In Photos: Stephen Nasse wins the 58th Annual Snowball Derby Collin Bestor December 8, 2025 11:15 pm Sports Stephen Nasse (left) flanked by Ms. Snowball Derby (center) and track mascot, Snowball, after the 58th Annual Snowball Derby. 15 years, a disqualification in 2019 and a runner-up finish in 2024: Stephen Nasse is the 2025 Snowball Derby champion Stephen Nasse kisses the Tom Dawson Trophy after winning the 58th Annual Snowball Derby. Along with the win, Nasse takes home $50,000, the highest payout in Derby history. Stephen Nasse climbs from his car after winning the 58th Annual Snowball Derby A dejected Ty Majeski climbs from his car after the 58th Annual Snowball Derby. Majeski appealed a decision that claimed he jumped the final restart. He went on to finish 23rd, 5 laps down. Stephen Nasse crosses the line second, but takes the win in the 58th Annual Snowball Derby. A dominant day ends in heartbreak for two-time Snowball Derby winner, Ty Majeski. America. David Gilliand awaits the end of his pitstop in the 58th Annual Snowball Derby. He would go on to finish 12th, one lap down. Carson Brown looks on as he was forced to retire early due to damage. He would go on to finish 31st,, 239 laps down. Ty Majeksi comes in for a pit stop during the 58th Annual Snowball Derby. The damaged car of Hudson Bulger sits behind pit lane. Bulger would finish 33rd, 249 laps down. Ty Majeski (right) attempts to put Kyle Busch (left)... Read More

Stephen Nasse wins Snowball Derby after Majeski penalized in chaotic finish at Five Flags Speedway Collin Bestor December 8, 2025 9:50 pm Sports In Brief: Stephen Nasse surged from 32nd to capture his first Snowball Derby win after 15 years of trying.  Dominant leader Ty Majeski was penalized for two restart violations, overturning the final running order. Nasse sealed the long-awaited victory after transferring from the LCQ, completing one of the most improbable wins in Derby history. PENSACOLA — After 15 years of trying, climbing from 32nd on the starting grid and navigating one of the most chaotic Snowball Derbies in recent memory, Stephen Nasse finally captured his first Tom Dawson Trophy on Monday afternoon at Five Flags Speedway. The victory came after officials penalized dominant race leader Ty Majeski for two restart violations in the closing laps. This ruling reshaped the finish of the 58th annual running of the Super Late Model crown jewel. Nasse, who transferred into the field through the Last Chance Qualifier on Saturday night, took the checkered flag in what was both the most improbable and most long-awaited moment of his career. Majeski—who had led more than half the race—ignored the black flag after being judged to have jumped two consecutive restarts with 13 laps remaining. As a result, the No. 91 was not scored for the final six laps, handing Nasse the lead and ultimately the win. “It feels good,” Nasse said afterward. “I’ve definitely given away a couple over some silly things. Ty... Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Bay County officials continue to prioritize local park improvements. Ira Hutchison Park is the latest to receive upgrades featuring new restrooms, a playground, and major improvements to the boat ramp. The county tore down the old restroom facility. The new building is open with new sidewalks and the new parking […] Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Most people go the extra mile for the holidays, but a Panama City man is taking it to a whole new level. Skip Bondur just started a ten-day mission living on the roof of a school bus to raise awareness for his “Stuff the Bus” toy drive. He’ll be living […] Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – At Ascension Sacred Heart Bay, heroes don’t wear capes. They wear scrubs and EMS uniforms. On Monday, EMS teams from the South Walton Fire District and Bay County as well as medical professionals, were honored for their rapid responses in stroke emergencies. Immediate attention helps patients avoid long-term disability “Anybody who’s […] Read More

A Quiet, Cool Week Ahead The work week is shaping up to be calm and mostly dry, with temperatures right where they should be for this time of year. Cool, Dry Weather Dominates A cold front has already passed through the area, leaving us with cooler and drier air for the next couple of days […] Read More

Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Deputy Arrested for Alleged Domestic Battery in Crestview Staff Reports December 8, 2025 5:21 pm Crestview, Crime, Okaloosa County In Brief: An Okaloosa County Sheriff’s deputy was arrested after allegedly pushing a person twice during a verbal argument at a Crestview home. Law enforcement says the deputy allegedly held a nine-month-old child during the incident they are investigating. The deputy faces charges of Battery (Domestic Violence). Law enforcement arrested an Okaloosa County Sheriff’s deputy on December 2, 2025, and charged him with domestic battery after they were called to his home. Police say Collin Savoie, identified as an Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office deputy, pushed the victim during a verbal argument, according to the arrest affidavit. Law enforcement asserts the victim was pushed twice and fell against a door frame. The second push sent them crashing into the glass of the French doors leading into a nursery. Law enforcement says the victim claimed that the Savoie was holding a nine-month-old child during the alleged incidents. They added in their arrest affidavit that the physical contact occurred with the defendant’s other hand. The defendant allegedly admitted to the verbal argument with the victim but denied any physical contact. Law enforcement says the victim had visible redness on their neck and throat area, consistent with being pushed, according to the affidavit. The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office filed charges of Battery (Domestic Violence) under Florida Statute 784.03.1(a)1. Law enforcement emphasized that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court... Read More

Could Morgan Wallen Follow In His Pastor Father’s Footsteps? Upon hearing the word “casserole,” many things may come to mind. Mom’s home cooking may be the natural first inclination for many, with the need for a new belt hole coming shortly after. For comedian Theo Von, host of the podcast This Past Weekend with Theo […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

Valpraiso Fires Fire Chief After Secret Session Christopher Saul December 8, 2025 2:13 pm Valparaiso In Brief:  Chief Fired: David Lanier is terminated as Valparaiso Fire Chief after just five months.  EEOC Catalyst: The chief’s firing was prompted by an EEOC complaint and settlement demands from Lt. Derrick Bryan, who was subsequently reinstated.  Second Termination: Firefighter David Rodriguez, who accused the chief of using a racial slur, was also fired for misconduct, a decision supported by an outside investigation. David Lanier is out as Valparaiso Fire Chief after just five months as the department’s leader.    The Valparaiso commission unanimously decided to fire Lanier in a meeting the week of Thanksgiving after a series of incidents that spanned the gamut from allegations of racial slurs as well as accusations that he allowed his lieutenants to terminate a firefighter with whistleblower protections.    The vote came after the City Commission held a secret deliberation in executive session. Florida Law allows city leaders to discuss legal strategies where the city is involved.    Commissioner Chris Wasdin was absent from the deliberations.    RELATED: What in the world is going on at Valpariso’s Fire Department? RELATED: What in the world is going on at Valpariso’s Fire Department?   Ultimately, it was neither of those allegations that prompted the motion to terminate the chief, but an Employment Equal Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Complaint from Lt. Derrick Bryan that led to Lanier’s termination.    Bryan, a former and current department employee, was terminated during his probationary period as a... Read More

Niceville High Launches Future Ready Program for Teens Staff Reports December 8, 2025 1:46 pm Niceville, Okaloosa County, Schools and Education In Brief: Who: Allison Aiken, Niceville High School students, guest professionals What: Launch of Future Ready, an after-school program teaching life skills for adulthood When: Currently ongoing; schedule updates available via Instagram and Google Classroom Where: Niceville High School, Niceville, Florida Why: To provide teens with practical knowledge and skills to navigate finances, college, careers, part-time jobs, and stress management Niceville – A new after-school program at Niceville High School is giving students the tools they need to navigate the world of adulthood. Created by Allison Aiken, a ten-year Girl Scout working toward her Gold Award, Future Ready aims to provide teens with practical guidance on finances, college, careers, part-time jobs, and stress management. The program brings in professionals to speak on each topic, offering students firsthand advice on everything from opening bank accounts and budgeting to finding a job and acing an interview. Classes are free and open to all Niceville High students, giving them a chance to learn directly from experts on subjects that aren’t always covered in the traditional classroom. Aiken said the goal of Future Ready is to prepare students for life beyond high school. “We want to give teens the confidence and knowledge to make informed decisions as they move toward adulthood,” she said. Students and parents can stay updated on program events through the Future Ready Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/nhs_future_ready?igsh=bmFvcHc3dHJqc2p2 or by joining... Read More