[[{“value”:” By Dr. Joshua Bledsoe, Public Information Officer, Walton County School District As we enter the final month of 2025, the Walton County School District is excited to highlight the incredible achievements and celebrations that made November a standout month across our campuses. From academic and artistic accomplishments to athletic excellence and major facility upgrades, our students and staff showcased the EPIC spirit that defines Walton County schools. November began with one of our most anticipated recognitions of the year: the announcement of each school’s Teacher of the Year and Educational Support Professional of the Year. These honorees represent the Excellence, Professionalism, Innovation, and Collaboration that define our District. We invite families and community members to visit individual school websites and social media platforms to view photos of the winners and help celebrate these exceptional staff members. Athletics also shone brightly this month. In golf, Brody McCormick claimed the District Tournament Championship, an accomplishment that also earned him an individual spot at the Regional Tournament. Both the South Walton boys’ and girls’ golf teams advanced to Regionals as well, joined by individual qualifiers Aiden Anderson (WHS) and Haley Chapman and Isabella Dickens (FHS). Their hard work and perseverance throughout the season earned them well-deserved recognition at the regional level. On the football field, all three district high schools advanced to the regional quarterfinals, marking a successful season for each program. South Walton High School carried its momentum even further, making an exciting run that concluded at the Regional Semifinals. Their... Read More

Saying Goodbye To A Legend In Country Music For over three decades, John Michael Montgomery has been a defining voice in country music. From his first album in 1992 to a number of chart-topping hits, Montgomery’s heartfelt lyrics and classic sound have provided him with worldwide fame. Montgomery’s hits like “I Swear,” “I Love the Way You […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

Conner Smith Speaks On Faith-Based Podcast Regarding Fatal Accident He Was Involved In Recently, the faith-based podcast The Upload with Brooke Taylor has had several country artists on to discuss their lives and work in light of their Christianity. Guests have included Walker Hayes, Chris Lane, and Tyler Hubbard. This week, on the December 3 […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

Jelly Roll Celebrates His 41st Trip Around The Sun Jelly Roll celebrated his 41st birthday Thursday (December 4), and reflected on the absolutely remarkable year he’s experienced. Along with touring the world and reaching absolute superstar status, Jelly is crushing his weight loss goals, losing nearly 250lbs! Jelly showed off one of his newest milestones […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – A Youngstown man was sentenced to five years in prison for receipt of child pornography on Friday. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, undercover officers found that child pornography was being spread over the internet through a peer-to-peer network. Officials said the Internet Protocol […] Read More

Riley Green Speaks About The Likelihood Of A Future Collaboration With Ella Langley Riley Green and Ella Langley have now recorded two duets and won several awards together, but will they ever collaborate again? That’s the question lots of country fans have been asking. The pair released their first duet, “you look like you love […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

PANAMA CITY, Fla (WMBB) – Taking the Bay District Schools on the train to success, the First Friday meeting guest speaker announced the results of this past year’s programs and programs to come. On Friday, at the FSU PC campus, the chamber of commerce gathered to celebrate the success of the year and the incoming […] Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – A Mexico Beach man has won $1 million from a $50 scratch-off game on Wednesday. According to the Florida Lottery, the ticket, $25,000,000 GOLD RUSH MULTIPLAYER, was purchased from Express Lane at 714 Highway 98. The winner has chosen to receive his winnings as a one-time lump sum payment of […] Read More

DeSantis Unveils Florida’s New “AI Bill of Rights” and Data Center Crackdown Staff Reports December 5, 2025 9:33 am Artificial Intelligence, State Government In Brief: Governor DeSantis proposed a statewide AI Bill of Rights focused on privacy, transparency, and consumer protections. The plan includes new limits on hyperscale data centers, preventing utilities from raising rates to support them. Local governments would gain the authority to block data center projects and safeguard water and environmental resources. Governor Ron DeSantis unveiled a sweeping proposal Tuesday in The Villages aimed at defining how artificial intelligence can—and cannot—operate in Florida. The plan introduces what the governor calls an “Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights” and establishes new guardrails for the development of hyperscale AI data centers across the state. DeSantis said the changes are designed to protect Floridians’ privacy, security, and quality of life as AI becomes more intertwined with day-to-day services, government operations, and commercial products. “Today, I proposed new legislation on artificial intelligence and AI data centers to protect Floridians’ privacy, security, and quality of life,” DeSantis said. “Our AI proposal will establish an Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights to define and safeguard Floridians’ rights—including data privacy, parental controls, consumer protections, and restrictions on AI use of an individual’s name, image, or likeness without consent.” What’s in the Proposed AI Bill of Rights The proposal focuses heavily on consumer protections and transparency around AI tools. Key elements include: Deepfake protections: The legislation would reinforce existing Florida laws prohibiting explicit AI-generated content—especially deepfakes involving... Read More

UPDATE: Pender has been located. ORIGINAL STORY: BONIFAY, Fla. (WMBB) – The Bonifay Police Department has asked for the public’s assistance in finding a missing 67-year-old man on Friday. Officers said Michael Pender was last seen around 8:30 p.m. on Thursday at the Happy Acres Assisted Living Facility on Anderson Drive. Staff reported Pender missing […] Read More