text stringlengths 237 126k | date_download stringdate 2022-01-01 00:32:20 2023-01-01 00:02:37 ⌀ | source_domain stringclasses 60 values | title stringlengths 4 31.5k ⌀ | url stringlengths 24 617 ⌀ | id stringlengths 24 617 ⌀ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rain chances remain high this week
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - The weather pattern will continue to stay unsettled in the panhandle through the upcoming weekend as an area of low pressure hangs over the northern Gulf Coast. For tonight expect periods of rain with lows in the mid to upper 70s. Low pressure will funnel moisture over NWFL again on Wednesday keeping rain chances near 60-70%. This pattern will hold firm through the weekend and into next week. Rainfall totals over the next week will be between 3-6″ over our area. Rain chances will range from 60% to 80%. | 2022-07-13T00:27:11Z | www.wjhg.com | Tuesday Evening Forecast | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/13/tuesday-evening-forecast/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/13/tuesday-evening-forecast/ |
Panama City Commissioners approve lift station repairs using the SRF loan.(Allison Baker)
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Panama City Commissioners introduced an ordinance at Tuesday’s meeting that prohibits the commercial use of boat ramps and city parks without a license.
The goal of the ordinance is to create a plan that is fair to both businesses and citizens who use the city’s amenities.
Commissioners said commercial activity is preventing residents from using boat ramps and parking spaces they pay for with their own tax dollars.
”There are a lot of people who are excited for the activity that the charter fishermen and the additional traffic is bringing,” Panama City Commissioner Josh Street said. “A lot of the retail people who are along St. Andrews love that, but there are also a lot of people who are trying to utilize the parks and there might be parking spots taken up for you know, 12 or 14 hours a day.”
Commissioners will hold a workshop to discuss the ordinance between now and August 9.
They said the goal is to vote on the ordinance next month. | 2022-07-13T02:43:08Z | www.wjhg.com | Panama City officials address concerns over commercial use of city amenities | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/13/panama-city-officials-address-concerns-over-commercial-use-city-amenities/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/13/panama-city-officials-address-concerns-over-commercial-use-city-amenities/ |
It’s only a slightly active morning on satellite and radar this morning as opposed to days prior. However, once we get the sun to pop up over the horizon, it won’t take long for activity to spring to life in the form of scattered showers and thunderstorms. So go ahead and grab the umbrellas before heading out again today. We’ll have a decent chance for storms on the coast in the morning, and largely inland in the afternoon.
Otherwise, it’s a warm and humid start with temperatures in the low to mid 70s. Dress comfortably and grab some rain boots as conditions outside are still wet from rain days prior and in anticipation of more at times today. Temperatures warm into the mid to upper 80s again outside of storms today.
Our first front has weakened now but there’s still some activity found along it for today for widely scattered storms to develop. Another front is on the way into the Southeast to keep our pattern unsettled into the end of the week and into the weekend with more periodic and scattered storms. With the moisture rich environment across the Northern Gulf Coast, storms will have the potential of dropping heavy rains and several inches of accumulation are possible this week.
For today, mostly cloudy skies with storms on the coast in the morning; turning widely scattered and moving largely inland in the afternoon. Highs today only reach the mid to upper 80s. Your 7 Day Forecast has us remaining unsettled throughout the rest of the week with several inches of rain possible. | 2022-07-13T14:24:48Z | www.wjhg.com | Wednesday Forecast | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/13/wednesday-forecast/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/13/wednesday-forecast/ |
It’s another slightly active start on satellite and radar with a few showers around and clouds increasing from the west. However, you’ll be able to catch some sunshine early on this morning, especially for those who live further east in the Panhandle.
Don’t leave the rain gear at home. Scattered storms do return to the forecast for today.
Otherwise, it’s a warm and humid start with temperatures in the low to mid 70s. We’ll see temperatures warm rather quickly this morning, especially for the Eastern side of Hwy231 as morning sunshine starts the day. Highs today will reach the upper 80s.
The warm and humid air interacts with a favorable environment for developing more scattered showers or thunderstorms today. We’ll see them largely through the midday and afternoon before quieting down late in the day and evening.
