30A Breaking News

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Christmas decorations are coming down across Bay County, but fire officials say one item shouldn’t stick around for long. Real Christmas trees. As the weeks go by, these trees dry out, making them highly flammable and dangerous inside homes. The National Fire Protection Association says more than 150 home fires […] Read More

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) – Fireworks light up the sky this time of year, but the celebration can quickly turn dangerous. From burns to dumpster fires, officials say many of these incidents are preventable. The safest place to light fireworks is in an empty lot or in a driveway. Make sure you’re away from your […] Read More

LYNN HAVEN, Fla. (WMBB) – Lynn Haven city leaders have identified their top choice for Police Chief. They narrowed their search to Lewis Blanchard after reviewing three finalists for the position. Blanchard is the current chief of staff with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office in Augusta, Georgia. The city began the selection a few months […] Read More

FLORIDA (WMBB) – Alligator Alcatraz. Guns. Social media. Legal battles about those and myriad other Florida issues remain unresolved heading into 2026. Here are 10 big legal issues to watch in the coming year: — ALLIGATOR ALCATRAZ: The immigrant-detention center in the Everglades, dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz” has spawned a series of court battles since Florida […] Read More

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – On December 20, Walton County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a reckless driving complaint involving a lifted black truck swerving in and out of traffic on 331 South. Deputies said they quickly located and stopped the vehicle in the Publix shopping center near Marquis Way. The driver, 43-year-old Dustin Wayne […] Read More

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – According to the National Weather Service Tallahassee office, Walton County is under a cold weather advisory with potential wind chills of 17-24 degrees into Tuesday. The Matrix COC will be offering Cold Weather Emergency Sheltering on Monday, December 29, from 5 p.m until Tuesday at 7 a.m at the DeFuniak […] Read More

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) – A Panama City man was sentenced to 6 years in prison after pleading guilty to retaliation against a federal informant, transmission of threatening communications in interstate commerce, and supervised release violations. According to court documents, on May 31, 2024, Thomas Zachary Breeding, 41, sent Facebook messages threatening bodily injury to […] Read More

 [[{“value”:” Rinse off the old and welcome the new! South Walton Fire District will hold its Annual Polar Bear Plunge on New Year’s Day at Ed Walline Public Beach Access. In-person sign-up starts at 11AM at Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar on January 1, 2026, which will be followed by a costume contest at 12PM, and the Plunge itself at 1PM. “}]]  SoWal.com  Read More

Miranda Lambert’s Precious Pup, Cher, Has Died At The Age Of 15 Miranda Lambert is mourning the death of her beloved Chihuahua, Cher, who “crossed the rainbow bridge” on December 27. The singer honored her “sweet bear Cher” in a heart-tugging tribute on social media, writing: “Cher gave us 15 years of love and all […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) – It’s finally time to say goodbye to 2025 and welcome in 2026. Here are some family-friendly events to kick-start a great New Year in the Panhandle. Panama City Beach will host its most exciting end-of-the-year celebration, the New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop at Pier Park on December 31 from […] Read More