PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) – ZooWorld provided an update on the animals that had been hospitalized after the fire, including the death of another ruffed lemur. ZooWorld confirmed in a Facebook post on Friday that Venus, the ruffed lemur, passed away late Thursday evening due to complications. Venus was one of four animals from the […] Read More

JACKSON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Friday was Arbor Day in the state of Florida, a chance to focus on planting, conserving, and celebrating trees. To celebrate, many local organizations are giving away trees this weekend. The Florida Forest Service office in Jackson County began handing out trees to residents at 9:00 AM Friday. The vehicles […] Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)- On October 27th, Mexico Beach got hit by not one but two tornadoes. The first was an EF-1 tornado that tore through the El Governor RV park with wind speeds of 100 miles an hour, thrashing trailers and cars around and causing irreversible damage. A lot has changed at the El […] Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – The lawsuit filed by former Lynn Haven city manager Vicki Gainer against the city and commissioners Judy Tinder and Jamie Warrick has been moved to federal court. Gainer’s attorneys served the city and the two commissioners during Tuesday’s regular commission meeting. Last month, they announced they were filing the lawsuit […] Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Drivers say the potholes and dirt on the stretch of South Burnt Creek Road were nearly impossible to navigate. County officials originally paved the road with crushed asphalt. But that changed when the road started deteriorating. “It just been down for so many years. When they were trying to do […] Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla (WMBB) – The Publix Sports Park is hosting three events over the weekend, including some on brand new turf fields. This week, thousands of people will make their way to Panama City Beach for a football invitational, a national youth football tournament, and an adult softball classic. Collectively, they are expected to […] Read More

For a limited time, Florida families can get a free preschool card for unlimited visits to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island for the whole year. Read More

JD Peacock Launches Powerful Bid for Okaloosa School Board Staff Reports January 16, 2026 4:28 pm Okaloosa County, Schools and Education In Brief: Who: JD Peacock, Okaloosa County School Board candidate What: Announces candidacy for District 1 School Board When: January 16, 2026 Where: Shalimar, Florida / Okaloosa County Why: To prioritize student success, teacher support, transparency, and strong family values Shalimar resident JD Peacock announced on January 16, 2026, that he has pre-filed to run for the Okaloosa County School Board, District 1. Peacock emphasized his commitment to student success, saying that strong schools begin with effective leadership and community collaboration. A lifelong Okaloosa County resident, Peacock served in the U.S. Army before launching a 25-year career with the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, where he rose through the ranks to Major and Chief of Administration. In 2014, he was elected as Okaloosa County Clerk of Courts and Comptroller, introducing programs to enhance transparency and accountability in county government. As a School Board candidate, Peacock plans to focus on supporting teachers, improving school facilities, and ensuring the district operates with transparency. He also highlighted his dedication to family values and community involvement, noting his service with the All Sports Association, the Emerald Coast Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and the Northwest Florida State College Foundation. “Getting our great teachers the tools, facilities, and support they need will be my top priority,” Peacock said. “I will be your voice, standing up for strong family values and a transparent, accountable school district.”  ... Read More

Okaloosa Graduation Surge: District Celebrates Powerful 91% Milestone Staff Reports January 16, 2026 3:57 pm Okaloosa County, Schools and Education In Brief: Who: Okaloosa County School District, Superintendent Marcus Chambers, district students, and educators What: Graduation rate increased to 91 percent When: Announced January 16, 2026, for the 2024–2025 school year Where: Okaloosa County, Florida Why: Expanded student support programs, academic pathways, and engagement strategies improved student outcomes The Okaloosa County School District reported a major academic milestone Friday, announcing its graduation rate rose to 91 percent for the 2024–2025 school year — a sharp increase from 87.7 percent the previous year. District leaders say the improvement reflects a continued statewide upward trend while highlighting Okaloosa County’s growing emphasis on student support, academic flexibility, and engagement strategies aimed at keeping students on track through graduation. According to the district, the gains are tied to expanded student support systems, diverse academic pathways, and targeted intervention programs designed to address individual learning needs and reduce dropout risk. Superintendent Marcus Chambers praised students, educators, and families for the achievement. “We are incredibly proud of our students and educators for this significant growth in Okaloosa County’s graduation rate,” Chambers said. “Increasing from 87.7 percent to 91 percent in just one year reflects the hard work, perseverance, and commitment of our students, the dedication of our teachers and staff, and the strong partnerships we share with families and our community.” District officials say efforts will now focus on sustaining momentum by expanding programs tied to... Read More

PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WMBB) – ZooWorld will re-open to the public for normal business hours on January 19, following a fire on Thursday that resulted in the death of six lemurs. ZooWorld confirmed the reopening in a Facebook post. “This recovery time will be important to allow our team the space to regroup, process […] Read More