BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – The City of Panama City is unveiling a new way to connect with citizens through a new monthly video schedule. According to a news release, the new initiative was developed by the City’s Public Affairs Team and is designed to provide accessible communication from city leadership. City officials say these […] Read More

A New Season Of The Masked Singer Kicks Off On January 7 After much anticipation, a brand-new season of The Masked Singer premieres on Wednesday night (January 7). The show, which premiered in the U.S. in 2019, is entering its 14th season. If you’ve been looking forward to The Masked Singer‘s return, here’s everything you […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

Destin City Council Weighs Conservation, State Talks Over $84M Land Deal Collin Bestor January 7, 2026 11:12 am Destin DESTIN — Just days after residents packed a town hall on Okaloosa Island to question a controversial state land purchase and the county’s early concepts for developing it, the Destin City Council wrestled Monday night with how aggressively to press Florida officials and how far the city should go to preserve the shoreline. The four-acre parcel, located next to Noriega Point Park, was purchased by the State of Florida in December for roughly $84 million. The deal has drawn attention because of its price, the seller’s criminal past and political contributions, and uncertainty over how the land will ultimately be used. City Attorney Kimberly Kopp told council members the immediate question before them was whether to open talks with the state about officially designating the site as conservation land. “This agenda item asks the council if you would like us to reach out to the state and start having conversations about the use of the property for conservation land,” Kopp said, adding that any change would require multiple public hearings involving residents, the county and the state. Mayor Bobby Wagner said his instinct was simple: “My quick answer is absolutely.” A motion, then a retreat — and a narrower plan Councilwoman Sandy Trammell initially moved to direct staff to take “all required steps” to change the zoning from high-density residential to conservation. But several members quickly warned that moving too fast... Read More

Tim McGraw hasn’t released new music in quite some time, but that could change soon. It’s been a big year for McGraw as he returned to the spotlight after spending nearly a year away from the stage. Over the past few years, the singer has undergone several major surgeries in a short period. He’s been […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

JACKSON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – For two hours, the Jackson County Board of County Commissioners interviewed six different candidates for the position of county attorney. These candidates each submitted proposals for ranking and review by a ranking committee. Commissioners received the ranking prior to the interviews, so the board would be familiar with the candidates. […] Read More

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) – Panama City is tightening up how and where people can park. “One of our key priorities in 2025 was to update and provide more clarity to the parking ordinance for the city of Panama City. Now, that does apply throughout the entire city of Panama City, but we’re really focused […] Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – A new multi-use pathway is coming to a neighborhood just north of Panama City. Bay County commissioners approved a one-way path on Tuesday that will run from the corner of Frankford Avenue and West 27th Street down Kings Road in the King’s Point subdivision. The path will be concrete instead […] Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Bay County Commissioners shared their blunt reactions Tuesday after learning Aaron Lee allegedly concealed more than a thousand charges on a company credit card. “Twice you’ve heard ‘bad actor,'” said Bay County Commissioner Robert Carroll. “I say the guy was an incredible actor; he had everybody and their brother fooled. […] Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Juvenile boot camps no longer exist in the state of Florida. They were shut down after the death of 14-year-old Martin Lee Anderson. On January 5, 2006, Anderson complained of fatigue during a mandatory run. Drill sergeants told him to keep running. Anderson collapsed, but was still not taken seriously […] Read More

Cold Case Resolution After 53 Years: Debra Espey Staff Reports January 6, 2026 5:25 pm Crime, Niceville, Okaloosa County, Public Safety In Brief: Debra Espey, a 19-year-old Niceville college student, went missing on March 12, 1973, and was later found deceased. Dennis Murphy, the sole suspect, died in a traffic accident in February 2023, leading investigators to close the case under “Death of the Offender.” The Espey family expresses relief and gratitude to the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office for finally bringing public closure. Nearly 53 years after the tragic death of 19-year-old Debra Espey, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) has officially closed the case. The young Niceville college student, remembered as a quiet, sweet, all-American girl, was reported missing on March 12, 1973. Dennis Murphy, the sole suspect, was seen with Debra the day she disappeared, according to a witness. Murphy passed away in a traffic accident in Alabama in February 2023. OCSO Senior Investigator Kelly Henderson confirmed that the investigation has been resolved under the designation “Death of the Offender,” citing the totality of the evidence gathered over decades. Debra’s family expressed relief at the closure. “On behalf of the Espey family, we are very happy to finally have some closure on a case involving someone we loved so dearly,” said Deborah Espey, the victim’s sister-in-law. “We thank the OCSO for the work they have done and wish to thank all the investigators over the years and everyone who assisted. We stayed committed to updates on the case... Read More