Crestview Growth Surge as Walmart Announces Neighborhood Market Groundbreaking Staff Reports January 28, 2026 1:29 pm Crestview In Brief: Who: Walmart, City of Crestview, Mayor JB Whitten, Derald Cupp, Kevin Rogers, WRS Real Estate Investments What: Groundbreaking ceremony for new Walmart Neighborhood Market When: Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. Where: 1150 Industrial Drive, North Crestview, Florida Why: To expand grocery access, reduce travel time for residents, create jobs, and support community growth CRESTVIEW, Fla. — A major retail expansion is coming to North Crestview as Walmart prepares to officially break ground on a new Neighborhood Market, bringing expanded grocery access, new jobs, and added convenience to area residents. The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 9 a.m. at the future store site located at 1150 Industrial Drive, situated between El Paso Tacos & Tequila and Eglin Federal Credit Union. Walmart leaders say the new location represents a continued investment in Florida communities and a commitment to providing convenient access to everyday essentials. “Walmart is proud to break ground on a new Neighborhood Market in Crestview, reinforcing our commitment to serving customers and investing in the communities we call home,” said Derald Cupp, Market Manager for Walmart Neighborhood Markets. “This new store will provide convenient access to fresh essentials and support local families with a modern and elevated shopping experience close to home.” Cupp added that Florida remains a key market for the company’s long-term growth, with Crestview positioned as an important community partner for... Read More

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) – An employee at a Panama City disabled adult care facility was arrested on Tuesday for allegedly “twerking” in front of disabled patients. According to court documents, on Jan. 15, the Panama City Police Department received a tip regarding possible abuse and exploitation of disabled adults. Authorities reported that a video […] Read More

Walton Commission decides on parking, vending at Eastern Lake Steven Saul January 28, 2026 10:33 am 30a, South Walton The Walton County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) was prepared this week to make a decision on the future direction for the public beach access at Eastern Lake in South Walton.  As recently reported by Mid Bay News, this topic was highly contested by residents of Eastern Lake, and many raised specific concerns about pending County development near and on the coastal dune, which shares a natural ecosystem with the Gulf.  Residents of Eastern Lake voiced concerns and opposition to a proposed regional beach access that could affect the lake.  To the delight of many residents in attendance, the BCC came ready to support the protection and conservation of Eastern Lake.   The Chairman of the BCC, Brad Drake (District 3), made a motion that he believed would be readily acceptable to everyone in attendance saying, “The Chair would entertain a motion to lay the item on the table and leave [it] pending indefinitely – meaning there would be no action [or pursuit to move forward with the regional beach access] meaning there would be no action [but] if another board [BCC} would like to pursue this [a change] in the future, they could.”  Drake then asked, “Is there a motion?”  The motion was made by Commissioner Danny Glidewell (District 2) and seconded by Commissioner Donna Johns (District 4). With an expeditious posture, the Chairman invited public comment, then asked whether anyone... Read More

Morgan Wallen Placed At No. 8, Just Behind His “What I Want” Co-Singer, Tate McRae Looking back at 2025, Morgan Wallen‘s album I’m The Problem, as well as its supporting stadium tour, was a significant highlight. The 37-track triple album saw Morgan have 36 of its 37 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 all at […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

Urgent: Cold Weather Shelters Ready to Save Lives in Okaloosa Staff Reports January 28, 2026 10:05 am Crestview, Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, Okaloosa County In Brief: Who: One Hopeful Place, Generations Church, Crestview Area Shelter for the Homeless, and vulnerable community members What: Cold weather shelter openings for overnight safety When: January 28 through February 1, 2026 (varies by location) Where: Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, and Crestview Why: To provide protection and warmth during dangerously cold temperatures FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. — As dangerously cold overnight temperatures settle across Okaloosa County, multiple emergency cold weather shelters are opening this week to provide warmth, safety, and critical overnight accommodations for vulnerable residents. Strategic partner shelters in both South County and North County will begin accepting guests beginning Wednesday night, January 28, with staggered schedules and intake times depending on location. In South County, One Hopeful Place in Fort Walton Beach will open Wednesday and Thursday evenings, beginning at 4 p.m. The shelter serves adults ages 18 and older and can be reached at 850-586-7879. The facility is located at 1564 N. Beal Extension, Fort Walton Beach. Transportation for guests was provided earlier this week, though no additional pickup trips are currently scheduled. Shelter residents will be transported back to Shell Avenue on Friday, January 30, at 10 a.m., at which time personal belongings can be retrieved. Also in South County, Generations Church in Niceville will open Wednesday night with check-in available from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. The church serves families... Read More