Okaloosa County Commission approves $17.7M for SR 85 widening, new sheriff’s office evidence facility Collin Bestor January 28, 2026 9:15 am Okaloosa County SHALIMAR — Okaloosa County commissioners unanimously approved more than $12.7 million in infrastructure surtax funding on Jan. 20, advancing a State Road 85 widening project tied to the Southwest Crestview Bypass and authorizing construction of a new evidence storage facility for the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office as officials pointed to growth pressures, public safety needs and long-term fiscal efficiency.   The board approved a $10 million allocation from fiscal year 2026 Infrastructure Surtax reserves as the county’s local contribution to a Florida Department of Transportation project to widen and reconstruct State Road 85 from Live Oak Church Road to P.J. Adams Parkway. Commissioners also authorized $2,707,870 in surtax funding for design, construction, security systems and furnishings for a new sheriff’s office evidence facility in Crestview.   County leaders said both projects are necessary to keep pace with population growth, traffic demand and expanding public safety responsibilities, while avoiding increases in property or income taxes. SR 85 widening tied to bypass investment FDOT has designed improvements to widen State Road 85 from State Road 123 to Interstate 10 to six lanes, addressing longstanding congestion along one of Okaloosa County’s primary north-south corridors.   The portion between Live Oak Church Road and P.J. Adams Parkway, roughly one mile, is considered essential to fully realizing the benefits of the $200 million Southwest Crestview Bypass and Interstate 10 interchange projects.  ... Read More

Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, And Lionel Richie Judge A New Season Of American Idol The Season 24 premiere of American Idol aired on ABC on Sunday, January 26. The two-hour episode featured a parade of talented performers who earned Golden Tickets to Hollywood Week. Season 23’s judges, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie, all […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Day one of the trial began Tuesday morning for suspects Jubal Simmons and Ivybella Encino. You may remember the Panama City road rage incident that turned fatal during last year’s Mardi Gras celebration. A Chipley mother, celebrating her 48th birthday, was killed after several rounds were fired into her vehicle, […] Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – While the community is still celebrating the opening of the MLK Rec Center, Panama City commissioners continue to weigh options for its membership fees. They were set to finalize the membership and rental fees at Tuesday’s commission meeting, but are instead considering new proposals. The Bay County NAACP presented the […] Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Panama City leaders approved a new beautification project in St. Andrews. A $50,000 FDOT grant will upgrade the landscaping along Beck Avenue from 10th to 15th Street. It’s in addition to an existing $500,000 beautification grant from FDOT. Similar improvements have already been made in Millville and portions of Business […] Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Some long-awaited pedestrian safety measures are coming to the Bay High School campus. Following concerns from teachers, parents, and administration, FDOT officials proposed safety improvements to Harrison Avenue between 12th and 13th Streets. Tuesday night, Panama City officials voted to support FDOT in making the improvements. The improvements include realigned […] Read More

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Eastern Lake will remain preserved after Walton County commissioners unanimously voted to abandon plans for a proposed development project. The lake is one of Walton County’s coastal dune lakes, valued for its ecological significance and rarity. “I want to thank each and every one of you because I know this […] Read More

JACKSON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Over the last few months, the Jackson County Board of County Commissioners has been searching for its next county attorney. Interviews were held back in January to give the board a chance to hear from each candidate. On Tuesday, the board decided to rank the candidates one more time before […] Read More