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Miami Herald
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
American Heritage softball team's state title hopes fall one run short
The Patriots just need to take one more step up the ladder. American Heritage's bid for its first softball state championship since 2018 came up a run short on Friday after getting nipped by a tough Fort Walton Beach squad, 7-6, in the FHSAA Class 4A state title game. Last year, American Heritage reached the state semifinals after a five-year hiatus but was turned back before reaching the title game with a young team. 'So every year we've made it one game further,' American Heritage coach Samantha Banister said. 'I told the team, 'Remember what this (loss) tastes like because it won't happen again.' We are returning everyone except for two seniors. It's a lot to be excited about. 'We were up against a lot of challenges early on this year. We had our ace and our three-hitter leave before the season started. I didn't know how the girls were going to respond.' American Heritage took a 1-0 first inning lead but Fort Walton Beach scored three runs in the second, two in the fourth and two more in the sixth to hold off the Patriots. Bella Brenton, Bria Villano, Ari Reynolds, Mia West and Kylie Diaz delivered RBIs for the Patriots, which also scored twice in third and added two runs in the fifth. American Heritage started eighth-grade pitcher Lyric Rodriguez in the title game. She went six innings, giving up seven runs – five earned – on 11 hits and two walks. She struck out none. 'I couldn't be more proud of Lyric Rodriguez for coming in and how she did as an eighth-grader,' Banister said. 'She did it without any hiccup. She has been flawless all year. She is 13-2 and she has been our horse all year. She is 13-years old and I couldn't ask for more. She has been our dog every game that we needed to win.' Rodriguez said her changeup and riseball were working well but at the end of the day, she was just trying to keep the ball inside on the hitters. 'Of course we feel pressure but I was just trying to suck it up and get through it and be there for my team,' Rodriguez said. 'I think next year we are going to come back bigger and better. Going forward, I think we just need to remember this moment and know what we need to fix.' It was the first time Fort Walton ever reached the state tournament and head coach Taryn Quinn said they had nothing but respect for American Heritage. 'This team is tough. We're tough and the team we played was tough but we've been passing bats now for a while and it was nice to see the kids coming through and trusting the process,' she said.
New York Times
23-05-2025
- New York Times
18 Soldiers Are Suspended After Blanks Were Fired at a Crowded Florida Beach
Eighteen Rangers have been suspended after one or more of them fired blanks into the air at a crowded beach and boating area along Florida's Emerald Coast, the authorities said this week. The Rangers were in the area of Fort Walton Beach for the Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival, an annual pirate-themed festival that draws residents and tourists to the region. They participated in a mock sea battle, firing blanks as a pirate boat approached the city landing, on the evening of May 16. But that event was the only festival activity in which the Rangers were approved to fire their weapons, the City of Fort Walton Beach said in a statement. Earlier that day, the Rangers had gone to a popular boating area several miles away, Crab Island, which is in Choctawhatchee Bay, and some fired blanks there, too, according to city officials. Video posted on social media showed two small boats with uniformed military personnel in a crowded area near other vessels carrying passengers as well as bathers in the water. In the video, at least one of the personnel fires into the air. At least five calls reporting the gunfire came in to the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office just before 3:30 p.m. on May 16, a spokeswoman said. Michael Ingram, a charter boat captain, told Task & Purpose, a news outlet that covers the military, that when the firing began, he heard screaming, and his clients and many other boaters took cover. 'What happened at Crab Island was not part of the Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival, nor was it approved by either the City of Fort Walton Beach or the Billy Bowlegs organization,' the city said in a statement. The incident on May 16 was reported by Task & Purpose earlier this week. The 18 soldiers involved were suspended from their duties as instructors while the Army investigates, according to Jennifer K. Dolsen, a spokeswoman for the Army Maneuver Center of Excellence at Fort Benning in Georgia. The soldiers were with the 6th Ranger Training Battalion assigned as instructors in the swamp phase of the Rangers course at Camp Rudder in Florida. 'We take this situation seriously and are investigating,' Ms. Dolsen said in a statement. 'The Army will ensure accountability based on the outcome of the investigation.' There were no reports of injuries. The pirate festival, which the city has celebrated for 69 years, ran from May 15 through May 19 this year, with mock battles, skirmishes, fireworks and entertainment.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Yahoo
This Florida Island Offers All The Fun Of Nearby Destin With Far Fewer Crowds
