WMBB News 13 - The Panhandle's News LeaderNews

Law enforcement and school officials are investigating an incident at North Bay Haven Charter School. A parent called the police and a report has been filed stating alleged inappropriate use of a cell phone in a locker room.More >>

The Bay County Sheriff's Office and members of the Bay County Sheriff Office 287(g) Immigration Task Force working together with special agents from ICE's Homeland Security Investigations and DepartmentMore >>

Attorney General Pam Bondi praised the House of Representatives today for their unanimous passage of House Bill 1175, sponsored by Representative Ingram, which will ban new forms of synthetic drugs, suchMore >>

The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office has charged a Fort Walton Beach woman with animal cruelty after an extremely neglected dog was found at her Cloverdale Boulevard home. A PAWS animal control officerMore >>

The Seaside Neighborhood School is accepting applications for its governing Board of Directors who -serve a three-year term on a volunteer basis. Resumes should be mailed to the school at PO Box 4610,More >>

A new surgery option has made it's way to Gulf Coast Medical Center, and Tuesday the public got a chance to get their hands on the new technology.
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After a national expert on homelessness visits our area, the Panama City Community Resource Center Task Force digests his advice.  More >>

The second day of jury selection for the Johnny Mack Sketo Calhoun trial continued Tuesday in the Holmes County Courthouse. Only 3 alternates were needed to complete the 15 person panel and although it went a lot quicker, the process remained the same.More >>

Preliminary construction is underway for a big name retailer who's no stranger to Panama City.More >>

Some concerned citizens tell News 13 that the intersection of East Avenue and Game Farm Road in Bay County is dangerous and getting busier with traffic.  They would like to see change to make travel there safer.  News 13 looks at the problem and takes concerns to Florida Department of Transportation officials.More >>

The St. Joe Company (NYSE: JOE - News) today announced that it will lease 20 acres of its former paper mill site in Port St. Joe (Gulf County), Florida, to Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG) of Panama City,More >>

The Bay County Sheriff's Office was contacted recently by a concerned citizen regarding a letter in the mail he recently received that could be a scam. The letter contains what appear to a voucher forMore >>

Hurlburt Field is mourning the loss of a few of their own, after a U-28A Aircraft crashes near Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti. Tonight, their commander is responding to the loss. More >>

Larry D. Bowden is 56 years old. He is 5'11", 195 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Larry D. Bowden is a registered sex offender and is required to maintain a current address. But during a routineMore >>

In celebration of national children's dental health month, the Student American Dental Hygienists' Association at Gulf Coast State College is offering free children's dental hygiene screenings. Children ages three through twelve are invited to attend. More >>

The Bay County Sheriff's Office has become aware of a scam, common to our area about three years ago, that appears to have returned to Bay County. In this scam, a man calls a business—most commonly aMore >>

Child abuse, both physical and sexual, is a difficult topic to discuss, but a young woman who walks to raise awareness about the issue actually lived it. She's using her experiences to inspire a message of change across the state of Florida. Lauren Book founded a 15 hundred mile walk-a-thon, starting in Key West and ending February 22nd in Tallahassee. Though she says her shoes are worn, she adds that she'll fight for children until she doesn't need to fight anymore.More >>

"Fat Tuesday" is just ahead and that will put an end to this year's Mardi Gras celebration. So they're partying one last this weekend in Panama City beach. In a sea of ponchos and umbrellas, folks weren't afraid to brave the elements for a good time.More >>

Just days after the Gulf County commission voted to let go of their Tourist Development Council Director, one commissioner says they're looking ahead. The county administrator is wrapping up negotiations with an interim director, which could start Monday.More >>

A group from southeast Alabama and northwest Florida has been working for several months to prepare for a future mega-project for the region. More >>

The fire is out, and now the cleanup begins at the Bay County incinerator. Officials are taking a step back to assess the damage.
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High School upperclassmen say it's a chance to get away from school and enjoy lunch with their friends, but having the opportunity to go off campus for lunch may soon go away.More >>

According to our radio partner WZEP, the DeFuniak Springs Police made an arrest after an individual was stopped on Highway 20 in the Portland area. The Police made the arrest after a suspect driving aMore >>

On Thursday, February 16, 2012 the Jackson County Drug Task Force was contacted regarding a possible Methamphetamine lab that had been located on Ivory Path in Graceville, Florida. The lab was locatedMore >>

On February 15th, 2012 after an extensive narcotic surveillance investigation, Charles Alford Lewis and Kaylee Wederski Schipper, both from the DeFuniak Springs area, were arrested by DeFuniak SpringsMore >>

Panama City Beach Parks & Recreation Department will temporarily close the "Under the Palms" playground at Frank Brown Park. Renovation of the playground safety surface is scheduled for February 21-MarchMore >>

