[[{“value”:” The Ladies of Distinction of Walton County honored Walton County Democratic Women’s Club President Karen McGee at their Annual Banquet on Nov. 8, 2025. Ms. McGee was given a Certificate of Achievement for services done within the Black community. The post WCDWC Bestows Honors at Annual Banquet appeared first on South Walton Life | 30A News, Events and Community Information. “}]]  South Walton Life | 30A News, Events and Community Information  Read More

 [[{“value”:” Westonwood Ranch Receives $400,000 State Funding for New Life Skills and Job Training Center Funding, championed by Rep. Shane Abbott and Sen. Jay Trumbull, will also support a broader initiative to bring affordable supportive housing for young adults with developmental disabilities to Northwest Florida. Westonwood Ranch has been awarded $400,000 in State of Florida Appropriations through the Agency for Persons with Disabilities. Westonwood Ranch plans to utilize this transformative investment to fund and support the construction of their new life skills and job training building. This expansion marks a major milestone in Westonwood Ranch’s mission to provide meaningful learning and employment opportunities for individuals with developmental differences. The new facility will serve as a hub for vocational training, independent living skills, and hands-on workforce readiness programs. It is also a vital component of a broader project addressing a critical need in Northwest Florida — the development of affordable, supportive housing for young adults with developmental disabilities. By expanding its resources, Westonwood Ranch will be able to prepare more participants for success in both personal and professional environments, empowering them to lead fulfilling lives. Westonwood Ranch extends its deepest gratitude to Representative Shane Abbott (R–District 5) and Senator Jay Trumbull (R–District 2) for their leadership and advocacy in securing this funding. Their steadfast commitment to expanding opportunities for individuals with developmental differences has been instrumental in moving this project forward. “I am proud to support Westonwood Ranch and their mission to empower individuals with developmental differences through education, training, and... Read More

 [[{“value”:” United Way Emerald Coast (UWEC) is honored to receive a generous $50,000 investment from Forever Warriors, powered by Step One Automotive Group, in support of Mission United, a program serving active-duty service members, veterans, reservists, and their families. This funding comes at a critical time as recent challenges have created heightened needs across our community. In this first month of partnership, UWEC and Forever Warriors hosted a drive-through food distribution with the Hurlburt Field First Sergeants and allocated more than $10,000 in emergency financial assistance to help military families cover essential expenses. One recipient shared the impact of Mission United, stating, “We are profoundly grateful for their essential support. Their financial assistance came at a critical moment for an Airman who was grieving the loss of a family member and welcoming a new baby, all while being the sole provider for his three children and veteran partner. (This) aid provided a much-needed sense of security, allowing him to focus on his family; a testament to your dedication to our military members.” 1 of 5 Mission United connects military-affiliated individuals with critical resources when other funding is unavailable. Support has included emergency assistance, mental health services, housing support, and employment or career transition assistance. Since its launch in 2023, the program has served more than 5,000 service members and veterans across Okaloosa and Walton counties. “We are deeply grateful to Forever Warriors for stepping forward when our military families need it most,” said Kelly Jasen, President & CEO of United... Read More

 [[{“value”:” By Dr. Joshua Bledsoe, Public Information Officer, Walton County School District As we enter the final month of 2025, the Walton County School District is excited to highlight the incredible achievements and celebrations that made November a standout month across our campuses. From academic and artistic accomplishments to athletic excellence and major facility upgrades, our students and staff showcased the EPIC spirit that defines Walton County schools. November began with one of our most anticipated recognitions of the year: the announcement of each school’s Teacher of the Year and Educational Support Professional of the Year. These honorees represent the Excellence, Professionalism, Innovation, and Collaboration that define our District. We invite families and community members to visit individual school websites and social media platforms to view photos of the winners and help celebrate these exceptional staff members. Athletics also shone brightly this month. In golf, Brody McCormick claimed the District Tournament Championship, an accomplishment that also earned him an individual spot at the Regional Tournament. Both the South Walton boys’ and girls’ golf teams advanced to Regionals as well, joined by individual qualifiers Aiden Anderson (WHS) and Haley Chapman and Isabella Dickens (FHS). Their hard work and perseverance throughout the season earned them well-deserved recognition at the regional level. On the football field, all three district high schools advanced to the regional quarterfinals, marking a successful season for each program. South Walton High School carried its momentum even further, making an exciting run that concluded at the Regional Semifinals. Their... Read More

Saying Goodbye To A Legend In Country Music For over three decades, John Michael Montgomery has been a defining voice in country music. From his first album in 1992 to a number of chart-topping hits, Montgomery’s heartfelt lyrics and classic sound have provided him with worldwide fame. Montgomery’s hits like “I Swear,” “I Love the Way You […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

Conner Smith Speaks On Faith-Based Podcast Regarding Fatal Accident He Was Involved In Recently, the faith-based podcast The Upload with Brooke Taylor has had several country artists on to discuss their lives and work in light of their Christianity. Guests have included Walker Hayes, Chris Lane, and Tyler Hubbard. This week, on the December 3 […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

Jelly Roll Celebrates His 41st Trip Around The Sun Jelly Roll celebrated his 41st birthday Thursday (December 4), and reflected on the absolutely remarkable year he’s experienced. Along with touring the world and reaching absolute superstar status, Jelly is crushing his weight loss goals, losing nearly 250lbs! Jelly showed off one of his newest milestones […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – A Youngstown man was sentenced to five years in prison for receipt of child pornography on Friday. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, undercover officers found that child pornography was being spread over the internet through a peer-to-peer network. Officials said the Internet Protocol […] Read More

Riley Green Speaks About The Likelihood Of A Future Collaboration With Ella Langley Riley Green and Ella Langley have now recorded two duets and won several awards together, but will they ever collaborate again? That’s the question lots of country fans have been asking. The pair released their first duet, “you look like you love […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

PANAMA CITY, Fla (WMBB) – Taking the Bay District Schools on the train to success, the First Friday meeting guest speaker announced the results of this past year’s programs and programs to come. On Friday, at the FSU PC campus, the chamber of commerce gathered to celebrate the success of the year and the incoming […] Read More