The Florida Panhandle is a treasure trove of cheery seaside towns that are perfect for your next beach vacation. From Destin to the famous 30A communities, there's an ideal destination for your next trip—whether you're planning a reunion with the girlfriends or romantic getaway for two. One of the area's best family-friendly spots is Okaloosa Island. Located on the 24-mile Santa Rosa Island, just across the bridge from bustling Destin, Okaloosa Island is a three-mile stretch of beach that also contains the oceanfront community of Fort Walton Beach. With white sand and emerald water, there's honestly not much else required for an excellent beach vacation, but the destination overdelivers with a long list of attractions, great restaurants, and beautiful stays. Here are the 12 best things to do on Okaloosa Island, Florida. You can spend your entire trip at this dining and entertainment hub and never have a reason to leave. Located directly on the Gulf, the Boardwalk not only includes four restaurants where you can get anything from fresh seafood to great burgers or tacos, plus shops and beachfront accommodations, but it's also home to a county park and public beach access point. Swing by on Wednesdays during the summer for weekly fireworks shows starting at 9 pm. 1450 Miracle Strip Parkway, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548 Another of Okaloosa Island's most iconic destinations, The Island Pier (formerly known as the Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier) stretches 1,262 feet into the Gulf and is one of the best places in the area to take in a magnificent sunrise or sunset. If you're just looking for a stroll, be on the lookout for dolphins or sea turtles in the water below and herons or pelicans flying overhead. Anglers can purchase a daily fishing pass (that includes a license) at the tackle shop and try their luck at catching large tarpon, king mackerel, cobia, and more. 1030 Miracle Strip PKWY SE Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548; 850-244-1023 There's lots to learn and see inside this museum and science center that offers more than 45 touchable, workable exhibits that teach kids about various natural phenomena and basic scientific principles. Exhibits range in subject matter from dinosaur fossils to reptiles to boating. 31 SW Memorial Parkway, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548; 850-664-1261 With three miles of Gulf-front beach and minimal crowds, Okaloosa Island isn't the type of beach destination where you'll feel like your chairs and umbrella are sitting right on top of another family. (Though, it does pay to stake your claim earlier in the day if you want a prime spot without anything or anyone in your way of the water.) Choose from 10 different public beach access points spread across the island. Several have public restrooms, parking, shaded picnic tables, and showers to make your experience even easier. Since 1955, this attraction has been drawing guests of all ages to learn about and have up-close encounters with all kinds of marine life. A general admission ticket gives access to all exhibits, shows, and training demonstrations, while separate 'encounter' tickets give guests the opportunity to do everything from snorkel with stingrays to swim with penguins. The all-new Dolphin Oasis habitat provides even more exciting dolphin shows than ever before. 1010 Miracle Strip Parkway SE Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548; 850-243-9046 It's not uncommon to see a line out the door at this seafood joint and its next-door market. What started as local-favorite inland spot in Fort Walton expanded to include a location closer to the water, and now it's a popular spot for yearly beachgoers in addition to its loyal locals. Order fresh or fried fish, plus Southern sides like fried okra, grits, and hushpuppies at prices that are hard to match anywhere on the beach. The steamer and seafood market next door offers steamed dinners (grouper, snow crab, Red Royal shrimp, mussels) with sausage, corn, potato, and butter, as well as sandwiches. 235 Santa Rosa Blvd., Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547; 850-586-7001 It's hard to miss the iconic shipping containers and reclaimed, recycled, and salvaged building materials that make up this one-of-a-kind restaurant and bar perched on the edge of the bay. Head to a window to order shareable appetizers like smoked tuna dip and coconut fried fish bites, plus island-inspired fare ranging from Jerk Surf 'N' Turf Bowls to Mahi Mahi Tacos with pineapple slaw and Cajun aioli. Then, hit up the bar for tropical drinks like seasonal berry mojitos and spicy palomas, then choose a picnic table, dig your feet in the sand, and enjoy. 1284 Marler Ave., Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548; 850-387-1300 Located on the Boardwalk, AJ's Seafood and Oyster Bar has been a hot spot for visitors since it opened in 1984. Stop in for an extensive menu of seafood favorites, including fried baskets, charbroiled oysters, and an award-winning gumbo. Come early for happy hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., or choose a night when there's live music on the expansive outdoor deck. 108 Santa Rosa Boulevard, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548; 850-226-8108 Another must-visit Boardwalk stop is The Crab Trap, a massive restaurant that sits up high on the sugar beaches, offering an unbeatable view of the water. Seafood arrives daily straight from the harbor, so you know your meal—whether grouper, snapper, shrimp, or wahoo—is as fresh as can be when it arrives at your table. Of course, you can't eat at the Crab Trap without ordering some crab. Choose from a variety of wild Alaskan crab legs or domestic crab claws. 1450 Miracle Strip Parkway, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548; 850-301-0959 If you're looking to start your day with a hearty meal, Asiago's Skillet is your spot. Open daily starting at 6 a.m., this beloved morning destination offers every breakfast food under the sun—and then some. There's a huge array of skillets and omelets (including special ones filled with bay shrimp and crabmeat), plus fluffy buttermilk pancakes, French toast, burritos, biscuit sandwiches, Benedicts, and more. Pro tip: Ask your server to 'Shipwreck' your potatoes and they'll come covered with bacon, sauteed onions, cheese, and gravy. 