Hicks, Barto added to All Sports Association Hall of Fame Christopher Saul February 19, 2026 9:07 am Sports The All Sports Association held its first-ever Hall of Fame Luncheon open to the public and inducted two Niceville Eagles to their ranks.  Former Head Coach John Hicks and former Eagle Linebacker Danton Barto were honored by the group, which raises funds for youth sports along the Emerald Coast. The group hosted its luncheon ahead of its Friday Banquet, which raises tens of thousands of dollars each year and features a renowned speaker. This year, they will welcome All Sports Association member and NFL Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks to the stage.  John Hicks Honored as a “Life Changer” at All Sports Banquet Former Okaloosa County Judge and multisport standout for the Niceville Eagles Mike Flowers hagiographized Coach John Hicks for the luncheon crowd. Hicks, who led the Eagles as a defensive coordinator under Frank Sorrels during their 1988 state championship run, served almost two decades as the head ball coach and athletic director at Niceville. During his time as the leader of the Eagles, Hicks led the team to two state championship games, two more final four appearances and was recognized as the 4A coach of the year in 2009. He was also on the coaching staff at Port St. Joe that won a state title in 1984.    Flowers told the 200 people in attendance that Hicks’s greatness didn’t come from what he did on the field, but by the... Read More

For Gap Creek Residents, Flooding Problems Are Not Wishlist Items Tricia Elliott February 19, 2026 9:00 am Fort Walton Beach, Hurlburt Field, Okaloosa County, Public Safety Gap Creek’s flooding problem is no secret to local leaders, environmental advocates, or residents — but despite years of complaints and renewed attention, the creek remains largely unchanged, caught in a bureaucratic cycle where no single entity has taken clear responsibility for a solution. Gap Creek flows through a complex patchwork of jurisdictions, including unincorporated Okaloosa County, the City of Fort Walton Beach, state-owned roadways, and areas near federal military installations such as Eglin Air Force Base and Hurlburt Field. That overlapping authority has played a significant role in slowing progress, according to community leaders. Sabu Williams, President of the Okaloosa County Branch of the NAACP, has advocated for funding to fix the multiple issues that plague the area. In a statement to Mid Bay News, he explained that several governments bear responsibility for the issues that take place in the area, which sits at the lower end of the socioeconomic scale, and is inhabited by a higher proportion of minorities than the surrounding area.     “Gap Creek runs from federal property at Hurlburt Field into the City of Fort Walton Beach, then into the county, through the City of Cinco Bayou, and finally out into the bay,” Williams explained, “That means federal property, county property, multiple municipalities, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers all have some responsibility for the creek.” The... Read More

 [[{“value”:” The Walton County Tourism Department is expanding its free Beach Tram service on March 1, with routes running from the new 393 Municipal Parking Facility, which is 4 blocks north of 30A on Hwy 393 at Gulf Place,  and Grayton Beach Municipal Parking Facility, which is 4 blocks north of 30A on Hwy 283. Note that these large public parking lots have covered waiting areas with seating and restrooms, as well as inside air-conditioned waiting areas with local art. “}]]  SoWal.com  Read More

  Have some Panama City Beach trivia on hand for your next trip to the World’s Most Beautiful Beaches! Check out these 10 fun facts about Panama City Beach that might just surprise you. 1. Lake Powell, at the west end of Panama City Beach, is the largest dune lake in Florida. Dune lakes are rare   Read More

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Along Walton County’s shoreline, what looks like one stretch of sand is actually divided by property lines, a debate that’s been growing among residents for years. Now, it’s playing out on a national stage. The new HBO and A24 documentary series, “Neighbors,” dedicates its first episode to Walton County’s private […] Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Pinnacle Port Community Association officials received a firm “No” from all Bay County commissioners Wednesday morning regarding changes to Public Beach Access 98. Back in 2011, the private community benefited from a beach renourishment project, funded by federal dollars. In return, they granted Bay County Beach Access 98, which included […] Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – The TDC board looks a little different following a resignation and some reappointments. On Wednesday, Bay County commissioners voted to reappoint several members and make a new addition. Michael Jarman and Ethan Register will once again fill the seats designated for Panama City Beach council members. Reggie Johns will still […] Read More

Warm, Foggy Mornings Ahead Before Rain Moves In We’re heading into an unusually warm stretch of weather for mid to late February. Morning fog will become more likely over the next couple of days, especially late at night and early in the morning. Some of that fog could be dense at times, so drivers should […] Read More