BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – The Florida State University Panama City campus is getting nearly $750,000 from the Environmental Protection Agency for the St. Andrew and St. Joseph Estuary Program (SASJBEP). This initiative, called the “Bay Guardians”,  will fund a three-year water quality study that will work with community volunteers collecting samples to compile water […] Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – 11 people went to the hospital Thursday morning after a hazmat incident at Port Panama City’s East Terminal. Crews had completed the unloading of bagged cement from the “Lowlands Luck” around 9:00 a.m. Thursday morning and were beginning to clean up the ship. But the cleaning chemical they were using […] Read More

Congressman Jimmy Patronis announces Academy Day for students interested in U.S. service academies Staff Reports January 8, 2026 8:36 pm Military NICEVILLE — Congressman Jimmy Patronis has announced plans for an Academy Day in Pensacola aimed at middle and high school students and their families who are interested in learning more about the United States service academies. The event will be held Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, at the National Naval Aviation Museum and will bring together representatives from each of the nation’s federal service academies to answer questions about admissions, requirements and career opportunities. Officials said representatives from the United States Military Academy, the United States Naval Academy, the United States Air Force Academy, the United States Merchant Marine Academy, the United States Coast Guard Academy and the Navy Reserve Officers Training Corps will be in attendance. “I encourage every young person who feels called to serve our great nation to attend Academy Day and learn about the extraordinary opportunities our service academies provide,” Patronis said in a statement. “Our younger generations have the opportunity to step forward, serve their country, and choose a path that will challenge them to grow into leaders of character.   “Taking the oath to defend our nation is not just a commitment; it is one of the highest honors a person can achieve,” Patronis added.   The event is scheduled to begin with registration at 10:30 a.m. Central time, followed by the program from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Seating is limited, and attendees... Read More

Severe weather possible across Northwest Florida this weekend Collin Bestor January 8, 2026 8:08 pm Weather NICEVILLE — Residents across the western Florida Panhandle and neighboring Gulf Coast states could face multiple rounds of strong to severe thunderstorms from Friday into Saturday, with damaging winds, isolated tornadoes and heavy rainfall possible, according to Okaloosa County officials.   Patrick Maddox, director of Okaloosa County Public Safety, said the threat will unfold in two primary waves as a storm system moves across the region.   Maddox noted that some forecast graphics circulating on social media have caused some confusion because they depict both days in a single image.   On Friday, the greater risk of severe weather is expected west of Interstate 65, while on Saturday the entire region faces a lower overall threat, with the best chance of any storms turning severe shifting east of I-65.   Forecasters say the first round of storms could develop late Friday afternoon and continue into early Friday night, roughly between 1 p.m. and 10 p.m. That round is expected to affect mainly southeastern Mississippi and far interior southwestern Alabama.   While confidence that storms will form during this period is lower for much of the area, Maddox said atmospheric conditions would be most favorable for severe weather, making this round the most significant concern for damaging winds or an isolated tornado.   A second round is expected Saturday morning into early Saturday afternoon, with storms moving from west to east across the region. Storms... Read More

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