The scattered storms return for the rest of the week, largely into the midday and afternoons of Friday and the weekend. However, fewer numbers of storms are expected over the weekend across the Panhandle.
That trend continues into next week as rain chances return to a normal trend of an afternoon sea breeze or daytime heating storm.
For today, skies turn mainly cloudy after some morning sun. A stray shower is possible in the morning, however, scattered showers and storms become likely into the midday and afternoon. Highs today reach the upper 80s. Your 7 Day Forecast has us with a few more unsettled days before a drier and more typical summery pattern returns next week. | 2022-07-14T13:29:29Z | www.wjhg.com | Thursday Forecast | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/14/thursday-forecast/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/14/thursday-forecast/ |
Florida State University Panama City was evacuated Thursday after officers said they received a bomb threat.(WJHG/WECP)
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Florida State University Panama City was evacuated Thursday after officers said they received a bomb threat.
FSU Tallahassee also released an alert at around the same time saying there was heavy police presence near one of the buildings and asked students to stay clear.
Locally, campus officers worked alongside Panama City Police and Bay County Sheriff’s deputies to search the area.
After investigating thoroughly with explosive-detecting K9′s, law enforcement said there was no imminent threat.
Once authorities gave the all-clear, Dean Randy Hanna allowed for activities to resume but canceled classes for the day.
“Because of the disruption in the middle of the day, and not knowing when we would get back in, we did cancel classes for the rest of the day. However, the university will be open and the other services will continue to be open,” Hanna said.
Bomb threats also targeted other schools in Florida Thursday, like Keiser University in Daytona Beach.
Jackson County Voter Cards
Interest Rate Hikes in Real Estate | 2022-07-15T00:08:52Z | www.wjhg.com | Police give all-clear after bomb threat made at FSU PC | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/14/police-give-all-clear-after-bomb-threat-made-fsu-pc/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/14/police-give-all-clear-after-bomb-threat-made-fsu-pc/ |
Bay County's Honor Allen can shuck an oyster almost faster than you can blink and he has the awards to prove it.(WJHG/WECP)
PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Many of us love to down a dozen raw oysters but not all of us like to dig them out.
That’s not a problem for Bay County’s Honor Allen. He can shuck an oyster almost faster than you can blink and he has the awards to prove it.
“Four-time U.S. Oyster Festival Champion and Five-time Florida Seafood festival Champion,” said Allen.
The reigning U.S. oyster champ is a popular face around Bay County. So popular he’s been featured on public relations videos for Destination Panama City.
While shooting that ad the video company out of Chicago was intrigued by Allen’s shucking skills.
“They wanted to do their own independent documentary on it once they learned a little bit more about the competitions in this local area,” said Allen.
The video company even followed Allen to competitions in China and Ireland.
You might not realize it but oyster shucking competitions are very involved. And it’s not as easy as he makes it look.
“Generally for like the state competition and the national competition there’s a set of 24 oysters... two dozen,” said Allen. “You’ll have a numbered tray to present your oysters on... after you shuck them those trays will go back to a blind panel of judges that will add penalty seconds for impurities in your set like if they’re still attached to the shell if they’re mangled if they have shell on them.. so on and so forth.
Whoever has the lowest final time wins. And winning is something Allen is used to.
“I get pretty serious when it comes to shucking events,” said Allen. “I’m not so much competitive about much of anything else. But I like winning shucking the competition.”
He’s even set a few records.
“I think it was 2020 the virtual competition for the national. They didn’t count it because there wasn’t any judging in it but speed wise I banged out those 24 oysters in 58 seconds,” Said Allen. “For a judged event I hold the state record at a minute and 42 seconds for a set of 24 that was judged a flawless set there was no penalties. "
People come from all over to Dat Cajun Place in Panama City Beach to watch Allen do his thing. Many get his autograph or enquire about upcoming competitions.
“We will be going to Milford, Connecticut, then the U.S. Oyster Festival in Maryland in October,” said Allen. “I’ll be going to Ireland in September and the Florida Seafood Festival in Apalachicola will be November.”
