Cody Johnson Is Preparing His Next Album From 2006-2016, Cody Johnson self-released six albums. Following the underground success of his music, he was finally signed to a major label and released four highly-successful albums. His latest work, Leather Deluxe Edition, secured him a CMA Award for Male Vocalist of the Year at the 2025 show. […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

Crestview approves first reading of commercial photography ordinance for parks Collin Bestor December 9, 2025 5:15 pm Crestview In Brief: Commercial photography allowed on city property Background checks required for youth sports photographers $25 annual registration and $30 per-person background check CRESTVIEW — The Crestview City Council on Monday advanced an ordinance that would permit commercial photography on city property while establishing new safeguards for youth sports photographers.   City staff told council members that the existing code broadly bans commercial activity in parks and recreational areas, preventing outside photographers from offering services.   The proposed amendment to Section 58-1(14) introduces exemptions for commercial photography, special events, city-permitted activities, and franchise-based commercial uses. A city staffer said the revision aims to balance public demand for photography services with the need to protect children involved in youth sports. To address safety concerns, the Parks and Recreation Department is developing a vetting process that will require photographers working with youth leagues to register annually and undergo a background check.   The registration fee is expected to be $25 for 365 days, with a $30 per-person background check.   City Manager Jessica Leavins emphasized that enforcement will focus on ensuring only vetted photographers are recommended to coaches and parents.   “Previously, those behaviors were prohibited. We’re going to allow for additional commercial use,” she said, noting that the youth-sports procedures will run through Parks and Recreation.   Councilman Shannon Hayes questioned how the city would enforce, while Councilman Doug Capps voiced support for... Read More

Crestview City Council approves first-reading E-Bike and Scooter ordinance Collin Bestor December 9, 2025 5:05 pm Crestview In Brief: Helmet and safety rules required for all riders E-bikes and scooters banned on downtown sidewalks Fines up to $500 for repeated violations CRESTVIEW — The Crestview City Council on Dec. 8 voted on first reading to advance a new ordinance establishing uniform regulations for electric bicycles, motorized scooters and other micromobility devices, part of a coordinated effort among Okaloosa County municipalities to standardize rules across the region.   City staff said the rise in electric bikes and scooters locally and nationwide prompted the county and its cities to hold two workshops to craft shared operational and parking standards. Ensuring consistency across jurisdictions, from Crestview to communities in south Okaloosa County, was a primary goal to avoid confusion for riders traveling between cities, city staff noted during the meeting.   Under Ordinance 2009, Crestview would create a new article in Chapter 74 of its municipal code outlining definitions, safety rules and where micromobility devices may operate. Riders would be required to wear helmets, yield to pedestrians, use lights that meet state standards and avoid careless behaviors such as weaving through traffic or using a cellphone while operating a device.   The ordinance also allows micromobility devices on sidewalks, trails and bike lanes when operated at mindful speeds. However, it imposes new restrictions downtown: e-bikes, e-scooters and other motorized devices would be prohibited on sidewalks in the city’s core, expanding an existing ban... Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – A room full of pride and history was gathered on Tuesday at the Gulf Coast State College Public Service Academy on the North Bay campus. People gathered to honor the 8th class of inductees into the academy’s Hall of Fame. “My background is in law enforcement. I did about 40 […] Read More

Emmy Russell’s rendition of “Choosin’ Texas” will have you two steppin’ around the room. On Monday, December 8, the American Idol alum shared a video on her social media giving a try at Ella Langley’s latest release. Langley officially released “Choosin’ Texas” on October 17, after teasing the song for several months during her live […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

MEXICO BEACH, Fla. (WMBB) – During the Mexico Beach City Council’s Tuesday meeting, members discussed making changes to a controversial ordinance. Ordinance 876 classifies docks, piers, boat slips, and boat houses as primary structures rather than accessory structures. This permits the water structures to be built before residential homes on properties. However, since the ordinance’s […] Read More

OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Lawyers for another Panhandle death row inmate have filed a motion with the Florida Supreme Court in an attempt to stop his scheduled execution. On July 22, 1987, Frank Athen Walls murdered 20-year-old Eglin Air Force Base airman Edward K. Alger and his 22-year-old girlfriend Ann Louise Peterson. Walls broke […] Read More

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