BAY COUNTY, Fla (WMBB) – The Publix Sports Park is hosting three events over the weekend, including some on brand new turf fields. This week, thousands of people will make their way to Panama City Beach for a football invitational, a national youth football tournament, and an adult softball classic. Collectively, they are expected to […] Read More

For a limited time, Florida families can get a free preschool card for unlimited visits to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island for the whole year. Read More

JD Peacock Launches Powerful Bid for Okaloosa School Board Staff Reports January 16, 2026 4:28 pm Okaloosa County, Schools and Education In Brief: Who: JD Peacock, Okaloosa County School Board candidate What: Announces candidacy for District 1 School Board When: January 16, 2026 Where: Shalimar, Florida / Okaloosa County Why: To prioritize student success, teacher support, transparency, and strong family values Shalimar resident JD Peacock announced on January 16, 2026, that he has pre-filed to run for the Okaloosa County School Board, District 1. Peacock emphasized his commitment to student success, saying that strong schools begin with effective leadership and community collaboration. A lifelong Okaloosa County resident, Peacock served in the U.S. Army before launching a 25-year career with the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, where he rose through the ranks to Major and Chief of Administration. In 2014, he was elected as Okaloosa County Clerk of Courts and Comptroller, introducing programs to enhance transparency and accountability in county government. As a School Board candidate, Peacock plans to focus on supporting teachers, improving school facilities, and ensuring the district operates with transparency. He also highlighted his dedication to family values and community involvement, noting his service with the All Sports Association, the Emerald Coast Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and the Northwest Florida State College Foundation. “Getting our great teachers the tools, facilities, and support they need will be my top priority,” Peacock said. “I will be your voice, standing up for strong family values and a transparent, accountable school district.”  ... Read More

Okaloosa Graduation Surge: District Celebrates Powerful 91% Milestone Staff Reports January 16, 2026 3:57 pm Okaloosa County, Schools and Education In Brief: Who: Okaloosa County School District, Superintendent Marcus Chambers, district students, and educators What: Graduation rate increased to 91 percent When: Announced January 16, 2026, for the 2024–2025 school year Where: Okaloosa County, Florida Why: Expanded student support programs, academic pathways, and engagement strategies improved student outcomes The Okaloosa County School District reported a major academic milestone Friday, announcing its graduation rate rose to 91 percent for the 2024–2025 school year — a sharp increase from 87.7 percent the previous year. District leaders say the improvement reflects a continued statewide upward trend while highlighting Okaloosa County’s growing emphasis on student support, academic flexibility, and engagement strategies aimed at keeping students on track through graduation. According to the district, the gains are tied to expanded student support systems, diverse academic pathways, and targeted intervention programs designed to address individual learning needs and reduce dropout risk. Superintendent Marcus Chambers praised students, educators, and families for the achievement. “We are incredibly proud of our students and educators for this significant growth in Okaloosa County’s graduation rate,” Chambers said. “Increasing from 87.7 percent to 91 percent in just one year reflects the hard work, perseverance, and commitment of our students, the dedication of our teachers and staff, and the strong partnerships we share with families and our community.” District officials say efforts will now focus on sustaining momentum by expanding programs tied to... Read More

PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WMBB) – ZooWorld will re-open to the public for normal business hours on January 19, following a fire on Thursday that resulted in the death of six lemurs. ZooWorld confirmed the reopening in a Facebook post. “This recovery time will be important to allow our team the space to regroup, process […] Read More

Fast Start: New K-9 Atlas Takes Down Meth Suspect in First Patrol Stop Staff Reports January 16, 2026 3:26 pm Crime, DeFuniak Springs, Public Safety, Walton County In Brief: K-9 Atlas alerted deputies to meth during a DeFuniak Springs traffic stop. Deputies seized 9.7 grams of methamphetamine and arrested Roger Dwayne Dukes. The arrest marked the first case for Walton County’s newest police K-9. DEFUNIAK SPRINGS, Fla. — Walton County Sheriff’s Office officials announced their newest K-9 is already making an impact after helping deputies arrest a man on drug charges during a traffic stop Thursday night. According to the Sheriff’s Office, a K-9 deputy stopped a red Chevrolet pickup near Highway 331 North and U.S. Highway 90 around 9 p.m. on January 15 for an expired registration. During the stop, deputies learned the driver, 49-year-old Roger Dwayne Dukes, was also operating the vehicle with a suspended license. K-9 “Atlas” was deployed to conduct an exterior sniff of the vehicle and alerted deputies to the presence of narcotics. A subsequent search uncovered two small plastic bags containing a crystal-like substance, later confirmed to be 9.7 grams of methamphetamine. Dukes was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, possession of drug paraphernalia, and driving with a suspended license. He was issued a $7,500 bond and remained incarcerated at the time of his release. The arrest marks the first successful case for the agency’s newest K-9. Atlas, a 15-month-old sable-colored Belgian Malinois, received both state and national... Read More

