BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Sunday’s sunset brought together neighbors, families, and activists in a quiet but powerful display of remembrance and solidarity. At Carl Gray Park, dozens lit candles, sang together, and sat in silence. Honoring not only Renee Good, but all lives touched by federal immigration enforcement. The vigil followed the national outcry […] Read More

GULF COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – The Florida Highway Patrol responded to a fatal crash on Saturday night involving a single vehicle rollover in Gulf County. According to a news release, at around 11:44 p.m., a pickup truck driven by a 40-year-old Crystal River, Florida woman was traveling westbound on County Road 381, east of Shady […] Read More

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – A cold weather emergency shelter will open this Sunday, January 11, at the DeFuniak Springs Community Center, located at 361 N. 10th Street. According to organizers, the shelter will open from 5 p.m. to 7 a.m for those in need of a warm, safe place. Individuals are encouraged to provide […] Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Hundreds lined up in Panama City Beach for a cold dip in the water. But it was all for a good cause. The Salty Goat Saloon hosted its 10th Annual Polar Plunge on Saturday. All of the proceeds from the plunge go to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, in honor […] Read More

It’s been a warm and sunny day across the region, with highs this afternoon near 80 degrees for inland areas and upper 70s along the coast. Western counties have seen scattered showers and storms as a cold front continues to move through the Panhandle. This cold front will continue to weaken as it moves east […] Read More

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Alaqua Animal Refuge has a new program, focused on fueling those who fuel them. The “Nourish Alaqua” program is their new wellness initiative to help strengthen the emotional and physical well-being of staff members. The program kicked off with a bonfire for employees on Thursday. Local restaurants have stepped up […] Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – The recall election against Lynn Haven Mayor Jesse Nelson has been canceled after Nelson announced his resignation late Friday evening in an email to Interim City Manager Chris Lightfoot. The Bay County Supervisor of Elections Office confirmed on Saturday that his resignation means the recall election has been canceled. Nelson […] Read More

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Earlier this week, the state of Florida awarded a number of rural infrastructure grants. Washington County was awarded $3.5 million. This grant will be used to stabilize and improve a little over 4 miles of roadway. The roadway is Holmes Valley Road south of Vernon. In a statement provided to […] Read More

Lights, Camera, Futures: Okaloosa Schools Roll Out a Free VPK Movie Experience Staff Reports January 10, 2026 11:40 am Okaloosa County, Schools and Education In Brief: Who: Okaloosa County School District, Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation, Early Learning Coalition of the Emerald Coast What: Free Kindergarten & VPK Registration Family Movie Afternoon When: Sunday, February 1, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Where: Regal Cinemas Santa Rosa, Mary Esther Why: To support families and make the transition to kindergarten easier and more engaging OKALOOSA COUNTY — The Okaloosa County School District is partnering with the Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation and the Early Learning Coalition of the Emerald Coast to host a free Kindergarten and Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) Registration Family Movie Afternoon aimed at helping families prepare for the transition to school. The event will take place on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at Regal Cinemas Santa Rosa, located at 300 Mary Esther Boulevard. Doors open at 2 p.m., and families with children enrolling in VPK or kindergarten are encouraged to attend. Organizers say the family-friendly afternoon is designed to celebrate early learning milestones while making the registration process easier and more welcoming for parents. “Our goal is to make the transition to kindergarten welcoming, supportive, and engaging for families,” said Amy Dale, director of elementary curriculum for the Okaloosa County School District. Families who attend will receive complimentary movie tickets, with a maximum of three per household, along with a children’s snack pack. District staff and early learning partners will be on-site to assist... Read More

Critical East Pass Navigation Aids Face Urgent, High-Stakes Replacement Staff Reports January 10, 2026 10:55 am Destin, Emerald Coast, Okaloosa County, Public Safety, State Government, Tourism, Travel In Brief: Who: Congressman Jimmy Patronis, U.S. Coast Guard, Okaloosa County Commissioner Drew Palmer What: Commitment to replace damaged Aids to Navigation (ATONs) When: Commitment announced January 9, 2026; contract planned for 2026 Where: East Pass, Destin, Florida Why: To improve maritime safety and protect a vital economic and recreational waterway WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Jimmy Patronis announced Friday that the U.S. Coast Guard has committed to restoring critical navigational infrastructure at East Pass, the heavily traveled waterway connecting Destin Harbor to the Gulf of America. The commitment includes replacing damaged or missing Aids to Navigation, known as ATONs, which play a key role in guiding vessels safely through the pass. East Pass supports a high volume of commercial fishing boats, charter operations, recreational traffic, and emergency responders, making reliable navigation essential for both safety and economic activity in the region. Patronis thanked the Commandant of the United States Coast Guard for prioritizing the issue, emphasizing the importance of the waterway to Northwest Florida’s coastal communities. “These ATONs are essential to the safety of our mariners, first responders, and the residents and visitors who rely on our waterways every day,” Patronis said in a statement. “I am grateful to the Commandant for recognizing the importance of this issue and the men and women of the Coast Guard who protect our borders.” Okaloosa County... Read More