30A Breaking News

Okaloosa County allocates $5M to cap remaining dirt roads in “50 in 5” project Collin Bestor December 12, 2025 7:00 am Okaloosa County In Brief: 52 miles of dirt roads set for asphalt capping $5 million allocation approved for project completion Nearly 200 miles already stabilized, surpassing original goal CRESTVIEW — Okaloosa County Commissioners on Tuesday approved a $5 million allocation to finish capping the remaining stabilized dirt roads in the county’s long-running “50 in 5” road improvement initiative, a project officials say has far exceeded its original expectations.   Public Works Director Scott Bitterman noted the department’s multi-year effort to convert county-maintained dirt roads into safer, more durable paved corridors. He then turned the floor over to Road Division Chief Rob Vandenbrock, who has overseen much of the on-the-ground implementation.   “We’ve stabilized 200 miles, and about 148 of those miles have been capped,” said Vandenbrock. “This $5 million asked here is to cap the remaining 52, and we’ll be out of the quasi dirt business.”   Commissioners praised the project’s success, which began as an effort by then-Commissioner Nathan Boyles to stabilize 50 miles of dirt roads in five years.   Instead, crews identified and stabilized roughly 200 miles, and 148 miles have already been capped with asphalt. The work is designed to improve safety, reduce erosion and cut recurring maintenance costs. Commissioner Carolyn Ketchel expressed enthusiasm for the project’s impact.   “I feel like we should name this the ‘Nathan Boyles Amendment’…he really championed this. So I’m... Read More

Jelly Roll Shares He Wants To Petition His Right To Possess A Firearm Jelly Roll shared he intends to formally petition the government to restore his legal right to possess a rifle for hunting purposes. The country star appeared on the Joe Rogan Experience, where he discussed the conditions of his parole, which currently prohibit […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

Deadly Morning Shooting in DeFuniak Springs Leads to Murder Charge Staff Reports December 11, 2025 5:30 pm Crime, DeFuniak Springs, Walton County In Brief: A 41-year-old Crestview man died after being shot Thursday morning in DeFuniak Springs. Deputies arrested 44-year-old Michael Rediker on charges including murder, battery, and aggravated assault. The investigation remains active as authorities work to determine what led to the shooting. A Thursday morning shooting in DeFuniak Springs has left a Crestview man dead and another man facing a murder charge, according to the Walton County Sheriff’s Office. Just after 10 a.m., deputies responded to a frantic 911 call reporting that someone had been shot near the intersection of Caswell Road and Pioneer Drive. When they arrived, they found a 41-year-old Crestview man suffering from a single gunshot wound to the head. Walton County Fire Rescue rushed the victim to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries. Deputies quickly identified the suspect as 44-year-old Michael Rediker of Pioneer Drive. Rediker was taken into custody and is now charged with an open count of murder, battery, and three counts of aggravated assault. He was booked into the Walton County Jail. The investigation remains active, and authorities say additional details will be released as they become available. More Local News Okaloosa County Business leaders urge Okaloosa County to renew half-cent infrastructure surtax Okaloosa County Okaloosa County approves concept plans for new youth sports complex in Baker Okaloosa County Okaloosa County allocates $5M to cap remaining dirt... Read More

Niceville City Council Talks Purple Pipes and Special Needs Parks Cost Increases Christopher Saul December 11, 2025 1:33 pm Niceville In Brief: Special Needs Park Upgrades: Field of Dreams park at Meigs faces a construction delay and requires an additional $700,000 due to over-budget bids. Reclaimed Water Project: The ‘purple piping’ project to bring reclaimed water to Deer Moss Creek and east Niceville is on track for a Q3 2026 hookup. Project Progress & Benefits: Public Works Director Jonathon Laird provided a positive update, noting that reclaimed water can save homeowners money and conserve the city’s limited drinkable water supply. Niceville’s Council met on Tuesday to discuss a delay in construction due to rising costs for the park designed especially for children with special needs, and to provide a progress update on reclaimed water piping to the east side of town. Leadership: Special needs park will cost more than planned City employees brought news that the Field of Dreams special needs park upgrades for Meigs Park will cost significantly more than initially thought.  City Manager David Deitch told the council he believes the additional construction costs will require an estimated $700,000 in contributions from the city’s and county’s coffers.  “The construction bid came in way over budget,” Deitch said, “So, [the project] is moving slowly as we try and find the money.” Deitch noted that the Deputy County Administrator in charge of the project will also appear before the commission to request additional funding to complete it. Reclaimed water will... Read More

Emily Ann Roberts Teaches Ella Langley How To Can Tomatoes, And Documents The Entire Process Ella Langley recently popped in to spend the evening with Emily Ann Roberts, who quickly enlisted her help in canning some tomatoes. They filmed the entire process, and the result was a series of wholesome videos that country fans adored! […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

Destin Man Indicted on Federal Fraud, Identity Theft Charges Staff Reports December 11, 2025 11:24 am Crime, Destin In Brief: A federal grand jury indicted Destin resident Marcus Bernard Clark on fraud and aggravated identity theft charges. Clark was arraigned in Pensacola, and his federal jury trial is scheduled for January 20, 2026. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison, including a mandatory two-year sentence for identity theft. A Destin man is facing federal charges after a grand jury indicted him on counts related to fraud and aggravated identity theft, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida. Marcus Bernard Clark, 30, was charged with fraud involving fifteen or more access devices—such as credit cards or account numbers—as well as aggravated identity theft. He appeared in federal court on December 2 for his arraignment before U.S. Magistrate Judge Hope Thai Cannon in Pensacola. Clark’s trial is scheduled for January 20, 2026, before U.S. District Judge T. Kent Wetherell II. If convicted, Clark faces up to 10 years in federal prison, including a mandatory minimum sentence of two years for the aggravated identity theft charge. The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica S. Etherton is prosecuting the case. Federal officials emphasized that Clark, like all defendants, is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. An indictment is only a formal allegation, not evidence of guilt. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida handles federal... Read More

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