WASHINGTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – A former correctional officer at the Northwest Florida Reception Center was found guilty on Thursday of accepting money to smuggle drugs and cell phones into prison. According to a news release, 50-year-old Tina Marie Wallace was found guilty of five counts of unlawful compensation for official behavior and five counts […] Read More

F-35 Deployment Signals Bold New Chapter for Air Force Innovation Staff Reports January 26, 2026 3:12 pm Aviation, Eglin Air Force Base, Hurlburt Field, Military In Brief: Who: 96th Test Wing, 48th Cyberspace Test Squadron, 33rd Fighter Wing What: Arrival of the F-35 Lightning II AF-3 aircraft When: October of last year Where: Eglin Air Force Base, Florida Why: To support cybersecurity, systems integration testing, and risk mitigation for the Joint Strike Fighter program EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. — The first F-35 Lightning II aircraft has officially arrived at Eglin Air Force Base, marking a major milestone for the U.S. Air Force and ushering in a new era of advanced testing operations for the 96th Test Wing. The aircraft, designated AF-3, arrived in October of last year and will support the development of the Cyber Systems Integration Lab under the 48th Cyberspace Test Squadron. The lab, which is currently working toward its official stand-up, will focus on reducing risk across multiple aspects of the Joint Strike Fighter program. While the aircraft will initially reside with the 33rd Fighter Wing, officials confirmed it will eventually be transferred to the 96th Test Wing, where it will be permanently located and maintained as testing operations expand. The Cyber Systems Integration Lab is expected to play a key role in strengthening cybersecurity and systems integration for the F-35 program, ensuring the aircraft remains capable of meeting evolving operational demands and emerging digital threats. Officials say the arrival of AF-3 represents a significant step... Read More

Florida Reveals Shocking Candy Test Results in Powerful Food Safety Push Staff Reports January 26, 2026 2:41 pm Food and Recipies, Government, Health, State Government In Brief: Florida tested 46 candy products and detected arsenic in 28 of them. The effort follows earlier infant formula testing that identified elevated heavy metals. Officials say the initiative improves transparency and protects families. Florida officials have released new candy testing results as part of the state’s Healthy Florida First initiative, expanding efforts to improve food transparency and protect children from potential toxic exposure. Governor Ron DeSantis, First Lady Casey DeSantis, and Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo announced the findings on Thursday, revealing that the Florida Department of Health (DOH) tested 46 candy products from 10 companies for heavy metals. According to the state, arsenic was detected in 28 of the products tested, prompting additional evaluation of possible health risks, particularly for children. The candy testing follows the recent release of infant formula test results, which examined 24 products from seven major brands sold across Florida. That earlier testing identified elevated levels of heavy metals — including mercury, arsenic, cadmium, and lead — when compared to health-based screening benchmarks. Governor DeSantis said the expanded testing reflects the state’s commitment to transparency and consumer empowerment. “Our Healthy Florida First initiative promotes innovation, ensures accountability, and empowers Floridians to make the healthiest choices for their families,” DeSantis said. “Through these transparency efforts and our long-standing commitment to medical freedom, Florida is doing its part to... Read More

Tim Bryant Recognized for Powerful Commitment to School Leadership Excellence Staff Reports January 26, 2026 2:08 pm Okaloosa County, Schools and Education In Brief: Who: Tim Bryant, Okaloosa County School Board Member What: Earned FSBA’s Advanced Certified Board Member distinction When: Awarded following completion of 30 professional development points in one year Where: Okaloosa County, Florida Why: To recognize outstanding commitment to leadership development and effective school governance FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. — Okaloosa County School Board Member Tim Bryant has earned a prestigious leadership distinction from the Florida School Boards Association (FSBA), recognizing his continued commitment to professional development and effective public education governance. Bryant was awarded the Advanced Certified Board Member (Advanced CBM) designation, an honor reserved for board members who complete 30 professional development points in a single year. The recognition builds upon FSBA’s Certified Board Member (CBM) program, which requires more than 96 hours of specialized training focused on leadership, ethics, advocacy, and strategic governance. FSBA Director of Leadership Services Tina Pinkoson praised Bryant’s long-standing dedication to public service and continued learning. “School Board Member Bryant’s continued pursuit of professional growth is truly inspiring,” Pinkoson said. “Since his initial election in 2016, he has consistently demonstrated a passion for learning and a dedication to serving students, families, and his community.” Okaloosa County School District Superintendent Marcus Chambers also highlighted the importance of strong leadership at the board level. “Effective governance begins with a commitment to learning, and Tim Bryant exemplifies that commitment,” Chambers said. “His dedication... Read More