30A Breaking News

MARIANNA, Fla. (WMBB) – The One Step at a Time care closet had its first visitors on Thursday. The closet gives those in need a chance to collect food, clothes, and hygiene products. “But basically, they’re just coming in, picking out clothing for whoever is in the household. It doesn’t matter how many; it’s just […] Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – A verdict has been reached for Jubal Simmons and Ivybella Encino in the trial for last year’s road rage shooting that turned fatal. The jury found Jubal Simmons guilty on all seven charges he faced. They found Encino guilty of three charges and not guilty of the aggravated battery against […] Read More

HOLMES COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – A Bonifay man was found guilty of lewd or lascivious molestation of a child under 12 on Tuesday. According to a news release, 44-year-old Michael Nathaniel Simmons was accused of molesting a young girl at her church in 2024. The child reported the incident to her mother, who contacted law […] Read More

Crestview official explains new $30M loan process Collin Bestor January 29, 2026 2:02 pm Crestview CRESTVIEW — Crestview City Manager Jessica Leavins says a proposed bond financing plan is less about new development and more about addressing long-standing facility problems that city staff can no longer “patch or repair,” as the city prepares for continued growth.   In an interview with Mid Bay News, Leavins said the authorization to borrow up to $30 million would allow Crestview to secure lower-interest financing for multiple capital projects, including renovations to Fire Station No. 3, construction of a new public works complex and the purchase of an indoor recreation facility known as the ROC.   “The reason cities go the bond route is to get more favorable financing options, lower interest rates,” Leavins said. “This is about using that tool to address several critical needs at once.”   Leavins described the bond plan as part of a broader, roughly 10-year facilities strategy that grew out of a multi-year assessment of city buildings, many of which she said are outdated, undersized or structurally vulnerable. From assessment to action Leavins said city leaders began confronting the scope of Crestview’s facility problems after a comprehensive evaluation conducted several years ago revealed critical deficiencies across multiple departments.   Among the findings, she said, were structural concerns at the police department that would leave the building poorly rated for hurricane-force winds, major mechanical failures at Fire Station No. 3 and a public works operation that has outgrown its... Read More

WEPTAC 2026 Fuels Bold Tactical Innovation and Strong Readiness Momentum Staff Reports January 29, 2026 12:47 pm Aviation, Eglin Air Force Base, Hurlburt Field, Military In Brief: Who: Air Combat Command, Air Force Airmen, Gen. Adrian Spain, Gen. Ken Wilsbach What: Weapons and Tactics Conference 2026 (WEPTAC) When: January 2026 (two-week event) Where: Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada Why: To develop warfighter-driven solutions and prepare for high-end conflict Air Combat Command has wrapped up Weapons and Tactics Conference 2026 (WEPTAC) at Nellis Air Force Base, bringing together Airmen from across the force to tackle evolving battlefield challenges and sharpen warfighting strategies — Published by Staff Sgt. Samantha Krolikowski, 57th Wing Public Affairs. The two-week annual conference is the Air Force’s premier forum for developing warfighter-driven solutions designed to prepare joint and coalition forces for high-end conflict. Leaders say the event plays a critical role in translating tactical innovation into real-world operational improvements. This year’s conference built on past success, including a major tactics improvement proposal from WEPTAC 2025 that focused on low-cost, high-inventory weapons effectiveness for cruise missile operations and counter-unmanned aerial systems. That proposal was later tested by the 96th Test Wing and the 53rd Wing at the Eglin Test and Training Range, before being rapidly integrated into current combat operations, including Operation Midnight Hammer. Air Combat Command Commander Gen. Adrian Spain emphasized the conference’s role in shaping the future of air combat readiness. “WEPTAC is the crucible where we forge the future of air combat,” Spain said. “By... Read More