BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Destination Panama City leaders reviewed their fiscal year 2025 audit findings Tuesday, which found no internal control deficiencies or instances of non-compliance. It’s the agency’s 10th successful audit in its 10 years of existence. Destination PC officials attributed the success to strong financial oversight. CEO and President Jennifer Vigil, Secretary […] Read More

HOLMES COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – A Holmes County man was sentenced to 45 years in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree murder on Tuesday. According to a news release, 32-year-old Anthony Lee Hicks Jr. decided to plead guilty as potential jurors gathered for jury selection. Hicks was accused of shooting and killing 25-year-old Marcus Kale […] Read More

Powerful Federal Sting Uncovers Massive Cocaine Operation on the Water Staff Reports January 20, 2026 5:26 pm Crime, Florida In Brief: Authorities say a Marathon charter captain sold cocaine to undercover officers during a sting. Investigators seized 23 kilograms of cocaine, cash, a firearm, and a vessel. The case remains under investigation, with potential additional arrests pending. MARATHON, Fla. — A longtime Florida Keys charter boat captain is behind bars after federal investigators say he sold cocaine to undercover officers as part of a multi-agency maritime drug trafficking operation. Authorities identified the suspect as Bradford Todd Picariello, 65, of Marathon, who was arrested January 19, 2026, following an undercover sting that allegedly exposed a large-scale cocaine distribution network tied to boating activity in the Keys. According to investigators, Picariello sold one kilogram of cocaine to undercover detectives in exchange for $10,000 in cash. During the transaction, authorities say Picariello claimed the narcotics had been recovered at sea — a tactic commonly linked to maritime smuggling operations. Following the arrest, law enforcement executed search warrants that led to the seizure of approximately 23 kilograms of cocaine, a 38-foot vessel believed to have been used in the operation, $8,000 in cash, and a .40-caliber handgun. Picariello is now facing federal drug trafficking charges, including counts related to the sale and possession of cocaine. The arrest has sent shockwaves through the Marathon community, where Picariello has been a familiar figure for decades. He operated Outlaw Sport Fishing, a family-run charter business that has... Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Inside Gulf Coast State College’s gallery space, art meets reflection.Engines of Dominion, a new exhibit by artist Kevin Haran, invites visitors to take a closer look at the forces that have shaped modern society. “The artist has a lot of military, family, military background. So his art is always kind […] Read More

The Donation Amounts To Over $35,000 In Instruments A key advantage of being in school is a student’s access to the resources available through the institution. That can include athletic gear and facilities, woodshop, and even science labs. Musical instruments can also be found at many schools. However, for a new orchestra program at a […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

Local Hero Recognized: Crestview Names 2026 Citizen of the Year Staff Reports January 20, 2026 1:53 pm Crestview In Brief: Who: Forrest “Joey” Tinklepaugh Jr., City of Crestview, Citizen of the Year Committee What: Mae Reatha Coleman Citizen of the Year Award When: January 12, 2026 Where: Crestview City Council meeting, Crestview, Florida Why: To recognize outstanding community service, charitable work, and civic involvement CRESTVIEW, Fla. — Forrest “Joey” Tinklepaugh Jr. has been named Crestview’s 2026 Mae Reatha Coleman Citizen of the Year, recognizing his lasting impact on the community through service, generosity, and local involvement. The honor was announced Jan. 12 during a ceremony held before the Crestview City Council meeting, where dozens of community members gathered to celebrate Tinklepaugh’s contributions. A longtime Main Street business owner, Tinklepaugh is widely known for supporting local nonprofits, schools, clubs, and community events. His efforts range from sponsoring youth activities to helping families in need, earning him a reputation for kindness and civic leadership. Among his most popular initiatives is the annual Polar Express movie night at the Crestview Community Center, which provides families with a free holiday movie experience complete with hot chocolate and popcorn. He also sponsors the Mr. and Mrs. Claus float in the Main Street Crestview Association’s Christmas Parade, helping bring holiday cheer to thousands of residents across Crestview and surrounding communities. In addition to organizing events, Tinklepaugh creates memorial jewelry and medallions for families who have lost loved ones, offering comfort through meaningful keepsakes. April Rencich, a... Read More