110 Amberjack Dr., Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548; 850-586-7998 Appropriately named The Island, this full-service resort has had a long history as a favorite spot for tourists, starting as a Ramada Inn back in 1966. In 2018, the property underwent a massive transformation to become The Island Resort, where you get the same access to sugar-white sand beaches and crystal-clear emerald water but this time with modern rooms, five food and beverage options (including the Emerald Coast's only swim-up bar at the Grotto Pool), and daily resort events like live music and movies by the Cabana Pool. 1500 Miracle Strip Parkway Southeast, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548; 800-874-8962 One of the island's newest accommodations, Beal House is part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton, so you know to expect modern, well-designed rooms; excellent service; and amenities like a gym, pool, and dining. Onsite restaurant The Remedy specializes in coastal fresh cuisine with a dash of Cajun flair. The coastal cool dining room opens up onto the beach, putting you right on island time. Menu items range from anytime favorites like burgers or a daily catch sandwich to morning specials like beignets or a FloriBama Benedict with grilled shrimp, mushroom crawfish sauce, and loaded cheesy potato cakes. 380 Santa Rosa Blvd, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548; 850-243-9444 Read the original article on Southern Living
CBS News
07-05-2025
- CBS News
Family sues over Florida deputy's killing of Black U.S. airman, alleging excessive and unconstitutional use of deadly force
The family of a U.S. airman who was shot by a Florida sheriff's deputy inside his own home sued the deputy, the sheriff and the owner of the airman's apartment complex on Tuesday, saying they want to ensure people are held accountable for his 2024 death. The complaint alleges that Deputy Eddie Duran used excessive and unconstitutional deadly force when he shot Roger Fortson just seconds after the Black senior airman opened his apartment door in Fort Walton Beach on May 3, 2024. Duran was responding to a domestic disturbance report at Fortson's apartment that turned out to be false. FILE - Candles and framed photos of Roger Fortson, a U.S. Air Force senior airman who was fatally shot by a Fla. sheriff's deputy on May 3, 2024, sit in the doorway of the apartment where he was killed in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., on Aug. 23. Kate Payne / AP "I want accountability because he was 23. I want accountability because he had a life ahead of him. I want accountability because he was in his own home," said Fortson's mother, Meka Fortson, who wore a shirt emblazoned with an image of her son in his Air Force uniform while appearing with the family's attorney, Ben Crump, at a press conference to announce the wrongful death lawsuit. The complaint describes failures by the county sheriff's office The complaint filed in federal court in Pensacola details alleged failures by the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office in training and supervision and claims that staff at the apartment complex where Fortson lived provided misleading information that led to the fatal law enforcement response. Messages were left seeking comment from attorneys for Duran, a spokesperson for the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office and an agent for the apartment complex's management company. Duran has pleaded not guilty to a charge of manslaughter with a firearm in the shooting, which renewed debate on police killings and race, and occurred against a wider backdrop of increased attention by the military to racial issues in its ranks. Duran identifies as Hispanic, according to his voter registration. The airman's mother said she has "no faith" in Okaloosa County, expressing doubt that Duran will get a "real trial" in the Florida Panhandle community where he worked as a law enforcement officer. It is highly unusual for Florida law enforcement officers to be charged for an on-duty killing. Convictions in such cases are even rarer. "This is not policing. This is an unlawful execution," said Crump, a civil rights attorney who has been involved in a number of cases involving law enforcement killings of Black people, including those of Michael Brown, Breonna Taylor, Tyre Nichols and George Floyd. "We believe Roger's death was a result of a pattern and practice here in Okaloosa County," added Crump, who announced the lawsuit at a press conference at Greater Peace Missionary Baptist Church in Fort Walton Beach. FILE - Friends and family of Roger Fortson watch as his casket leaves for the cemetery at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church on May 17, 2024, in Stonecrest, Ga. Brynn Anderson / AP The deputy mistakenly went to the wrong apartment, investigators say Duran came to Fortson's door in response to a report of a physical fight inside an apartment. A worker at the complex had identified Fortson's apartment as the location of a loud argument, according to sheriff's investigators. Fortson, who was assigned to the 4th Special Operations Squadron at Hurlburt Field, was alone at the time, talking with his girlfriend on a FaceTime video call. Duran's body camera video showed what happened next. The deputy pounded at the door repeatedly and yelled, "Sheriff's office — open the door!" Fortson opened the door with his legally purchased gun in his right hand, pointed to the ground. The deputy said, "Step back," then immediately began firing. Fortson fell backward onto the floor. Only then did the deputy yell, "Drop the gun!" Deputies had never been called to Fortson's apartment before, 911 records show, but they had been called to a nearby unit 10 times in the previous eight months, including once for a domestic disturbance. Crump defended Fortson's right to answer his door with his firearm in hand. "He had a right to the Second Amendment too — to protect his home, to protect his castle," Crump said. "He didn't do anything wrong."
