BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – An effort to recall Lynn Haven Mayor Jesse Nelson could be stopped. Nelson says he plans to challenge it in court to see if there are legal grounds for the recall. “We hope that the judges see things in my favor. And that’s the best outcome that I can hope […] Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Bay County commissioners kicked off the holiday season Thursday night with their 16th annual tree lighting. Despite the rain, dozens of residents came out for the festive event. They enjoyed Christmas music sung by the Bay High and North Bay Haven choirs, free cookies and cocoa, and a visit from […] Read More

16 local players from Okaloosa, Walton participate in early signing day Collin Bestor December 4, 2025 6:59 pm Sports In Brief: Sixteen athletes from Choctawhatchee, Freeport and Niceville High Schools made their college commitments official during early signing day. The signees include multiple three-star football recruits, state-champion throwers, and standout baseball, softball, lacrosse and flag-football athletes. Their decisions send local talent to programs ranging from Liberty and Wisconsin to Coastal Carolina, Hawaii, Louisville and West Virginia. Wednesday afternoon was a big day for local high school athletes, as they put pen to paper and committed to various colleges and universities to continue their athletic careers after high school.   In total, 16 students from Choctawhatchee, Freeport and Niceville High Schools took part in early signing day.   Choctawhatchee High School Ellis Alloway: The three-star linebacker who has been one of the cornerstones of the vaunted 2025 Indians defense has committed to Liberty University. Mario Alloway: Tied with his brother as Big Green’s sack leader (11), the three-star linebacker has committed to Jacksonville State. Zion Legree, Choctaw’s leading receiver and a three-star recruit for 2025 has committed to Wisconsin.   Freeport High School Julius Miles: The three-star wide receiver who led the Bulldogs in receiving yards for the past two seasons has committed to Louisville.   Niceville High School Max Roche: The three-star tight end who was the 2nd leading receiver for the Eagles in 2025 has committed to James Madison University. Robert Oliver: After having 100 catches, 1,913 receiving yards,... Read More

Super Bowl LX Events Announced For 2026 With Super Bowl LX only two months away, we’re already seeing a whole roster of official and fan‑oriented events being announced across the Bay Area. Taking place Sunday, February 8, 2026 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, the week leading up to the big game will feature a […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – At local animal shelters, the holidays often bring a wave of adoptions, but it’s the months that follow when some of those pets come back. That’s why officials advise that before you surprise someone with a furry friend, make sure you’re ready for the long-term commitment. “We never want to […] Read More

Choctawhatchee High Students Learn Real-World Budgeting at Reality Check Event Staff Reports December 4, 2025 3:08 pm Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa County, Schools and Education In Brief: Who: Choctawhatchee High School students, Principal Michelle Heck, Ryan Taporco, Abby Heck, John Spolski, OPSF, and community partners What: “Reality Check” financial literacy simulation When: Held yesterday Where: Choctawhatchee High School, Fort Walton Beach Why: To teach students practical money management and real-life budgeting skills About 80 students at Choctawhatchee High School got a crash course in adulthood this week during the Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation’s fourth annual Reality Check—a hands-on financial literacy simulation designed to teach teens how to budget, plan, and make smart money decisions. Students were assigned careers, salaries, and family scenarios before making their way through a maze of stations staffed by community partners. At each stop—Housing, Utilities, Insurance, Transportation, Communications, and others—they had to make virtual payments and build a budget that would hold up under real-world pressures. The event’s goal: show students the true cost of living and how everyday choices affect financial stability. Origin Bank sponsored this year’s program, helping to bring the large-scale simulation to life. Choctawhatchee High School Principal Michelle Heck said she was proud of how seriously her juniors and seniors approached the challenge. “Seeing our juniors and seniors participate in this incredible event reaffirms the importance of connecting classroom learning with real-life experiences,” Heck said. “Our students stepped up, asked thoughtful questions, really took this experience seriously, and represented our school and... Read More

LIBERTY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Georgia-Pacific in Hosford has released a statement regarding Wednesday’s fire. The fire was reported around 6 a.m. CST but was quickly put out. Georgia-Pacific said the fire did not involve hazardous materials but rather natural wood products used in its Oriented Strand Board manufacturing. Georgia-Pacific said it plans to return […] Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – A Panama City Beach woman was arrested for animal cruelty on Wednesday. According to court documents, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office received information that Brooklyn Patterson, 20, was depriving multiple animals of food and water and possibly abusing them. Deputies reported there were three dogs and 10 cats, all allegedly […] Read More

FLORIDA – The Florida Supreme Court on Thursday unanimously rejected an appeal filed by a Death Row inmate convicted in the 2010 stabbing death of a Jacksonville woman. At least in part, attorneys for David Kelsey Sparre, 34, argued that his constitutional rights were violated because the jury in his case was “not drawn from […] Read More

FLORIDA – Initial unemployment claims in Florida decreased during the week shortened by the Thanksgiving holiday. The U.S. Department of Labor on Thursday estimated 3,547 claims were filed in Florida last week, down from an average of 5,688 claims during the three previous weeks. An estimated 191,000 claims were filed nationally last week, the lowest […] Read More