Devastating Santa Rosa Beach Fire Sparks Urgent Space Heater Safety Warning Staff Reports February 3, 2026 10:18 am South Walton, Walton County In Brief: Who: South Walton Fire District firefighters and one affected household What: Residential structure fire with heavy damage and smoke inhalation injury When: Monday afternoon, February 2, around 1 p.m. Where: Near E. Mack Bayou Road in Santa Rosa Beach Why: A space heater could not be ruled out as the most likely cause SANTA ROSA BEACH, Fla. — South Walton Fire District firefighters battled a residential structure fire Monday afternoon that caused heavy damage to a home in Santa Rosa Beach and sent one occupant to the hospital for smoke inhalation. According to SWFD, crews were dispatched to a home near E. Mack Bayou Road around 1 p.m. and arrived to find intense flames engulfing the garage area. Firefighters immediately launched an aggressive fire attack while additional units conducted a primary search of the home and ventilated the garage roof to release heat and smoke. Ventilation efforts helped bring the fire under control, with crews knocking down the flames by approximately 1:30 p.m. Firefighters remained on scene for more than an hour afterward to overhaul the structure and extinguish remaining hotspots. One occupant of the home was evaluated at the scene for smoke inhalation and transported to a local medical facility for further treatment. Firefighters also rescued one animal from inside the home, though lifesaving efforts were unsuccessful. Fire investigators reported the blaze caused significant damage... Read More

Ifunanya Nwangene, who first rose to fame on Season 3 of The Voice Nigeria, has sadly passed away at the age of 26. The news was reported by BBC Africa, which revealed that Nwangene died after being bitten by a snake. Later, Sam C. Ezugwu, the music director of the Amemuso Choir that Nwangene was […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

  As February 9 approaches, pizza lovers everywhere get ready to celebrate National Pizza Day, a delicious holiday honoring one of the world’s most iconic comfort foods. In Panama City Beach, locals and visitors have plenty of ways to join in the celebration along Florida’s beautiful Gulf Coast. From   Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – In early 2025, city officials began discussing the possibility of getting rid of the DeFuniak Springs Fire Department. But after the special meeting on Monday, the firehouse is here to stay. The department has one station and a few dozen employees, but some council members felt that it was costing […] Read More

Happy’s Place Fans Get Excited Happy’s Place fans can get excited once again – the show has officially been renewed for Season 3! The show, which first premiered in October 2024, has been a huge success among viewers. The plot follows Reba McEntire’s character, Bobbie, who inherits her father’s bar after his passing. However, while reviewing […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – You might have heard of the phrase “When thunder roars, go indoors.” Thunderstorms are common across Florida all year long, especially during the summer months. According to the Florida Division of Emergency Management, the state ranks number one in lightning strikes per square mile on average. Severe Weather Awareness Week […] Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – The Bay County Tourist Development Council voted to officially accept the resignation of long-time CEO and President Dan Rowe. It ends his nearly two-decade run with the tourism agency following the arrests of two of his employees. Rowe submitted his letter of resignation on Friday, giving his three months’ written […] Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Starting February 6, it will no longer be possible to take a driver’s license exam if you don’t speak English. Comenzando el 6 de febrero, no será posible tomar el examen para obtener el permiso de conducir si no habla inglés. It’s an unprecedented change that applies to all driver […] Read More