Emerald Coast Florida

‘Fired Up’ to Serve Freeport – New Candidacy for Freeport City Council (Seat 5) – Meet Abel Albritton Steven Saul February 24, 2026 12:32 pm Freeport, Government, Walton County In Brief: Abel Albritton has filed to run for Freeport City Council (Seat 5), challenging incumbent Elizabeth Haffner. The firefighter and nonprofit president says he feels called to serve and wants to prioritize safety, communication, and infrastructure. He supports workforce housing, improved lighting and signage, and long-term planning as Freeport continues to grow. Mid Bay News interviewed Abel Albritton, who over the last week completed the official filing process to run for Freeport City Council (Seat 5) to run against incumbent Elizabeth Haffner. Albritton, a fourth-generation native of the panhandle of Florida, was born in Bay County.  The Freeport resident made the city his home because he says he and his wife, Jordyn, love what the city is all about. “We believe Freeport is one of the best cities in the panhandle,” Albritton said with a smile. A Fire Fighter, Founder of a Non-Profit, Small Business Owner, Husband and Dad – Now Public Office When asked why he is running for City Council, the candidate replied:  “I just feel called to it.  I feel called to serve this city.  That’s my thing.  I feel like my whole life has been dedicated to service, and I serve as a full-time firefighter.  I am also the president of a non-profit organization called ‘850 Heroes 4 Heroes.’ Together, many traverse the 911 Memorial Stair... The post ‘Fired Up’ to Serve Freeport – New Candidacy for Freeport City Council (Seat 5) – Meet Abel Albritton appeared first on 30A Breaking News.

Brothers at heart of jail healthcare scandal resurface Christopher Saul February 24, 2026 11:13 am Okaloosa County The brothers at the center of an investigation into the Okaloosa Jail’s healthcare policy have resurfaced again.    Former Okaloosa Jail Department Head Nolan Weeks and his brother, HealthCred Care President Chad LaBoy, announced in a press release that they plan to donate more than $140,000 to corrections departments and sheriff’s offices in Florida, Alabama, and Georgia.    HealthCred Care is a scheme that allows local governments to help sign up unsentenced inmates for healthcare through the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) as a way to reduce local government’s liability to pay for medical treatments directly.  The press release highlights the pair as co-founders of the business, even though the business was started while Weeks was still at the Okaloosa County Jail as a supervisor, and claimed he did not work for the business at the time.    We attempted to secure an interview with the brothers and were initially told by their Public Relations manager that they would be available. After a short time, we were informed that their schedules had filled and that they were no longer available at any time.    Should they become available, we’ll update the story. The Investigation and Nolan Weeks’s departure from Okaloosa County.  Nolan Weeks was hired at the Okaloosa County Jail over far more qualified applicants in 2022 to serve as a major of jail operations.    An investigation by Okaloosa County’s contracted attorneys at... The post Brothers at heart of jail healthcare scandal resurface appeared first on 30A Breaking News.

The ‘American Idol’ Finalist Celebrated The Connection Country Music Has With Christian Faith He’s only 19 years old, but, on Feb. 20, John Foster made his 11th appearance singing from within the circle of the Grand Ole Opry. For his latest performance, he started with George Strait’s “Write This Down” before turning to one of More Country Music Nation  The post John Foster Leads The Opry In Singing “How Great Thou Art,” Thanking God For All He’s Done In His Life appeared first on 30A Breaking News.

  One of the most common questions visitors ask when planning a trip to Panama City Beach is, “Where can I find the best smoked tuna dip?” This local favorite is a must-try at nearly every seafood spot along the coast. Made with fresh yellowfin tuna, seasoned with a blend of spices, and infused with a   The post Tuna Tips in PCB appeared first on 30A Breaking News.

Another Chapter Continues For The Yellowstone Universe The journey continues for Yellowstone’s Kayce Dutton. Premiering on CBS this Sunday (March 1), Marshals marks the next chapter in the Yellowstone universe, following John Dutton’s son as he forges a new path with an elite team of U.S. Marshals. Luke Grimes returns as Kayce and has hinted that fans will see More Country Music Nation  The post “Yellowstone” Spin-Off “Marshals” Releases New Trailer Days Before Premiere appeared first on 30A Breaking News.