General News


Pearl Lamonica Center offers comfort to Bay County mourners

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – The Pearl Lamonica center opened its doors to the public Thursday, spreading the word that people who are hurting emotionally have a place to go. Grief is different for everyone; for many, the hardest part is feeling like you’re going through it alone. “What we do here is we offer […] Read More

Local nonprofit raises awareness on mothers’ grief

JACKSON COUNTY, Fla (WMBB)- Every second Tuesday of every month, in a small room at C3 church in Marianna, a group of women comes together to break bread, share laughs, and sometimes tears. The group members all have something in common: the loss of a child. Moms of Lost Children is a nonprofit started by […] Read More

Dolly Parton’s Producer Shares Update On Her Health

Dolly Parton Faces Health Challenges In September 2025, country music icon Dolly Parton was scheduled to attend an event at Dollywood for the announcement of the park’s new attraction, Night Flight Expedition. But, she had to cancel at the last minute due to kidney stones that caused an infection. Then just a few weeks later, Dolly announced that was […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

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The Joe Rogan Podcast Still Dominates But Others Are Also Growing

The podcast industry in America wrapped up 2025 with a mix of familiarity and subtle evolution, as revealed in the latest quarterly rankings. Based on comprehensive data tracking weekly listenership among audiences aged 13 and older, the fourth quarter of 2025 showed a largely steady top tier, underscoring the enduring appeal of established shows. However, […] The post The Joe Rogan Podcast Still Dominates But Others Are Also Growing appeared first on Cord Cutters News. Read More

Arctic Blast This Weekend

🚨 Big Picture / What You Need to Know 🌤️ Short-Term Forecast (Tonight through Friday) The weather stays pretty calm and quiet through Friday 👍High pressure is in control, which means dry conditions and a slow warm-up. ⚠️ Heads up: A powerful cold front will be knocking on the door Friday night. 🥶 Long-Term Forecast […] Read More

Powerful Oversight Requested After Brightline Train Slams Into Robot

Powerful Oversight Requested After Brightline Train Slams Into Robot Staff Reports January 29, 2026 5:26 pm Government, State Government, Travel In Brief: Who: Congressman Patronis and the National Transportation Safety Board What: A Brightline train collided with an autonomous delivery robot When: January 15, 2026 Where: Miami, Florida Why: To address safety concerns as autonomous technology expands near critical transportation systems WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Patronis is calling for a federal safety review following a January 15 collision between a Brightline passenger train and an autonomous delivery robot that entered active railroad tracks in Miami. In a letter sent to National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy, Patronis requested detailed information on the agency’s response to the incident and urged a closer examination of how autonomous technologies interact with critical transportation infrastructure. Although no injuries were reported, Patronis said the crash raises serious concerns as robotic delivery systems and autonomous vehicles continue to expand across urban environments. The Congressman asked whether the incident triggered NTSB reporting requirements, what investigative actions are underway, and whether the agency is conducting a broader review of autonomous vehicles at railroad crossings nationwide. Patronis also pressed the NTSB to clarify what safety recommendations currently exist to prevent similar incidents and whether different standards should apply to autonomous vehicles carrying human passengers compared to those operating independently. In his letter, the Congressman emphasized the need for Congress to remain proactive as technology outpaces existing safety frameworks. “Given the rapid evolution of autonomous technologies, we must... Read More


Innovative bladder technology elevates Bay County’s healthcare

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Bay County’s Advanced Urology Institute is being recognized as a center of excellence for treating overactive bladder and retention. Advanced Urology Institute Urologist, Dr. Umar Karaman, is also being recognized for being one of the first 25 physicians in the United States to perform a new bladder procedure to treat […] Read More

Inside Okaloosa County’s plans for the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Rigdon Center

Inside Okaloosa County’s plans for the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Rigdon Center Collin Bestor January 29, 2026 5:00 pm Fort Walton Beach FORT WALTON BEACH — Local quilt shows, antique sales and fish fries at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Rigdon Center, formerly known as the Northwest Florida Fairgrounds, will soon take place in upgraded facilities after Okaloosa County commissioners unanimously approved a construction contract for a new concession and restroom building, marking a significant milestone in the county’s multi-year effort to revitalize the historic property. The project, approved earlier this month, carries a total cost of $1.89 million, a figure corrected during the Jan. 6 commission meeting after Tourism Director Jennifer Adams identified a clerical error in the agenda packet that omitted roughly $21,000 for kitchen hood equipment. Joy Gordon Construction will complete the work under a $1.51 million contract, while the county will directly purchase primary materials, including the metal building, concrete, HVAC units, and kitchen equipment, to reduce taxes and contractor markups. “This is a great addition to our Phase 1 project,” Deputy County Administrator Craig Coffey said. “This will add a huge component to making the facility very functional.” What’s being built The 3,244-square-foot structure will include two catering kitchens that can operate independently or together, a concession kitchen capable of supporting all-day food and beverage sales during events, and new restrooms accessible from both indoor event halls and outdoor areas. Commissioner Sherri Cox asked during the meeting whether county taxpayers would bear any of the cost. “It’s... Read More