30A Breaking News

Jelly Roll Wins Big At The 2026 Grammy Awards Jelly Roll was arguably the man of the night at this year’s 68th Grammy Awards. On Sunday (February 1), Jelly took home Best Contemporary Country Album, Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song, and Best Country Duo/Group Performance during the show. The “Amen” singer has enjoyed a standout […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

Exceptional Leadership Powers Niceville Cadets to a Rare Perfect Inspection Staff Reports February 3, 2026 11:10 am Military, Niceville, Schools and Education In Brief: Who: Niceville High School AFJROTC cadets led by Cadet Colonel Daniel Neely What: Earned a perfect score during official unit inspection When: During the current inspection cycle this school year Where: Niceville High School, Florida Why: Due to exceptional preparation, discipline, leadership, and performance NICEVILLE, Fla. — The Niceville High School Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) unit has earned a rare and prestigious distinction after receiving a perfect score during its official unit inspection, marking the first flawless inspection result of the year by evaluating officer Warner White. Cadet Colonel Daniel Neely, the corps commander of the Niceville High School AFJROTC unit, said the accomplishment reflects months of preparation, discipline, and teamwork by cadets across the program. According to the unit, the inspection evaluated multiple areas, including leadership effectiveness, cadet performance, uniform standards, program organization, and operational readiness. Achieving a perfect score places Niceville’s AFJROTC program among the top-performing units in the region. The recognition carries special significance as Niceville’s unit was the first inspected this year by Warner White to achieve a flawless evaluation — setting a high benchmark for other AFJROTC programs to follow. We here at Mid Bay News are incredibly proud of the Niceville High School AFJROTC Unit and the dedication, leadership, and commitment shown by its cadets and instructors. Their achievement highlights not only academic and leadership excellence,... Read More

Devastating Santa Rosa Beach Fire Sparks Urgent Space Heater Safety Warning Staff Reports February 3, 2026 10:18 am South Walton, Walton County In Brief: Who: South Walton Fire District firefighters and one affected household What: Residential structure fire with heavy damage and smoke inhalation injury When: Monday afternoon, February 2, around 1 p.m. Where: Near E. Mack Bayou Road in Santa Rosa Beach Why: A space heater could not be ruled out as the most likely cause SANTA ROSA BEACH, Fla. — South Walton Fire District firefighters battled a residential structure fire Monday afternoon that caused heavy damage to a home in Santa Rosa Beach and sent one occupant to the hospital for smoke inhalation. According to SWFD, crews were dispatched to a home near E. Mack Bayou Road around 1 p.m. and arrived to find intense flames engulfing the garage area. Firefighters immediately launched an aggressive fire attack while additional units conducted a primary search of the home and ventilated the garage roof to release heat and smoke. Ventilation efforts helped bring the fire under control, with crews knocking down the flames by approximately 1:30 p.m. Firefighters remained on scene for more than an hour afterward to overhaul the structure and extinguish remaining hotspots. One occupant of the home was evaluated at the scene for smoke inhalation and transported to a local medical facility for further treatment. Firefighters also rescued one animal from inside the home, though lifesaving efforts were unsuccessful. Fire investigators reported the blaze caused significant damage... Read More

Ifunanya Nwangene, who first rose to fame on Season 3 of The Voice Nigeria, has sadly passed away at the age of 26. The news was reported by BBC Africa, which revealed that Nwangene died after being bitten by a snake. Later, Sam C. Ezugwu, the music director of the Amemuso Choir that Nwangene was […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

  As February 9 approaches, pizza lovers everywhere get ready to celebrate National Pizza Day, a delicious holiday honoring one of the world’s most iconic comfort foods. In Panama City Beach, locals and visitors have plenty of ways to join in the celebration along Florida’s beautiful Gulf Coast. From   Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – In early 2025, city officials began discussing the possibility of getting rid of the DeFuniak Springs Fire Department. But after the special meeting on Monday, the firehouse is here to stay. The department has one station and a few dozen employees, but some council members felt that it was costing […] Read More

Happy’s Place Fans Get Excited Happy’s Place fans can get excited once again – the show has officially been renewed for Season 3! The show, which first premiered in October 2024, has been a huge success among viewers. The plot follows Reba McEntire’s character, Bobbie, who inherits her father’s bar after his passing. However, while reviewing […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – You might have heard of the phrase “When thunder roars, go indoors.” Thunderstorms are common across Florida all year long, especially during the summer months. According to the Florida Division of Emergency Management, the state ranks number one in lightning strikes per square mile on average. Severe Weather Awareness Week […] Read More