LIBERTY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – The new Liberty County Jail and Sheriff’s Office is now complete. And soon it will become operational, with staff and inmates moving in. Dozens of Liberty County residents showed up Friday to check out the new complex. Before they went in, sheriffs officials cut the ribbon and raised the flags […] Read More

 [[{“value”:” By Gueary Clendening How is it that Geese fly south in the winter? Who gives them instructions for the trip? Why can an ant carry 50 times its weight, the equivalent of a 180-pound man carrying a full-grown cow? It seems to me God is in the business of making the impossible happen! In Luke’s gospel, we are given the story of a young lady named Mary, who is visited by an angel; She’s told she would give birth to the Son of God. It’s found in Luke, chapter one, verse thirty-four through thirty-eight. Mary asked the angel, “But how can I have a baby? I’m a virgin.” The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; So the baby born to you will be holy, and He will be called the Son of God. What’s more, your relative, Elizabeth, has become pregnant in her old age! People used to say she was barren, but she is already in her sixth month, for nothing shall be impossible with God.” God’s timing is always perfect! Elizabeth’s pregnancy was used by God to encourage Mary to believe that God would fulfil His promise. Another impossibility happened to me personally. On May 2, 2024, I made an appointment for my annual appointment with my cardiologist in Pensacola, Florida, for May 8, 2025. During the first few days of May, in the week before my appointment,  I began to suffer extreme pain... Read More

 [[{“value”:” The Ladies of Distinction of Walton County honored Walton County Democratic Women’s Club President Karen McGee at their Annual Banquet on Nov. 8, 2025. Ms. McGee was given a Certificate of Achievement for services done within the Black community. The post WCDWC Bestows Honors at Annual Banquet appeared first on South Walton Life | 30A News, Events and Community Information. “}]]  South Walton Life | 30A News, Events and Community Information  Read More

 [[{“value”:” By Helen Petre Welcome to fall! It is time for us humans to break out the blankets and jackets, but what do our wild animals do to prepare? Fortunately, they have everything they need to stay warm. In the fall, most animals start eating a lot. They need to add a layer of fat to keep them warm and provide energy to sustain them through the winter when there is little food. The Florida black bear, Ursus americanus floridanus The Florida black bear is the only bear in Florida. There are about 4,000 in all of Florida, but only about 120 in the western Panhandle, mostly in Eglin. They prefer dense undergrowth in scrub oak ecosystems, swamps, and flatwoods. One was seen in Grayton Beach State Park recently, and it was not small. Should we be worried about large, dangerous animals while walking in the woods or on the beach? Probably not. As with all wildlife you encounter in their habitats, give them room and do not try to interact with them. If you are hiking in an area that is bear habitat, make noise. If the bear hears you, he will most likely move away from you. Bears mate in the summer, but the eggs do not implant until November, and then, only if the female has gained enough weight. The cubs are born in January as tiny, helpless things weighing less than a pound. Females feed and protect them denned in the saw palmetto understory until spring.... Read More

 [[{“value”:” Westonwood Ranch Receives $400,000 State Funding for New Life Skills and Job Training Center Funding, championed by Rep. Shane Abbott and Sen. Jay Trumbull, will also support a broader initiative to bring affordable supportive housing for young adults with developmental disabilities to Northwest Florida. Westonwood Ranch has been awarded $400,000 in State of Florida Appropriations through the Agency for Persons with Disabilities. Westonwood Ranch plans to utilize this transformative investment to fund and support the construction of their new life skills and job training building. This expansion marks a major milestone in Westonwood Ranch’s mission to provide meaningful learning and employment opportunities for individuals with developmental differences. The new facility will serve as a hub for vocational training, independent living skills, and hands-on workforce readiness programs. It is also a vital component of a broader project addressing a critical need in Northwest Florida — the development of affordable, supportive housing for young adults with developmental disabilities. By expanding its resources, Westonwood Ranch will be able to prepare more participants for success in both personal and professional environments, empowering them to lead fulfilling lives. Westonwood Ranch extends its deepest gratitude to Representative Shane Abbott (R–District 5) and Senator Jay Trumbull (R–District 2) for their leadership and advocacy in securing this funding. Their steadfast commitment to expanding opportunities for individuals with developmental differences has been instrumental in moving this project forward. “I am proud to support Westonwood Ranch and their mission to empower individuals with developmental differences through education, training, and... Read More

 [[{“value”:” By Dr. Joshua Bledsoe, Public Information Officer, Walton County School District As we enter the final month of 2025, the Walton County School District is excited to highlight the incredible achievements and celebrations that made November a standout month across our campuses. From academic and artistic accomplishments to athletic excellence and major facility upgrades, our students and staff showcased the EPIC spirit that defines Walton County schools. November began with one of our most anticipated recognitions of the year: the announcement of each school’s Teacher of the Year and Educational Support Professional of the Year. These honorees represent the Excellence, Professionalism, Innovation, and Collaboration that define our District. We invite families and community members to visit individual school websites and social media platforms to view photos of the winners and help celebrate these exceptional staff members. Athletics also shone brightly this month. In golf, Brody McCormick claimed the District Tournament Championship, an accomplishment that also earned him an individual spot at the Regional Tournament. Both the South Walton boys’ and girls’ golf teams advanced to Regionals as well, joined by individual qualifiers Aiden Anderson (WHS) and Haley Chapman and Isabella Dickens (FHS). Their hard work and perseverance throughout the season earned them well-deserved recognition at the regional level. On the football field, all three district high schools advanced to the regional quarterfinals, marking a successful season for each program. South Walton High School carried its momentum even further, making an exciting run that concluded at the Regional Semifinals. Their... Read More

 [[{“value”:” United Way Emerald Coast (UWEC) is honored to receive a generous $50,000 investment from Forever Warriors, powered by Step One Automotive Group, in support of Mission United, a program serving active-duty service members, veterans, reservists, and their families. This funding comes at a critical time as recent challenges have created heightened needs across our community. In this first month of partnership, UWEC and Forever Warriors hosted a drive-through food distribution with the Hurlburt Field First Sergeants and allocated more than $10,000 in emergency financial assistance to help military families cover essential expenses. One recipient shared the impact of Mission United, stating, “We are profoundly grateful for their essential support. Their financial assistance came at a critical moment for an Airman who was grieving the loss of a family member and welcoming a new baby, all while being the sole provider for his three children and veteran partner. (This) aid provided a much-needed sense of security, allowing him to focus on his family; a testament to your dedication to our military members.” 1 of 5 Mission United connects military-affiliated individuals with critical resources when other funding is unavailable. Support has included emergency assistance, mental health services, housing support, and employment or career transition assistance. Since its launch in 2023, the program has served more than 5,000 service members and veterans across Okaloosa and Walton counties. “We are deeply grateful to Forever Warriors for stepping forward when our military families need it most,” said Kelly Jasen, President & CEO of United... Read More

Saying Goodbye To A Legend In Country Music For over three decades, John Michael Montgomery has been a defining voice in country music. From his first album in 1992 to a number of chart-topping hits, Montgomery’s heartfelt lyrics and classic sound have provided him with worldwide fame. Montgomery’s hits like “I Swear,” “I Love the Way You […] More Country Music Nation  Read More