Country Music’s Biggest Stars Celebrate The New Year At “Nashville’s Big Bash” Jack Daniel’s New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash took place in the heart of music city to ring in 2026. The in-person watch party was held this year at Luke Combs’ Category 10. The five-hour special featured a number of country’s top artists […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

PANAMA CITY, FL (WMBB)- For years, Rick Seltzer Park has been a gathering place for families, kids, and neighbors. New improvements are giving the park a much-needed upgrade. “So, each year we put it in the budget to try to improve our boardwalks, our facilities throughout the county. This is going to be one of […] Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) –  With the new year in full swing, it’s important to prioritize your health. Healthcare professionals are seeing an uptick in flu cases locally. Although coughing and sneezing is common during the winter months, health professionals warn that these symptoms may actually be signs of the flu. “It’s kind of easy […] Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Bay County is remembering a man who left behind a legacy in local law. 85-year-old John O’Brien passed away on Sunday. He graduated at the top of his class from the University of Florida. O’Brien was a lawyer for more than 30 years, specializing in criminal defense work. He was […] Read More

There were 112 children who tragically drowned in Florida over the course of 2025, a statistic in which the Sunshine State leads the nation. Read More

FLORIDA – After having what one described as a “significant impact” on Florida’s black bear hunt this month, conservationists could seek to add bears to the federal threatened species list. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission on Tuesday reported 52 bears were killed during the hunt, which was held from Dec. 6 through Sunday. […] Read More

John Foster’s Jan. 1 Performance Coincided With The 73rd Anniversary Of The Death Of Hank Williams Something that many people came to love about American Idol Season 23 finalist John Foster was his love for classic country music. During his tenure on the show, which saw the country singer make it all the way to […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

Walton County Celebrates a Joyful New Beginning With First Baby of 2026 Staff Reports January 2, 2026 9:26 am Emerald Coast, Walton County In Brief: Who: Merritt Taylor, born to Jordan and Steele Taylor What: First baby born in Walton County in 2026 When: 1:16 a.m. on January 1, 2026 Where: Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast Family Birth Place Why: To celebrate the first new life welcoming the New Year in Walton County Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast’s Family Birth Place celebrated the New Year with the county’s first baby of 2026, born just after midnight. Merritt Taylor made her debut at 1:16 a.m. on January 1 at Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast. She was born to Jordan and Steele Taylor, marking a memorable start to the year for the family. Merritt’s arrival also came with a surprise. Her parents chose not to find out the baby’s gender ahead of time, and Jordan Taylor said she had been convinced she was having a boy. Instead, the New Year brought a baby girl. At birth, Merritt weighed 6 pounds, 8 ounces, and hospital staff shared in the celebration of welcoming the first baby born in Walton County in 2026. More Local News Emerald Coast Walton County Celebrates a Joyful New Beginning With First Baby of 2026 News From Norriego Point to CO2 pipelines: The Stories That Defined the Emerald Coast in 2025 State Government These potential Florida laws could change your life in 2026 Load More The post Walton County Celebrates... Read More

 [[{“value”:” The Seaside Institute has announced Marieanne Khoury-Vogt and Erik Vogt as the recipients of the prestigious 2026 Seaside Prize, which is awarded annually to individuals who have made significant contributions to the fields of architecture, urban planning, and community development. “}]]  SoWal.com  Read More

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) – Here’s a look at your top local stories from the last 24 hours to get you caught up: 1. Oystermen return back on the Apalachicola Bay after five year closure: After more than five years, the Apalachicola Bay is back open for recreational and commercial oyster harvesting. In November, the […] Read More