Walton County

Walton County, Florida is a location gaining recent attention due to two unrelated news events. First, a surgeon, Thomas Shaknovsky, practicing in the First Judicial Circuit (which includes Walton County) has been indicted for manslaughter following a fatal surgical error in August 2024. Shaknovsky allegedly removed a patient's liver instead of their spleen, leading to the patient's death. The grand jury in Tallahassee heard evidence before issuing the indictment. Secondly, Brian Littrell of the Backstreet Boys is involved in a property dispute concerning his private beach in Santa Rosa Beach, located in Walton County. Littrell claims individuals are trespassing on his property and has reported escalating threats, including alleged threats to burn down his house. These legal battles and alleged threats highlight ongoing tensions surrounding private property rights and access to beaches within Walton County.