South Walton county, Florida & Scenic Hwy 30A - SouthWaltonScene.com™

From the WCSO - Fatal Plane Crash in South Walton [March 6, 2010]

*UPDATES BELOW*

Federal Aviation Administration personnel from Birmingham, Alabama are arriving in South Walton County to take over the crash investigation of a single-engine aircraft which went down in the Gulf of Mexico at 12:36 this afternoon.

The World War Two era AT6-Texan crashed about a mile offshore from Topsail Hill Preserve State Park off South Walton County.  The plane would then sink.  The Walton County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by numerous local, state, and federal agencies: the U.S. Coast Guard; the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission; Walton Fire-Rescue; the Florida Department of Environmental Protection; and the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office Dive team.

Late this afternoon, divers were able to locate the aircraft with its two occupants inside.  The male pilot and his female passenger were pronounced dead at the scene and their bodies sent to the First Judicial Circuit Medical Examiners office in Fort Walton Beach for an autopsy.  The release of the victims’ names is pending notification of family. 

The FAA will coordinate efforts to retrieve the plane from the Gulf of Mexico, and will conduct its investigation into the cause of the tragedy.

Related Links:

• March 7, 2010: Second victim in plane crash believed to be pilot's wife
• March 7, 2010: Surgeon, passenger killed in plane crash off Topsail Hill
• Two die after stunt plane crashes into gulf off Topsail Hill beach (PHOTO GALLERY)

From the South Walton Police Blotter - Two Miramar Beach Burglary Suspects Arrested [February 4, 2010]

Walton County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested two Niceville men caught in the act of burglarizing a residence in Miramar Beach.  At around 10:30PM on February 3, 2010, an alert resident on Bayshore Drive noticed two men with gray-hooded sweatshirts and jeans behind an unoccupied home and called the Walton County Sheriff’s Office.  The resident said that the owners of the house live out-of-state, and no one was supposed to be there.

Within minutes, two Sheriff’s Deputies arrived on the scene to find a side door open at the residence.  Two men, later identified as 20-year-old Brandon Corbitt and 21-year-old Christopher Sylvester, came out to the living room.  They were handcuffed and led outside the home.

Sylvester told authorities that they used a screwdriver to force their way into the residence.  Deputies discovered the television wires had been removed which were connected to a VCR and DVD player sitting next to the TV.

Corbitt and Sylvester have been booked into the Walton County Jail on the charge of Burglary of an Unoccupied Structure.  Additional charges are expected.  The two Okaloosa County men will make their first appearance before a Walton County Judge Friday morning.

From the WCSO - "Night Vision" Added to WCSO Helicopter, Air One

The Walton County Sheriff’s Office Helicopter (Air One) is equipped now with the state-of-the-art night vision system.   The FLIR (Forward Looking Infra-Red) camera is less than forty-pounds and mounted on the bottom of the aircraft.

This week Chris Clark with FLIR Systems based in Boston, Massachusetts has been working with Walton County Sheriff’s Office pilots Scott Thompson and April Hantzis.  With military backgrounds, both Deputies’ Thompson and Hantzis are familiar with night vision technology.  Clark points out the latest advances in using the hand-held computer device, which resembles a video game to control the camera angle.

FLIR works by latching on to thermal energy released by a person, or vehicle on the ground.  The system has proven to be a tremendous asset during search and rescue operations during the day, or at night.  It’s also used to locate a criminal suspect from the sky.

From the South Walton Police Blotter - Morning Manhunt In South Walton county, Florida [January 28, 2010]

An alert homeowner on Garden Bay Court in Miramar Beach observed a person attempting to break into vehicles around three o’clock this morning.  The homeowner contacted the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, and responding Sheriff’s Deputies quickly set up a perimeter of the area.  A Deputy arrested Payton Fitzgerald after he climbed over the privacy fence on Walton Way. The 19-year-old faces a charge of loitering or prowling.

A few hours later Sheriff’s Deputies arrested an accomplice.  Twenty-two-year-old Dane Patrick Hanlon Kemper was driving a BMW 528I automobile when he was stopped at the intersection of Shore Drive and Hidden lakes Drive.  Walton County Sheriff’s Investigators found tools inside the car, which are commonly used in vehicle break-ins’.  Kemper was transported to the Walton County Jail and faces driving with a suspended license first offense.

Over the next several hours, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office assisted by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Deputies and the Walton Correctional Institution K-9 tracking team searched for a third suspect.  However, it was later determined that Fitzgerald and Kemper were the only two suspects involved.

