PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) – Many Panama City residents have been anxiously awaiting the opening of the MLK Rec Center. The new state-of-the-art facility has a fitness center, gym, STEM lab, teaching kitchen, and more. However, just hours after residents got a first look at the new ‘Rec’, their excitement was met with frustration. “[Monday], […] Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Florida’s school voucher system provides public funds for families who choose to educate students using alternative or private methods. The goal was to provide low-income students and others with more options. Participation in the program increased statewide over the last few years. But a recent audit on the Florida Department […] Read More

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Apalachicola residents and city leaders packed the city’s meeting room Tuesday to hear State Representative Jason Shoaf and State Senator Corey Simon propose a bill about the future of the city’s water system. The legislation would create a new ‘Apalachicola Water and Sewer District,’ giving the state full control over […] Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – A bridge in Southport is getting a complete makeover, and Bay County commissioners are happy they won’t be paying for it. On Tuesday, county commissioners approved an agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation for the replacement of a small bridge stretching over Fannin Bayou. The bridge located on County […] Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Every year, Bay County and the Florida Forestry Service examine their plan of action against wildfire. Officials learn from each fire season. So, the plan is constantly evolving to make the adjustments necessary to protect the community. County officials approved the final draft for the 2026 plan on Tuesday. The […] Read More

FLORIDA –  A federal judge on Tuesday refused to dismiss most of a First Amendment lawsuit filed by a former Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission biologist who was fired because of a social-media post after the murder of conservative leader Charlie Kirk. U.S. District Judge Mark Walker dismissed part of the lawsuit in which […] Read More

CCA Florida and Okaloosa County Team Up for Redfish Release Staff Reports December 16, 2025 5:46 pm Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa County, Wildlife In Brief: Who: Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Coastal Conservation Association Florida (CCA), Paul Mixon, Brian Gorski What: Released 25,000 juvenile redfish to improve populations and ecosystem health When: Tuesday, December 16, 2025 Where: Cinco Bayou, Okaloosa County, Florida Why: To address declining redfish populations, enhance habitats, and support local fisheries Okaloosa County, FL — In a major boost for Northwest Florida fisheries, Destin-Fort Walton Beach, in partnership with the Coastal Conservation Association Florida (CCA), released 25,000 juvenile redfish into Cinco Bayou on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025. The effort, part of a multi-year collaboration, is designed to address declining redfish populations and enhance local habitats for one of Florida’s most popular inshore fish species. “We appreciate this continued partnership with CCA Florida to promote the long-term health of our bay and bayous,” said Okaloosa County Board Chairman Paul Mixon. “While this species is popular among our local anglers, it will also enhance area habitats and protect numerous species that add to the overall wellness of a robust ecosystem.” The redfish released measured between two and four inches in length and can take about three years to reach 26 inches. Known also as red drum, spottail, red bass, or channel bass, redfish can live up to 40 years. “Returning to Choctawhatchee Bay for a third redfish release is a proud moment for our organization,” said Brian Gorski, Executive Director of... Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – It’s that time of year, late fall and winter, when flu activity typically increases. “When it gets colder outside, it has a lot to do with being indoors. A lot of us get a little bit of a compromised immune system when it gets colder outside, and we’re all in […] Read More

Deputies Probe Possible Link Between Fort Walton Shootings Staff Reports December 16, 2025 5:27 pm Crime, Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa County In Brief: Deputies responded to a shooting on Fenwick Drive, where multiple rounds were fired at a pedestrian who was not located. Several nearby homes and properties were struck by gunfire during the incident. Investigators believe the shooting may be connected to a separate incident on Dates Avenue the day before that injured two people. The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting after multiple rounds were fired at a pedestrian walking along Fenwick Drive in Fort Walton Beach on December 13. According to the Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred shortly before 5 p.m. Deputies responded to the area but were unable to locate the intended victim. While canvassing the neighborhood, deputies discovered that several nearby homes and properties had been struck by gunfire. Investigators believe the shooting may be connected to a separate incident that occurred the previous day on Dates Avenue, where two individuals were injured. Officials have not released additional details about the suspected link between the two cases, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation. No arrests have been announced, and it remains unclear whether the pedestrian was injured. The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information related to the incident to contact OCSO at 850-651-7400. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers by calling 863-TIPS, visiting EmeraldCoastCrimeStoppers.com, or using the P3 Tips mobile app. This is a... Read More

Two days after legendary director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele, were found deceased, their son has formally been charged. Rob Reiner, 78, and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, 68, died Sunday (December 14) at their home in Brentwood, California. Their bodies were found by their daughter, Romy, on Sunday afternoon and their son, Nick, […] More Country Music Nation  Read More