Panhandle Local News

Multiple water dangers hit the region this week:

• A 6-year-old died in a Panama City Beach resort pool, adding to Florida's 465 drowning deaths in...

Walton County commissioners unanimously directed an emergency ordinance in late May banning data centers and large load centers requiring 50 watts or...

• Kaden Johnson, shot in the July 2023 incident, testified he had never seen Sipho Bennett before and identified him in court as the gunman.
• No...

A civilian employee at NSA Panama City was attacked while snorkeling near the base's MWR Marina on June 8, suffering critical arm injuries captured in...

• Eight cases reported statewide this year after new infections in Okaloosa and Palm Beach counties
• 17-year-old from Niceville hospitalized for...

A prescribed burn is active in the Breakfast Point Mitigation Bank area to clear brush, cut wildfire risk, and boost native plant regrowth. The St. Joe Company operation uses certified managers with Forest Service and local fire crews on standby.

Fort Walton Beach City Council voted unanimously to reject Okaloosa County’s request for broader refunds on Hollywood Boulevard school zone camera...

Back Beach Barbecue hosts its free 9th Annual Hog Bash this Saturday, June 13, from noon to 4 p.m., featuring whole hog, live music, and a $20 plate option, with all proceeds benefiting South Walton Academy.

The Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County has earned national recognition through Project Public Health Ready for its comprehensive...

The 2026 Grand Slam World Series of Baseball @ The Beach Session II runs June 22-28 with no qualifications—any team can sign up and play.

Spring Break Crackdowns

• 🔥 Bay Sheriff Viral Videos: Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford launched a social media campaign sharing bodycam videos of...

Performing arts organizations rallied before the Fort Walton Beach City Council on March 10, pushing for a long-term fix to the Civic Auditorium's...

Okaloosa County's community boating fun starts safe with the 14th Annual Invasion on the Bayou!

• Saturday, March 21 on Rocky Bayou: Group photo at...

Local government tension escalates as Destin City Council unanimously passes resolution seeking state approval to manage the 4-acre Holiday Isle state...

Breaking: Okaloosa County explosive incident resolved with federal guilty plea.

• Gregory E. Simonds Jr., 42, of Pensacola and Outlaws MC member,...

Walton and Bay Counties escalate efforts against rowdy spring breakers:

• Walton eviction: Deputies assisted in Miramar Beach house party removal of...

Local crime update: Panama City’s Kendrick Parham, 47, a four-time felon, pleaded guilty to firearm possession.

• Meth discovery: 5 ounces found...

• Final approval: Bay County Commissioners affirmed TDC's pick of Griff Griffitts as Panama City Beach CVB President/CEO today.
• TDC selection: Board...

Neighborhood pushback highlights commercial creep fears:

• Habitat for Humanity seeks to rezone 31 West Baldwin Road from single-family to...

• Rollout began Feb 17: Over 3,500 warnings issued to drivers >10mph over in initial 7 school zones.
• Partial activation: Not all 11 zones...