30A Breaking News

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Bay County Commissioners shared their blunt reactions Tuesday after learning Aaron Lee allegedly concealed more than a thousand charges on a company credit card. “Twice you’ve heard ‘bad actor,'” said Bay County Commissioner Robert Carroll. “I say the guy was an incredible actor; he had everybody and their brother fooled. […] Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Juvenile boot camps no longer exist in the state of Florida. They were shut down after the death of 14-year-old Martin Lee Anderson. On January 5, 2006, Anderson complained of fatigue during a mandatory run. Drill sergeants told him to keep running. Anderson collapsed, but was still not taken seriously […] Read More

Cold Case Resolution After 53 Years: Debra Espey Staff Reports January 6, 2026 5:25 pm Crime, Niceville, Okaloosa County, Public Safety In Brief: Debra Espey, a 19-year-old Niceville college student, went missing on March 12, 1973, and was later found deceased. Dennis Murphy, the sole suspect, died in a traffic accident in February 2023, leading investigators to close the case under “Death of the Offender.” The Espey family expresses relief and gratitude to the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office for finally bringing public closure. Nearly 53 years after the tragic death of 19-year-old Debra Espey, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) has officially closed the case. The young Niceville college student, remembered as a quiet, sweet, all-American girl, was reported missing on March 12, 1973. Dennis Murphy, the sole suspect, was seen with Debra the day she disappeared, according to a witness. Murphy passed away in a traffic accident in Alabama in February 2023. OCSO Senior Investigator Kelly Henderson confirmed that the investigation has been resolved under the designation “Death of the Offender,” citing the totality of the evidence gathered over decades. Debra’s family expressed relief at the closure. “On behalf of the Espey family, we are very happy to finally have some closure on a case involving someone we loved so dearly,” said Deborah Espey, the victim’s sister-in-law. “We thank the OCSO for the work they have done and wish to thank all the investigators over the years and everyone who assisted. We stayed committed to updates on the case... Read More

OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – An Okaloosa County cold case has reached its conclusion nearly 53 years later. 19-year-old Debra Epsey was reported missing on March 12, 1973, and was later found deceased. According to a news release, Dennis Murphy was the sole suspect after a witness reported seeing Murphy with Epsey on the day […] Read More

 [[{“value”:” Tickets are officially on sale for Taste of the Race, one of the most anticipated culinary and entertainment events along 30A, returning Friday, February 13, 2026, at the iconic SEASIDE® Lyceum. This high-energy evening kicks off the 24th Annual SEASIDE SCHOOL Half Marathon + 5K Race Weekend with incredible food, electrifying live music, and unforgettable community spirit all to benefit the SEASIDE SCHOOL FOUNDATION. This year’s Taste of the Race will be headlined by Rubiks Groove, a nationally acclaimed, character-driven musical act known for their “outside of the box” performances featuring iconic hits from the 80s, 90s, and 00s. With full-costume throwback characters, high-energy choreography, immersive video elements, and live mashups of fan-favorite songs, Rubiks Groove delivers a 360-degree entertainment experience. Their performances have lit up legendary venues like The Wildhorse Saloon, The Tabernacle, Skydeck on Broadway, and professional sporting events for the Nashville Predators, Tennessee Titans, and more, making them the perfect headliner for an electric night in SEASIDE®. Taste of the Race begins with the VIP Experience at 6 PM, featuring early entry, an exclusive VIP gift, culinary tastings, complimentary wine and craft beverages, and a special live performance from the SEASIDE NEIGHBORHOOD SCHOOL Performance Band. VIP ticket holders will also receive exclusive side-stage access during Rubiks Groove’s performance. General Admission opens at 7 PM, with Rubiks Groove taking the stage for a high-energy show guaranteed to have the entire Lyceum dancing under the stars. Guests will indulge in tastings from over a dozen of the Gulf Coast’s top chefs and... Read More

Glenn Miller Orchestra Reignites the Golden Age of Swing in Pensacola Staff Reports January 6, 2026 3:59 pm Arts, Events, Pensacola Beach In Brief: Who: The Glenn Miller Orchestra, led by Erik Stabnau with vocalist Jenny Swoish What: A live big band swing concert When: Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026, at 7 p.m. Where: National Naval Aviation Museum, NAS Pensacola Why: To celebrate the golden age of swing and bring iconic music to the Pensacola community PENSACOLA, Fla. — The timeless sounds of the swing era are returning to Pensacola as the legendary Glenn Miller Orchestra takes the stage at the National Naval Aviation Museum on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026, for a special evening performance. The concert begins at 7 p.m., with guests invited to arrive early for a pre-show cocktail hour starting at 5:30 p.m. The event offers audiences a rare opportunity to experience the iconic big band sound that helped define American music during the golden age of swing. Known worldwide for preserving the music and spirit of Glenn Miller, the orchestra will perform beloved classics such as “In the Mood,” “Chattanooga Choo-Choo,” and “Rhapsody in Blue,” along with other fan favorites that have captivated generations. The full ensemble features five saxophones, four trumpets, four trombones, a dynamic rhythm section, and standout lead vocalist Jenny Swoish. The orchestra is led by musical director Erik Stabnau, a tenor saxophonist who joined the group in 2017 and now guides its global touring schedule of more than 300 performances each year. Organizers... Read More

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office deputies, the FDLE, and other agencies are searching for a missing person on the east side of Franklin County. Authorities said 26-year-old Daniel Harold Wenger was reported missing on Monday by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office. The search is in the wooded area across from […] Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – One of St. Andrews’ biggest events is making its annual return as the Krewe of St. Andrews begins preparations for Mardi Gras. According to a news release, a local nonprofit organization is hosting the free events, set to take place on February 6 and 7, featuring parades and festivals. The […] Read More

This month’s Niceville Good Neighbor: “One positive thing can wipe out a lot of bad.” Christopher Saul January 6, 2026 12:36 pm Good Neighbor, Niceville  In a celebration of community dedication and kindness, Karina Orr has been selected as the winner of the Niceville Good Neighbor Award for December, presented by the Ryan Cabaniss State Farm Agency. This monthly honor recognizes individuals who exemplify selflessness and positive impact in the Niceville area, and Orr’s victory stems from her exceptional contributions that have touched countless lives. Orr says that she does most of her volunteering through two local Catholic churches: Holy Name of Jesus and Christ Our Redeemer. She began to help because she wanted to ensure as many people as possible felt valued and seen. She helps to lead the mom’s group and helps to organize the Holy Smokes BBQ that takes place every year as well.  “If you’ve ever felt looked over or less than, helping someone else ensures they don’t feel that way; they feel welcomed and important,” Orr said, “One positive thing can wipe away a lot of bad.” Orr’s path to winning the award began with a heartfelt nomination from an anonymous community member who highlighted her boundless generosity and talents. “She gives her heart to all of those around her,” the nominator explained. “She’s a good listening ear, creative writer, great baker (especially her breads), and loves her family above all. She’s taken on projects that benefit others locally and smashed it out of the... Read More

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) – January is known as “try a new hobby” month, a month-long celebration of encouraging people to branch out and engage in new hobbies to kick off the new year. In an effort to provide some ideas, News 13 caught up with a beloved local comic book and collectable store in […] Read More