More than 20 divers took to Holmes Creek and surrounding waterways on Sunday, September 20, as SEA Divers Scuba hosted Creek Crawl 2026, their second annual community cleanup focused on removing trash and protecting the area’s waterways. Working across designated cleanup zones, divers and volunteers spent the day in and around the water collecting discarded […]
Ronald Gene Hawkins, 69, has been found guilty of lewd and lascivious behavior involving a victim less than 12 years old following a trial held this week in Washington County. Hawkins was originally arrested in January 2025 following an investigation by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office into allegations of sexual abuse that occurred over a […]
A 26-year-old Chipley man has been found guilty of manslaughter with a firearm following a trial this week in Washington County. Kyle Michael Porter was arrested in June 2024 following an extensive investigation into the death of Randy Joseph Lynn, a Panama City man who was fatally shot at Diamond Head Lake on April 27, […]
The Washington County Board of County Commissioners announced that the Sea Tow Foundation Life Jacket Loaner Station at Culpepper Landing and the splash pad at Hunter Park will close for the season on Tuesday, September 29. The Life Jacket Loaner Station is located at Culpepper Landing, 3081 Culpepper Lane in Vernon, while the splash pad […]
The Chipley High School (CHS) Beta Club was recently named a 2025-2026 National Beta School of Distinction, an honor that recognizes a commitment to leadership, service, academic achievement, and character development. The school offered congratulations to the club and expressed pride in its members’ hard work and dedication. CHS Beta Club members are pictured above. […]
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office’s 8th annual rodeo brought two nights of tradition and rodeo action to the Washington County Equestrian Center on September 18-19. The annual event drew both local crowds and numerous visitors from out of state, featuring classic rodeo favorites like bull riding, barrel racing, and mutton busting, along with a variety […]
Ronald Gene Hawkins, 69, has been found guilty of lewd and lascivious behavior involving a victim less than 12 years old following a trial held this week in Washington County. Hawkins was originally arrested in January 2025 following an investigation by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office into allegations of sexual abuse that occurred over a […]
A 26-year-old Chipley man has been found guilty of manslaughter with a firearm following a trial this week in Washington County. Kyle Michael Porter was arrested in June 2024 following an extensive investigation into the death of Randy Joseph Lynn, a Panama City man who was fatally shot at Diamond Head Lake on April 27, […]
A Caryville man was arrested on multiple drug-related and other charges following a traffic stop Sunday, August 31, according to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies initiated a traffic stop on Yates Settlement Road after attempting to stop a vehicle driven by 37-year-old Jeremy Ryan Hewett of Caryville, the sheriff’s office reported. According to WCSO, […]
A Washington County man wanted on felony charges was taken into custody August 23 following a joint operation by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Marshals Florida/Caribbean Regional Task Force. Deputies apprehended 49-year-old Rex Allan Creamer after receiving information about his whereabouts. Creamer was being sought on charges of providing false identification to a law enforcement officer, […]
Two correctional officers from Northwest Florida Reception Center in Chipley were arrested Monday, August 17, in connection with a series of thefts at Walmart locations in Bay County. According to the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the Walmart in Callaway regarding a reported theft. Witnesses said the suspects fled in a white Hyundai […]
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 […]
The Florida Board of Education on Wednesday, September 16 approved rules governing the use of artificial intelligence in K-12 public schools and state colleges. At a meeting at Polk State College in Winter Haven, the board approved policies requiring school districts to amend their internet safety regulations to address AI and requiring state colleges to […]
Five businesses serving Washington County have been recognized in the 2026 Best of Florida awards, an annual program that highlights businesses and organizations across the state. According to Guide to Florida, the Best of Florida program combines reader voting with editorial and compliance review. Businesses are grouped into tiers based on voting results, with Best […]
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 […]
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 […]
Staff Report
Ali Moreland
SKYLA CARTER