Shawna Crist Named Ryan Cabaniss State Farm Niceville Good Neighbor Christopher Saul March 5, 2026 12:42 pm Niceville Plew Elementary librarian Shawna Crist has been honored as February’s Ryan Cabaniss State Farm Niceville Good Neighbor. Nominated by her dedicated team of library volunteers, Mrs. Crist received the award for the extraordinary passion and personal care she brings to her role every day. A crowd of Plew Elementary School Volunteers smile with Shawna Crist as she receives her award as Niceville Good Neighbor of the month. The volunteers who serve along with Crist nominated her for the award. The library volunteers who nominated her highlighted the unique and “actual magic” Mrs. Crist creates within the school. “She knows every kid by name and makes them feel incredibly special every day!” one volunteer stated. “The excitement and drive she creates for these kids to have a love of reading is truly a sight to behold. Plew is so lucky to have her!” A familiar face in the Niceville community for 38 years, Mrs. Crist has served at Plew Elementary for a total of 20 years, beginning as a parent volunteer when her oldest daughter started kindergarten and later transitioning to an employee for the last 14 years. Her recognition as a “Good Neighbor” continues a tradition of excellence, as Mrs. Crist has previously been named Okaloosa County Teacher of the Year, Support Person of the Year, and Volunteer of the Year. With a history of such distinguished recognitions, her impact on the... Read More

 [[{“value”:” Beginning March 1, 2025, Walton County opted to go with one main chair and umbrella rental vendor across South Walton Beaches. For 2026 the singular company is Coastal Beach Service, which has served the area for decades. The service offers more than just chairs and umbrellas – see their website for locations and options, or call 850-233-0914. “}]]  SoWal.com  Read More

Powerful Warning from Sheriff After Jail Worker Arrested in Inmate Relationship Staff Reports March 5, 2026 9:23 am Crime, Walton County In Brief: A Walton County Jail kitchen employee was arrested after an investigation into alleged sexual misconduct with an inmate. Authorities say the employee engaged in unlawful physical contact inside a secured area and attempted to evade monitoring. She was terminated from her position and charged with a felony after turning herself in on March 4. A Walton County Sheriff’s Office jail employee has been arrested after authorities say she engaged in sexual conduct with an inmate inside the Walton County Jail, according to a post on the Walton County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page. Investigators say they received information on February 18 about an inappropriate relationship between Kelly Jo Johnson, 56, of Bonifay, and an inmate assigned to kitchen duty at the jail. Johnson was employed as a kitchen worker at the facility. The allegation sparked both an internal administrative review and a criminal investigation. Authorities say investigators conducted interviews, reviewed recorded jail phone calls, examined surveillance footage, and collected additional evidence as part of the inquiry. According to the Sheriff’s Office, the investigation established probable cause to believe Johnson engaged in unlawful physical contact with the inmate inside a secured area of the jail. Investigators also allege she communicated with the inmate outside the scope of her duties using methods intended to evade monitoring. Johnson was terminated from her position on February 27. She had been employed with... Read More

 [[{“value”:” Tucked away along the shimmering shores of the Choctawhatchee Bay, The Village of Baytowne Wharf continues to serve as the vibrant heart and soul of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. As we move into March, the Village is shedding its winter coat and leaning fully into a season of outdoor festivals, open-air music, and the kind of coastal energy that only spring in South Walton can provide. “}]]  SoWal.com  Read More

Country Singer Fakes Her Engagement Country star Harper Grace shared with thousands of followers she was engaged – but it turns out it was never real. A rising country singer and former American Idol contestant, she gained early attention in childhood for a widely shared performance of the U.S. national anthem. After her time on […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)- More and more passengers are arriving at Northwest Florida International Airport as we near the official start of the busy tourist season. ECP officials say they started to see an influx last week, but expect their peak to begin this weekend, as many universities start their spring break. That peak should […] Read More

Foggy mornings and warmer than normal temperatures are expected to continue through the weekend, with some areas potentially reaching record high temperatures, and rain chances increasing by next Wednesday. Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)- While many are looking forward to the new Tootsies Orchid Lounge being built at the former Spinnaker Beach Club site, some pieces of the club remain around the community. The structure you see in the video may look familiar; that’s because it used to be the entryway of the old Spinnaker […] Read More

JACKSON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – The case of a former Jackson County sheriff’s deputy, who planted drugs on innocent people, went before the Florida Supreme Court Wednesday morning. Zach Wester was originally sentenced to 12 and a half years in prison after his 2021 conviction on 19 charges, including racketeering. Body camera footage showed Wester […] Read More