Mayor Whitten Joins National Foreign Policy Summit Staff Reports December 8, 2025 11:08 am Crestview, Government, Okaloosa County, State Government In Brief: Mayor JB Whitten attended a national summit in Washington, D.C., focused on how global issues influence local communities. The event brought together more than 30 mayors to meet with policy leaders and members of Congress. Whitten said the summit offered valuable insight into how federal foreign policy decisions shape challenges and opportunities for Crestview. Crestview Mayor JB Whitten was one of more than 30 mayors from across the United States invited to Washington, D.C., this November to take part in the Mayors Foreign Policy Summit — a two-day event hosted jointly by the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) and the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC). The summit is designed to connect local leaders with national and global policy experts, offering mayors a front-row look at how international issues — from trade and national security to immigration and emerging technologies — ultimately affect cities back home. Whitten said the experience was both informative and immediately relevant to Crestview.“I found this visit at the request and expense of the Council on Foreign Relations and the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition to be extremely beneficial to me and to the city of Crestview,” he said. “I better understand the impact that our Federal Government’s relationship with foreign countries has on issues we face at the city level.” During the summit, participating mayors also visited the offices of members of Congress. Whitten said... Read More

Scholarships Announced for Top Students in PR and Communications Staff Reports December 8, 2025 9:52 am Okaloosa County, Schools and Education, Walton County In Brief: Who: High school seniors in Okaloosa, Walton, and Santa Rosa counties; sponsors Eglin Federal Credit Union, Sherry Harlow, APR; Linda Evanchyk; Carr Riggs & Ingram; Lisa Pitell Law Firm. What: Several $1,000 scholarships for students pursuing degrees in PR, communication, marketing, or journalism. When: Applications due March 16, 2026. Where: Available through local high school guidance offices and online at www.ecpro.org. Why: To support education and advancement in public relations and related communication fields. High school seniors across the Emerald Coast with dreams of studying public relations, marketing, journalism, or communication will have the chance to earn financial support this spring. The Emerald Coast Public Relations Foundation announced it will award several $1,000 scholarships to graduating students in Okaloosa, Walton, and Santa Rosa counties. The annual program—now a long-running investment in the future of local communicators—will once again be supported by a group of community sponsors. For 2026, Eglin Federal Credit Union is sponsoring one of the scholarships. Another is funded by Sherry Harlow, APR, and a third is backed by Linda Evanchyk, Carr Riggs & Ingram in Niceville, and the Lisa Pitell Law Firm. Last year, the foundation awarded $1,000 scholarships to two local seniors: Macy Wanner of Rocky Bayou Christian School and Zachary Neconie of Freeport High School. Who Can Apply To qualify, students must: Be high school seniors living in Okaloosa, Walton,... Read More

Kemper Hodges Earns First QB Start For Air Force Academy Christopher Saul December 8, 2025 9:46 am 30a, South Walton, Sports, Walton County In Brief: Kemper Hodges’ First Start: Air Force Academy junior QB takes his first Division I snap against the New Mexico Lobos, showcasing his flexibility and determination in a new system. Cadet-Athlete Challenges: The piece highlights the strict discipline, lack of NIL, character-molding adversity, and the strong “Bolt Brotherhood” that forms a cohesive unit among players. Coach’s Pride & Future: Hodges’ high school coach expresses immense pride in his former player’s dedication and leadership, suggesting his qualities will lead to success as an Air Force officer. The Air Force Academy’s football team marches onto the field against the New Mexico Lobos.    It’s a mild day – no wind or rain in front of 20,000 cadets and fans in Colorado Springs.    The Lobos just finished a nine-play scoring drive to take an initial lead halfway through the first quarter. The Bolt Brotherhood at Air Force has had a tough year – they’ve taken gut-punch losses – by a combined total of six points – to the other service academies this year.    It’s time for a change. In the backfield stands the Bolts’ quarterback, Junior Kemper Hodges.    Hodges, a 2022 graduate of South Walton High School, prepares for the first-ever snap of his first-ever start at quarterback in a Division I football game.    The Falcons begin their 76-yard campaign to New Mexico’s end zone.... Read More

25 years have passed since the groundbreaking soundtrack for “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” was released and Dan Tyminski’s life was changed. In 2000, the film “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” hit theaters. The storyline follows a trio of escaped convicts who form a band called The Soggy Bottom Boys. The accompanying soundtrack featured 19 […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

GULF COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – The Gulf County Sheriff’s Office helps grant Christmas wishes for about 350 children every year through “Sheriff Mike’s Christmas Toy Drive”. But it is a community effort. The Coastal Community Association has raised nearly $23,000 this year, allowing them to purchase 40 bikes for children in need. Dozens of volunteers […] Read More

GULF COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – The Bissell Pet Foundation’s nationwide initiative, called “Empty the Shelters” helps animal shelters across the country that are facing overcrowding by making adoption more affordable for families. They are sponsoring reduced adoption fees for hundreds of animal shelters, including the St. Joseph Bay Humane Society in Port St. Joe. They […] Read More

CALHOUN COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Families in Calhoun County were at the Panhandle Pioneer Settlement Saturday morning for a holiday tradition that helps keep local history alive. Their annual Breakfast with Santa had an all-you-can-eat breakfast with pancakes and sausage. Kids could also meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, and receive a special gift from them. […] Read More