TALLAHASSEE — A federal appeals court Thursday agreed to speed up consideration of a closely watched case about a 2024 Florida law designed to prevent children from having access to certain social-media sites. The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals granted a request by the tech-industry groups NetChoice and the Computer & Communications Industry Association […] Read More

  The holidays in Panama City beach are truly unmatched! From larger-than-life Christmas displays and sparkling lights to festive markets, the beach transforms into a wonderland of cheer. Whether you’re checking off your annual traditions or creating new ones, you’ll find countless ways to celebrate,   Read More

Country Artist Sings Hymn To Point To The Reason For The Season Country singer Warren Zeiders’ latest single is his take on a hymn that transcends time and genre… and, in which by being about Jesus, it’s proving to be perfect for Christmas. “How Great Thou Art” may be one of the most recognizable songs […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) – The Panama City Boat Parade of Lights is getting ready to set sail for its 39th year this Saturday, December 13. Hosted by Destination Panama City, the parade itself will begin at 5:30 p.m. and last until 7:30 p.m. This year’s event will kick off at St. Andrews Bay Yacht […] Read More

Business leaders urge Okaloosa County to renew half-cent infrastructure surtax Collin Bestor December 12, 2025 8:00 am Okaloosa County In Brief: Chamber leaders urged Okaloosa County commissioners to place a renewal of the half-cent surtax on the November 2026 ballot, arguing it has funded critical road, stormwater, and public safety projects. The tax has generated more than $136 million and secured $279 million in matching grants, with over half of the revenue coming from tourists rather than local residents. Commissioners signaled support and plan to take up the ballot language early next year, as business leaders push for a 10-year extension of the surtax through 2038.       CRESTVIEW — Leaders from chambers of commerce across Okaloosa County appeared before county commissioners this week to urge placing a renewal of the county’s half-cent surtax on the November 2026 ballot, arguing that the tax has delivered millions in infrastructure improvements and leveraged significant outside funding.   Gordon King, chairman of the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce, addressed commissioners with a presentation outlining what he called the surtax’s measurable successes since voters first approved it in 2018.   “It’s an honor to be before you today,” King said, appearing with several chamber and business leaders. He noted that the Chamber of Commerce “would like to ask for your consideration” in renewing the tax for an additional 10 years beginning in 2029.   King highlighted more than $136 million raised through the surtax to date, which he said allowed the... Read More

Okaloosa County approves concept plans for new youth sports complex in Baker Collin Bestor December 12, 2025 7:30 am Okaloosa County In Brief: Three to four new multipurpose athletic fields LED lighting, improved drainage, and stabilized parking Future plans include walking trail, playground, and concession stand CRESTVIEW — Plans to significantly expand recreation opportunities in Baker moved forward Tuesday as the Okaloosa County Commission approved the conceptual layout for a new multipurpose athletic complex adjacent to the existing Baker Athletic Complex on Charlie Day Road.   The county purchased the 10-acre parcel in March 2021, creating more than 130 acres of contiguous county-owned property bordered by roads on three sides. After meeting with the Baker Area Youth Association (BAYA), county staff identified a significant shortage of dedicated multipurpose fields, as football and soccer teams often practice on baseball and softball fields.   Parks Director Jeff Peters told commissioners the first phase of the project focuses on addressing that need.   “This is a multipurpose athletic complex addition to what’s already there,” Peters said. “Their biggest need is a multipurpose field. Soccer, football, they don’t have that… So our goal was to design a multipurpose complex that can be utilized for the kids to play those types of sports.” $1.261 Million Phase 1 Plan Under the conceptual layout, Phase 1 would cost $1.261 million and deliver three to four multipurpose athletic fields, lighting, drainage improvements, stabilized parking and a restroom facility. The phased approach is designed to meet budget constraints while... Read More

