Fort Walton Beach Police Department

06/04/2026

05/26/2026

Let us honor their memory not just today, but in the way we live every day — with gratitude, unity, and purpose.

05/26/2026

For Immediate Release:
May 26, 2026

Case Number: 2026-00012515
Petit Theft

Fort Walton Beach, Fla. — On May 23, officers were dispatched to Dollar General, located at
242 Hollywood Blvd. SW, regarding a theft that had already occurred.

The suspect, later identified as 64-year-old Michael Howard of Crestview, Florida, entered the business carrying bags and proceeded to place six containers of laundry pods, valued at $128.08, into them. Howard then exited the store without paying, passing all points of sale.

Officers obtained a description of the suspect vehicle and, through further investigation utilizing a local license plate reader system, were able to locate the vehicle and detain Howard. After being advised of his Miranda rights, Howard admitted to the theft.

Howard was taken into custody and charged with:
-Petit Theft (F.S.S. 812.014(3)(b))
-Trespass After Warning (F.S.S. 810.09(1)(a)(1))
-Possession of Drug Paraphernalia / Drug Equipment (F.S.S. 893.147(1))

As a result of the investigation, officers determined Howard was also a suspect in multiple thefts at the same Dollar General location, as well as a separate theft at another local retail store. Additional charges are pending.

05/26/2026

Welcome to the team Officer Snyder!

In May we welcomed Officer Nate Snyder to Fort Walton Beach Police Department.

Officer Snyder is a recent graduate of the Law Enforcement Academy at Northwest Florida State College in Niceville.

Although he’s new to law enforcement, Officer Snyder has lived in the area for about 20 years, working primarily as a boat captain supporting offshore oil rigs in the gulf and, locally, captaining watersports charters out of Destin.

Officer Snyder took his oath of office in a ceremony attended by family and fellow officers. He will start next week in the department’s Uniformed Patrol Division.

Please help us welcome Officer Snyder to our City of Fort Walton Beach Team!

05/24/2026

From May 18 through May 31, our agency will be participating in the national Click It or Ticket campaign – an effort that goes beyond enforcement and directly impacts the safety of the community we serve every day.
High-visibility safety belt enforcement is important 24 hours a day, but nighttime is especially deadly for unbuckled occupants. In 2022, 57% of passenger vehicle occupants killed at night (6 p.m.–5:59 a.m.) were not wearing their safety belts. This campaign is not just about writing tickets for this offense; it's about changing behavior.

05/22/2026

Just ONE more day till Construction Junction!! 🚜🚓🚒
Construction Junction is a hands-on, high-energy, community event hosted by your Fort Walton Beach Police Department where families, friends, and future builders come together for a day of fun!
Warning: Smiles, splashes, and soggy clothes ahead! 💧
Gulfshore Air Conditioning & Heating Inc is bringing the COOL with a kid-friendly water station—parents, you may want to pack a towel and dry outfit!

When: May 23rd, 2026 from 10am to 2pm **First hour will be sensory friendly**
Where: Destin - FWB Fairgrounds at 1958 Lewis Turner Blvd
Link to Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Hzm5vvJpg/

05/21/2026

As we approach Memorial Day Weekend, the Fort Walton Beach Police Department reminds everyone enjoying our waterways to make safety a priority.

Before heading out:

🔴Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket
🔴Designate a sober boat operator
🔴Check the weather and monitor conditions
🔴Carry all required safety equipment
🔴Maintain a safe speed and stay alert
🔴Keep children closely supervised

Memorial Day is a time to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. If you plan to spend time on the water, please do so safely, responsibly, and respectfully.

Additional Safety Tips: https://boatokaloosa.org/boating-safety-info

Stay safe, Fort Walton Beach.

05/19/2026

Some Boater Safety tips ahead of this Holiday Weekend!

05/18/2026

NOTICE: Eglin Parkway to close Monday night for Billy Bowlegs Parade

Captain Billy Bowlegs and his Pirates will be celebrating their capture of the City of Fort Walton Beach with the annual Torchlight Parade, beginning at 7 p.m. tonight (Monday, May 18, 2026).

The parade starts from the intersection of Eglin Parkway and First Street and continues north to end at Eglin Parkway and Hughes Street.

We are expecting a large turnout tonight, and, for the safety of all, we will be closing Eglin Parkway to all vehicle traffic from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

*Please note that police officers will begin placing barricades around 5:30 p.m., starting at the south end of Eglin Parkway and working north until the road is completely closed by 6 p.m.

Motorists should use Beal Parkway and Yacht Club Drive (west of Eglin Parkway) as an alternate route. Please note that Yacht Club Drive (east of Eglin Parkway) is open to local traffic only. Also, Brooks Street beneath the Brooks Bridge is limited to westbound traffic only because of construction.

We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your cooperation as we work to keep everyone safe.

Fort Walton Beach Police Department
Fort Walton Beach Public Library
Fort Walton Beach Fire Department
Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival