General News

Comic book fans gather for the 3rd annual Panama City Comic Con

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) – Fans of comics both old and new gathered in Panama City today for the third annual Panama City Comic Con. The event was held at the bay county fairgrounds. It featured vendors, a cosplay contest, raffles, and live gaming tournaments. The vendors featured everything from art to games to collectibles… […] Read More

First pitch at Southport Sports Complex

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – The Southport sports complex opened for its first set of games Saturday morning. The 37 acre park features six fields, batting cages, and other amenities for park users. “The Southport area and Bay County in general has a really strong rec league, both softball and baseball. And so the focus […] Read More

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51 Years Ago Today: “The Odd Couple” Airs Its Final Episode on ABC

On March 7, 1975, 51 years ago today, ABC aired the final episode of The Odd Couple, closing the book on a beloved sitcom that had charmed audiences for five seasons. The show, which premiered on September 24, 1970, and ran for 114 episodes, brought Neil Simon’s hit play and 1968 film to the small […] The post 51 Years Ago Today: “The Odd Couple” Airs Its Final Episode on ABC appeared first on Cord Cutters News. Read More

Lauren Ewashko: Airman, Model and Christian Capitalist

 [[{“value”:” By Rich Sanders Like so many members of our community, Lauren Ewashko moved to the Emerald Coast courtesy of the U.S. Air Force.  When her service concluded, Lauren stayed because her “soul loves it here” (Locals Get It)! Lauren traveled the world extensively, mostly with just a backpack.  Like most Christian Capitalists, Lauren benefited from hard work.  “Every time I put everything in storage.  I’d go for six months, come back, and work really hard.  It was just easy to pick up gigs and get enough funds to support myself to go out for months at a time.  I loved it!” Her simplified life brought her closer to God:  “Every time I’d come back, I would clear more out of the storage unit.  I started feeling more clarity.  My clarity with God started.” Lauren then landed on a core principle of the Christian Capitalist: “I am so grateful to give because I receive… there’s something that I just trust and have faith that more will come.  There is trust in a gift…. so I choose to give. Therefore, I choose to allow and to trust and to receive and live and just let God move through me.” A few months after her young daughter passed away, Lauren decided to go to a restaurant for the first time.  Her server was in a desperate situation.  When she was ready to leave, God called Lauren to give the server $100 – that was half of all the money Lauren had left! ... Read More

A Pastor’s Ponderings: God Sightings

 [[{“value”:” By Rev. Pete Hyde Just a mile or two east of the small (population 200) rural town situated in the vast, open, windy, “big sky” plains of western Oklahoma is the Lochman ranch.  It is a modest spread in terms of size but has features not found on many of the larger arid wheat farms and cattle ranches of the western high plains.  Just east of the farmhouse, barns and outbuildings is a small butte (a flattop hill) known as Lochman’s Hill.  It rises abruptly out of the flat plains a hundred feet or so.  The flat stony top is probably 50 feet in diameter.  From the top (not too bad of a climb), you can see “forever” in all directions – especially on a clear day.  The lonely whistle and rumble of one of the 10 or 15 Santa Fe/Burlington Northern freight trains on the mainline from Chicago to LA can be heard and felt well before the multi-engine and up to 60 or 70 freight cars can be seen coming over the horizon to pass by the butte and come through the town of Fargo, slowing to 40 or 50 miles per hour. In the middle of the flat top of Lochman’s Hill, an old, rugged, weathered cross, probably 10 to 15 feet high, has been erected.  The church I pastored there gathers on Lochman’s Hill for a sunrise service each Easter morning.  The sun breaks across a treeless horizon with a dazzling beauty and glory that... Read More

Gators + Food + Booze = Fun at Fudpucker’s GatorFest 2026

 [[{“value”:” GatorFest 2026 Get ready for GatorFest 2026, returning on May 2, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for four actionpacked hours of food, fun, and Florida wildlife. Hosted at Destin’s favorite family hotspot, this annual celebration brings locals and visitors together to honor one of the Gulf Coast’s most iconic creatures, the alligator. And here’s the best part: General Admission is FREE. GatorFest Activities GatorFest 2026 delivers an immersive Florida festival experience with something for every age group. Thrilling Gator Shows featuring up-close demonstrations and educational insights The fan-favorite Gator Tail Cook-Off Competition, where local chefs compete for bragging rights Live entertainment and music throughout the event The Kid Zone is packed with family-friendly fun, including face painting and gator-themed games designed to keep young adventurers engaged and smiling all afternoon. Adults can explore specialty vendors, sample bold flavors, and soak in the coastal festival energy that makes this event a local favorite year after year. Admission Options General Admission is FREE. Enjoy full access to the vendor marketplace, Kid Zone, live music, gator shows, and all general festival entertainment. Bring the whole crew, no ticket needed. VIP Experience Upgrade your day with exclusive access to the VIP tent and Gator Tail Cook-Off tasting. $30 (21+) – Includes alcoholic samples. $15 (Under 21) – Includes tasting access (no alcohol). VIP is your ticket to tasting the best gator tail on the Emerald Coast in cool, shaded comfort. Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar & Grill Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar & Grill continues... Read More

