Crestview Councilman resigns amid residency inquiry; city rushes to fill precinct 2 seat Collin Bestor December 9, 2025 1:13 pm Crestview In Brief: A Crestview resident’s complaint about Councilman Ryan Bullard’s residency prompted a review by the Mayor and the Supervisor of Elections. Days later, Bullard submitted a resignation letter citing work, personal, and health obligations. The city will now accept applications and aims to appoint a new Precinct 2 council member in January. (Editor’s Note: This article has been updated to reflect new information obtained by Mid Bay News.)   CRESTVIEW — Crestview City Councilman Ryan Bullard has resigned from his Precinct 2 seat effective Dec. 31, days after city and elections officials were alerted to concerns about whether he lived within his district and began looking into the matter, according to emails obtained by Mid Bay News. Mayor JB Whitten announced the resignation Monday night, reading from a letter Bullard sent him Sunday evening. In the letter, Bullard said he was stepping down due to “increasing professional obligations, personal responsibilities, and ongoing health consideration.” “Serving the citizens and residents of Crestview has been an honor, and I’m deeply grateful for the trust placed in me,” Bullard wrote. But an email dated Dec. 2 shows Bullard was under investigation after a resident raised concerns that he did not live within Precinct 2. Whitten told the resident in an email that he was looking into the issue. Okaloosa County Supervisor of Elections Paul Lux also said in an email that... Read More

FHSAA releases 2026 football reclassifications – Here’s who WON and LOST on the Emerald Coast: Christopher Saul December 9, 2025 12:42 pm Sports In Brief:  Rural & 1A: The smallest schools will play without districts in the Rural classification, with no 1A teams competing in Northwest Florida.  2A & 3A Shifts: Destin establishes its first district team in 2A, while South Walton moves up to a larger 3A district with a favorable path for a potential deeper playoff run.  4A & 5A Predictions: Choctaw is projected to dominate District 1-4A, and Pace is named the runaway favorite in a tough 1-5A district against Crestview, Niceville, Navarre, and Tate Our official redistricting of Florida High School Classifications is in – and would you know it, the guys at FloridaHSFootball.com nailed it with their predictions.    Here’s who your favorite team should play in the district, starting next year.    We add one caveat, though: Schools have until December 17th to withdraw from the FHSAA or provide updated enrollment numbers that could affect their final classification. So, while these schools should be in place to play at these classification sizes, the cement hasn’t hardened after pouring.    Also, the classifications – once set – will remain in place for the 2026 and 2027 seasons.    Rural  The rural division will not have districts in the next two years. Baker, Blountstown, Central, Chipley, Cottondale, Franklin County, Graceville, Holmes, Jay, Marianna, Port St. Joe, Vernon, and Wewahitchka will play in this classification for the state’s smallest... Read More

The HARDY Fund Presents “Country Vs. Cancer” Benefit Concert In the spirit of this year’s most giving time, Nashville showed tremendous support as the American Cancer Society’s “Country vs. Cancer” benefit concert raised more than $350,000 for ACS research and programs. Through The HARDY Fund, country star HARDY and some of his incredibly talented friends […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

Dick Van Dyke Reflects On His Extraordinary Life As His 100th Birthday Approaches Dick Van Dyke will celebrate his 100th birthday on December 13. As he nears this extraordinary milestone, he’s been doing a lot of reflecting on his life…and why he’s made it this long. The iconic actor recently hosted a Vandy High Tea […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

This Was The Third-Annual Toy Store Put On By The Nashville-Based Charity, The Store On December 5-6, Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams-Paisley’s nonprofit The Store hosted its third-annual Toy Store for the Christmas season. Throughout the year, The Store is a free grocery store that aims to help people in need to shop while retaining […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – A Santa Rosa Beach man was arrested on Sunday for allegedly sending threatening messages and throwing frozen fish at the victim’s home. According to the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the victim’s home in Santa Rosa Beach after receiving reports of disturbing incidents involving Perry Lee Cosson, 30. […] Read More

PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WMBB) – Capt. Anderson’s Marina is getting ready to host its 13th Annual Bethlehem Christmas Village.  The event will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10 through Saturday, Dec. 13. In addition to a live nativity scene, there will be a petting zoo with pony rides, local […] Read More

Valparaiso could add speed cameras in front of Eglin Air Force Base. Here’s what’s happening now: Christopher Saul December 9, 2025 8:00 am Valparaiso In Brief:  Proposal and Location: Valparaiso Police propose installing school zone speed cameras on John Sims Parkway near The Lewis School and Eglin AFB to combat excessive speeding, a measure approved for further study by the City Commission.  Cost and Revenue: The cameras are installed by a vendor at no cost, with the city receiving a portion of the $100 fine, which is significantly less than a standard police ticket and could provide needed revenue.  Controversy and Operation: The proposal sparked debate over the necessity of the school zone and the fairness of running the cameras during the entire school day, even when flashing lights are off, as per state statute. John Sims Parkway in front of Eglin Air Force Base’s east gate may soon become a trap for drivers speeding to and from work, but the idea faced some pushback in its initial presentation to the City Commissioners at Valparaiso’s monthly meeting.    Valparaiso police officers proposed installing school zone traffic cameras, similar to those around Niceville High School and Ruckel Middle School, to slow traffic.    Ultimately, the commission gave city staff the green light to look into the program further and discuss pricing with vendors.    Speed Cameras on John Sims Parkway? According to Police Chief Joe Hart and his subordinate in charge of traffic operations, Captain Bonham, the idea of the traffic cams would be... Read More

TALLAHASSEE — President Donald Trump on Monday pushed again for the federal government to control regulation of artificial intelligence as Florida lawmakers begin to delve into the effects of AI on the state. “There must be only One Rulebook if we are going to continue to lead in AI,” Trump Monday posted on Truth Social, […] Read More

  Many attractions in Panama City Beach are committed to sharing their experiences with every visitor, regardless of mobility or ability. Across the city, you will find that accessibility is thoughtfully integrated into many of the area’s most beloved activities. Pier Park Find shopping and   Read More