Stokes named Niceville Firefighter of the Year Christopher Saul January 14, 2026 9:35 am Niceville Niceville Firefighters voted Firefighter Chris Stokes their Firefighter of the Year for 2025.  Niceville Fire Chief Alex Kukulus presented Stokes, a department member since 2024, his award and medal at the January City Council Meeting in front of his shift and citizens gathered for the event. “He was overwhelmingly chosen by his peers,” Kukulus said of Stokes, “It’s notable as a new firefighter to be selected as the Firefighter of the Year… I see him myself, just his positive attitude, his energy. He’s always out there, training. He raises his hand to be a part of things. He’s on several committees already, so I couldn’t be happier to have him.”   Stokes serves the city as a Firefighter/EMT and is working towards his Paramedic certification at Northwest Florida State College. He’s a 2019 graduate from Niceville High School, where he played on the Varsity Soccer team.  “Chris is an example of a Hometown Hero and a real NHS success story in that he chose a career that gives back and serves his community,” said Niceville High School Principal Charlie Morello. Currently, Niceville is working toward having enough Paramedics on its staff to become ALS certified. This certification, carried by most of the cities in Okaloosa County, provides city residents with an advanced level of care quicker than they have now.  RELATED: Niceville fire chief talks about the future of the department.    More Local News... Read More

Actor Kiefer Sutherland Was Arrested In Los Angeles Kiefer Sutherland was arrested in Los Angeles, California, early on Monday (January 12th). CNN reports that shortly after midnight on the 12th, the Los Angeles Police responded to a report of an assault at an intersection near Hollywood Hills. NBC 4 Los Angeles relayed the specific location […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

LYNN HAVEN, Fla. (WMBB) – Lynn Haven’s mayoral seat is officially filled after former mayor Jesse Nelson resigned late Friday evening, bringing the recall process to a halt. Nelson announced his resignation in an email to interim city manager Chris Lightfoot. Just hours earlier, Nelson had dismissed a lawsuit he filed against local business owner […] Read More

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Firefighters are trained to run towards danger, but the job carries hidden risks as long as the flames are out. “If I could and just begin with acknowledging the loss of our firefighter from this past year, Firefighter Dan Corcoran. Of course, his family carries the burden of that loss […] Read More

LYNN HAVEN, Fla. (WMBB) – Lynn Haven city commissioners got a surprise visit from some lawyers on Tuesday evening. During their city commission meeting, attorneys for former City Manager Vicki Gainer served commissioners her lawsuit against the city. The lawsuit claims eight counts, including violation of the Equal Pay Act, hostile working environment based on […] Read More

Marshals Set To Join The Yellowstone Universe Coming to CBS in 2026, Marshals is set to expand the Yellowstone universe with a new chapter centered on Kayce Dutton. The series follows John Dutton’s son as he takes a decisive turn in his life, joining an elite team of U.S. Marshals. Luke Grimes is returning to the role and has […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – A Santa Rosa Beach man was arrested on drug charges after running a stop sign on Monday. According to a news release, just after 10 p.m., a Walton County Sheriff’s Office deputy stopped a truck after the driver went through a stop sign on J.D Miller Road near Frito Lane. […] Read More

PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WMBB) – “I take responsibility for my shortcomings in my leadership of Mr. Lee,” Visit Panama City Beach President and CEO Dan Rowe said. Rowe is taking a step back from his role following the recent arrest of his employee, Aaron Lee. “I believe it’s in the best interests of the […] Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – During the Bay District School Board meeting on Tuesday, officials announced that the Athletics and Extracurricular Activities Department has officially launched their high school-specific mobile apps. According to BDS officials, it’s now available for the community to download, just search for the school’s name on the Google Play and Apple […] Read More

JACKSON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – A group of Cottondale residents showed up at the Jackson County Commission meeting Tuesday morning, prepared to argue against the county granting a development order for the Windwood RV Park. The developer presented the original plans back in June, which included a park that would accommodate up to 55 RVs. […] Read More