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Planning commission rejects special exemption for RV park, hears data center concerns

BySKYLA CARTER 08/07/202608/07/2026

The Washington County Planning Commission voted Monday, August 3 to recommend denial of a special‑exception request for the proposed Scenic RV Park and later heard residents’ concerns about data‑center development and county land‑use standards. The proposed development on Highway 77 would include up to 115 RV sites. Because the property’s current land‑use designation does not permit the project, the developer sought a special exception. Monday’s vote […]

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Washington County Animal Control officer earns advanced venomous handling certification

ByAMBER PATINO 08/06/202608/06/2026

Washington County Emergency Management recently recognized John Rhames, Animal Control Officer II, for completing the Level I Venomous Handling Certification Course, an intensive program combining classroom instruction with hands‑on training. The curriculum covers native venomous snake species, anatomy, ecology, toxinology, emergency snakebite response, and captive husbandry, along with specialized field techniques such as single‑hooking, double‑hooking, […]

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Chipley ReStore unveils fresh new look through CRA grant

ByAMBER PATINO 08/06/202608/06/2026

Chipola Area Habitat for Humanity’s Chipley ReStore has unveiled a refreshed exterior following recent improvements funded by a grant from the Chipley Redevelopment Agency. The project included a fresh coat of paint and preservation work to help maintain the historic downtown building for years to come. Habitat staff said the facelift supports the organization’s mission […]

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Washington County deputies assist U.S. Marshals in arrest of wanted felon

ByStaff Report 08/05/202608/05/2026

On Wednesday, August 5, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office assisted the U.S. Marshals Florida/Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force after receiving information about the possible location of a wanted felon in Washington County. Deputies assigned to the U.S. Marshals Task Force located the fugitive at a residence in Vernon, Florida. Everette Kirchbabum was taken into custody […]

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Wausau celebrates 57th annual Fun Day and Possum Fest

ByAMBER PATINO 08/04/202608/04/2026

The 57th annual Wausau Fun Day and Possum Festival drew crowds over the weekend, treating attendees to fan favorites such as the rooster crowing, cow lowing, and pig calling competitions, the crowning of the Possum King and Queen, and the recently revived Donkey Ball Tournament. This year’s celebration also featured the newly added “Wausau’s Got […]

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Enrollment for Washington County 4‑H opens August 1

ByStaff Report 07/30/202607/30/2026

Enrollment for Washington County 4‑H will open on Saturday, August 1, kicking off a new year of learning and leadership opportunities for area youth. The nationwide 4‑H program encourages youth to explore their interests, develop new skills, and prepare for success in life. In Florida, 4‑H serves as the official youth development program of the University of Florida IFAS Extension. Washington […]

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Crime

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Washington County deputies assist U.S. Marshals in arrest of wanted felon

ByStaff Report 08/05/202608/05/2026

On Wednesday, August 5, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office assisted the U.S. Marshals Florida/Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force after receiving information about the possible location of a wanted felon in Washington County. Deputies assigned to the U.S. Marshals Task Force located the fugitive at a residence in Vernon, Florida. Everette Kirchbabum was taken into custody […]

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Washington County sheriff’s office investigates sexual battery case

ByStaff Report 08/04/202608/04/2026

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a sexual battery case involving a minor following allegations reported on Friday, July 24. After an investigation, probable cause was established, and arrest warrants were obtained for Michael Thomas Mekara, 39, of Chipley. Mekara is charged with sexual battery on a victim 12 years of age or older […]

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Multiple arrests made after Washington County Drug Task Force operation

ByStaff Report 07/28/2026

Thirteen individuals are facing felony drug charges following an extensive investigation conducted by the Washington County Drug Task Force. The investigation was led by the Washington County Drug Task Force, a joint effort between the Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) and the Chipley Police Department, targeting individuals involved in the sale and distribution of illegal […]

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Chipley PD arrests six in connection with June 2 shooting investigation

ByStaff Report 07/27/202607/27/2026

The Chipley Police Department (CPD) has announced that six people have been arrested following an investigation into a shots‑fired incident that occurred on June 2. Officers responded after receiving multiple calls reporting shots fired throughout the city. Although an initial search by officers yielded no evidence of a shooting, further analysis the next day revealed the […]

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Holmes County woman sentenced to seven years for crash that injured two children

BySKYLA CARTER 07/27/202607/27/2026

A Holmes County woman has been sentenced to seven years in the Florida Department of Corrections after entering a no contest plea in connection with a Washington County crash that seriously injured two young children. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Leandra Nicole Leverette was driving on Chance Road in Washington County on April 6, […]

Read More Holmes County woman sentenced to seven years for crash that injured two children
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Chipley man charged in fatal Orange Hill Road shooting

ByStaff Report 06/07/202606/07/2026

According to a release from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO), on Saturday, June 6, the Washington County Communications Center received a 911 call reporting a shooting on Orange Hill Road in Chipley, where the caller advised that Chris Gomelski had been shot and that the suspect was next door, allegedly armed and attempting to leave the property. […]

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State News

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Sheriffs, police, firefighters groups sound alarm over property tax measure

ByStaff Report 08/04/202608/04/2026

Public safety organizations are warning voters about a proposed property tax amendment that will appear on Florida’s November ballot. On Monday, the Florida Sheriffs Association released a statement saying it is “significantly concerned” about Amendment 3, which, if approved, would increase the homestead exemption from $50,000 to $250,000 over two years. The association is the […]

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Property tax clash gets day in court

ByStaff Report 07/30/202607/30/2026

A Leon County circuit judge heard arguments Wednesday, July 29 over whether a proposed constitutional amendment on Florida’s November ballot uses misleading language to persuade voters to support sweeping property tax cuts. Three groups of plaintiffs, including former local government officials and a former Republican legislator, argue the title and ballot summary approved by the […]

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Community & Faith

Community | Faith | Faith Columns | Opinion

Let’s ‘fall on our knees’ this Christmas

BySheryl Boldt 12/18/202312/18/2023

As a little girl, I spent delightful moments singing about the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay. I gazed at our small nativity scene. I loved looking at all the characters gathered devotedly around the newborn child: Mary and Joseph, the angels, the shepherds, the wise men – even the animals. The scene was […]

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Community | Faith | Faith Columns | Opinion

Disagreeing without being disagreeable

ByWashington County News 12/18/202312/18/2023

Michael Brooks I was rendered speechless—highly unusual for a Baptist preacher. I was in college serving a church in the Birmingham area as interim pastor for what became an eight-month assignment. I enjoyed the experience immensely preaching three times a week, attending deacons meetings and visiting the sick. I learned a lot and had a […]

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