30A Breaking News

Team USA Women’s Hockey Is Dominating The 2026 Olympic Games Women’s hockey made its Winter Olympic debut in 1998. Since then, only Team USA and Canada have won gold medals. In fact, six of the seven Olympics have featured Canada and the USA in the gold medal match, so the two countries have faced off […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

HAZMAT Emergency Causes Hours of Gridlock on Highway 98 Staff Reports February 11, 2026 1:18 pm Public Safety, South Walton, Walton County In Brief: Who: South Walton Fire District, Walton County Sheriff’s Office, Walton County Emergency Management What: Hazardous materials spill involving an unknown liquid chemical When: Wednesday morning, Feb. 11, 2026 Where: Thompson Road and U.S. Highway 98 in Santa Rosa Beach Why: A chemical reportedly spilled from a truck that left the scene SANTA ROSA BEACH — A hazardous materials spill temporarily shut down a portion of U.S. Highway 98 in Santa Rosa Beach on Wednesday morning, prompting a multi-agency emergency response and hours of traffic disruption, according to a post on The South Walton Fire District’s Facebook Page. Emergency crews were dispatched around 9:15 a.m. after 911 callers reported an unknown liquid chemical spilling onto the roadway, producing visible plumes of smoke near Thompson Road and U.S. Highway 98. The vehicle believed to be responsible for the spill was no longer on scene when first responders arrived. The South Walton Fire District, working alongside the Walton County Sheriff’s Office and Walton County Emergency Management, secured the area and temporarily shut down eastbound traffic while the hazard was assessed and contained. Officials also coordinated with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to ensure the roadway could be safely reopened. Fire officials confirmed the chemical spill was contained to the immediate area and did not pose an ongoing threat to nearby residents or property. The primary impact, officials... Read More

Ryan Cabaniss State Farm Niceville Good Neighbor: Jonathan Laird Christopher Saul February 11, 2026 10:41 am Niceville Jonathan Laird is the latest Niceville Good Neighbor, brought to you by the Folks at Ryan Cabaniss State Farm.    Laird, the Public Works director at the City of Niceville, supervises city employees who ensure roads are paved, toilets flush, and water is clean.    “Jonathan is an amazing leader in the [Public] Works department – he always ensures his people get the credit,” the anonymous nominator said about Laird, “He knows how to work well with other organizations like the county and ensures we are updated with the latest info on roads and issues.”   True to form, Laird gave the credit for the award to his teammates at the City of Niceville.    “I couldn’t do what I do without the 65 Public Works employees that I got – that work hard every day and do what they’re supposed to do. It’s just such a blessing,” Laird said. He also thanked City Manager David Deitch.    Laird has been with the city for more than 15 years and has worked to manage public properties while also working to make Niceville a good place to live and conduct business. He started in municipal public works 25 years ago.    “I don’t need an award for all I do,” Laird said, “It’s just from the heart. I love Niceville, our residents and our team that I work with. It’s a great honor to... Read More

A Remarkable Community Gift Is Changing Lives in Local Classrooms Staff Reports February 11, 2026 9:52 am Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa County, Schools and Education In Brief: Who: Fort Walton Beach Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 2193, Okaloosa County School District What: Donation of more than $17,000 to help pay down student lunch debt When: Ongoing since 2022, with a recent $6,000 contribution Where: Okaloosa County elementary schools, including Edwins, Mary Esther, and Walker Why: To support students and families and remove barriers to learning The Fort Walton Beach Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 2193 is continuing its commitment to Okaloosa County students, donating thousands of dollars to help eliminate student lunch debt at local elementary schools. Since 2022, the Moose Lodge has contributed more than $17,000 to the Okaloosa County School District’s Food Services Program, helping ensure students can receive meals without the burden of unpaid balances. Most recently, the organization donated $6,000, benefiting Edwins Elementary School, Mary Esther Elementary School, and Walker Elementary School. District officials say the continued partnership has made a meaningful difference for families across the county. “The continued support from the Fort Walton Beach Moose Lodge has made a meaningful difference for our students and families,” said Stephen Anderson, Food Services Program Director for the Okaloosa County School District. “Their generosity helps ensure students can focus on learning, not whether they will have access to meals.” The Moose Lodge works closely with district food services staff to regularly assess needs and direct donations where... Read More

Super Bowl LX’s Halftime Show Prompted A Lot Of Discussion And An Alternative Option Super Bowl LX just ended, but people are already wondering who will headline the halftime show in 2027. This year’s halftime show featured Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny as the headliner. The NFL faced serious backlash over the decision. Those displeased […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – While the downtown marina has been in the spotlight over the past few months, action is being taken to make critical repairs to the Saint Andrews marina as well. If you’ve been out on the Saint Andrew Marina’s ‘L’ dock recently, you can see that some areas have collapsed. Initial […] Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Small steps are being taken towards the completion of the significant downtown Panama City marina project. Although they may be small, they are crucial. City commissioners have moved forward with putting 44 wet slips out to bid. They’ve also approved starting the permit process for both basins. Despite a history […] Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – The city of Panama City is losing a key person in its financial operations. City Clerk Jan Smith’s retirement was accepted by city commissioners on Tuesday. Although Smith shared that it was happy news, with no deputy treasurer role, it’s a big loss for the city. With her last official […] Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – After several months of workshopping, the Panama City Commission has officially approved the membership pricing for the MLK Rec Center. Many residents voiced their disapproval over the initial fee announcement. Commissioners took the community feedback into account and have returned with a revised fee schedule. Outdoor amenities will remain free […] Read More