Roughly a year after ending their contract with the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Department, the city of Mary Esther is contemplating the idea of merging the public safety departments of Fort Walton Beach and Mary Esther. While Mary Esther does run its own Fire Department, under the proposal, Fort Walton Beach would take over fire and law enforcement services, according to WEAR TV. The agreement still needs to be finalized and voted on before it is approved. To read more on the consolidation, click here.
Baker student charged with second degree felony after making threats
A Baker School student who made threatening comments in a message to another student via social media was arrested on Friday by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office. 17-year old Kaleb Crooks is charged with making a false report about planting a bomb, explosive or weapon of mass destruction or concerning the use of firearms in a violent manner, a second degree felony.
Kaleb Crooks sent a message to another student approximately two weeks ago in which Crooks was holding what appeared to be a rifle. At the time the photo was sent, the two students were friends but had recently began arguing about a girl. Crooks made recent comments in a separate message about possibly purchasing the weapon and using it to harm another student and their family.
Crooks told School Resource Officers that he did send the messages but never intended to harm anyone. The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office has a zero tolerance policy in regards to threats and the student was turned over to the Department of Juvenile Justice.
Grand Boulevard welcomes new luxury makeup store
While Fort Walton Beach is awaiting the official announcement of ULTA at Uptown Station, Bluemercury has opened at Grand Boulevard. With more than 170 stores nationwide, Bluemercury aims to “serve the beauty needs of the affluent community”, according to the Walton Sun. The new store is adjacent to J.Jill and across from Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar! To read more on the new store, click here.
Five Below opens in Uptown Station
Fort Walton Beach did have a grand opening on Friday as well, as more than 100 shoppers waited for the doors to open at the brand new Five Below at Uptown Station. Five Below sells $1-$5 products aimed at kids, teens, and pre-teens and is stocked full of toys, electronics, workout gear, clothes, makeup and more, according to the Crestview Bulletin. To read more on the grand opening of Five Below, click here.
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