While shucking oysters for a living suits him just fine, for now, he has some big plans for the future.
“I probably won’t be shucking oysters for the rest of my life... at least not for a full-time job.”
He might not be shucking them but he does plan to grow them.
“Luckily enough you can get what’s called a user agreement with farmers that have extra acreage that they’re not occupying at the time,” said Allen.
The owner of West Bay Oyster Company is allowing Allen to sublease some of his water.
“In my opinion, it’s a goldmine waiting to happen out here in these bays,” said Allen. “Get my aquaculture AQ and start farming them bad babies.”
But he won’t completely give up competing.
“I’ll probably continue competing just to be around the community,” said Allen. “The people that are at these shucking competitions and the organizers of the festivals they’re all the salt of the earth you know..”
The name of the documentary is Honor’s Best. Journey of an oyster shucking champion. It will be shown on Apple TV in the next couple of weeks. You can see the full trailer on the Facebook page Honor’s Best. | 2022-07-15T03:13:24Z | www.wjhg.com | Local oyster shucking champion to be featured on a documentary | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/15/local-oyster-shucking-champion-be-featured-documentary/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/15/local-oyster-shucking-champion-be-featured-documentary/ |
Interest rates are affecting mortgage rates in today's housing market.(Pexels)
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Real estate companies in Florida had trouble keeping up with the demand of people wanting to buy homes.
Now local real estate experts say that’s starting to change.
“The days the houses are staying on the market are several days more,” realtor at Think Real Estate Jamie Sheehan said. “You know, six months ago, you’d have four, five, six offers in the first day where now we have a few more days with one offer and it’s just giving buyers a little bit more power.”
Local real estate experts are also saying the area is trending into a buyer’s market.
“We will slowly see it shift to where the buyers have the power because there’s going to be so many listings and not enough buyers,” said senior loan consultant at Movement Mortgage Lindsey Maxwell.
Higher interest rates have some buyers putting the brakes on going over the asking price.
“Obviously with interest rates increasing, the curve of demand is going down and so we’re going to see people back off of homebuying a little bit just because of interest rates increasing,” Maxwell said.
Rising interest rates impact the home’s price.
“Mortgage rates are long-term interest rates where the Fed’s interest rates are based off of short-term buying and selling between banks,” Maxwell said.
However, experts say real estate in the area will only stall minimally.
“We have so much military here,” Sheehan said. “We have so many jobs opening up with Tyndall growing. I don’t think people will just stop purchasing here.”
There are some key takeaways if you’re interested in buying a home in today’s market.
“Buyers, what they need to look for is not only the interest rates but the fees that the mortgage lender is charging because right now mortgage lenders are hedging those interest rates because they’re anticipating the market increase,” Maxwell said.
Maxwell also said lower rates can sometimes lead to higher fees.
Sheehan said it’s OK to wait until interest rates settle down if you’re hesitant, too. | 2022-07-15T03:13:37Z | www.wjhg.com | With interest rate changes, real estate experts see shift in local housing market | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/15/with-interest-rate-changes-real-estate-experts-see-shift-local-housing-market/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/15/with-interest-rate-changes-real-estate-experts-see-shift-local-housing-market/ |
JACKSON COUNTY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Local fishermen and floaters say they’re tired of seeing trash on Spring Creek.
“Children run and play, get cut by glass, fish get all trapped up out here in styrofoam,” Fisherman Dannie Stephens said.
Some residents have brought their concerns before the Jackson County Commissioners and proposed a new ordinance.
Right now, there is an ordinance in place banning glass and styrofoam on Spring Creek, but the new proposed ordinance would ban all disposable materials.
“So it would be only non-disposable containers that would be allowed, so that was an ordinance that was originally being considered,” County Administrator Wilanne Daniels said.
However, officials say there are some issues with this proposed ordinance that need to be ironed out.
“What they decided to do was create sort of a committee that would include Rett Daniels, the commissioner appointment was Paul Donofro, and then they are going to gather some of the citizens that were there, and others if they want to participate,” Daniels said.
