Local Hospital Earns Prestigious Statewide Distinction Staff Reports February 2, 2026 2:41 pm Emerald Coast, Health, South Walton, Walton County In Brief: Sacred Heart Emerald Coast earned a place on Newsweek’s Best-in-State Hospitals list for the second consecutive year. The hospital continues to receive high ratings for quality care and patient recommendations. Regional health statistics on leading causes of death and stroke hospitalizations illustrate ongoing community health needs. MIRAMAR BEACH, Fla. — Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast has once again been recognized as one of Florida’s top hospitals, earning a spot on Newsweek’s 2026 Best-in-State Hospitals list for the second year in a row. The hospital is one of just 30 facilities statewide to receive the distinction and is the only hospital in the tri-county area featured on the list. “This award reflects the level of quality our care teams provide to our patients,” said Trey Abshier, president and CEO of Sacred Heart Emerald Coast. “We appreciate their work and our patients who recognize these associates by sharing their positive experiences.” The annual Newsweek rankings — developed in partnership with Statista — evaluated more than 800 hospitals across the United States using updated criteria that include expanded quality metrics, broader accreditation coverage, expert recommendations, and increased emphasis on care quality and patient-reported outcome measures. In addition to this statewide recognition, Sacred Heart Emerald Coast consistently earns national praise for maternity care and recently received a four-star overall hospital quality rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, including a... Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Inside the Salvation Army food pantry, shelves that once stayed stocked are now sparse and bare. “We need everything, everything that we can put together. Boxes and families can take home and be easy for them to put meals together for the family,” Salvation Army Captain Niurka Pena said. Salvation […] Read More

The Artist Thanked His Wife And Jesus Instead Of Speaking On Politics During His Grammy Acceptance Speech It wasn’t too long ago that the name Jelly Roll would first be mistaken for a cake in a cookbook before being recognized as a singer, but he’s now one of the biggest names in entertainment. Part of […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

Florida Rolls Out New Driver License Exam Standards Statewide Staff Reports February 2, 2026 1:23 pm Florida, State Government In Brief: Who: Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) What: English-only driver license testing policy When: Begins Friday, Feb. 6 Where: All Florida driver license testing locations statewide Why: To standardize testing and support roadway safety and communication TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles announced Friday that all driver license knowledge and skills examinations will be administered exclusively in English beginning Feb. 6. The updated policy applies to every driver license classification statewide, including exams previously offered orally. State officials said the change is part of an effort to standardize testing procedures and improve communication related to traffic laws and roadway safety. In the past, non-commercial driver license knowledge exams were available in multiple languages, while Commercial Learner’s Permit and Commercial Driver License exams were limited to English and Spanish. Under the new policy, all written, oral, and skills testing will be conducted in English. According to FLHSMV, the agency has already updated its driver testing systems statewide to support the change. Language translation services will no longer be permitted during exams, and printed testing materials in languages other than English will be removed from use. FLHSMV officials said the change is intended to promote consistent understanding of traffic laws, roadway signage, and driver responsibilities. The department stated it remains focused on roadway safety for both Florida residents and visitors as the... Read More

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