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will hold a public information meeting regarding improvements to State Road (S.R.) 30 (U.S. 98A / Front Beach Road) from S.R. 30A (U.S. 98 / Panama CityMore >>

Following a three hour public hearing Thursday night, Bay County commissioners agreed to add the issue to their February 21 meeting agenda.More >>

Several of Panama City's finest received a special honor Thursday. Awards were handed out in various law enforcement categories, including volunteer of the year, which went to Steve Brumm. Julia DancsMore >>

Panama City Police are encouraging parents to talk to their children about the dangers of distracted driving.More >>

Three national text book companies held a presentation today that determined what students will be reading in the next 5 years. Every school district in Florida has to choose new text books for each subject.More >>

A group from southeast Alabama and northwest Florida has been working for several months to prepare for a future mega project for the region. The group has identified several possible sites that couldMore >>

The Walton County Sheriff's Office (WCSO) yesterday arrested Sandra Tanksley, 31, and James Young, 48, of Santa Rosa Beach, Fla., on methamphetamine drug charges. The WCSO investigation began after aMore >>

The Florida House on Wednesday approved a series of tax breaks, hoping to free thousands of businesses from corporate-income taxes and put extra money in the pockets of back-to-school shoppers. HouseMore >>

Some say it takes skill and determination to bring robots to life. Several students at Mosley High School are hoping their skills are good enough for an upcoming competition.More >>

A posting for a new reality show to be filmed in Panama City Beach raises some questions for county officials. More >>

The Walton County Sheriff's Office (WCSO) today unveiled its new website, www.waltonso.org, where citizens and visitors can find the latest information regarding WCSO operations. "Ensuring the safetyMore >>

You have the opportunity to impact the state of health in your hometown. The Community Health Task Force, in conjunction with the Bay County Health Department, is conducting the 2012 Community HealthMore >>

On 02/14/12 Officers responded to the Jackson County Senior Citizen's Center located 2931 Optimist Drive, Marianna, Fl., in reference to a burglary. While it is not certain how entry was gained into theMore >>

Gulf Coast State College is Going Green with its Green Program.  In this program students learn how to save energy and help the environment.  This semester students are taking the shell of a Mazda Miata and turning it into an all electric vehicle.  More >>

On 0214/2012 at approx. 7:20 pm, Officers with the Marianna Police Department conducted a traffic stop on vehicle for an expired tag. Once the vehicle came to a rest the driver exited the vehicle and beganMore >>

A bipartisan coalition of senators bucked the chamber's Republican leadership Tuesday and rejected a proposal to privatize several prisons, but got warnings from leaders that it will have a cost in furtherMore >>

A House subcommittee shot down language that would have allowed charter schools to tap local education construction funds, maintaining a significant gap in language between the two chambers on the legislation. OnMore >>

A far-reaching ethics bill that, among other things would have prevented lawmakers from working for colleges and universities died in a deadlocked Senate committee on Tuesday. The measure (SB 1560)More >>

After months of debate over how to fund a new bridge on Highway 331 in Walton County, a few new details are emerging. Commissioners have decided to go with a half cent sales tax, which will go referendum in April.
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Marcus Antonio Howard, 37, is accused of showing pornographic videos to three male students on Bus 744 before school.More >>

Even though the state legislature vows to give back more than $1 billion dollars to education this year, the Bay District Schools' budget workshop was still grim Tuesday. More >>

The Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport website got a complete make over, and the Airport Authority unveiled the new changes on Tuesday.More >>

The Bay County Sheriff's Office announced today the arrest of two women in connection to the theft and fraudulent sale of a car. On January 18, 2012, the Bay County Sheriff's Office was contacted by theMore >>

Four alleged members of a cocaine distribution conspiracy have been arrested and charged by criminal complaint in the Northern District of Florida. The arrests were announced this morning by Pamela C.More >>

For the second time in 2012, Gulf Power Company customers will see a decrease in their electricity bills. The Florida Public Service Commission approved Gulf Power's request to reduce the fuel portionMore >>

The current maps give Jackson County two voices in the House, covered by both District 5 and District 7. With the new maps, there's a  fear of a loss of representation for rural America.More >>

We're nearing the two year anniversary of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. As the government prepares to levy fines against BP, Panhandle officials are urging Washington lawmakers to pass the Restore Act.More >>

"Within a minute or two, we knew that this fire would spread so fast that it would be beyond our capabilities," said Joe Tannehill, Junior--the Managing Director of Engen, the company that manages the incinerator for Bay County. More >>

In an effort to restore the gag grouper population, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission issued new regulations that cut the season in half. But the question is how will those changes impact us locally?More >>

The Dental Hygiene Program at Gulf Coast State College will host the annual "Kidz Klinic" event in celebration of National Children's Dental Health Month. "Kidz Klinic" will take place February 20-23 atMore >>