From the South Walton Police Blotter - Update on home vandalism in Seaside, Florida [January 13, 2010]

**See original post >> here

Seaside, FL (January 13, 2010) – Damage estimates have now been placed at more than a $500,000 to a three-story, wood home under construction on Tupelo Street in the Scenic Hwy 30A community of Seaside in South Walton county.  The home, which includes a separate carriage house, is valued at approximately $4.8 million.

The Walton County Sheriff’s Office continues to look for leads on the suspect, or suspects, who caused the damage on either the night of December 17th, 2009 or during the pre-dawn hours of December 18th, 2009. 

At around 7AM on December 18th, 2009, two workers arrived and found the front door open and water pouring from the ceiling.  It appears that several sinks in the home and the carriage house had been plugged with either a drain stop or paper, and the faucets were turned on. The suspect also placed a board under the tub faucet to cause the water to run on to the floor.

As a consequence, the water seeped into the floors and down into the ceilings between the first and second floors of the home.  The water damaged the wood ceiling in the main living room, kitchen, dining room, basement, theater (and electronics), and electrical room.  Additionally, all of the air ducts on the second floor and basement were filled with water.  The carriage house's mechanical room also sustained thousands of dollars worth of damage.

The construction company building the house is offering a $5,000 reward leading to the arrest and conviction of those who may have caused this damage.  If you or someone you know has any information about this case, please contact Crimestoppers of Walton County at 1-866-718-TIPS (8477), or the Walton County Sheriff’s Office at 850-892-8111.

From Walton County Crime Stoppers - Seaside, Florida Home Vandalism [January 5, 2010]

**UPDATE January 13, 2010 >> Here

Crime Stoppers of Walton County, Inc is seeking information about a case of vandalism that occurred in SEASIDE, Florida on Dec. 18, 2009.

According to the Walton County Sheriff's Office, construction workers arrived at 92 Tupelo Street in Seaside, Florida around 7AM and found the door to the home ajar, and the sink, tub and shower drains plugged with items which caused flooding throughout the home. Wall switches and other electrical items were destroyed and the home suffered extensive water damage.

If you have information on this or any crime, stolen property or illegal narcotics, please call Crime Stoppers at 1-866-718-TIPS (8477) or your local law enforcement agency.  Remember you do not have to give your name or appear in court and you could be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000. See how it works here.

The construction company is offering an additional reward of $5,000 for any information reported through Crime Stoppers that leads to an arrest in this case.

From the South Walton Police Blotter - Water Rescue in the Choctawhatchee Bay off Hwy 331 S in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

Santa Rosa Beach, FL (January 2, 2010) A 55-year-old Georgia man is lucky to be alive after his boat overturned in the Choctawhatchee Bay and was found by Walton County Sheriff’s Deputies floating about 300 yards from the Clyde B. Wells Bridge on U.S. Highway 331 in Santa Rosa Beach.

At around 7:30AM New Years morning, James Henson of Marietta, GA was duck hunting in his 14-foot boat in choppy waters on the east side of the bridge.  Henson told rescuers that his boat began to sink and suddenly overturned, throwing him into the bay.

Walton County Sheriff’s Beach Patrol Unit deputies Nick McMillian and Adam Black, along with South Walton Fire paramedics, arrived on the scene.  They used a Sheriff’s Office boat to rescue Henson, who was found floating motionless in his life vest.  The victim was beginning to show signs of hypothermia, unable to move his arms and legs.  It’s unclear how long Henson may have been in the water.

The Georgia man was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast in Miramar Beach and  was later released.  Sheriff Office personnel were able to recover the man’s boat and most of his belongings.

Related Links:

• South Walton Police Blotter Archives

Santa Rosa Beach, FL (January 2, 2010) A 55-year-old Georgia man is lucky to be alive after his boat overturned in the Choctawhatchee Bay and was found by Walton County Sheriff’s Deputies floating about 300 yards from the Clyde B. Wells Bridge on U.S. Highway 331 in Santa Rosa Beach.

At around 7:30AM New Years morning, James Henson of Marietta, GA was duck hunting in his 14-foot boat in choppy waters on the east side of the bridge.  Henson told rescuers that his boat began to sink and suddenly overturned, throwing him into the bay.

Walton County Sheriff’s Beach Patrol Unit deputies Nick McMillian and Adam Black, along with South Walton Fire paramedics, arrived on the scene.  They used a Sheriff’s Office boat to rescue Henson, who was found floating motionless in his life vest.  The victim was beginning to show signs of hypothermia, unable to move his arms and legs.  It’s unclear how long Henson may have been in the water.

