I’m not making a New Year’s Resolution – This is What I’m Doing Instead Steven Saul December 30, 2025 10:23 am Religion Many of us are likely familiar with the southern tradition of preparing black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day.  This practice is believed to bring good luck for the year ahead.  A more familiar tradition for most is the creation of resolutions to signify a commitment to change something in our daily routine or, in other instances, to add a practice that will lead to better health or an improved way of life.  Exercise.com notes that the busiest month of the year for new gym memberships and exercise is January.  They believe the spike is due to all the New Year’s resolutions made the week before.   I am not a big fan of making resolutions because of my lack of commitment or determination in past efforts.  In a recent sermon, I fessed up and told the congregation that I would not be making any resolutions this week.  Bottom line, it’s my track record (from past years’ failures) that’s a bigger deterrent than anything else.   ut if you are so inclined, that’s awesome! January 1 gives each of us a new start.   But this day also has a way of marking time.  Many of us know where we’ve spent our past New Year’s eves and the highlights of those celebrations.  We remember those significant others, many times family and friends, that ring in the New Year with us.   As important... Read More

Emerald Coast Rings in the New Year with Fireworks and Festivities Staff Reports December 30, 2025 9:39 am Emerald Coast, Events, Okaloosa County, Walton County In Brief: Who: Residents, visitors, families, and tourists across the Emerald Coast What: New Year’s Eve celebrations featuring fireworks, live music, and entertainment When: December 31, with early evening family fireworks and midnight countdowns Where: Fort Walton Beach (Okaloosa Island), Destin, Walton County, and Crestview Why: To celebrate the arrival of the New Year with community-wide festivities Residents and visitors across the Emerald Coast will have no shortage of ways to ring in the New Year, with multiple cities hosting fireworks displays, live music, and family-friendly festivities stretching from Okaloosa Island to Walton County and Crestview. In Fort Walton Beach, The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island is expected to once again serve as a centerpiece for New Year’s Eve celebrations. Fireworks are typically scheduled twice — an earlier family-friendly show around 9 p.m., followed by a midnight display to welcome the New Year. Guests can enjoy waterfront dining, live music, and views from the beach, restaurants, or the fishing pier. Just east, Destin will host one of the region’s largest New Year’s Eve events at HarborWalk Village, where fireworks are planned for 8 p.m. and again at midnight over Destin Harbor. The evening includes live music, entertainment, and a bustling crowd ringing in the New Year along the waterfront. Additional celebrations are expected at Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin, which traditionally offers live bands, a family countdown,... Read More

Glen Powell And Michelle Randolph Were Spotted Vacationing Together One Month After Dating Rumors Started Swirling Back in late November, Landman actress Michelle Randolph and Chad Powers actor Glen Powell were first linked after a TikTok video of the two went viral. The clip showed them dancing closely together at a bar in Powell’s hometown […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)- The holiday travel warnings and safety tips aren’t over yet. New Year’s Eve celebrations are expected to bring lots of people to our area; some might be visiting, others may be traveling back home after spending time with their families during the holiday season. Either way, the roads are expected to […] Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – On November 24th, News 13 and Bill Cramer Cheverlot GMC kicked off its 42nd Annual Salvation Army Empty Stocking Fund. The end goal: Raise $200,000 to support the Salvation Army’s many initiatives in our community. On Monday morning, we had around $176,000. However, a generous donor known as ‘John 3:16’ […] Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Whether it’s advancing a career or starting a new one, certificate programs are giving students a faster path to success. These short-term programs focus on earning credentials in months instead of years. This January, Bay County Emergency Services is offering a community emergency response team certificate to residents. The program […] Read More

Country music has long been known for its duets, and in recent years, artists have begun to reach beyond genre lines to collaborate with artists from different facets of the industry. The approach allows them to reach a broader audience and often creates a new, unique sound. Over the last year, some of country music’s […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Christmas decorations are coming down across Bay County, but fire officials say one item shouldn’t stick around for long. Real Christmas trees. As the weeks go by, these trees dry out, making them highly flammable and dangerous inside homes. The National Fire Protection Association says more than 150 home fires […] Read More

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) – Fireworks light up the sky this time of year, but the celebration can quickly turn dangerous. From burns to dumpster fires, officials say many of these incidents are preventable. The safest place to light fireworks is in an empty lot or in a driveway. Make sure you’re away from your […] Read More

LYNN HAVEN, Fla. (WMBB) – Lynn Haven city leaders have identified their top choice for Police Chief. They narrowed their search to Lewis Blanchard after reviewing three finalists for the position. Blanchard is the current chief of staff with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office in Augusta, Georgia. The city began the selection a few months […] Read More