FWB Woman Moving Forward Following Food Truck Explosion
WEAR TV3— A Fort Walton Beach woman is working to rebuild her life after her food truck, JD’s Kitchen, was destroyed in an early-morning explosion on Tuesday. The Fort Walton Beach Fire Department determined that a propane tank had been slowly leaking because of a damaged regulator, allowing gas to accumulate inside the truck before it was likely ignited by a spark from the refrigerator. The explosion caused significant damage, including the loss of the truck’s walls and roof, but fortunately no one was injured. Owner Jodean Sweetland, who had opened the Jamaican food truck only two months earlier, said she is devastated by the loss but remains determined to continue cooking and move forward. Fire officials emphasized that the incident highlights the importance of regularly inspecting propane equipment, ensuring regulators are working properly, and making sure propane tanks are turned off when not in use.
Read full story →OCSO Charge 13 Year Old With Threats To Shooting Of 3 Schools
WKRG— Okaloosa County deputies arrested and charged a 13-year-old boy after investigating threats made against three local schools. Authorities said the investigation began after reports of threatening messages, which prompted law enforcement to identify the juvenile believed to be responsible. Deputies took the allegations seriously and worked with school officials to ensure the safety of students and staff. The boy now faces charges related to making the threats, and officials reminded the public that threats against schools are treated as serious offenses and can lead to significant legal consequences.
Read full story →FWBFD Looks For Bell Ringing Volunteers For 9/11 Remembrance
City Of Fort Walton Beach— The Fort Walton Beach Fire Department is inviting 343 members of the community to participate in a special remembrance honoring the 343 New York City firefighters who lost their lives during the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The event will take place at Fire Station 6 on Hollywood Boulevard and begin at 7:46 a.m. Central Time, marking the moment the first plane struck the World Trade Center’s North Tower. Community members can attend at any time throughout the day to ring the fire bell and sign a guest book in memory of the fallen firefighters. A large American flag will be displayed from a ladder truck outside the station, while the department’s historic 1946 Chevrolet fire truck will also be on view. Chick-fil-A is donating breakfast biscuits for attendees. Battalion Chief Matthew Baxley said the department is using the 25th anniversary to recognize the courage and sacrifice of the firefighters who responded to the attacks despite the dangers they faced.
Read full story →Diver Flown To Hospital After Pensacola Area Shark Attack
WEAR TV3— A diver was airlifted to a hospital after being injured in a shark attack while offshore near Pensacola. Emergency responders were called to assist the diver after the encounter, and the victim was transported by helicopter for medical treatment. The incident serves as a reminder that encounters with sharks can occur in Gulf waters, particularly when people are participating in activities such as diving.
Read full story →Man Wanted For Causing $11K In Damage At New Soundside High School
WEAR TV3— The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a man suspected of causing about $11,000 in damage to the newly built Soundside High School in Gulf Breeze. The incident reportedly occurred Thursday at the school’s campus on Gulf Breeze Parkway, where the suspect was seen wearing a purple shirt, black pants, and dark-colored high-top shoes. Investigators are asking anyone who recognizes the man or has information that could help identify him to contact Santa Rosa County Crime Stoppers. Tips can be submitted anonymously by phone, online, or through the P3 Tips mobile app, and individuals may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000.
Read full story →Victim Of NYC Knife Attack Was A New Mom And BOA Exec
NY Post— A terrifying incident unfolded in Times Square on Monday when two strangers were stabbed in broad daylight, leaving one victim dead. Police say 49-year-old Pamela Cisneros suddenly brandished two kitchen knives and attacked a 68-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman. Officers reportedly attempted to stop Cisneros with Tasers, but when they failed and she moved toward police while still armed, officers shot and killed her. The woman who died, 32-year-old Erin Piacenti, was a Bank of America vice president and a new mother who had recently returned to work after five months of maternity leave. Just four days before her death, Piacenti shared a joyful family photo with her infant daughter and husband; the couple had recently celebrated their baby’s baptism and their second wedding anniversary. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and Fordham Law School, Piacenti was remembered by her grandmother as a “beautiful, beautiful girl.” Bank of America described her as a valued teammate who will be deeply missed, while Fordham Law called her death tragic and senseless.
Read full story →Local Paramedic Named Community Paramedic Of The Year
Get The Coast— Okaloosa County EMS Community Paramedic Andrew Kindle has been recognized as the 2026 Community Paramedic of the Year by the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians for his dedication to patients and his contributions to the EMS profession. Kindle has helped develop and lead Okaloosa County’s Community Paramedicine Team for the past 18 months, focusing on reducing fatal overdoses, providing care in the community, distributing Narcan, educating residents, and helping people access needed services while reducing unnecessary emergency room visits. His commitment has also earned him the Emerald Coast United Way’s 40 Under 40 Award and Okaloosa County’s Humanitarian Efforts Award. A husband, father, Marine and firefighter with more than 17 years of first-responder experience, Kindle continues to serve with Okaloosa County EMS as a Critical Care, Tactical and Community Paramedic. The national award will be presented later this month during events in conjunction with EMS World Expo in Orlando.
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