The Georgia man was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast in Miramar Beach and  was later released.  Sheriff Office personnel were able to recover the man’s boat and most of his belongings.

Related Links:

• South Walton Police Blotter Archives

Santa Rosa Beach, FL (January 2, 2010) A 55-year-old Georgia man is lucky to be alive after his boat overturned in the Choctawhatchee Bay and was found by Walton County Sheriff’s Deputies floating about 300 yards from the Clyde B. Wells Bridge on U.S. Highway 331 in Santa Rosa Beach.

At around 7:30AM New Years morning, James Henson of Marietta, GA was duck hunting in his 14-foot boat in choppy waters on the east side of the bridge.  Henson told rescuers that his boat began to sink and suddenly overturned, throwing him into the bay.

Walton County Sheriff’s Beach Patrol Unit deputies Nick McMillian and Adam Black, along with South Walton Fire paramedics, arrived on the scene.  They used a Sheriff’s Office boat to rescue Henson, who was found floating motionless in his life vest.  The victim was beginning to show signs of hypothermia, unable to move his arms and legs.  It’s unclear how long Henson may have been in the water.

The Georgia man was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast in Miramar Beach and  was later released.  Sheriff Office personnel were able to recover the man’s boat and most of his belongings.

Related Links:

• South Walton Police Blotter Archives

Santa Rosa Beach, FL (January 2, 2010) A 55-year-old Georgia man is lucky to be alive after his boat overturned in the Choctawhatchee Bay and was found by Walton County Sheriff’s Deputies floating about 300 yards from the Clyde B. Wells Bridge on U.S. Highway 331 in Santa Rosa Beach.

At around 7:30AM New Years morning, James Henson of Marietta, GA was duck hunting in his 14-foot boat in choppy waters on the east side of the bridge.  Henson told rescuers that his boat began to sink and suddenly overturned, throwing him into the bay.

Walton County Sheriff’s Beach Patrol Unit deputies Nick McMillian and Adam Black, along with South Walton Fire paramedics, arrived on the scene.  They used a Sheriff’s Office boat to rescue Henson, who was found floating motionless in his life vest.  The victim was beginning to show signs of hypothermia, unable to move his arms and legs.  It’s unclear how long Henson may have been in the water.

The Georgia man was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast in Miramar Beach and  was later released.  Sheriff Office personnel were able to recover the man’s boat and most of his belongings.

Related Links:

• South Walton Police Blotter Archives

From the WCSO - New Year's Eve Patrol

Walton County Sheriff Michael A. Adkinson, Jr. wants to wish everyone a safe and happy New Year.  Sheriff Adkinson wants to remind folks not to drink and drive, and take a little extra time to get to your destination with so many folks on the roadways over the upcoming three-day holiday weekend.

The Walton County Sheriff’s Office plans to have extra personnel assigned to work traffic enforcement with an emphasis on looking for impaired drivers. Additional executive and command staff will augment normal patrol operations.  Chief of Special Operations and Support Division, Captain Graham Fountain, says “the traffic unit will have zero tolerance when it comes to driving under the influence, aggressive driving, and excessive speed.  We want residents and visitors alike to have a good time, but not to endanger themselves or others on the highway”.

The Sheriff’s Office would also like to remind the public that most fireworks are “illegal” in Florida.  The rule of thumb is if it shoots into the sky, or explodes then it’s generally not allowed.  Sparklers are permitted, but should be used under parental supervision.  Those who shoot off illegal fireworks could face a citation. 

Nationwide, New Year’s Eve is traditionally one of the most dangerous times to be on the road.  The Walton County Sheriff’s Office will do everything in its power to provide a safe environment for folks’ to ring in a safe 2010.

From the WCSO - Santa for Seniors 2009 in Walton county, Florida

This weekend, several Walton County Sheriff’s Deputies’ volunteered their time by going to elderly residents’ homes and dropping off Christmas presents.  Mike and Amanda Parrott of DeFuniak Springs patterned “Santa for Seniors” after a similar project based in Dothan, Alabama.

The Walton County Council on Aging helped provide a list of elderly in need of basic necessities’ like food and warm clothing.  Mrs. Parrott then went to individuals and businesses, and got them to adopt a senior in need of help.  In this the first year, Mike and Amanda were able to provide gifts for 30 seniors mainly in the Freeport and DeFuniak Springs area.  They hope to do even better next year.

