From Norriego Point to CO2 pipelines: The Stories That Defined the Emerald Coast in 2025 Collin Bestor December 31, 2025 4:21 pm News This year on the Emerald Coast was defined by decisions — about land and water, schools and safety, growth and identity.   From multimillion-dollar land deals and charter fights to snowstorms, speed cameras, military moves and environmental battles, residents repeatedly found themselves asking the same questions: Who benefits? Who decides? And what kind of community do we want to be next?   Some stories sparked controversy. Others brought opportunity, uncertainty, or rare moments of wonder.   Here are the stories that defined 2025.   Norriego Point land purchase   The Norriego Point land purchase rose to the top of our stories of the year list because it combined staggering numbers with serious public-trust questions.   The State of Florida’s plan to spend roughly $83 million on land appraised locally at about $10.5 million — and owned by a convicted felon and prominent political donor — immediately sparked debate about fairness, transparency, and whether taxpayers were getting a good deal.   What followed revealed just how complicated the issue truly was. Residents learned about marina infrastructure, parking plans, and potential park development inside a tight residential area already strained by traffic and safety concerns. Meetings grew tense. Questions surfaced about Sunshine Law compliance, campaign donations and who actually gets to decide what happens on Destin’s shoreline: the state, the county, or the city.   Ultimately, the story wasn’t... Read More

These potential Florida laws could change your life in 2026 Christopher Saul December 31, 2025 1:11 pm State Government The Florida Legislative session is just days away, and while a comprehensive list of all pending legislation is enormous, here are the top 10 most important bills and topics expected to dominate the discussion this year: The Property Tax Elephant in the Room While no bill has been officially filed to completely eliminate property tax in 2026, the movement for massive tax relief is gaining momentum. This topic is expected to be a major priority, especially as Governor DeSantis has proposed his own separate property tax elimination scheme. HB 6007 (Eskamani): Unlocking Tourism Tax Money This Democratic-filed bill is considered one of the session’s most important. If passed, it would open up the “treasure chest” of tourism development tax money (hotel fees paid by tourists) for other government purposes beyond improving tourism destinations and marketing. Given the Governor’s mention of using these funds to offset losses from property tax reductions, this bill, or something similar, has a very good chance of passing. SB 48 (Gaetz): Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) Filed by State Senator Don Gaetz, this bill aims to stop local governments from regulating accessory dwelling units, giving property owners the freedom to build and rent out structures like “mother-in-law sheds.” With Florida facing a serious affordability problem and Gaetz being a “power player” in the Senate, this bill is predicted to have a very good chance of passing. SB 126... Read More

Eglin Air Force Base Is Awarded A Multi-Billion Dollar Contract to Support Infrastructure and Modernization Staff Reports December 31, 2025 1:01 pm Eglin Air Force Base, Emerald Coast, Government, Hurlburt Field, Mary Esther, Military In Brief: Who: U.S. Air Force; Strategic Test Solutions LLC What: $1.87 billion operations and maintenance contract When: Awarded in December 2025; runs through March 2036 Where: Eglin Air Force Base and Test and Training Complex, Florida Why: To sustain critical testing infrastructure and support Air Force modernization The U.S. Air Force has awarded a $1.87 billion contract to Strategic Test Solutions LLC to operate and maintain the Eglin Test and Training Complex through 2036, according to the Defense Blog and an official contract award notice released this week. The competitively awarded contract, valued at $1,868,902,857, was issued by the Air Force Test Center and covers the Eglin Operations and Maintenance Service II program. Strategic Test Solutions LLC, based in Huntsville, Alabama, will provide operations and maintenance support for Eglin Air Force Base and its associated Major Ground Test Facilities in Florida. Work under the contract will be performed at Eglin Air Force Base and is scheduled to continue through March 2036. According to the contract notice, three bids were received during the acquisition process. At the time of the award, $100,000 in fiscal 2026 operations and maintenance funding was obligated. The Air Force Test Center at Eglin is listed as the contracting activity under contract number FA248826CB001. The Eglin Operations and Maintenance Service II contract... Read More

