Public Safety

Dive teams, drones deployed in search for missing Shalimar swimmer

Multiple agencies conducted searches Wednesday and Thursday after a distressed swimmer was reported going underwater near the Shalimar Bridge in Okaloosa County.

Jared Williams

Authorities searched for a swimmer who went missing near the Shalimar Bridge early Wednesday morning in Okaloosa County.

Deputies from the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of a distressed swimmer around 3:30 a.m. Wednesday after witnesses reported seeing a white male go underwater in the area.

Multiple agencies joined the search effort, including boats from the Sheriff’s Office, Eglin Air Force Base, and Florida Fish and Wildlife. The U.S. Coast Guard also responded to assist.

The Sheriff’s Office deployed its Unmanned Aerial Surveillance team with drones, while the OCSO Dive Team searched several locations in the water. Despite these efforts, the swimmer had not been located as of Thursday afternoon.

The Sheriff’s Office asks anyone with information to contact them at 850-651-7400 or reach out to Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers.

Join the conversation...Cancel reply

Continue reading 👇

Public Safety

Okaloosa deputies issue 454 underage drinking citations so far during spring break

Public Safety

“This article is obviously written by someone with 0 knowledge of the area. The erosion happening now is because " The Wall," as anyone that's been here since the 70's...”

Respond

Laura Y commented on Beach enrichment project underway on Okaloosa Island to help accumulate sand

“How are peoplele going to swim when there are nets every few feet??”

Nita commented on Destin City Council hears presentation on phase two of HarborWalk Village

“I'm looking at this paragraph and thinking, why would city officials allow a DO in 2009 to be vested for 22 years? Wouldn't you think they'd realize the traffic increases...”

M C commented on Eglin Air Force Base installing new fencing along Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island

“Typical government overreach.”

Joseph D Bishop commented on Eglin Air Force Base installing new fencing along Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island

“Why so many boot lockers here”

“This is bs. They just allowed the county”

Elizabeth commented on Eglin Air Force Base installing new fencing along Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island

“There have been no parking signs for years. No one follows them.”

H. commented on Eglin Air Force Base installing new fencing along Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island

“Mr.Siegel, you say we own the Air Force? Keep it up with the negative sentiment, and watch the Air Force close off each side of 98 with fences topped with...”

Dude M. commented on Eglin Air Force Base installing new fencing along Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island

“When I was A Deputy with the Sheriff's Office I was issuing county ordinance citations to people who were parking on the right-of-way along the area of the sea wall...”

“I will continue to go there and enjoy my time on this earth. This is bs. They just allowed the county to gangrape the south side of 98, directly across...”

Dive teams, drones deployed in search for missing Shalimar swimmer

Join the conversation...Cancel reply

Continue reading 👇

Okaloosa deputies issue 454 underage drinking citations so far during spring break

Okaloosa deputies, rideshare driver save elderly woman from $8,000 scam

Bullets hit two homes in Fort Walton Beach area, no injuries reported

Okaloosa Sheriff’s Office details spring break enforcement plan

Join Our Newsletter

Community Comments

GET OUR FREE LOCAL NEWSLETTER