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.

PROMOTION

Join the conversation...Cancel reply

Continue reading 👇

Public Safety

Fort Walton Beach teen arrested for allegedly threatening school shooting

School

Texas teen sentenced to 4 years in prison for 2023 Baker School swatting incident

Public Safety

Body of missing kayaker recovered in Okaloosa County

Public Safety

Okaloosa Sheriff’s Office addresses Flock camera questions, releases case data since 2022

Frank Luke commented on Destin High School restructuring debt to align with lower-than-projected enrollment

“If we offer Saturday classes to students who withdrew from any school in Okaloosa and the county pays the school for it, would it help? I understand students are leaving...”

Respond

Jackie English commented on Okaloosa, NWFSC collaborate to produce commemorative SS United States coins from ship’s salvaged aluminum

“My mom, sister and I sailed across the Atlantic to England in February 1954, I was 7 years old.”

Michael L. Cobb commented on WordroW: February 13, 2026

“1 MIN 41 SEC”

Gwen Break commented on FWB Moose Lodge has donated more than $17,000 since 2022 to help eliminate elementary student lunch debt

“To me this is what being a good citizen is about. I commend the Moose Lodge organization for its charitable efforts and hope other organizations will emulate them. Thank you.”

TW commented on Mia Manganello, who grew up in Crestview, eyes Olympic gold after dominant World Cup season

“God be with you Mia! You’ve got this. TW, Crestview”

filftwalton commented on Eglin Air Force Base prohibits dash cams, recording devices in vehicles

“Eglin is over reaching with directives and limiting access to Eglin (actually taxpayer) property. I fully agree with E Robbeloth (see his comment). I witness unbelievable reckless driving on base...”

Ds commented on WordroW: February 13, 2026

“The Moose charities do so much for children. Thanks to all the members for continuing to support them.”

🌴Jennifer Fox commented on The best sunset spots along Destin-Fort Walton Beach

“Excellent article! I’m no professional, but I love taking pictures of the sunsets here. As I read through the suggested spots, my agreement grew. Yes that’s a good place…oh hey...”

Michael L. Cobb commented on WordroW: February 12, 2026

“2 min 38 sec”

Hare commented on Eglin Air Force Base prohibits dash cams, recording devices in vehicles

“Only phones without cameras on-base .”