FWB High’s Lindsey Smith Named Florida’s Top Administrator for 2026 Staff Reports December 11, 2025 10:31 am Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa County, Schools and Education In Brief: Who: Fort Walton Beach High School Principal Lindsey Smith, Superintendent Marcus Chambers, Dr. Tavia Marez, and Jackie Sheffield What: Smith was named the 2026 Bill Montford Administrator of the Year When: Announced December 10, 2025 Where: Fort Walton Beach High School / Challenger Learning Center of Tallahassee Why: For exceptional leadership and strong commitment to advancing STEM opportunities for students and teachers Fort Walton Beach High School Principal Lindsey Smith has been selected as the 2026 Bill Montford Administrator of the Year—one of the top statewide honors for school leaders committed to advancing STEM education. The award, created in 2023, is presented by the Challenger Learning Center of Tallahassee in partnership with the Florida Association of School Administrators (FASA). It recognizes administrators who demonstrate exceptional leadership and a strong commitment to inspiring both students and staff through hands-on, future-focused learning. As part of the honor, Smith will be able to choose a Fort Walton Beach High School class to travel to the Challenger Learning Center, where students will take part in an interactive STEM lab experience. The center, operated with support from the FSU and FAMU Colleges of Engineering, serves K–12 students from across the state with immersive programming designed to spark curiosity and deepen science and engineering skills. Smith attended the award announcement alongside two of Fort Walton Beach High’s STEM leaders—science... Read More

  Embark on a flavorful journey through Panama City Beach’s culinary scene, where every restaurant brings coastal charm and creative flair to the table. Whether you’re savoring Gulf‑fresh seafood at Capt. Anderson’s, sipping craft cocktails and enjoying thoughtfully prepared dishes at C Level, or   Read More

PANAMA CITY, Fla (WMBB) – A local business is providing financial aid to the less fortunate this holiday season. Sharky’s Beach Front Restaurant gave back to the community today with a check presentation. Beach Care Services received more than $20,000. The non-profit organization’s mission is to provide emergency assistance to many people, including service industry workers […] Read More

PANAMA CITY, Fla (WMBB) – With the new year approaching, the Bay EDA met for its December meeting on Wednesday. These local investors and business owners gathered to discuss the programs to fund and the budget to introduce that could have the best potential for the area. On Wednesday, they discussed the prior budget for […] Read More

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) – Bay County Parks and Recreation is getting ready to host their annual ‘Christmas at H.G. Harder’s Park’ event to kick off the Christmas season this Saturday, December 13, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. Taking place at 8110 John Pitts Road in Panama City, this free community event will have […] Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Time is up for anyone hoping to appear on the ballot in Lynn Havens 2026 recall election. Candidate qualifying came to a close on Wednesday afternoon, finalizing who will run to replace Mayor Jesse Nelson if voters decide to remove him from office. The position would be for a partial […] Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Christmas is coming early at the Panama City Beach Police Department, and you’re invited to celebrate. PCBPD is hosting its annual Christmas with Cops this Friday. There will be photos with Santa and the Grinch, s’mores, free swag, refreshments, holiday music, and a 100% chance of snow, courtesy of a […] Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Back in late September, Lynn Haven city officials were planning to suspend Police Chief Ramie without pay for allegedly misusing city property. Rather than risk being fired, Ramie chose to resign, leaving the city without a chief. Deputy Chief Steve Enfinger has been in-charge while the search takes place. “We […] Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Sorting gifts and preparing holiday meals, small acts that can make a big impact. Machell Akins has been feeding the homeless Thanksgiving dinner in downtown Panama City for years “It means a lot. It really means a lot. Especially since I myself was once homeless. Over 20 years ago, I […] Read More