part of the squadron’s regular operations at the Air Force installation.

TRAFFIC

Mary Esther man killed in motorcycle-truck crash on Highway 98 in Okaloosa

A fatal collision between a box truck and a motorcycle on US Highway 98 early Monday morning resulted in the death of a 50-year-old Mary Esther man, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The crash occurred around 3:30 a.m. on June 24, 2024, east of Brookwood Boulevard. FHP reported that a Freightliner box truck struck the rear of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle in the outside lane of eastbound US Highway 98.

• The motorcycle rider, who was not wearing a helmet, was pronounced dead at the scene by the Florosa Fire Department. The truck driver, a 60-year-old man from Pensacola, was not injured in the collision.

The identities of those involved have not been released.

The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash. No further details were immediately available.