Bond Set for Former Deputy Charged in Fatal Perdido Key Crash

Perdido Key, FL (Newsradio 92.3) -- A judge has set bond at $40,000 for a former Escambia County deputy accused of hitting and killing two pedestrians in Perdido Key in July. 58-year-old Greg Nesmith turned himself in Sunday and faces two counts of vehicular homicide. The crash happened in the early morning hours of July 5th when Nesmith's unmarked patrol vehicle struck 20-year-olds Nicole Moore and Jackson Cunningham in a crosswalk. An attorney for one of the victims claims Nesmith was traveling 74 miles per hour in a 45 mile-per-hour zone. Nesmith's attorney says an ambulance blocked his view. The former deputy, who had worked for the sheriff's office for over 30 years, is not allowed to drive pending trial. His next court appearance is scheduled for December 19th.

FDLE "Operation Nottingham" Results in Major Drug Bust

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has arrested fifteen people in a sweeping drug investigation in Pensacola called "Operation Nottingham." Over the course of two days last week, agents served 22 high-risk search warrants and seized more than 14 pounds of fentanyl, along with significant quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, and other drugs. Authorities also recovered 30 firearms and over $60,000 in cash. FDLE special agent Chris Williams says the operation targeted key individuals responsible for distributing drugs throughout the area. Seven people remain at large on active warrants.

HURLBURT FIELD COMMANDER SEEKS HELP

The new commander of Hurlburt Field is calling on Okaloosa County leaders to address what he says is a national security threat: traffic on Highway 98. Colonel Mark Hamilton told commissioners this week that congestion is affecting the base's ability to launch missions on short notice. Nearly 9-thousand active duty and civilian personnel commute on the highway daily. Many airmen are moving farther away due to high housing costs, making their commutes nearly an hour long. Hamilton also asked commissioners to support military families by improving access to childcare and mental health resources. Only one commissioner responded to his request. The counties are studying a four-million-dollar collector road project along Highway 98 to help ease congestion.