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Yahoo
Family sues after U.S. airman Roger Fortson killed by Florida deputy in his home
The mother of slain U.S. airman Roger Fortson is demanding justice from those she deems responsible for gunning down her 23-year-old son inside his apartment last year through a lawsuit filed Tuesday alleging excessive force, wrongful death, municipal liability and other wrongdoings. Chantimekki 'Meka' Fortson, with civil rights attorney Ben Crump, has sued the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office, Deputy Eddie Duran, the Elan Apartments where the Black airman lived and a leasing agent identified as Jane Doe. 'Mr. Fortson, who was lawfully in possession of a legally owned firearm and posed no threat, was killed as a result of a cascade of negligent, reckless and unconstitutional actions by both law enforcement and the apartment complex where he resided,' the suit read. Duran is the since-fired and criminally charged deputy who is alleged to have fatally shot Fortson. In August, he was charged with manslaughter with a firearm, a first-degree felony punishable by up to 30 years in prison. His sheriff's office admonished his actions for an unnecessary use of force. READ MORE: Florida deputy fired after investigation into his killing of a Black U.S. airman Fortson was killed May 3 in his off-base Fort Walton Beach apartment, which is located between Pensacola and Panama City. He served as an AC-130J Ghostrider gunner with the 1st Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field. That afternoon, while alone in his apartment and on a FaceTime call with his girlfriend, a leasing agent at Elan Apartments called the Okaloosa Sheriff's Office, reporting a possible domestic disturbance, the lawsuit said. Crump and Chantimekki claim the agent's claim was unverified and based on secondhand information. Based on that information, Duran was sent to his apartment, which started a tense confrontation that devolved into Fortson's death. The sheriff's office released 'objective facts' on the pair's interaction. Doran waited at Fortson's door and listened for sounds of the possible 'disturbance.' Hearing nothing, he knocked without announcing he was a deputy. He said he heard 'something to the effect of it's the (expletive) police.' Doran knocked loudly two more times, this time announcing himself. When Forston opened the door, Doran saw him holding a gun in his right hand. The gun was pointed at the ground 'sufficiently enough for the former deputy to clearly see the rear face of the rear sight,' according to the sheriff's office's account. Almost immediately after opening the door, Doran shot him six times. In its findings, the sheriff's office concluded Fortson did not physically resist in any way and did not point the gun at Doran, which was seen in earlier released body camera footage. 'This was a catastrophic failure on every level: By a deputy who used unjustifiable force, by a sheriff's office that failed to train its officers properly, and by an apartment employee whose reckless assumptions set this deadly chain of events into motion,' said Attorney Ben Crump. READ MORE: Black airman shot to death by a Florida deputy who blitzed wrong apartment, attorneys say The lawsuit pointed out body camera footage and an internal affairs report confirmed that Fortson never raised his weapon and posed no threat. 'Roger Fortson was a proud service member, a loving son, and a young man with his whole life ahead of him,' Crump said. 'He deserved to feel safe in his own home. Instead, he was killed where he should have been safest, based on hearsay and bias. This lawsuit is about justice for Roger and accountability for those responsible for his needless death.'
