Navarre woman injured in crash

Judy A. Martindale, 54, of Navarre, was transported to Fort Walton Beach Medical Center for minor injuries sustained in a car accident at the intersection of U.S. Highway 98 and Woodland Avenue.

At 6 a.m. on Wednesday, Martindale was traveling westbound on Hwy 98 within the left, inside lane when a Ford Explorer driven by Derek R. Hamlin of Mary Esther attemted to enter the same roadway from a southeasterly direction.

As Hamlin entered Hwy 98, he moved to the right to gain the outside lane, according to a press release from the Florida Highway Patrol. Hamlin lost control, steered left in an attempt to gain control of his SUV.

Hamlin's SUV rotated counter-clockwise, crossing the eastbound lanes and onto the grass median. The SUV overturned and landed on its roof on the inside, westbound lane of U.S. Hwy 98 and in the path of Martindale.

Martindale attempted to steer right to avoid Hamlin, but struck the SUV from the front.

Hamlin sustained no injuries and both drivers were wearing seatbelts.

The accident is still under investigation by the FHP.