30A Breaking News

There were 112 children who tragically drowned in Florida over the course of 2025, a statistic in which the Sunshine State leads the nation. Read More

FLORIDA – After having what one described as a “significant impact” on Florida’s black bear hunt this month, conservationists could seek to add bears to the federal threatened species list. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission on Tuesday reported 52 bears were killed during the hunt, which was held from Dec. 6 through Sunday. […] Read More

John Foster’s Jan. 1 Performance Coincided With The 73rd Anniversary Of The Death Of Hank Williams Something that many people came to love about American Idol Season 23 finalist John Foster was his love for classic country music. During his tenure on the show, which saw the country singer make it all the way to […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

Walton County Celebrates a Joyful New Beginning With First Baby of 2026 Staff Reports January 2, 2026 9:26 am Emerald Coast, Walton County In Brief: Who: Merritt Taylor, born to Jordan and Steele Taylor What: First baby born in Walton County in 2026 When: 1:16 a.m. on January 1, 2026 Where: Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast Family Birth Place Why: To celebrate the first new life welcoming the New Year in Walton County Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast’s Family Birth Place celebrated the New Year with the county’s first baby of 2026, born just after midnight. Merritt Taylor made her debut at 1:16 a.m. on January 1 at Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast. She was born to Jordan and Steele Taylor, marking a memorable start to the year for the family. Merritt’s arrival also came with a surprise. Her parents chose not to find out the baby’s gender ahead of time, and Jordan Taylor said she had been convinced she was having a boy. Instead, the New Year brought a baby girl. At birth, Merritt weighed 6 pounds, 8 ounces, and hospital staff shared in the celebration of welcoming the first baby born in Walton County in 2026. More Local News Emerald Coast Walton County Celebrates a Joyful New Beginning With First Baby of 2026 News From Norriego Point to CO2 pipelines: The Stories That Defined the Emerald Coast in 2025 State Government These potential Florida laws could change your life in 2026 Load More The post Walton County Celebrates... Read More

 [[{“value”:” The Seaside Institute has announced Marieanne Khoury-Vogt and Erik Vogt as the recipients of the prestigious 2026 Seaside Prize, which is awarded annually to individuals who have made significant contributions to the fields of architecture, urban planning, and community development. “}]]  SoWal.com  Read More

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) – Here’s a look at your top local stories from the last 24 hours to get you caught up: 1. Oystermen return back on the Apalachicola Bay after five year closure: After more than five years, the Apalachicola Bay is back open for recreational and commercial oyster harvesting. In November, the […] Read More

JACKSON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Two Egg is a community just outside of Marianna in Jackson County. The community has existed since the 30s, and local historian Dale Cox decided that it was time to add a historical marker.  The marker is the first to be added to the area. “Two Egg is a small […] Read More

BAY/WALTON COUNTIES, Fla. (WMBB) – The New Year babies have made their entrances into the world. It’s a lovable annual tradition from local hospitals, and we are happy to introduce you to the first baby born in 2026 at the HCA Gulf Coast Hospital. Juniper Fields was born just after 8 a.m. Thursday morning, she’s […] Read More

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – After more than five years, the Apalachicola Bay is back open for recreational and commercial oyster harvesting. In November, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission approved a limited reopening of the Apalachicola Bay, with a harvest season starting on January 1st. Oystermen didn’t waste any time to get back […] Read More

GULF COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Hundreds of people gathered in Cape San Blas to ring in the new year with the annual polar plunge. Both visitors and locals braved the cold for the tradition. For the tenth consecutive year, the Cape San Blas community came together to celebrate New Years Day with a polar plunge. […] Read More