30A Breaking News

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Seaside brought together its 30A community partners on Wednesday to discuss their operations plan for the spring break season. “We have one goal in mind, which is to really make 30A, Seaside, and all the other communities come across for what it really is, which is a family destination,” Seaside […] Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Bay County’s Sheriff’s officials are gearing up for the 2026 Spring Break season, which is about a month away. Online chatter about takeovers on social media sites has piqued the Bay County Sheriff’s Office’s interest. “Just like every other year, there’s talk of takeovers. There’s talk of people coming here […] Read More

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – The Matrix COC will open a cold-weather emergency shelter on Wednesday, January 28, from 5 p.m. – 7 a.m. Organizers said the shelter will be located at the DeFuniak Springs Community Center, 361 N. 10th Street. Individuals are encouraged to provide their own transportation. Local law enforcement partners assist with […] Read More

MARIANNA, Fla. (WMBB) – If you’ve ever spent time on Caverns Road near Marianna High School, you’ve probably noticed the lack of reliable cell phone coverage in the area. Cell phone giant Verizon wants to improve service in that area. Last year, they contacted a Virginia-based cell tower company called Milestone Towers. “These gaps were […] Read More

‘This Is About Control’: Destin Mayor Bobby Wagner speaks out on Noriega Point and state power Collin Bestor January 28, 2026 3:30 pm Destin DESTIN — Destin Mayor Bobby Wagner says the debate surrounding Noriega Point is not just about a single parcel of land, but about who controls the future of Florida’s coastal communities, and how far local voices are being pushed aside.   In an extended interview with Mid Bay News, Wagner addressed a sweeping range of issues facing the city in 2026, including the $84 million purchase of Noriega Point, harbor safety, conservation versus commercialization, the statewide push to eliminate property taxes, the Destin Crosstown Connector, and broader concerns about the erosion of municipal authority in Florida.   “My constituents are my bosses,” Wagner said. “And if they’re not part of the conversation, then we’re doing government wrong.” Noriega Point: from conservation promise to controversy Wagner said he first learned of the idea to acquire Noriega Point nearly a year before the deal became public, during legislative delegation meetings in Tallahassee while advocating for stormwater and infrastructure funding.   At that time, he said the proposal was framed as a conservation effort to prevent a condominium tower from being built on the narrow peninsula at the east end of Destin Harbor.   “That sounded like a fantastic idea,” Wagner said. “A condo there would have obstructed views of East Pass and boxed in the harbor even more.”   But Wagner said that understanding changed once details emerged... Read More

Carrie Underwood Enters Her Second Year At The Judges Table On American Idol Over twenty years ago, Carrie Underwood won American Idol and launched a wildly successful career. Last season, she joined the show again, this time as a judge, helping young artists follow their own dreams. Along with judging on Idol, Carrie has been keeping herself […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

Crestview Growth Surge as Walmart Announces Neighborhood Market Groundbreaking Staff Reports January 28, 2026 1:29 pm Crestview In Brief: Who: Walmart, City of Crestview, Mayor JB Whitten, Derald Cupp, Kevin Rogers, WRS Real Estate Investments What: Groundbreaking ceremony for new Walmart Neighborhood Market When: Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. Where: 1150 Industrial Drive, North Crestview, Florida Why: To expand grocery access, reduce travel time for residents, create jobs, and support community growth CRESTVIEW, Fla. — A major retail expansion is coming to North Crestview as Walmart prepares to officially break ground on a new Neighborhood Market, bringing expanded grocery access, new jobs, and added convenience to area residents. The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 9 a.m. at the future store site located at 1150 Industrial Drive, situated between El Paso Tacos & Tequila and Eglin Federal Credit Union. Walmart leaders say the new location represents a continued investment in Florida communities and a commitment to providing convenient access to everyday essentials. “Walmart is proud to break ground on a new Neighborhood Market in Crestview, reinforcing our commitment to serving customers and investing in the communities we call home,” said Derald Cupp, Market Manager for Walmart Neighborhood Markets. “This new store will provide convenient access to fresh essentials and support local families with a modern and elevated shopping experience close to home.” Cupp added that Florida remains a key market for the company’s long-term growth, with Crestview positioned as an important community partner for... Read More