Jim and Carol Butzler were voted as the 2012 Senior Prom King and Queen on Friday February 10, 2012. The Butzlers received a prize package consisting of airline tickets for friends or family to visitMore >>

Charles Douglas Stephens pleaded no contest Monday to robbery with a deadly weapon and was sentenced to 14 years in prison. Assistant State Attorney Megan Teeple was preparing to take Stephens to trialMore >>

Firefighters are on the scene of a fire at the Bay County Waste-To-Energy Facility in Bayou George. The fire sparked in the waste holding area -- also known as the "tipping room" -- of the facility in the industrial park off of highway 231 around 6:30pm Sunday evening.More >>

Thousands showed up Saturday for the 15th annual St. Andrews Mardi Gras parade and festival. More >>

Mardi Gras is underway in St. Andrews and thousands are already having a good time. At the 15^th Annual St. Andrews Mardi Gras Parade and Festival, there are over 100 hundred vendors with live music parades and special events.More >>

The Senate Budget Committee unveiled late Friday a $70.7 billion budget plan and more than 20 conforming bills, a move that could once again stir discontent among a maverick group of senators who nearlyMore >>

Bay District School Officials are reminding their bus drivers of safety and security measures after a surveillance video shows a man breaking into a bus in the middle of the night.  More >>

The Bay County Sheriff's Office has been contacted by several local financial institutions in reference to a scam currently being perpetrated in the Bay County area. The scam begins with either a phoneMore >>

Intermittent lane closures will occur Monday, Feb. 13 and Tuesday, Feb. 14 in the westbound lane of Business 98 at 14th Street in Panama City to allow the replacement of a section of drainage pipe southMore >>

The Florida Highway Patrol now has 59 new state troopers to join its ranks as the 121st Recruit Class graduated from the FHP's Law Enforcement Training Academy today. The graduation ceremony markedMore >>

Motorists can expect intermittent lane restrictions on three Bay County arteries as FDOT crews perform routine maintenance work. Alternating lane closures will occur in the southbound lanes of State RoadMore >>

The Florida Housing Finance Corp., which was privatized by the state in 1998, finds itself the target of a move to bring it back into state government with a couple of key senators concerned about whereMore >>

Commissioners in Gulf County will soon know the fate of their Tourist Development Council's head man. A recent audit says the executive director authorized and approved expenditures without the approval of the TDC Board and County Commission.More >>

The discussion of drug abuse has been brought up again following the Washington County drug arrests on Monday involving the Gulf Cartel. 12 people were taken into custody by federal authorities. Folks asked two questions: what is law enforcement doing to combat the issue and what help is out there for addicts?More >>

The door is almost closed for "No Child Left Behind" in Florida. Thursday, President Obama announced 10 states, including Florida, will have some flexibility with mandates tied to the federal education law, giving freedom for those states to set their own student achievement goals.  More >>

If you're out of work an area school is hosting a job fair on Friday. The Bay County Job Fair has invited more then 60 businesses and organizations to come out tomorrow at Tom P. Haney Technical School. OrganizersMore >>

Officers with the DeFuniak Springs Police responded to a disturbance at the corner of S. Park Street and Railroad Avenue on February 9, 2012 at approximately 11:15 AM. Two white males in a red Jeep SUVMore >>

The Walton County Sheriff's Office (WCSO) today arrested Kazeric Freeman, 36, of Freeport Fla., for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. The investigation began Feb. 9 after Deputy SteveMore >>

The Senate released a health budget proposal Wednesday that calls for deep cuts in mental-health and substance-abuse programs and includes a complicated plan that hospitals fear could cost them hundredsMore >>

Lawmakers clashed over everything from abortion to education policy Wednesday as the House set up the coming fiscal year's budget for a final vote. Republicans largely swept aside Democratic attemptsMore >>

Acting on opinions from both a Jackson County Grand Jury and the Attorney General, the Jackson County Sheriff's Office shut down Internet cafe operations at both the Big Dawg and Kindel Lanes, Tuesday.More >>

On the evening of Monday, February 6th, over 70 officers from Washington County Sheriff's Office, Chipley Police Department, Bay County Sheriff's Office, Homeland Security/ICE, Drug Enforcement AdministrationMore >>

From the stash house to the jail house; 12 people are behind bars tonight (Wednesday) for reportedly moving thousands of pounds of marijuana from Texas to stash houses in Washington County. 11 of those charged, made their first appearance in federal court on Wednesday.More >>

The Florida House of Representatives had their second reading of its budget Wednesday, which included its proposal to give $1.1 billion dollars back to education and Bay District School Board member Steve Moss made an appearance at the state capital expressing his concerns to our area Representative Marti Coley.  More >>