Explore Florida’s Historic Parks for Free this Presidents Day Weekend Staff Reports February 2, 2026 12:46 pm Emerald Coast, Travel, Wildlife In Brief: Who: Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Florida State Parks What: Free day-use park admission When: Feb. 13–16, 2026 (Presidents Day weekend) Where: Florida State Parks statewide (with limited exclusions) Why: To recognize George Washington’s birthday and the start of America’s 250th anniversary commemorations TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida residents and visitors will be able to explore the state’s historic and natural landmarks for free this Presidents Day weekend as Florida State Parks mark George Washington’s birthday and the beginning of America’s 250th anniversary commemorations. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection announced that all Florida State Parks will offer free day-use admission from Friday, Feb. 13, through Monday, Feb. 16, 2026. The initiative is designed to encourage the public to visit locations tied to early American history while highlighting Florida’s role during the Revolutionary era. State officials say Florida’s parks preserve more than scenic landscapes — they also protect sites connected to colonial settlements, military forts, and early trade routes that shaped the nation’s early development. “As the nation reflects on 250 years of independence, Florida State Parks invite visitors to experience history not just through exhibits, but through the landscapes themselves,” said DEP Secretary Alexis A. Lambert. “Our parks offer meaningful connections to the people and events that shaped our nation.” During the Revolutionary period, British West Florida was sometimes referred to as the “fourteenth colony,” with... Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Every dollar raised stays right here in Bay County, helping libraries expand services and update resources. Jane Austen’s 250th birthday was on December 16, 1775, and the fundraiser is a belated tribute to her sustained popularity as an author. While the event activities are not mandatory to participate in, they […] Read More

GULF COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – The smell alone was enough to pull people in, from mild to mouth on fire, chili lovers packed Port St. Joe for the annual Chili cook-off. “Businesswise it’s just the people come back in because they want to talk about it, they want to be excited about it, or they […] Read More

TYNDALL AFB (WMBB) – Tyndall Air Force Base is conducting a 2,500-acre prescribed burn south of Beacon Beach and Mississippi Roads on Sunday. According to officials, the burn will be between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m in burn compartment number 4. The transport winds are predicted to be out of the northwest, which should minimize […] Read More

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – The Matrix COC will be offering cold-weather emergency sheltering on Sunday, Febuary 1, for those without sufficient heating. According to organizers, the shelter will be located at the DeFuniak Springs Community Center, 361 N. 10th Street, from 5:30 p.m to 7 a.m. Individuals are encouraged to provide their own transportation. […] Read More