Critical Tax Support Returns to Eglin AFB With Volunteer Drive Staff Reports January 20, 2026 10:06 am Eglin Air Force Base, Hurlburt Field, Military In Brief: Who: Eglin Air Force Base personnel, civilians, retirees, dependents, and IRS-certified volunteers What: Free tax preparation and volunteer recruitment for the 2026 filing season When: Jan. 20 through April 18, 2026 Where: Building 451, North 2nd Street, Eglin Air Force Base Why: To provide accessible tax filing assistance and ensure accurate returns for the base community EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. — The Eglin Air Force Base Tax Center has officially reopened for the 2026 tax season, offering free tax preparation and e-filing services to eligible base personnel and their families through mid-April. The Tax Center opened Jan. 20 and will operate through April 18, providing IRS-certified volunteer assistance to active-duty members, civilians, retirees, and dependents. Services include federal and state tax filing, with most refunds issued within 21 days. In addition to serving taxpayers, the Tax Center is actively seeking volunteers to help meet demand during the busy filing season. No prior tax experience is required, and all volunteers will receive training and certification. Participants commit to a four-hour shift once per week between Jan. 20 and April 15. With supervisor approval, the Tax Center also qualifies as an alternate duty location for base personnel. Appointments are available Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 8–11 a.m. and 12:30–4:30 p.m. Wednesdays are reserved for walk-in clients with basic tax returns, excluding more complex filings... Read More

DeFuniak Springs Debates the Future of Their Fire Department Steven Saul January 20, 2026 8:11 am DeFuniak Springs, Walton County The City Council of DeFuniak Springs is having difficulty funding the city’s fire department.   But with the costs of maintaining the fire service “in-house” increasing, the city’s projections indicate a city-operated department may become unaffordable.  In his presentation to the City Council, City Manager Koby Townsend noted that the projected cost for the Fire Department in the current year exceeds $1.9 million – most spent on personnel. Equipment, training and facilities. The City Council has been briefed over the last year on the physical condition of the fire station, which city leaders say, based on a recent building inspection, needs significant repair and maintenance. Mayor Pro-Tem Amy Heavilin even commented at the meeting this week that the city’s fire station has a problem with black mold. RELATED: Is this the end for the Valparaiso Fire Department?   Regular maintenance and maintenance of the highest standards is essential for a proficient Insurance Services Office or ISO score. The ISO score is supposed to be an objective score that rates how well a local fire department can serve its community. Scores are between 1 and 10 – and are determined by variables like number of firefighters, resources and abilities the department brings to the table.  Currently, DeFuniak has an ISO score of ‘5’ according to Fire Chief  Ross Sheffield.  In his presentation to the City Council, he added that he is meeting with... Read More

  Planning a visit to the sun kissed shores of Panama City Beach? Get ready to dive into a thriving food scene built on locally owned and operated restaurants, each bringing its own personality and passion to the table. From cozy hidden gems to lively beachfront favorites, these spots are woven into   Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Panama City residents are invited to weigh in on the future of local parks on Tuesday. The Panama City Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee is hosting its third of four town halls this month. They’re designed to gather community input regarding parks under consideration for potential consolidation. Tomorrow’s meeting is […] Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Last week, we told you that Lynn Haven commissioners unanimously voted 4 -0 to appoint Dave Lowery as the city’s new mayor. This comes after former mayor Jesse Nelson resigned, bringing the recall efforts to a halt. Just hours before his resignation on January 9th, Nelson also dismissed a lawsuit […] Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – From praise to powerful speeches and community reflection, local community members joined together not only to remember his words but to live out his message. “There was a time not many of us lived out in Lynn Haven, civil rights, diversity came in.We still have a long way to go; […] Read More

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) -The Walton County Sheriff’s Office arrested five people and impounded numerous vehicles after reckless driving and street racing over the holiday weekend. Deputies are continuing to crack down on these incidents on Highway 98 in Walton County. On Saturday night near Sandestin Boulevard and Highway 98, deputies were assisting a disabled […] Read More

PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WMBB) – On Monday, ZooWorld opened its doors for the first time since Thursday’s devastating fire that claimed the lives of seven lemurs. Pluto, Mars, Saturn, Jupiter, Neptune, Mercury, and Venus are the ruffed lemurs who succumbed to smoke inhalation. Officials said preliminary findings indicate that the fire likely originated in […] Read More