We’re told this committee will bring more concrete recommendations to the board.
“We want to put something in place hopefully that takes care of the future of Jackson [County], but we also want to be careful to not do anything that would harm right now in the present,” Daniels said.
Stephens said he thinks this new ordinance would be beneficial to everyone at Spring Creek.
“I would like it, it just keeps the water safe,” he said.
Even though no laws have been put in place yet, both officials and residents are working to fix the pollution problem.
If you would like to give your input on how to address littering at Spring Creek, you can contact the Board of County Commissioners at (850) 482-9633. | 2022-07-16T00:43:13Z | www.wjhg.com | Officials, residents look for a solution to Spring Creek littering problem | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/15/officials-residents-look-solution-spring-creek-littering-problem/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/15/officials-residents-look-solution-spring-creek-littering-problem/ |
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Grab your popcorn and cotton candy. The carnival came to town today for local seniors and community members at a local personal care home.
The Blake at Panama City Beach hosts anywhere from six to ten events per day for residents, but the staff told us Friday was extra special.
“The most fun that I’ve had today is watching the residents have such a great time interacting with the kids and those intergenerational activities going on and just getting to see the families come in,” Director of Sales Lindsey Duncan said. “A lot of our memory care residents got to come over and participate in this and get their face painted. Everyone has just had a blast.”
There were a handful of vendors in attendance. Guests were treated to face painting, a juggler, and a man on stilts. They also enjoyed a popcorn machine, candy, and ice cream.
According to Duncan, these sorts of events are important for keeping guests stimulated and providing an opportunity to spend time with the whole family.
You can find more information about the Blake and their upcoming events on their website. | 2022-07-16T04:08:23Z | www.wjhg.com | The Blake hosts carnival for local seniors | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/16/blake-hosts-carnival-local-seniors/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/16/blake-hosts-carnival-local-seniors/ |
Stuff the Bus was stationed at the Panama City Farmer's Market for the Christmas in July event.(WJHG/WECP)
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Vendors and people flooded McKenzie Park in downtown Panama City on Saturday for the second Christmas in July event.
It’s co-hosted by the Panama City Farmer’s Market and Stuff the Bus.
“We wanted to put our own twist on it and that’s why we reached out to Skip with Stuff the Bus,” Market Manager Bill Davenport said. “We teamed up with him so not only can you get your jump on Christmas shopping down here but you can also start giving to ensure kids have a toy for Christmas.”
Stuff the Bus is a nonprofit organization aimed at helping kids who are less fortunate in Bay County.
“We focus on the older kids in July,” said Stuff the Bus Director Skip Bondur. “All of the monetary donations during this campaign will actually be used to buy gifts for kids 12 and older.”
Davenport said it’s never too early to help those in need.
“We’re doing great today,” Davenport said. “Tomorrow, we could be looking for that hand-up and not necessarily a handout. It’s important as a community that we circle the wagon and we take care of each other.”
Stuff the Bus’s toy donation goal every year is 10,000 toys. However, this goal can’t be met without community support.
That’s why Stuff the Bus starts collecting items nearly a year before Christmas.
“December 26th, we start collecting for the following year,” Bondur said.
Bondur also said he doesn’t rest until the 10,000 toy goal is met.
“I stay on the roof of the bus until we hit those goals,” Bondur said. “On Dec. 4 I’ll go on the roof and I’m not coming down until we meet the local need to provide Christmas for all the kids here in Bay County who are in need.”
You can donate to Stuff the Bus by visiting its website. | 2022-07-17T04:14:07Z | www.wjhg.com | Christmas in July event hits downtown Panama City | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/17/annual-christmas-july-event-hits-downtown-panama-city/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/17/annual-christmas-july-event-hits-downtown-panama-city/ |
Benefit for Terry Yates
PONCE DE LEON, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) -The community of Ponce De Leon is rallying together to help one man afford his medical bills after a tragic accident.
Terry Yates was paralyzed in a sawmill incident. On July 23, there will be a fundraiser for him, located at the Ponce De Leon City Hall.
