PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WMBB) - Thousands of people will be packing into Aaron-Bessant Park this weekend for the 25th annual Seabreeze Jazz Festival. The sold-out event, hosted by northwest Florida's Jazz radio station WSBZ, began Thursday. Artists and fans have traveled from all over the world to experience the festival. International jazz and funk acts are performing like Kenny-G, Ragan Whiteside, Eric Darius, Candy Dulfer, Kool and the Gang, and more. Jazz musician Vincent Ingala has performed at the festival for many years and says the loyal fan base keeps him coming back. "I'm just grate ..read more

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) — When the Governor Stone was found after Hurricane Michael, it had been demasted and capsized near its slip in the St. Andrews Marina. Years later the dedicated Friends of the Governor Stone have a reason to celebrate. They recently found out that FEMA has released $1.5 million in reimbursement grants. Now, the rebuilding of Governor Stone can continue. They still have a lot of work to do. They say if everything goes well it will take around 18 months to finish the rebuild, hoping to put the finishing touches on the vessel by December 2025. Everything from the wood de ..read more

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) - North Bay Haven Charter Academy has parted ways with head football coach Matt Knauss just a few days before the spring season begins. North Bay Haven Athletic Director Steve Gillespie confirmed the firing on Thursday evening but said he could not comment on the reason why at this time. Gillispie said that the Buccaneers' spring football practice will not commence on Monday, April 29, when the rest of the Panhandle begins. Sources close to the situation told News 13 that the decision behind the firing was related to Knauss taking unauthorized transportation to Lakela ..read more

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) - There's a new development in the case against Lynn Haven Police Chief Ricky Ramie. Ramie's attorney Waylon Graham has filed a motion, asking Judge Shane Vann to rescue himself from the case. In the motion, Graham points out that Ramie and Vann have been close personal friends for more than 30 years.   Ramie writes that they became friendly while Vann was serving as a prosecutor in the state attorney's office. Ramie said that Judge Vann and Ramie's ex-wife were classmates in high school and had also been friends for more than 30 years.   Lynn Haven Police Chief assigne ..read more

JACKSON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) - On Sunday, Jackson County deputies conducted a routine traffic stop on a vehicle that led to an arrest. Jackson County deputies said they were patrolling Highway 71 and saw a white vehicle driving without tag lights. Deputies said once they made contact with the driver, Dexter Dutil, he told officers that he did not have a valid driver's license. Deputies then noticed a glass smoking pipe lying on the driver's dash area, according to a news release. Dutil was then asked by deputies to step out of the vehicle and was handcuffed. While searching Dutil, officers foun ..read more

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) - A portion of Eastern Bay County is under a rabies alert as of Thursday night. The Florida Department of Health officials in Bay County issued an alert after confirming a case of rabies in a skunk. The skunk was killed in the Richard Bayou area off Highway 2297, south of the Sandy Creek area. This rabies alert will be in effect for 60 days in this area that's bordered by Hauser Road on the north and surrounded by East Bay. Health officals are also reminding residents to stay away from wild animals like raccoons, bats, foxes, skunk otters, bobcats, and coyotes. Officals ..read more

SANTA ROSA BEACH, Fla. (WMBB) -- Walton County is opening bids to allow food trucks at certain parks.  County commissioners voted 4-1 Tuesday to open a request for proposal (RFP) on potential food truck vendors.  The vendors will be vetted and selected to open up shop at Legion Park and Paradise Park in South Walton County.  Construction to begin on roadway in Walton County If multiple bids are approved the county will organize a schedule for food trucks to operate at the sites.  Commissioner Donna Johns brought the idea forward as a pilot program for District 4 residents ..read more

PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WMBB) - Panama City Beach's new Mayor is officially in office. Stuart Tettemer and new Council member Ethan Register took their oaks of office during Thursday morning's council meeting. Mayor Stuart Tettemer and Councilman Ethan Register weren't shy about participating in their first Panama City Beach council meeting. Get out of your shell at Panama City Beach fundraiser "We're all going to thrive and work together collaboratively to continue to provide a great place to live," Panama City Beach Councilman Ethan Register said. "I feel wonderful. It was a tremendous show ..read more

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