TALLAHASSEE (WMBB) – Florida Decides Healthcare, a political committee sponsoring a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at expanding Medicaid coverage, was quick to turn its eyes to 2028 as the state declared an end to all initiative petition drives for the November ballot. With litigation ongoing, Smart & Safe Florida, seeking to put recreational marijuana on […] Read More

Eglin AFB Services Limited Amid Government Furlough Staff Reports February 2, 2026 3:10 pm Aviation, Eglin Air Force Base, Government, Military In Brief: Multiple services and facilities at Eglin Air Force Base are either limited or closed due to furlough and government shutdown. The 96th Force Support Squadron, 96th Medical Group, and 96th Civil Engineer Group report staffing reductions and potential delays. Outdoor recreation permits remain available, but visitors are advised to check office availability before visiting. EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. — The ongoing government shutdown and associated furloughs have affected several customer service areas at Eglin Air Force Base. Base leadership is advising personnel and visitors about limited services and closures across multiple departments. The 96th Force Support Squadron will operate with reduced staffing. Some services are limited, including Bayview Event Center (self-service only), Breeze dining facility (fewer stations, longer wait times), Field House and Lightning fitness centers, and Testing Services for CLEP, DSST, and Prometric exams. Airmen needing WAPS testing are advised to contact the Education Center to reschedule. Other areas like Marketing and DEERS/ID cards are operating with reduced staff, which may result in longer wait times. Several facilities are closed until further notice, including the library, pool, beach park at Post’l Point, Youth Center, School Liaison Office, Military and Family Readiness Center, Civilian Personnel Office, Education Center, Manpower, and Training Center. The 96th Medical Group warned of minor extended wait times for appointments and potential delays in medical evaluation board timelines and active-duty medical clearances.... Read More

Local Hospital Earns Prestigious Statewide Distinction Staff Reports February 2, 2026 2:41 pm Emerald Coast, Health, South Walton, Walton County In Brief: Sacred Heart Emerald Coast earned a place on Newsweek’s Best-in-State Hospitals list for the second consecutive year. The hospital continues to receive high ratings for quality care and patient recommendations. Regional health statistics on leading causes of death and stroke hospitalizations illustrate ongoing community health needs. MIRAMAR BEACH, Fla. — Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast has once again been recognized as one of Florida’s top hospitals, earning a spot on Newsweek’s 2026 Best-in-State Hospitals list for the second year in a row. The hospital is one of just 30 facilities statewide to receive the distinction and is the only hospital in the tri-county area featured on the list. “This award reflects the level of quality our care teams provide to our patients,” said Trey Abshier, president and CEO of Sacred Heart Emerald Coast. “We appreciate their work and our patients who recognize these associates by sharing their positive experiences.” The annual Newsweek rankings — developed in partnership with Statista — evaluated more than 800 hospitals across the United States using updated criteria that include expanded quality metrics, broader accreditation coverage, expert recommendations, and increased emphasis on care quality and patient-reported outcome measures. In addition to this statewide recognition, Sacred Heart Emerald Coast consistently earns national praise for maternity care and recently received a four-star overall hospital quality rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, including a... Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Inside the Salvation Army food pantry, shelves that once stayed stocked are now sparse and bare. “We need everything, everything that we can put together. Boxes and families can take home and be easy for them to put meals together for the family,” Salvation Army Captain Niurka Pena said. Salvation […] Read More

The Artist Thanked His Wife And Jesus Instead Of Speaking On Politics During His Grammy Acceptance Speech It wasn’t too long ago that the name Jelly Roll would first be mistaken for a cake in a cookbook before being recognized as a singer, but he’s now one of the biggest names in entertainment. Part of […] More Country Music Nation  Read More