Okaloosa County allocates $5M to cap remaining dirt roads in “50 in 5” project Collin Bestor December 12, 2025 7:00 am Okaloosa County In Brief: 52 miles of dirt roads set for asphalt capping $5 million allocation approved for project completion Nearly 200 miles already stabilized, surpassing original goal CRESTVIEW — Okaloosa County Commissioners on Tuesday approved a $5 million allocation to finish capping the remaining stabilized dirt roads in the county’s long-running “50 in 5” road improvement initiative, a project officials say has far exceeded its original expectations.   Public Works Director Scott Bitterman noted the department’s multi-year effort to convert county-maintained dirt roads into safer, more durable paved corridors. He then turned the floor over to Road Division Chief Rob Vandenbrock, who has overseen much of the on-the-ground implementation.   “We’ve stabilized 200 miles, and about 148 of those miles have been capped,” said Vandenbrock. “This $5 million asked here is to cap the remaining 52, and we’ll be out of the quasi dirt business.”   Commissioners praised the project’s success, which began as an effort by then-Commissioner Nathan Boyles to stabilize 50 miles of dirt roads in five years.   Instead, crews identified and stabilized roughly 200 miles, and 148 miles have already been capped with asphalt. The work is designed to improve safety, reduce erosion and cut recurring maintenance costs. Commissioner Carolyn Ketchel expressed enthusiasm for the project’s impact.   “I feel like we should name this the ‘Nathan Boyles Amendment’…he really championed this. So I’m... Read More

Jelly Roll Shares He Wants To Petition His Right To Possess A Firearm Jelly Roll shared he intends to formally petition the government to restore his legal right to possess a rifle for hunting purposes. The country star appeared on the Joe Rogan Experience, where he discussed the conditions of his parole, which currently prohibit […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

Deadly Morning Shooting in DeFuniak Springs Leads to Murder Charge Staff Reports December 11, 2025 5:30 pm Crime, DeFuniak Springs, Walton County In Brief: A 41-year-old Crestview man died after being shot Thursday morning in DeFuniak Springs. Deputies arrested 44-year-old Michael Rediker on charges including murder, battery, and aggravated assault. The investigation remains active as authorities work to determine what led to the shooting. A Thursday morning shooting in DeFuniak Springs has left a Crestview man dead and another man facing a murder charge, according to the Walton County Sheriff’s Office. Just after 10 a.m., deputies responded to a frantic 911 call reporting that someone had been shot near the intersection of Caswell Road and Pioneer Drive. When they arrived, they found a 41-year-old Crestview man suffering from a single gunshot wound to the head. Walton County Fire Rescue rushed the victim to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries. Deputies quickly identified the suspect as 44-year-old Michael Rediker of Pioneer Drive. Rediker was taken into custody and is now charged with an open count of murder, battery, and three counts of aggravated assault. He was booked into the Walton County Jail. The investigation remains active, and authorities say additional details will be released as they become available. More Local News Okaloosa County Business leaders urge Okaloosa County to renew half-cent infrastructure surtax Okaloosa County Okaloosa County approves concept plans for new youth sports complex in Baker Okaloosa County Okaloosa County allocates $5M to cap remaining dirt... Read More

Niceville City Council Talks Purple Pipes and Special Needs Parks Cost Increases Christopher Saul December 11, 2025 1:33 pm Niceville In Brief: Special Needs Park Upgrades: Field of Dreams park at Meigs faces a construction delay and requires an additional $700,000 due to over-budget bids. Reclaimed Water Project: The ‘purple piping’ project to bring reclaimed water to Deer Moss Creek and east Niceville is on track for a Q3 2026 hookup. Project Progress & Benefits: Public Works Director Jonathon Laird provided a positive update, noting that reclaimed water can save homeowners money and conserve the city’s limited drinkable water supply. Niceville’s Council met on Tuesday to discuss a delay in construction due to rising costs for the park designed especially for children with special needs, and to provide a progress update on reclaimed water piping to the east side of town. Leadership: Special needs park will cost more than planned City employees brought news that the Field of Dreams special needs park upgrades for Meigs Park will cost significantly more than initially thought.  City Manager David Deitch told the council he believes the additional construction costs will require an estimated $700,000 in contributions from the city’s and county’s coffers.  “The construction bid came in way over budget,” Deitch said, “So, [the project] is moving slowly as we try and find the money.” Deitch noted that the Deputy County Administrator in charge of the project will also appear before the commission to request additional funding to complete it. Reclaimed water will... Read More