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – A Walton County man was arrested for possession of methamphetamine Thursday evening. According to a news release, 49-year-old Roger Dwayne Dukes was stopped by a Walton County Sheriff’s Office deputy for having an expired vehicle registration; it was later discovered that Dukes had a suspended license. The deputy deployed WCSO’s […] Read More

Crestview Shooting Investigation Uncovers Illegal Weapons Cache Inside Apartment Staff Reports January 16, 2026 2:29 pm Crestview, Crime, Okaloosa County, Public Safety In Brief: A woman was injured when a firearm discharged during a Crestview disturbance on January 15. Deputies discovered seven firearms and ammunition during a search of the residence. Reginald Bradshaw was charged with possession of a weapon or ammo by a convicted felon. CRESTVIEW, Fla. — An investigation into a January shooting in the Crestview area has resulted in criminal charges against a local man after deputies uncovered multiple firearms inside an apartment. According to investigators, the incident occurred on January 15 at a residence on West James Lee Boulevard, where deputies responded to a reported disturbance. During the altercation, a woman holding a firearm allegedly struck another woman who had arrived at the apartment. The gun discharged during the confrontation, striking the victim in the shoulder. The victim’s injury was described as non-life-threatening. During the investigation, deputies identified 54-year-old Reginald Bradshaw as a convicted felon living at the residence. Bradshaw reportedly admitted to owning two additional firearms inside the home. A subsequent search warrant led deputies to recover seven firearms and assorted ammunition from the apartment. As a result, Bradshaw was charged with possession of a weapon or ammunition by a convicted felon. The investigation remains ongoing. More Local News DeFuniak Springs Bold Vision for Better Roads: Public Input Opens on Regional Transportation Blueprint Okaloosa County JD Peacock Launches Powerful Bid for Okaloosa School Board Okaloosa... Read More

Violent Night of Gunfire Leaves Shalimar Man Wounded as Deputies Launch Urgent Manhunt Staff Reports January 16, 2026 2:05 pm Crime, Okaloosa County, Public Safety In Brief: One man was shot multiple times outside his Shalimar home and hospitalized in stable condition. Deputies tracked a stolen suspect vehicle to Villa Russ Park using the Flock Safety Camera System. Investigators believe the shooting may be connected to an earlier shots-fired call in Fort Walton Beach. SHALIMAR, Fla. — Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office investigators are working two connected shooting incidents that occurred Thursday night, leaving one man injured and multiple vehicles damaged by gunfire. Deputies responded to a reported shooting on Oak Lane in Shalimar, where a man was found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds outside his home. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment and was last reported to be in stable condition. During the investigation, OCSO utilized the Flock Safety Camera System to track a suspect vehicle believed to be connected to the shooting. The vehicle was located inside Villa Russ Park and was later confirmed to have been reported stolen earlier in the evening. Investigators also determined that the Shalimar shooting may be connected to an earlier call for service on Shirley Drive near Fort Walton Beach. Deputies responded to reports of shots being fired in that area before the Shalimar incident. No injuries were reported, but two vehicles were struck by bullets. OCSO is asking anyone with information about either shooting to contact the Sheriff’s... Read More

“We cannot allow the bad stewardship and poor management of this program to continue.” Gaetz demands fiscal controls with passage of SB 318 Christopher Saul January 16, 2026 1:56 pm Schools and Education, State Government State Senator Don Gaetz’s SB 318 passed the Florida State Senate unanimously. Here’s what He said about the future of vouchers, private and public schools, should this bill pass the house and get signed into law by the governor. Christopher Saul interviewed Gaetz about the bill’s passage and what it would mean for students and families if it became law.    Christopher Saul: What does this bill mean for the future of school choice and the voucher program?   Senator Don Gaetz: “Well, it was a very good sign that the Senate passed the bill unanimously. School choice is not typically a topic that you can get unanimity on in the Senate or in the House, so I was very gratified that the Senate passed our bill.    Now what happens is that we began negotiations with our colleagues in the House to see if we can bring you know, bring this issue to some conclusion. We cannot allow the current state of affairs to continue because school districts are being shortchanged. Parents are placed at a disadvantage. They’re not getting their reimbursements in a timely fashion. Private schools are having difficulty. As we’ve discussed before, the current circumstances are untenable. There’s no way that we can continue to operate the school choice program the... Read More