Vibrant New Cabana Cantina Redefines Poolside Dining on Okaloosa Island Staff Reports January 8, 2026 7:17 pm Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa County, Tourism In Brief: Who: The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach, led by General Manager Shea Cline What: Opening of Cabana Cantina & Tequileria, a reimagined poolside restaurant and tequila bar When: Now open as of January 2026 Where: Between the Grotto and Cabana pools at The Island Resort on Okaloosa Island Why: To offer guests and locals a fresh, vibrant dining option inspired by coastal Mexico FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. — A familiar poolside gathering spot at The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach has been transformed into a bold new culinary destination. Cabana Cantina & Tequileria, the resort’s reimagined take on its longtime Cabana Bar, is now open to the public and resort guests, offering coastal Mexican-inspired cuisine paired with an expansive tequila-forward bar. Located between the resort’s Grotto and Cabana pools, the new venue blends vibrant flavors with the laid-back energy that has long defined the Emerald Coast resort. The refreshed menu emphasizes shareable plates and street-style favorites, drawing on fresh coastal ingredients and traditional Mexican flavors. Guests can choose from shrimp ceviche, smoky Mexican street corn, carne asada, adobo chicken, burritos, tacos, and warm churros served with rich Mexican chocolate. At the center of the experience is Cabana Cantina’s tequileria, featuring more than 50 selections crafted from 100% agave. The collection spans blancos, reposados, añejos, extra añejos, as well as mezcal and sotol, offering... Read More

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Walton County opened Fire Station 10 in Choctaw Beach last August. It replaced the original fire station, just two miles away on Highway 20. On Thursday afternoon, County officials discussed big plans for the old facility. “We have a lot of things in the works. Engineering is here, but I’ll […] Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Former Rutherford band director Lindsey Stuart now awaits his fate after a local jury convicted him Thursday of 3 counts of sexual battery on a child over the age of 12. Stuart pleaded not guilty to carrying on a sexual relationship with one of his 14-year-old students when he was […] Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Following the arrest of Visit Panama City Beach’s Vice President of Administration on fraud and grant theft charges, News 13 has been digging deeper into financial oversight at the tourism agency. For years, fraudsters have tried to steal tourism-related public funds in Bay County. In 2021, Bay County Sheriff’s Investigators […] Read More

Is Garth Brooks Making A Comeback? It’s been a few years since country music star Garth Brooks has been out on the road! He most recently played his “Stadium Tour,” which concluded with its final show in the fall of 2022. Brooks also performed for his Garth Brooks/Plus ONE Las Vegas Residency at The Colosseum […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

HOLMES COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – A Holmes County man was arrested on grand theft charges after reportedly taking $40,000 from a local homeowner. According to HCSO, Terron Patrick was hired to make repairs to a home following a tornado that had caused damage. Deputies say the homeowner paid Patrick the money; afterwards, Patrick failed to […] Read More

Next Chapter In The Yellowstone Universe Begins Coming to CBS in 2026, Y:Marshals is set to become the next chapter in the Yellowstone universe. The new series follows John Dutton’s son, Kayce Dutton, as he embarks on a bold new path, joining an elite team of U.S. Marshals. Luke Grimes reprises his role as Kayce and has teased that fans […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – A Destin man was arrested after a Walton County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Investigator discovered 22 grams of methamphetamine in his vehicle during a traffic stop Tuesday evening. According to the WCSO, 60-year-old Mitchell Lee Lunsford was stopped near Highway 98 and Geronimo Street for impeding the flow of traffic. Deputies […] Read More

FLORIDA – The former chief financial officer of the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence has asked for a continuance of her scheduled criminal trial after former President and CEO Tiffany Carr pleaded no contest this week to felony charges stemming from allegations of bilking the state out of money earmarked for domestic violence shelters. Attorneys […] Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – The Bay County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Pensacola man on Wednesday after an extensive investigation regarding fentanyl trafficking. According to a news release, 27-year-old Deondre Hightower delivered the narcotic to an undercover investigator on two occasions. Deputies reported that the first transaction contained 29.7 grams of fentanyl, and the second […] Read More