WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – A new HBO and A24 TV series has shed light on the private beach controversy in Walton County. The reality show “Neighbors,” directed by Harrison Fishman and Dylan Redford, follows disputes among neighbors, with the first episode of the season released on Friday. In the episode, two neighbors in Montana […] Read More

Emotional Farewell, Powerful Future: The SS United States to Become a Massive Gulf Reef Staff Reports February 16, 2026 11:26 am Emerald Coast, Military, Okaloosa County In Brief: Who: Okaloosa County officials, Nick Tomacek, Coleen Marine What: Sinking the SS United States to create an artificial reef When: Planned for April, pending weather and Coast Guard inspections Where: 22 miles west of Destin-Fort Walton Beach in the Gulf Why: To create a marine habitat, boost tourism, and preserve the ship’s legacy in a new way OKALOOSA COUNTY — The historic SS United States is headed for a dramatic new chapter beneath the Gulf waters. According to a report by Fox 10 News and an article published in Cruise Industry News, Okaloosa County officials are preparing to sink the legendary ocean liner this April, transforming the once-record-breaking passenger ship into what is expected to become the world’s largest artificial reef. The vessel, which will be deployed approximately 22 miles west of Destin-Fort Walton Beach, was acquired by Okaloosa County in 2023 as part of a long-term effort to expand the area’s artificial reef program and enhance marine habitat and tourism opportunities. Built in 1952, the SS United States once symbolized American engineering might and luxury ocean travel. Out of service since 1969, the ship spent most of the last three decades docked at a commercial pier in Philadelphia before being relocated to Mobile, Alabama, where it is now undergoing final preparations for its assisted sinking. Extensive Cleanup Underway Before the ship... Read More

Walton tourism representatives say commission ignores advice at county’s financial peril Steven Saul February 16, 2026 10:50 am 30a, South Walton, Walton County Even though Walton County’s economic outlook revolves around tourism – local tourism leaders on the Tourism Development Council (TDC) accuse the Walton Board of County Commissioners (BCC) of ignoring their input – they say, to their peril.  The issue, tourism leaders say, came to a head over the BCC’s decision to purchase a parcel of land near the Eastern Lake Coastal Dunes for almost $10 million – only to decide against improving it for tourism purposes. The decision to leave the parcel as-is followed a contentious meeting in which the property’s neighbors came out in force to oppose planned improvements, including a parking lot and other amenities, to make the land more accessible to locals and tourists.  The Walton Tourism Development Council is made up of members who are typically experts in tourism and are appointed by various elected officials, including the Board of County Commissioners, for terms concurrent with their appointers.  TDC acting chair Amy Wise-Coble expressed her displeasure with the commission’s decision to use tourism development funds to purchase the land, and then bow to pressure to leave the parcel alone. She added in an interview after the meeting that she believes the county’s decision to skip the part of the decision-making process that involves the TDC meant the BCC has put themselves at risk for more SNAFUs where they decide to buy property with... Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – The smell of spices filled downtown Panama City as food lovers gathered for gumbopalooza. “You put all that effort into something, seeing them smiling faces or that warm bowl of gumbo. Nothing better, nothing better”, Seth Carpenter, manager of ‘El Weirdo’s, said. The food was a big draw, with staff […] Read More