2 Bay County schools and Walmart donate to help East Milton Elementary after Hurricane Isaias

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Eight years ago, Bay County knew what it was like to pick up the pieces after Hurricane Michael. Now, after Hurricane Isaias left East Milton Elementary without power and kept students out of the classroom, Bay County stepped in to help. “And I said, What do you need, you know, […]

Water quality health advisory lifted for Eastern Lake in Walton County

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Health officials have lifted a water quality health advisory for Eastern Lake in Santa Rosa Beach after recent testing showed bacteria levels returned to safe guidelines. According to the agency, tests revealed acceptable levels of Enterococcus bacteria based on state standards. The advisory had previously...

Family physicians Chris Pappas, John Loudermilk thank patients, open new practice in Destin

After years of caring for thousands of patients in Fort Walton Beach, family physicians Dr. Chris Pappas and Dr. John Loudermilk want those patients to know two things: thank you, and they are still practicing medicine. The two doctors, who left their previous practice on July 31, are opening a...

Beach access dispute continues between Backstreet Boy Brian Littrell and Hill

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – What started as a dispute over who could use the beach behind a Santa Rosa Beach home has turned into a lengthy legal fight. Brian Littrell, his wife Leighanne, and their company, BLB Beach Hut, filed a lawsuit against Carolyn Barrington Hill in September of 2025. They accuse Hill of […]

Bay County offers roadside debris pickup on Monday

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – For those residents who don’t have the time or materials to be able to drop off their Hurricane Isaias debris at Steelfield Landfill, don’t worry. On Monday October 26, Bay County will offer roadside debris cleanup. County workers are only picking up vegetative debris. This includes organic storm waste like […]

Nearly 10,000 cubic yards of vegetation removed as Destin pushes ahead with hurricane recovery

Destin, Florida – Destin’s post-storm cleanup is now measured in thousands of cubic yards, hundreds of truckloads and a growing list of hazards removed from neighborhoods across the city. As of Friday, October 23, crews working after Hurricane Isaias have collected 9,683 cubic yards of vegetative debris. The...

Bay County early voting sees 17% turnout so far

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – With early voting wrapping up soon, numbers show that only 17% of voters used that opportunity. Unofficial voter turnout data has been collected through Saturday. There are 129,000 people registered to vote in Bay County. Out of those, a total of 22,000 participated in early voting. 7,300 of those votes […]

More than motorcycles: Thunder Beach brings diversity

PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Thunder Beach is bringing thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts to Panama City Beach this week, but riders say the community gathering is about more than the bikes. They say the people behind the handlebars are challenging the traditional image of a biker. “It was usually...

Your updated 2026 Halloween guide for Panama City and all of Bay County

PANAMA CITY − Halloween 2026 is fast approaching. Here's an updated list of the fun events planned for the big day and the days before it. Note: There will be some lane closures due to some events and parades. The Witches of St. Andrews Charity Ride Special This event is on Oct. 24. Registration is at 9 a.m. in Historic St. Andrews, Panama City. The parade starts at 10 a.m. The parade will include walking, cycling, and golf cart participants in themed costumes. Please note the following road closure timeline: Beck Avenue from 11th Street to 12th Street will be closed from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. No parking on Beck Avenue from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (enforced by Panama City Police Department). Rolling closure of Beck Avenue from 11th Court to 14th Street starts at 9 a.m. Parade begins at 10 a.m. and will end at 11:30 a.m. Beck Avenue from 12th Street to 14th Street will reopen at 11:30 a.m. following the conclusion of the parade. Beck Avenue from 11th Street to 12th Street will remain closed for the block party till 1:30 p.m. Fright Nights Panama City Oct. 22-25, 6-9 p.m., 19 E. Fourth St. This

Topeka Music Venue kicks off Shinedown weekend

Elevated fire risk across the Panhandle

JACKSON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – The National Weather Service in Tallahassee is emphasizing an elevated fire risk this weekend for the Panhandle. Local fire officials have a few tips for those who may be considering striking a match this weekend. “It’s going to be beautiful weather this weekend, so that gets everybody outside. Catch up […]

Northwest Florida awaits Trump action on major disaster declaration for Hurricane Isaias

PENSACOLA, Fla. -- As of this week, more than 41,000 Florida homeowners have filed insurance claims to cover hurricane damage. Northwest Florida residents are waiting on President Donald Trump to approve a major disaster declaration for Hurricane Isaias. That would let people apply for individual FEMA assistance. After Hurricane Sally,...

Project Clear canceled in Bay County

During the Bay EDA meeting on Wednesday, Hardin announced that the EDA will not continue working with Global Impact Products LLC.

Lynn Haven reuse water service temporarily shut down for maintenance

LYNN HAVEN, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Reuse water service across Lynn Haven is temporarily unavailable Thursday as crews conduct maintenance and repairs, city officials announced. City staff members are working to complete the repairs and restore the system as quickly as possible, though service may remain offline until work is finished.

Red tide presence grows in Gulf County waters

Water samples taken earlier this week by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission have indicated high levels of red tide, a toxin-producing, naturally occurring microscopic algae, have been detected in the waters off Gulf County. According to news releases issued by the Florida Department of Health in Gulf County,...

Franklin Co. Schools superintendent addresses alleged school threats

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Franklin County Schools Superintendent Steve Lanier released a statement on Thursday morning regarding alleged school threats. I want to address the considerable amount of false information and rumors circulating throughout our community regarding the recent incident investigated by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office. Over...

PCB moves forward on new sidewalks for Clara Avenue, Cobb Road

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Panama City Beach officials took the first step Thursday toward adding new sidewalks along Clara Avenue and Cobb Road. Council members voted to move the project for both roads into the engineering phase,. Clara Avenue and Cobb Road see a lot of traffic, and without...