HOLMES COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – What began as a routine traffic stop in Holmes County last week quickly turned dangerous. On December 23rd, a Holmes County Sheriff’s Office deputy attempted to stop a truck traveling on Boney Bridge Road. The driver refused to pull over, leading deputies on a pursuit into Jackson County. The chase […] Read More

Beyoncé Fans Are Claiming Lainey Wilson’s Performance Was “Déjà Vu” “Baby, I swear it’s deja vu.” “So, once again… they copied Beyoncé.” “I feel like I’ve seen this before.” These are just a few of the comments on a clip that Netflix shared of country artist Lainey Wilson performing as part of Snoop’s Holiday Halftime […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

Here’s the latest on the Norreigo Point deal will net an ex-con $70 million  Collin Bestor December 31, 2025 10:52 am Destin OKALOOSA ISLAND — The embroglio around a controversial land deal that the State of Florida made with a Felon from Louisiana, who was 2024’s top donor in local elections, continued at The Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center on Tuesday.  For nearly two hours on Tuesday, speakers gathered at a town hall meeting with Okaloosa County Commissioner Drew Palmer, and other county staff, warning that the county’s draft concepts, tied to the State of Florida’s $83 million purchase of the property, could overwhelm a dead-end residential street with traffic, boats and tourists while changing the character of the park many believed they were getting. “This is 100 percent a quality-of-life issue,” one speaker told county officials. Palmer: “This is the start of the conversation” Palmer, whose district includes the site, opened the meeting by thanking residents for showing up. Related: Okaloosa political super donor opens marina on Okaloosa Island. “I deeply, deeply appreciate you showing up and talking to us about some of your thoughts and feelings about this park and what you want to see — dreams, aspirations, that kind of stuff,” Palmer said. “That’s what we’re here for.” He emphasized that nothing presented on Tuesday was final. “This is the first of many,” he said. “This is not the only chance that you guys will have.” Still, many residents said they felt decisions were already being made... Read More

PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WMBB) – For the 18th year, Panama City Beach’s most thrilling New Year’s Eve event is back to kick off 2026. The iconic Beach Ball Drop is a longtime Bay County tradition and has been ranked one of the country’s best beach ball drops by USA TODAY 10 Best. This legendary […] Read More

FLORIDA (WMBB) – New Year’s Eve is a time to celebrate, but getting home safely should always come first. Some local services are offering free rides and towing services to help keep our roads safe. Whites Wrecker Service is offering free towing services throughout the holiday season. Call 850-215-8695 for a ride. AAA is also […] Read More

Okaloosa Investigators Uncover Juvenile Trafficking Linked to Social Media Staff Reports December 31, 2025 10:07 am Crime, Okaloosa County, Public Safety In Brief: Two arrested in Okaloosa County for sex trafficking involving juvenile victims. Investigators uncovered evidence through interviews, witnesses, and electronic devices. The victims are now safe and receiving support services as the investigation continues. The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office has announced the arrest of one male and one female suspect following a lengthy investigation into the sex trafficking of two juvenile females. According to investigators, the case stems from the arrest of Lennys Cotto and Joe Trejo in May 2025. During that earlier investigation, deputies and detectives observed multiple indicators consistent with human trafficking, prompting a broader and more in-depth inquiry by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office Homeland Security Unit and Major Crimes Unit. As the investigation progressed, detectives identified two juvenile female victims believed to have been trafficked by the suspects. Investigators conducted interviews with the victims and a witness and carried out extensive forensic examinations of electronic devices. Evidence recovered from those devices included communications and digital content that investigators say documented trafficking activity. Through the evidence gathered, investigators were able to establish that the suspects trafficked the juvenile victims at local bars and utilized various social media applications to facilitate and promote the trafficking. Law enforcement officials say the evidence clearly linked both suspects to the exploitation of the minors. On December 23, Lennys Cotto, a male suspect, and Joe Trejo, a female suspect, were... Read More

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Three people are behind bars after a warrant arrest turned into a major drug bust in Washington County. Deputies say they spotted Ashley Simmons outside a home on Olie Road and knew she had active felony warrants out of Holmes County tied to a child abuse case. Investigators say Simmons […] Read More