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  • HARDY Promises Fans More From “McArthur” Collaboration With Tim McGraw, Eric Church, And Morgan Wallen
    by 30amanager on February 3, 2026 at 8:23 pm

    The Scale Of HARDY’s “McArthur” Project Remains A Mystery After a week of speculation and theories by country music fans, last Friday, Jan. 30, saw the release of a significant new song featuring four of the biggest names in country. Released by HARDY, the song “McArthur” features Tim McGraw, Eric Church, and Morgan Wallen, with More Country Music Nation 

  • Jelly Roll Shares His “Dream” Super Bowl Halftime Show Lineup
    by 30amanager on February 3, 2026 at 5:23 pm

    Jelly Roll Wins Big At The 2026 Grammy Awards Jelly Roll was arguably the man of the night at this year’s 68th Grammy Awards. On Sunday (February 1), Jelly took home Best Contemporary Country Album, Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song, and Best Country Duo/Group Performance during the show. The “Amen” singer has enjoyed a standout More Country Music Nation 

  • Exceptional Leadership Powers Niceville Cadets to a Rare Perfect Inspection
    by 30amanager on February 3, 2026 at 5:10 pm

    Exceptional Leadership Powers Niceville Cadets to a Rare Perfect Inspection Staff Reports February 3, 2026 11:10 am Military, Niceville, Schools and Education In Brief: Who: Niceville High School AFJROTC cadets led by Cadet Colonel Daniel Neely What: Earned a perfect score during official unit inspection When: During the current inspection cycle this school year Where: Niceville High School, Florida Why: Due to exceptional preparation, discipline, leadership, and performance NICEVILLE, Fla. — The Niceville High School Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) unit has earned a rare and prestigious distinction after receiving a perfect score during its official unit inspection, marking the first flawless inspection result of the year by evaluating officer Warner White. Cadet Colonel Daniel Neely, the corps commander of the Niceville High School AFJROTC unit, said the accomplishment reflects months of preparation, discipline, and teamwork by cadets across the program. According to the unit, the inspection evaluated multiple areas, including leadership effectiveness, cadet performance, uniform standards, program organization, and operational readiness. Achieving a perfect score places Niceville’s AFJROTC program among the top-performing units in the region. The recognition carries special significance as Niceville’s unit was the first inspected this year by Warner White to achieve a flawless evaluation — setting a high benchmark for other AFJROTC programs to follow. We here at Mid Bay News are incredibly proud of the Niceville High School AFJROTC Unit and the dedication, leadership, and commitment shown by its cadets and instructors. Their achievement highlights not only academic and leadership excellence,...

  • Devastating Santa Rosa Beach Fire Sparks Urgent Space Heater Safety Warning
    by 30amanager on February 3, 2026 at 4:18 pm

    Devastating Santa Rosa Beach Fire Sparks Urgent Space Heater Safety Warning Staff Reports February 3, 2026 10:18 am South Walton, Walton County In Brief: Who: South Walton Fire District firefighters and one affected household What: Residential structure fire with heavy damage and smoke inhalation injury When: Monday afternoon, February 2, around 1 p.m. Where: Near E. Mack Bayou Road in Santa Rosa Beach Why: A space heater could not be ruled out as the most likely cause SANTA ROSA BEACH, Fla. — South Walton Fire District firefighters battled a residential structure fire Monday afternoon that caused heavy damage to a home in Santa Rosa Beach and sent one occupant to the hospital for smoke inhalation. According to SWFD, crews were dispatched to a home near E. Mack Bayou Road around 1 p.m. and arrived to find intense flames engulfing the garage area. Firefighters immediately launched an aggressive fire attack while additional units conducted a primary search of the home and ventilated the garage roof to release heat and smoke. Ventilation efforts helped bring the fire under control, with crews knocking down the flames by approximately 1:30 p.m. Firefighters remained on scene for more than an hour afterward to overhaul the structure and extinguish remaining hotspots. One occupant of the home was evaluated at the scene for smoke inhalation and transported to a local medical facility for further treatment. Firefighters also rescued one animal from inside the home, though lifesaving efforts were unsuccessful. Fire investigators reported the blaze caused significant damage...

  • Former “The Voice” Contestant Dies At 26 After Being Bitten By Venomous Snake While Sleeping
    by 30amanager on February 3, 2026 at 3:23 pm

    Ifunanya Nwangene, who first rose to fame on Season 3 of The Voice Nigeria, has sadly passed away at the age of 26. The news was reported by BBC Africa, which revealed that Nwangene died after being bitten by a snake. Later, Sam C. Ezugwu, the music director of the Amemuso Choir that Nwangene was More Country Music Nation 

  • Local and Visitor School Calendars for 2025-2026: Spring Break 2026
    by SoWal Staff on February 3, 2026 at 3:12 pm

    Here is the 2025-2026 School Calendar from Visit South Walton - Use it to help plan your trips to SoWal. Locals can see when to promote business, events, and when to plan around traffic, and crowds at restaurants and grocery stores. The school calendar shows when K-12 schools and universities/colleges in our major travel markets will be on break and for school start dates. South Walton School Calendar includes 30A travel info for Fall Break, Winter Break, Spring Break and other holidays.

  • Seaside Institute Celebrates Marieanne Khoury-Vogt and Erik Vogt as the 2026 Seaside Prize Recipients
    by SoWal Staff on February 2, 2026 at 1:42 am

    The Seaside Institute has announced Marieanne Khoury-Vogt and Erik Vogt as the recipients of the prestigious 2026 Seaside Prize, which is awarded annually to individuals who have made significant contributions to the fields of architecture, urban planning, and community development.

  • Walton County Parks Launches New Real-Life Treasure Hunt With Geocahing Challenge
    by SoWal Staff on January 29, 2026 at 3:52 pm

    Adventure seekers in Walton County have a new reason to explore our local parks and trails. Walton County has officially launched its own Geocaching program, turning our scenic county parks into a massive, real-life treasure hunt. Whether you’re a seasoned "cacher" or just looking for a new family outdoor activity, the game offers a unique way to discover corners of the county you might normally overlook.

  • Bud & Alley’s Waterfront Restaurant In Seaside Celebrates 40 Years On Scenic 30A
    by Kurt Lischka on January 29, 2026 at 1:53 pm

    As the sun touched the horizon on the Gulf of Mexico on a recent evening in Seaside, a familiar sound echoed from the rooftop deck—but this time, the bell wasn't just signaling the sunset. It was a toast to 40 years of "Good Food, Good People, and Good Times." To celebrate four decades as the heart of Scenic Highway 30A, the entire staff of Bud & Alley’s Waterfront Restaurant gathered on the rooftop for a celebratory toast, honoring a legacy that began with two friends and a dream.

  • 37th Annual Sandestin Gumbo Festival Feb 20-21
    by SoWal Staff on January 29, 2026 at 1:22 pm

    The air in the Village of Baytowne Wharf changes every February. It isn’t just the crisp winter breeze coming off the bay, it’s the heavy, savory scent of dark roux and slow-simmered spices drifting through the streets. If you follow your nose toward the center of the Village, you’ll find the 37th Annual Sandestin Gumbo Festival in full swing.

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