A Blooming Music Community

 [[{“value”:” Music has a quiet way of weaving itself into the fabric of a community. It plays at local events, fills school auditoriums, drifts from open windows, and brings people together in moments both ordinary and unforgettable. Beyond simple enjoyment, music offers deep social, emotional, and cultural benefits and when music education is accessible, those benefits don’t just exist; they grow, multiply, and bloom. One of music’s greatest gifts to a community is connection. Concerts, recitals, festivals, and jam sessions create shared experiences where people of different ages, backgrounds, and stories gather with a common purpose. Music becomes a universal language that tells a story, allowing individuals to communicate and relate even when words fall short. These shared moments build stronger bonds between neighbors and foster a sense of belonging that is essential for a healthy, vibrant community. Music also supports emotional well-being. Listening to or creating music can instantly change the atmosphere, reduce stress, lift spirits, and provide comfort during difficult times. Music is everywhere if you actively listen for it. In communities where people face busy schedules, economic pressure, or social isolation, music offers a powerful outlet for expression and healing. Local music programs, choirs, bands, and ensembles give individuals a safe and supportive space to process emotions and feel seen and heard. Culturally, music helps preserve identity and celebrate diversity. Communities are shaped by their histories, traditions, evolving influences, and music reflects all of it. Whether it’s classical, jazz, country, pop, or music rooted in cultural heritage,... Read More

Beignets & Brew: Bringing People Together

 [[{“value”:” Grayton Beach just got a little sweeter. Husband-and-wife team Chris and Shannon Kramolis opened Beignets & Brew, a café concept known for its hot, made-to-order New Orleans-style beignets and specialty coffee creations. But for the Kramolis family, the café represents far more than a place to grab breakfast or a morning latte—it’s a space designed to bring people together. Beignets & Brew has built its reputation around a simple but meaningful idea: creating moments of connection. According to Shannon, the mission behind the brand is rooted in hospitality and community. “We are rooted in a mission to create spaces where people can slow down, connect, and enjoy life’s sweetest moments,” she said. From the moment guests walk through the doors, the experience is designed to brighten their day. The café blends warm hospitality with a thoughtfully crafted menu that centers on comfort, connection, and celebration. The brand’s guiding philosophy, known as the “Spread the Sweetness” initiative, encourages small acts of kindness and shared moments that can leave a lasting impact. At the heart of the menu are the café’s signature beignets—pillowy French donuts served hot and fresh, generously dusted with powdered sugar. Guests can enjoy them in their classic form or topped with specialty flavors and seasonal creations. The beignets are meant to be shared across tables, passed between friends, and enjoyed together. In addition to the café’s signature pastries, the menu also features indulgent breakfast and honey butter chicken croissants and rotating limited-time creations that bring new flavors... Read More

South Walton Live Music Scene March 2026

 [[{“value”:” Alvarado Family Benefit Concert March 15 In lieu of regular Sunday morning service, A Simple Faith Church will host a benefit concert at 10 a,m, to support beloved South Walton locals, the Alvarado family. Bands include: Prodigal Blues, The Backsliders & The Rascally Robots. Special guest appearance by local musicians: Matt Miller, Scott Rockwood, Shawn Hartung, Dustin Barlack, Nick Turner and MORE! A Simple Faith is a non-denominational, unconventional Christian congregation located in the South Walton, Florida, community. Alaqua Sunday Sessions Sundays March 15-May 31 Sunday Session, a weekly gathering in the Alaqua Arena filled with live music, delicious food, and the peaceful charm of the Refuge, returns every Sunday through May 31st from 1-4 p.m. Free to attend, bring your friends, your family, and your love for animals. Made in Walton County Songwriter Showdown March 26 Made in Walton County Songwriters Showdown returns to The Pavilion at Watersound Town Center from 6 – 8 p.m. Join in for an evening of live music and friendly competition as local songwriters take the stage to perform original, homegrown songs and compete for cash and prizes. Grab your chair and meet under the shade for this free, family-friendly event. A food truck on site will offer food and drink for purchase. Forrest Williams Band @ Local Catch Bar & Grill March 28 Forrest Williams Band returns to Local Catch Bar & Grill! Beginning at 6 p.m., gather your crew and bring your dancing shoes to boogie with Forrest Williams Band with... Read More

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Conservative Audie Rowell Announces Campaign for Florida’s 2nd Congressional District with Major Local Endorsements

 [[{“value”:” Retired Walton County Chief Deputy aims to Further President Trump’s Agenda and Continue Serving Floridians in Congress Today, Audie Rowell, Retired Walton County Chief Deputy, announced his candidacy for Florida’s Second Congressional District. A native Floridian and active member of the community, Rowell retired from Walton County Sheriff’s Office last year, and now seeks to continue serving the residents of the Big Bend and Panhandle area in a new capacity – as their Representative in Congress. Upon announcing his campaign, Rowell released the following statement: “As a lifelong resident of the Florida panhandle and an active member of the community from an early age, I know how to meet the needs of Florida’s Second Congressional District because they are mine as well. From addressing the increased cost of living to expanding education resources to protecting the integrity of our elections, I will fight to ensure the voices of Florida’s 2nd Congressional District are not only heard in Congress, but prioritized.” He continued, “Throughout my 40 years on the police force, I had the unique opportunity to serve and protect the members of our community. Now, I ask for the opportunity to serve you in a new way, as your Representative in Congress. While the uniform may look different, my heart behind the job is the same. My desire is not simply to enact policies that I believe in, but create lasting change that will benefit our community for generations to come.” As a Christian, Audie Rowell will fight to... Read More