Expect Big Traffic Delays For Deputy's Funeral

More than 6,000 people, including thousands of law enforcement officers from around the country, are expected to attend Saturday's funeral for Okaloosa County Deputy Tony Forgione.

Forgione was killed Tuesday during a standoff in Fort Walton Beach. According to the Sheriff's Office, Mark Rohlman, who had skipped out on a court-ordered mental evaluation, got a shotgun and barricaded himself in a home. Rohlman shot Forgione when he entered the home. Rohlman then shot himself in the head.

The funeral is tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. at the Niceville Assembly God Church.

Motorists should expect delays in Niceville between 12 Noon and 4:00 p.m.

• At approximately 12:00 Noon, the southbound lane of Highway 85 will be closed to regular traffic as family, friends and law enforcement arrive at the Niceville Assembly God Church.
• Northbound lanes will be open but motorists are urged to avoid the area due to significant congestion. A detour will be available during this time via East and West College Boulevard.
• Funeral attendees are urged to come south on Highway 85 from College Boulevard to enter the Church.

• At approximately 2:30 p.m., the funeral procession will head to Heritage Gardens Funeral Home and Cemetery using Highway 85, Highway 20 and State Road 285.
• State Road 285 will be closed to all southbound traffic so the the large number of vehicles can get to the burial. Motorists are again urged to avoid using the northbound lanes as they will be extremely congested. The detour route will be via College Boulevard and Rocky Bayou Boulevard.

• All highways and roads are expected to be open for normal traffic flow after 4:00 p.m.