“He had a log fall on him, he cracked his skull, broke his back, broke some ribs, and we are having a big fundraiser. Live music live auctions silent auction we are selling fish plates and we want everybody to come out and join us,” Bob, a friend of Terry’s said.
The event will have food, music, raffle tickets, and more.
“It starts at 10. At 10:30 we are going to be feeding everybody until 2:00. It pretty much lasts all day until we raise enough money for Mr. Terry’s medical equipment,” Kiera, performer for the event, said.
Several members of the community are selling raffle tickets but you can also purchase them at the door. | 2022-07-18T05:05:31Z | www.wjhg.com | Fundraiser for man paralyzed in a sawmill incident | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/18/fundraiser-man-paralyzed-sawmill-incident/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/18/fundraiser-man-paralyzed-sawmill-incident/ |
JJ and Adam Bleday work towards return to pro ball.
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) -If you noticed an unusual amount of U-Hauls following each other out of Panama City Beach earlier this week, you weren’t imagining things.
Newschannel 7 is told private contractors are being hired to haul out the U-Hauls in our area.
But why do we have so many here?
Well, the answer is simple, with so many people moving to the area, the U-Hauls pile up.
“So many people are moving to Panama City and other places don’t have U-Hauls so they call us and we transfer them out back to cities like Mississippi and Alabama areas,” Terry Sexton, driver, said.
Sexton said drivers are transferring the U-Hauls to other states almost every single day. | 2022-07-18T05:05:35Z | www.wjhg.com | U-Haul’s being hauled out of Panama City Beach | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/18/u-hauls-being-hauled-out-panama-city-beach/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/18/u-hauls-being-hauled-out-panama-city-beach/ |
Stolen farm equipment returned to the owner(WJHG)
JACKSON COUNTY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) -Saturday, a tractor and seed spreader were reported stolen to the Jackson County Sheriff’s office and Florida Highway Patrol.
FHP said they were given a video description of the suspect, 63-year-old William Alan Smith of Marianna, along with a description of the stolen equipment, a John Deere tractor, and a seed spreader. FHP reports that after waiting several hours, they were given permission to check out a property associated with Smith. On the property, they found the stolen seed spreader but could not find the tractor.
Law enforcement was told that the suspect was possibly heading to Alabama with the tractor. Shortly after receiving this tip, Smith was found with the tractor. FHP said they were able to arrest Smith with no issues and the stolen tractor was returned to its rightful owner. | 2022-07-18T06:04:35Z | www.wjhg.com | Stolen farm equipment returned to the owner | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/18/stolen-farm-equipment-returned-owner/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/18/stolen-farm-equipment-returned-owner/ |
It’s a slightly active morning on satellite and radar. A few stray light showers are popping up out of the Gulf, very isolated and small, but containing brief downpours. We’ll see a few more of these activate through sunrise and into the midday.
Otherwise, we’re warm and humid out the door in the mid 70s. Dress comfortably and keep the umbrellas nearby today for one of these quick hitting downpours that develop. We’ll warm fast, outside of a scattered shower, into the mid to upper 80s for lunch to highs around 90 this afternoon.
Through the morning and midday we’ll keep a decent chance for a scattered storm to keep temperatures down, especially for areas south of Hwy20 on down to the coast. Any storms that do develop in this region will have a chance at drifting inland. However, inland areas will have a slightly better chance at rain in the mid to late afternoon. We’ll keep this similar pattern through the early week forecast. | 2022-07-18T14:03:02Z | www.wjhg.com | Monday Forecast | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/18/monday-forecast/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/18/monday-forecast/ |
Holmes County Commission will recognize Florida Senator George Gainer and Florida Representative Brad Drake for securing $4 million, for three Holmes County projects, during the 2022 Legislative Session.(Holmes County)
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Holmes County is set to have funding for three future projects during the 2022 legislative season.
According to the Commission, Senator George Gainer and Representative Brad Drake secured $4 million for projects that will fund the purchase of the Holmes County Agriculture Center building, a new Agriculture Center Office and Extension Facility, and additional funding towards a joint public safety facility for the Holmes County Sheriff and emergency management.
