Top 10: (3) Southerland defeated, Fensom victorious in hot elections
Editor’s Note: The News Herald is publishing its annual countdown and update of the top 10 stories of the year. These were the stories reporters and editors felt were the most important in Bay County...
View ArticleWashington County awaits state’s answer on same-sex marriage
CHIPLEY — Despite a judge’s deadline Monday, the state of Florida has not yet advised Washington County officials on the scope of a ruling that would allow for same-sex marriages to begin there early...
View ArticleLocal Kwanzaa celebration influenced by recent violence
PANAMA CITY — Among the lanky African figurines, drums and the use of red, black and green was a picture of the first family, including Sasha and Malia Obama. “They represent a tremendous source of...
View ArticleBCSO calls off search in rape investigation
PANAMA CITY — The Bay County Sheriff’s Office is halting its investigation into a Panama City Beach rape case after inconsistencies arose in the statements of the alleged victim, officials announced...
View ArticleWalton County ticket among 4 Fantasy 5 winners
DeFUNIAK SPRINGS — Four "Fantasy 5" players have selected all five winning numbers to win a jackpot of $51,646.07. One winning ticket was purchased at a Tomb Thumb store at 1966 U.S. 90 in DeFuniak...
View ArticleFlorida group file suit to stop gay marriages
ORLANDO — A conservative group is trying to stop a county clerk of courts, Orlando's mayor and a judge from helping same-sex couples get married next week in Florida. The Florida Family Action Inc....
View Article40,000 expected at Beach Ball Drop in Panama City Beach
PANAMA CITY BEACH — Ten-thousand beach balls are inflated and ready to fall from the sky during the seventh annual New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop at Pier Park on Wednesday night. “We’re counting down...
View ArticlePanama City man killed in Monday morning crash
PANAMA CITY — A Panama City motorcycle driver was killed Monday night after running off the road into a treeline, Florida Highway Patrol reported in a news release. Nicholas G. Benedetto, 31, was...
View ArticleBeach Police ID armed robbery suspect
PANAMA CITY BEACH — Police have confirmed the identity of a suspect sought in the armed robbery of a local McDonald’s. Panama City Beach Police have been seeking the man believed to have entered the...
View ArticleFlorida stays weird in 2014: Fangate, nude crooks and Satan
TALLAHASSEE (AP) — Florida's year in news included a 90-year-old man arrested for feeding the homeless and a “Catholic Warrior” damaging a Satanic holiday display in the Capitol. But what else would...
View ArticleArrange for a sober driver this New Year’s Eve
PANAMA CITY — With parties and revelry planned to usher in the new year Wednesday night, it’s important to remember safety precautions like having a safe ride home after drinking. Several area taxi...
View ArticlePolice: Springfield man tried to hide smell of dead dog
SPRINGFIELD — Police have arrested a Springfield man who allegedly tried to conceal the odor of his decomposing dog by sticking air fresheners throughout his apartment, according to court documents....
View ArticleCallaway man charged after crashes, chases, fight
CALLAWAY — A Callaway man has been arrested after allegedly crashing two stolen cars while attempting to elude police, according to Bay County Sheriff’s Office reports. Dustin Allen Sikes, 24, was...
View ArticleTop 10: (2) Series of murders sparks community concern
Editor’s Note: The News Herald is publishing its annual countdown and update of the top 10 stories of the year. These were the stories reporters and editors felt were the most important in Bay County...
View ArticleCable provider, broadcaster at a standoff
SANTA ROSA BEACH — Cable provider Cox Communications and Gray Television, which broadcasts WJHG (NBC), WECP (CBS) and the CW, have failed to reach an agreement to allow the cable company to continue...
View ArticleJudge green lights same-sex marriage in Orlando
ORLANDO (AP) — A Florida judge on Wednesday gave the clerk of courts in Orlando the green light to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples starting next week. Circuit Judge Timothy Shea also said...
View ArticleWheels for wounded: Company’s employees dig deep to help provide for injured...
PANAMA CITY BEACH — The employees of Advanced Fire Protection celebrated the company’s 25th anniversary by reaching out to help others. The company recently donated $15,000 to the Independence Fund, a...
View ArticleFew new laws come in with new year
Some children could travel with more protection in 2015 as a new law about child car seats takes effect today. Overall, the start of 2015 will be quiet for new laws in Florida. Lawmakers sent 255...
View ArticleMan faces serious charges after minor infraction leads to chase
PANAMA CITY — A man who allegedly led police on a chase and then fought them to try to avoid arrest was suspected only of a minor traffic violation, according to the Panama City Police. Investigators...
View ArticlePolice: man caught burglarizing cars
PANAMA CITY — Police arrested a 43-year-old man after they found him in with items taken during two recent vehicle burglaries. Paul Edward Harden was arrested Monday and jailed on two counts of...
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