When it comes to planning the perfect beach day, the hardest part is not finding the beach. It is choosing which one to visit. With more than 100 public beach access points and two stunning state parks, Panama City Beach offers endless ways to enjoy the coast. Whether you are searching for a lively   Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – For decades, Cain Griffin Park has been a gathering place for families, athletes, and neighbors. “This playground was installed back in the early 2000s, so it was due for an upgrade,” Director of Parks and Grounds Ty Farris said. That’s not to say the city has ignored the park. “So […] Read More

GULF COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – A Port St. Joe woman, accused of stealing millions of dollars, has entered into a plea deal with the state. 57-year old Tiffany Carr entered no-contest pleas to organized fraud and official misconduct.She appeared from a hospital bed, via a Zoom link, with no explanation of her illness. Carr was […] Read More

JACKSON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – One word to describe the last few months of Jackson County commission meetings…tense. There had been arguing. “What you said was that we’re not capable,” said Commissioner Paul Donofro “No, you’re not,” said Commissioner Dr. Willie Spires. “I’m disagreeing with that,” said Donofro. “Whoa, whoa, whoa, oh,” Chairman Westbrook yelled […] Read More

10 players to watch ahead of the 2026 football season Collin Bestor January 5, 2026 5:07 pm Sports NICEVILLE — With the 2025 season in the books and spring workouts on the horizon, the Emerald Coast’s next wave of stars is already coming into focus.   From reigning Mid Bay News Players of the Year to proven quarterbacks, explosive running backs and defensive tone-setters, these 10 athletes headline the players we’re most excited to watch when the 2026 high school football season kicks off.     Niceville RB Jakobe Gilyard The defending Mid Bay News Offensive Player of the Year, Gilyard, looks to enter his sophomore year as one of the most exciting players to watch in 2026. Ending the 2025 campaign as one of the Emerald Coast’s leading rushers, behind Destin RB Junior Harris, Gilyard had 223 carries, 1,211 yards on the ground and 14 scores. Gilyard also ended his first year with two offers (Florida State and South Florida) and looks to pick up more as he continues to progress.   South Walton LB Connor Rooney The defending Mid Bay News Defensive Player of the Year, Rooney, enters 2026 as the de facto leader of a Seahawks team looking to get one game better than last year’s second-round playoff loss to Pensacola Catholic. Rooney led the team with 100 tackles and had two blocked field goals and a blocked punt. Look for him to end his high school career with either the same or increased production.   South... Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Aaron Lee, Vice President of Administration for the Panama City Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau, is accused of turning a company credit card into a personal bank account. “He’s a con man, and he has been weaving a tale for quite some time,” Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford said. On […] Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – The outline of a new entertainment venue is now clearly visible at the former Spinnaker Beach Club site. It’s the new 30,000 square foot Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge. The project follows a deal between former Spinnaker owner Sparky Sparkman and Tootsie’s owner Steve Smith. Spinnaker first opened in the early 1970’s […] Read More

The U.S. is changing which vaccines are recommended for children, slashing the number of shots endorsed for everyone and leaving more decisions in the hands of parents and pediatricians. Read More

From the 850 to the Nation: Emerald Coast Athletes Close Out 2025 College Football Season Collin Bestor January 5, 2026 3:00 pm Sports NICEVILLE — While some players had breakout seasons and saw some take to the field for the first time, 2025 also marked the end of some college careers.   From humble beginnings at Joe Ethridge Stadium and the Eagles Nest, local kids repped the 850 and made their hometowns proud.   Here is a look back at former standout athletes as the 2025 football season comes to a close.     Stanford RB Cole Tabb (Choctaw) After a 27-carry, 130-yard performance in year one, the former Choctaw standout and current Stanford Cardinal had his breakout year in 2025, getting 114 carries, 445 yards and 3 TDs. This includes a game against Florida State, which saw him go for 118 yards on 28 carries and one score. The Cardinals would go on to finish 4-8 (3-5 in the Atlantic Coast Conference). Air Force QB Kemper Hodges (South Walton) It may have taken a few years, but after two and a half years of patience, the former South Walton QB took snaps under center for the first time in his career in 2025. Gaining reps in garbage time against Navy on Oct. 4, Hodges would get his first start against New Mexico on Nov. 22, but the Lobos beat the Falcons 20-3. His first win as a starter would come one week later, beating Colorado State 42-21, where he... Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – The Panama City Parks, Culture, and Recreation Advisory Committee has set multiple dates in January for Town Hall meetings to discuss multiple parks under consideration for potential consolidation. The committee was established by the Panama City Commission last year for the purpose of refurbishing public parks. The committee takes community-driven […] Read More