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Strike Eagle takes flight to new home Staff Reports April 7, 2026 10:23 am Aviation, Eglin Air Force Base, Emerald Coast, Okaloosa County In Brief: Who: 96th Test Wing What: Relocation of an F-15E Strike Eagle to museum display When: April 6, 2026 (dedication April 10) Where: Eglin Air Force Base → Air Force Armament Museum Why: To preserve and showcase the aircraft’s legacy for public education EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. — An iconic fighter aircraft made an early morning journey across Eglin Air Force Base this week, marking the next chapter in its service to the community. The 96th Test Wing relocated an F-15E Strike Eagle outside the installation gates on April 6, transporting the aircraft to its new permanent home at the Air Force Armament Museum. The carefully coordinated move brought the retired aircraft from the flightline to public display, where it will soon serve as a centerpiece highlighting the legacy of airpower and testing missions conducted at Eglin. An official dedication ceremony is scheduled for April 10 at 9 a.m. at the museum, where base leadership and community members are expected to gather to commemorate the aircraft’s arrival. Once unveiled, the Strike Eagle will join the museum’s extensive collection of historic aircraft, offering visitors an up-close look at one of the Air Force’s most recognizable and versatile fighter platforms. More Local News Valparaiso Yellow water shows up in Valparaiso: This is what happened. Aviation Strike Eagle takes flight to new home Crestview Comunity Pillar Moves Foward... Read More

Dolly Parton Wows Fans With Stunning Photos Promoting Her New Denim Collection Dolly Parton is proving once again that age is just a number. The 80-year-old looked amazing in new campaign photos for her latest collaboration with Good American denim. The singer is celebrating her third season with the brand, as her “Dolly’s Joleans” line […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

Comunity Pillar Moves Foward After 30 Years of Service Staff Reports April 7, 2026 9:37 am Crestview, Emerald Coast, Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa County In Brief: Who: Kimberly Hixon, Marilyn Boyer, Eglin Federal Credit Union What: 30-year service milestone celebration and promotion When: April 2, 2026 (celebration) Where: North Crestview Branch, Crestview, Florida Why: To honor Hixon’s decades of service and recognize her career advancement FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. — A familiar face in Crestview banking is being recognized for decades of dedication. Eglin Federal Credit Union recently honored Member Service Counselor II Kimberly Hixon for 30 years of service, celebrating her career with a breakfast at the North Crestview Branch on April 2. Friends, family, and coworkers gathered to recognize Hixon’s long-standing commitment to both members and colleagues. Hixon, a Crestview resident, has spent the majority of her career serving the local community, including 20 years at the North Crestview Branch. Branch Manager Marilyn Boyer praised Hixon’s impact, noting her deep knowledge, consistent professionalism, and strong relationships with members. “Kim is a fixture in this community,” Boyer said. “Members regularly ask for her by name.” Hixon’s career began in 1996 as a teller at the Eglin Air Force Base Branch. Over the years, she worked her way through multiple roles and locations, including Bluewater Bay and South Crestview, steadily advancing into leadership positions. She has served as a Member Service Counselor at North Crestview for more than 17 years and was promoted to Member Service Counselor II in 2024.... Read More

  It’s no surprise that spring is one of the best times of year to visit Panama City Beach. With warm breezes, endless ways to play, and incredible places to eat, this could easily become your best spring vacation yet. Whether you’re craving nonstop adventure, laid-back beach days, or a little bit of   Read More

CALHOUN COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – For years, the Commerce Building stood as a centerpiece of daily life in Blountstown, dating back to more than a century. “The original building was built in the 1915-16 era. Then there was a fire in the early thirties, and most of it burned down. What you see today is […] Read More

SPRINGFIELD, Fla. (WMBB) – The Bay County NAACP invited residents of Springfield to a Candidates Forum to hear directly from the two men running for mayor. The current Springfield mayor, Ralph Hammond, is running for reelection. His opponent, Carl Curti, was a Springfield commissioner for 20 years. During Monday’s forum, candidates were able to answer […] Read More

Jobs, Free Meals, and Community Pride at McDonald’s Grand Opening Staff Reports April 6, 2026 8:14 pm Business, Emerald Coast, Events, Food and Recipies In Brief: Who: Costa Family McDonald’s & owner/operator David Costa Jr. What: Grand opening of the 19th McDonald’s location with giveaways and donations When: Tuesday, May 19, 2026 (ribbon cutting at 9:30 a.m.) Where: 11852 Panama City Beach Parkway, Panama City Beach, Florida Why: To expand operations, create 60 jobs, and support the Bay County community PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (April 6, 2026) — Costa Family McDonald’s is expanding its Northwest Florida footprint with the opening of its 19th restaurant, bringing 60 new jobs to Bay County. The new Panama City Beach location, situated at 11852 Panama City Beach Parkway, will officially open on Tuesday, May 19, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for 9:30 a.m., followed by a public grand opening celebration beginning at 10:30 a.m. Guests are encouraged to arrive early, with line formation beginning as early as 6 a.m. to take part in opening-day festivities. As part of a special promotion, the first 50 drive-thru customers will receive free Happy Meals for a year. The celebration will include a ceremonial ribbon cutting in partnership with the Bay County Chamber of Commerce. Costa Family McDonald’s leadership also plans to present donation checks to local first responders, including police and fire departments, as well as contributions to Arnold High School and Hutchinson Beach Elementary School. “We’re proud to continue growing alongside the Bay County community,” said... Read More

SS United States Toxic Final Voyage to the Depths Tricia Elliott April 6, 2026 7:05 pm Destin, Emerald Coast, Florida, Okaloosa County Okaloosa County Commissioners plan to sink the SS United States 22 miles off Destin Beaches in mere weeks. But critics and some experts say that sinking this ship could lead to a potential environmental disaster on the Emerald Coast. Okaloosa County officials are finalizing plans to make the SS United States the largest vessel ever deployed in the County’s expansive reef program. The ship’s size, history, and prior remediation work make it a rare opportunity that could accelerate deployment while delivering a major boost to marine habitat and diving tourism. Questions remain about the safety of reefing this historical vessel, which is covered in toxic coatings such as zinc chromate to protect the ship’s metal. Experts say the SS United States poses an environmental, historical, and factual problem of significant importance.  It is important to note that experts and county leaders alike are unsure about how much zinc chromate, which contains hexavalent chromium, a known carcinogen, will actually leach into our Gulf waters. This fact alone presents one of the most powerful questions that should be considered by everyone involved in this reefing project. Expert Perspectives The SS United States Preservation Foundation submitted a range of documents, testing data, lab results, and expert testimony highlighting concerns about the estimated 60,000 pounds of zinc chromate on the vessel. More importantly, zinc chromate containing hexavalent chromium, a compound recognized by... Read More

CALHOUN COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office responded to an incident in the area of Goodman Road and Grace Peacock Road in reference to reports of shots being fired on Sunday. Deputy Earnest made contact with the complainant upon arriving. According to deputies, the complainant reported that after a verbal altercation with William […] Read More