This recognition will officially be announced on Tuesday, July 19, at the Holmes County Board of County Commission meeting.
More information on the meeting and its other agenda items can be found here. | 2022-07-18T21:11:57Z | www.wjhg.com | $4 million in funding for future Holmes County projects | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/18/4-million-funding-future-holmes-county-projects/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/18/4-million-funding-future-holmes-county-projects/ |
What's said to be the number one emergency medical service in the state has suddenly shut down its Bay County services.(WJHG)
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - What’s said to be the number one emergency medical service in the state has suddenly shut down its Bay County services.
“First 2 Aid was a non-emergency transport company that was operating in the county for a number of years,” Bay County PIO Valerie Sale said.
NewsChannel 7 reached out to the First 2 Aid CEO, Sanjay Parekh, for comment, but did not hear back. Sale says it’s not clear why the company suddenly shut down the 24-hour transportation service in the county.
“There were a number of paramedics and professionals who worked for First 2 Aid who are out of a job because of this occurrence,” Sale said.
According to the First 2 Aid EMS website, it said, “we pride ourselves on providing the best EMS transport and event medics in the industry by hiring and training the best EMT’s and paramedics in the business.”
“We certainly are going to work to fill any gaps that may take place as a result of their leaving,” Sale said.
But even with gaps, Sale says not having this service anymore will not impact county EMS operations or citizens needing emergency transport.
“Our first and foremost focus is on emergency transport and we’re going to continue focusing on that mission. We don’t anticipate that there will be any kinds of issues or problems meeting our goals in regards to that,” Sale said.
A mission that Sale is welcoming those let go from First 2 Aid to come be a part of.
“The county actually has a number of positions open in our emergency medical services division. We’re going to do everything we can to make a smooth transition for any of those employees who are qualified and interested in working for the county,” Sale said.
Sale also says they’ll work to continue providing excellent quality emergency services and transportation that the residents deserve. The county provides emergency transport to Bay County residents at no cost.
For more information on how to apply for an EMS job with the county, visit Bay County Job Openings.
NewsChannel 7 also reached out to Ascension Sacred Heart and HCA Florida Gulf Coast officials for comment on how this affects the hospitals not having that extra ambulance service, but we also did not hear back. | 2022-07-19T02:34:52Z | www.wjhg.com | First 2 Aid EMS shuts down Bay County services | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/19/first-2-aid-ems-shuts-down-bay-county-services/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/19/first-2-aid-ems-shuts-down-bay-county-services/ |
Panama City Beach is breaking tourism records.
PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - The M.B. Miller County Pier in Panama City Beach is a staple in the beach town.
However, beach operations officials say it’s important it gets preventative maintenance done to it due to its high usage.
Part of that maintenance includes replacing the panels on the pier.
A $40,000 investment went into buying roughly 100 new panels for it.
The panels protect the pier from getting damaged if a severe storm strikes.
“The boards are made to blow out, the panels are, to keep the actual concrete structure in tact,” Beach Operations Manager Vincent Martin said. “So when those panels, and maybe the force of a wave that comes through, it blows the wooden panels out instead of messing with the concrete structure.”
Martin said the panels should be installed by the end of this week. It is the first time they are getting replaced in a decade. | 2022-07-19T02:35:05Z | www.wjhg.com | Panama City Beach county pier gets an upgrade to protect from storms | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/19/panama-city-beach-county-pier-gets-an-upgrade-protect-storms/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/19/panama-city-beach-county-pier-gets-an-upgrade-protect-storms/ |
GENERIC — Jackson County Sheriff's Office logo and crime scene tape(MGN)
JACKSON COUNTY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - A Kentucky fugitive was found on Monday afternoon after a Jackson County sheriff’s deputy discovered their vehicle.
According to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy was proactively patrolling the Delwood area when they noticed a vehicle with an obscured temporary tag.
When the deputy initiated a traffic stop, they stated the tag had been altered and the correct, expired tag was located inside the vehicle.
When conducting a warrant check, the deputy stated the driver, identified as Cobin Alexander Burton, was wanted out of Warren County, Kentucky for child abuse and second-degree robbery.
