FLORIDA (WMBB) – The Florida Senate has passed legislation that will improve the efficiency of the school voucher program and its funding. The school voucher program provides public funding to families who want to seek alternative education options. SB 318 was filed at the end of last year by Senator Don Gaetz after a 2025 […] Read More

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – The Walton County Sheriff’s Office is on the scene of a traffic crash involving three vehicles, including the ‘Dolphin’ school bus, on Wednesday. Authorities said the bus was transporting students from Freeport Middle and Freeport Elementary. Northbound lanes of 331 S are blocked at this time, and deputies are currently […] Read More

JACKSON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – The Trump administration has selected a Jackson County man to serve on an important agriculture committee. Mack Glass is one of five people selected to serve on the Florida USDA Farm Service Agency state committee. Glass is from Marianna. He is the General Manager of his ranch, where he oversees […] Read More

Snow Could Surprise Florida This Sunday—Prepare Now Staff Reports January 14, 2026 2:23 pm Emerald Coast, Weather In Brief: Who: Meteorologists, Florida residents, FDEM What: Potential snow and icy conditions When: Sunday, January 18, 2026 Where: Florida, particularly north of the Tennessee Valley Why: Freezing temperatures coinciding with moisture could create hazardous winter conditions Meteorologists are closely monitoring model runs for the potential of snow in parts of Florida on Sunday, January 18, 2026. Forecasts have varied in recent days, swinging between light flurries, a wintry mix, and a possible accumulation of up to one inch. The latest GFS, Euro, and CMC models show differing scenarios. While the CMC model keeps snow north of the Tennessee Valley, both the GFS and Euro suggest that freezing temperatures could coincide with moisture, creating conditions where snow or ice could stick. Officials caution that while this isn’t expected to be a “Snowmageddon” like in 2025, even a small accumulation could make driving hazardous. Residents are encouraged to stay alert and monitor updates, as a Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) call could be issued if conditions trend toward winter weather. Officials also reminded residents to practice the 5 P’s of cold weather safety: People Pets Plants Pipes And Practice Fire Safety Stay tuned for further updates as forecasts continue to evolve. More Local News Charities and Nonprofits Urgent: Cold Weather Shelters Ready to Save Lives in Okaloosa 30a Residents attack Walton County Eastern Lake plan Niceville This is What Niceville Will Build With... Read More

Okaloosa County Schools Revisit Start Times Amid Concerns Over Teen Health and Bus Shortages Collin Bestor January 14, 2026 2:00 pm Schools and Education NICEVILLE — As Florida lawmakers retreat from a mandate that would have forced later start times for middle and high schools, a renewed debate unfolded on Monday as members of the Okaloosa County School Board heard comments from a local pediatrician urging school leaders to reconsider early schedules despite mounting logistical and financial challenges.   Dr. Lynn Keefe, a longtime Okaloosa County pediatrician, addressed the school board during public comment, warning that decades of sleep research show chronic sleep deprivation among adolescents is harming students’ physical health, mental well-being and brain development.    “Kids who get inadequate sleep are not healthy,” Keefe said. “The data is overwhelming, and the damage to kids’ brains and bodies is real.”   Her remarks came as Gov. Ron DeSantis recently signed legislation allowing school districts to comply with a 2023 state law on later start times without actually changing their schedules, effectively delaying widespread implementation. A mandate softened Under the original 2023 law, middle schools could not begin instruction earlier than 8 a.m., and high schools could not start before 8:30 a.m., with the changes set to take effect in the 2026–27 school year.   Lawmakers said the goal was to improve student academic performance and mental health.   But legislation signed in May allows districts to be deemed “in compliance” by submitting a report outlining their current start times,... Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Project Kilowatt just became official in Bay County and now has a name. On Tuesday, Bay Economic Alliance officials announced Voltari Electric has plans to bring a new U.S. shipyard to Bay County. The Canadian-based electric boat manufacturer plans to take over and expand the former Queen Craft Shipyard, bringing […] Read More

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Firefighters responded quickly to an early morning RV fire in Choctaw Beach on Wednesday. Walton County Fire Rescue crews were dispatched to a residence at 7:21 a.m on Aspen Street following a 911 call reporting a structure fire. Firefighters said they arrived on scene to find an RV fully involved, […] Read More

Tracy Lawrence is opening up about a near-death experience he faced 35 years ago, and he says it still affects him physically and emotionally to this day. In May 1991, Tracy was walking through downtown Nashville, Tennessee when he was shot multiple times during an attempted armed robbery. He recently shared details about that night […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

Urgent: Cold Weather Shelters Ready to Save Lives in Okaloosa Staff Reports January 14, 2026 11:39 am Charities and Nonprofits, Crestview, Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, Okaloosa County, Public Safety In Brief: Okaloosa County opens shelters in Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, and Crestview for residents during cold weather. Transportation is provided for residents to shelters, with safety rules for belongings. Shelters serve individuals, families, and elderly residents to ensure warmth and safety. Okaloosa County officials are ensuring that residents have a safe place to stay during the current cold weather by opening multiple strategic partner cold weather shelters across the county. These shelters provide temporary housing for individuals, families, and the elderly, offering specific hours and transportation services for residents who require assistance. South County Shelters: One Hopeful Place in Fort Walton Beach will be open on Wednesday, January 14, and Thursday, January 15, starting at 4 p.m. Residents can call 850-586-7879 for more information. Bus transportation will pick up residents at 205 Shell Ave, with trips starting at 3:15 p.m. on January 14 and at 3:30 p.m. on January 15. The shelter accommodates individuals 18 years or older. Generations Church in Niceville will open Wednesday night, January 14, for check-ins from 8–10 p.m. Families with children and elderly residents are welcome. Contact 850-678-2531 for details. North County Shelter: The Crestview Area Shelter for the Homeless will open on Wednesday, January 14, and Thursday night, January 15, starting at 6 p.m. Contact 850-398-5670 for information. Officials remind residents that transportation is... Read More

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) – News 13 brings you a segment focused on health and fitness on News 13 Midday every Wednesday called “Wellness Wednesday.” This week, Personal Trainer Traycee Green from Pure Platinum was in the studio with News 13’s Chris Marchand and Amelia Henderson on how to make peanut butter dip. Here is the recipe: Read More