30A Breaking News

This controversial Condo Project barely approved in South Walton Steven Saul March 30, 2026 9:12 am South Walton, Walton County The Walton County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) voted 3-2 in favor of granting final approval to the controversial 24-story, 246-unit Echelon condominium tower in Miramar Beach, overruling the Walton County Planning Commission’s recommendation to deny the project. The final decision, which was made despite a year-long battle with Scenic 98 residents over heavy traffic, overcrowding, and potential tourism decline, gives the go-ahead for the Major Development by H and S, LLC. The Echelon project, located at 100 Seascape Drive, gained approval largely due to its twenty-five-year-old “grandfathered status,” which exempts it from newer height restrictions. This history, combined with the Land Development Code (LDC) requirements being technically met, led County Attorney Clay Adkinson to caution that appellate litigation was expected regardless of the vote. Dissenting Commissioners Dan Curry and Donna Johns argued that the massive development was not in the best interest of the community’s safety and well-being. At the same time, proponents of the approval, including Chair Brad Drake, Commissioner Danny Glidewell, and Commissioner Tony Anderson, secured the motion to approve the Final Order. How did the approval of the Echelon Condos in Miramar Beach happen? The Walton County Board of County Commissioners is the ultimate decision-maker for Planning and Development in the County.  Over the last year, a proposed 246-unit (24-story) condominium tower development has been at the center of a robust battle between the developer, H... Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla (WMBB)- This weekend marked the start of a high impact period in Panama City Beach. High Impact Period, or HIP, was implemented in several areas around the beach this weekend. This means more rules are being enforced in addition to spring break policies in an effort to keep beaches safe. This period, […] Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – For many taking off a bra is an everyday task, but for others it can be a daily struggle. That’s exactly what EZ Out Style co-founder JJ Borchetta experienced, frustration with a routine task that was anything but simple. That’s when her husband Mark stepped in with an idea. What […] Read More

Marshals Marks Kayce Dutton’s Next Chapter Marshals marks the next chapter in the Yellowstone universe, centered solely on Kayce Dutton. The series follows John Dutton’s son as he takes a decisive turn in his life, joining an elite team of U.S. Marshals.  During the season premiere, a major bombshell was revealed immediately – as Kayce’s beloved wife, Monica, has […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla (WMBB)- A local charter school will have extra police presence on Monday following a potential threat. According to a statement from the Panama City Police Department, a student from University Academy received a call about a possible dangerous event happening at the school on Monday. PCPD said detectives found no evidence of […] Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)- On Sunday the Bay County Sheriff’s office was called out to Creek Haven Road in Fountain for reports of remains found. This is the same road where authorities found the remains of 38-year-old Joseph Eiler earlier this month. Investigators with the sheriff’s office were at the scene examining an area in […] Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – A new kind of cafe is opening its doors in Panama City Beach and it’s all about coffee, cats and community. The Central Purr Cat Cafe is hosting its soft opening, giving the public a first look at the areas newest cat cafe. “Our soft opening is just for us […] Read More