SANTA ROSA BEACH, Fla. (WMBB) -- The people who protect South Walton County residents from mosquitoes are getting an upgrade.  After 58 years, the South Walton County Mosquito Control District (SWCMCD) is getting an expansion.   A groundbreaking off Highway 393 Thursday marked the start of a new headquarters for the SWCMCD.  Director Darrin Dunwald said the project has been in the works for more than 3 years. "Our building is 58 years old. It's been flooded out numerous times, and with growth, I started here with seven people working here, and now we have 25 full time employees ..read more

LIBERTY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) — Liberty County's new sheriff's office and jail facility is under construction. In 2016, it was Liberty County Sheriff Eddie Joe White's vision to build a new administrative facility and county jail. Current Sheriff Buddy Money kept that vision alive. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement helped make it a reality with a substantial grant. DeSantis announces new funding to combat flood damage "We got $22 million for a new Liberty County Sheriff's Office Jail and Administrative Complex," Liberty County Clerk of Court Daniel Stanley said. "Currently, we are the la ..read more

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) - On Monday, April 29, crews will begin conducting a roadway resurfacing project on CR 83. According to Walton County officials, drivers should expect anticipated lane closures on CR 83 from CR 30A going northbound to Hwy 98 between the hours of 7:00 am and 3:00 pm. The duration of this project is approximately two weeks and the public is urged to use alternate routes during this time, officials said. All planned construction is weather-dependent and may be rescheduled. Drivers are reminded to use caution as well as expect delays when traveling through a work zone. F ..read more

HOLMES COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) - Late Friday, Holmes County investigators launched an investigation following a report of sexual battery. On April 19th, Holmes County investigators were alerted that Shawn Charlton had inappropriately touched a four-year-old child. In response, investigators said they traveled to Charlton's location in Okaloosa County to interview him. According to Holmes County officials, Charlton admitted to officers that he sexually battered the child. Investigators then worked diligently to obtain an arrest warrant for Charlton, according to authorities. Okaloosa County deputie ..read more

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) - On Wednesday, numerous complaints led Bay County Sheriff's Office investigators to a problem residence resulting in two arrests. Deputies arrested 46-year-old Sean Miller of Panama City and 37-year-old Aislynn Lowe who authorities said were both in connection to the incident. Destin crew reels in 888-pound Bluefin Tuna Members of the Bay County Sheriff's Office Special Investigations Division and SWAT team served a search warrant at a Park Place residence in Fountain, officials said. Authorities said numerous complaints had been made to the BCSO that Lowe, a registere ..read more

BAY COUNTY, FL. (WMBB) – Meet Bearfoot, News 13’s Pet Adoption Option of the Week! This 4-year-old fun-loving giant, mastiff mix is available for adoption at the Bay County Animal Shelter. Learn more about other adoptable animals at the shelter. Bay County Animal Control is located at 6401 Bay Line Drive, Panama City, FL 32404, or call (850)-767-3333 ..read more

PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WMBB) – The Gulf World Marine Institute’s largest fundraiser, the “Making Turtle Tracks” 5K, is coming back for another year on Saturday, April 27th. Those planning on walking or running in the 5K will meet at Beach Access 52 by Gulf World Marine Park for check-in which begins at 7 a.m. and then the race starts at 8:30. Tickets for those looking to get some exercise in cost $40 if purchased ahead of time and $45 on the day of the race. All the proceeds made from Saturday’s fundraiser will go to the Gulf World Marine Institute and help with sea turtle rehabilitation. L ..read more

DEFUNIAK SPRINGS, Fla. (WMBB) -- April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. A time to highlight the severity of abuse in our community and how to prevent it.   The Gulf Coast Sexual Assault Program signed a proclamation with the Walton County Sheriff's Office Wednesday to signify a group focus on preventing and educating the public on sexual assault.  “We are agreeing to fight the battle in Walton County against sexual violence,” Program Coordinator Ashley Tillman said. “Like child abuse awareness, sexual assault awareness is huge and making sure that the public is aware that it is a t ..read more

APALACHICOLA, Fla. (WMBB) — People in Franklin County are voicing their opposition to an exploratory oil well drilling request in the Apalachicola River Basin.  The Florida Department of Environmental Protection will decide Monday whether or not Clearwater Land & Minerals Oil Company can do exploratory, or "wildcat,” drilling in the river basin. It's not the first time companies have drilled in that area. None of them found any oil. "It has been drilled before in these same areas, they're using the same sites, but they've come up dry before. Their whole thing is if they've been dry be ..read more

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) — Bay County officials are continuing to build up the artificial reef systems of local shores. As part of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, BP paid billions to establish the RESTORE Act fund. Bay County is using some of that money to deploy about 1,000 tons of old concrete road material to create patchwork reefs. "This is our closest permitted area to St. Andrews pass, to the center of the site it's about 5.1 nautical miles and it is going to generate a ton of beautiful new habitat," UF/IFAS Coastal Resources Coordinator of Bay County Chantille Weber said. Local org ..read more