Mrs. Parrott says, “Hard times haven’t put a dent in the generosity of Walton County.  During some of the toughest economic times since the Great Depression, local residents came through”.  National statistics indicate that the recession has hit seniors the hardest, and that many of them have incomes of less than six-hundred dollars per month.  The majority of the request lists included items like blankets, slippers, and nightgowns.  Mrs. Parrott says “these folks are not asking for high ticket items, but just asking for the basics”.

The couple says “the efforts of the Walton County Sheriff’s Office to help deliver gifts to many of these elderly folks who are invalids, shut-ins’, or simply don’t have a vehicle proved extremely valuable.”  One woman reportedly had no furniture in her tiny apartment, but a small Christmas tree in the middle of the floor.  Thanks to “Santa for Seniors”; she now has several gifts to go underneath the tree.

[Picture: Mike and Amanda Parrott ready to deliver Christmas gifts to an elderly shut-ins’ home; Amanda Parrott delivers gifts to Elizabeth Gee of DeFuniak Springs.]

From the South Walton Police Blotter - Ballyhoo Bar & Grill & Ken's American Bistrot Burglaries and Arrests; South Walton home invasion suspect arrested [December 11, 2009]

Santa Rosa Beach, FL (December 11, 2009) – Roommates are facing several felony charges stemming from two restaurant break-ins’ earlier this week in South Walton County.  An alert Walton County Sheriff’s Deputy assisted by Investigators was able to nab the suspects through security camera video, and witness statements.

Sometime after 10:30PM Monday night, 26-year-old Robert Kiningham and 27-year-old Jonathan Morris reportedly broke into Ballyhoo Bar and Grill on County Road 30A in Santa Rosa Beach.  The suspects came through the porch area to steal a plasma television.

On that same night, the two suspects reportedly removed, or broke a window to gain entry into a nearby eatery on County Road 30A.  Kiningham and Morris stole a laptop computer along with a printer at Ken's American Bistrot.  They also got away with a case of fish and a large package of hamburger meat from a freezer.  The food and television were later recovered by Sheriff’s Investigators.

Authorities say the suspects were stealing the television and computer in exchange for drugs.  Both men have been transported to the Walton County Jail and are awaiting their first appearance on a host of charges including damage to property, burglary of an unoccupied dwelling, larceny, and dealing in stolen property.  In addition the men are facing a charge of having a controlled substance without a prescription.

Santa Rosa Beach, FL (December 11, 2009) – Roommates are facing several felony charges stemming from two restaurant break-ins’ earlier this week in South Walton County.  An alert Walton County Sheriff’s Deputy assisted by Investigators was able to nab the suspects through security camera video, and witness statements.

Sometime after 10:30PM Monday night, 26-year-old Robert Kiningham and 27-year-old Jonathan Morris reportedly broke into Ballyhoo Bar and Grill on County Road 30A in Santa Rosa Beach.  The suspects came through the porch area to steal a plasma television.

On that same night, the two suspects reportedly removed, or broke a window to gain entry into a nearby eatery on County Road 30A.  Kiningham and Morris stole a laptop computer along with a printer at Ken's American Bistrot.  They also got away with a case of fish and a large package of hamburger meat from a freezer.  The food and television were later recovered by Sheriff’s Investigators.

Authorities say the suspects were stealing the television and computer in exchange for drugs.  Both men have been transported to the Walton County Jail and are awaiting their first appearance on a host of charges including damage to property, burglary of an unoccupied dwelling, larceny, and dealing in stolen property.  In addition the men are facing a charge of having a controlled substance without a prescription.

Santa Rosa Beach, FL (December 11, 2009) – Roommates are facing several felony charges stemming from two restaurant break-ins’ earlier this week in South Walton County.  An alert Walton County Sheriff’s Deputy assisted by Investigators was able to nab the suspects through security camera video, and witness statements.

Sometime after 10:30PM Monday night, 26-year-old Robert Kiningham and 27-year-old Jonathan Morris reportedly broke into Ballyhoo Bar and Grill on County Road 30A in Santa Rosa Beach.  The suspects came through the porch area to steal a plasma television.

On that same night, the two suspects reportedly removed, or broke a window to gain entry into a nearby eatery on County Road 30A.  Kiningham and Morris stole a laptop computer along with a printer at Ken's American Bistrot.  They also got away with a case of fish and a large package of hamburger meat from a freezer.  The food and television were later recovered by Sheriff’s Investigators.