Burton was taken into custody for being a fugitive from justice and is being extradited back to Kentucky.
Sheriff Donald Edenfield commended his team, stating, “We will not allow people to come into our county who are seeking to commit criminal activity and I will continue to promote active patrol to locate these individuals.” | 2022-07-19T22:02:04Z | www.wjhg.com | Kentucky fugitive found by Jackson County deputies | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/19/kentucky-fugitive-found-by-jackson-county-deputies/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/19/kentucky-fugitive-found-by-jackson-county-deputies/ |
PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - It’s that time of the year again, when one local restaurant is packed with veterans and first responders enjoying a free meal and catching up with friends. But this time, one person who was always instrumental to these luncheons, was missing.
The quarterly First Responder and Veteran Appreciation Luncheon was held Tuesday at Texas Roadhouse in Pier Park.
Those in attendance spent the time remembering former Texas Roadhouse Owner Paul Schreiner, who passed away almost two weeks ago.
Paul and Helen Schreiner have partnered with “A Superior Air Conditioning” on every appreciation lunch since the event launched in 2015.
Co-Organizer Jimy Thorpe says they want to remember Paul and all he did to give back to the community. This was also in conjunction with recognizing and thanking our first responders and veterans.
“We love our military veterans and our first responders. We just appreciate what the men and women of our community do to help support us and to help give us our way of life that we share everyday,” Thorpe said.
Thorpe says the loss is tough, but Schreiner would want them to continue with the luncheons.
The next veteran and first responder luncheon will be held in October. | 2022-07-20T01:26:14Z | www.wjhg.com | Quarterly Veterans and First Responders Appreciation Luncheon honors Paul Schreiner | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/20/quarterly-veterans-first-responders-appreciation-luncheon-honors-paul-schreiner/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/20/quarterly-veterans-first-responders-appreciation-luncheon-honors-paul-schreiner/ |
Bay County residents voice concerns over possible offloading facility(WJHG)
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - A recent development submitted to Bay County Commissioners is drawing concerns from residents. A number of people voiced those concerns at Tuesday’s Bay County Commission meeting.
Some residents say an offloading facility on McKenzie Road in Southport would be bad for their health, while others say it could have a negative impact on the environment.
People in favor of the development argued they have the right to do business there.
Commissioners did not make a determination on whether residents have standing in the case. The merits of the case will be determined on August 6th.
Commissioners say the case could end up in court. | 2022-07-20T02:31:46Z | www.wjhg.com | Bay County residents voice concerns over possible offloading facility | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/20/bay-county-residents-voice-concerns-over-possible-offloading-facility/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/20/bay-county-residents-voice-concerns-over-possible-offloading-facility/ |
After an outstanding four years at Mercer, the Mosley alum is now getting ready for the MLB Draft.(WJHG)
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) -For Mosley alum RJ Yeager, the MLB draft comes and goes again without his name being called. The good news is the 6-3, 200 pound shortstop who hit .317 with 18 homers and 56 RBI for Mississippi State this season, just signed a free agent contract with the Cardinals organization late Tuesday night.
RJ telling me he is getting a $50,000 signing bonus as part of that deal, and he heads up to take a physical with the team later this week.
So congrats to Yeager, though once again, it’s rather hard to believe a 6-3, 200 pound, power hitting shortstop who hits for high average can go through the last two MLB Drafts without being selected. We will be speaking with RJ Wednesday and will share his thoughts on his last year in the SEC and going undrafted again despite putting up rather good numbers. | 2022-07-20T04:28:40Z | www.wjhg.com | Mosley alum RJ Yeager signs free agent deal with Cardinals | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/20/mosley-alum-rj-yeager-signs-free-agent-deal-with-cardinals/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/20/mosley-alum-rj-yeager-signs-free-agent-deal-with-cardinals/ |
It’s another active morning on radar with several scattered storms flaring up in the Gulf and moving onto the coast or for areas south of Hwy20 early on. As the day warms, we’ll see these scattered storms shift more inland. So go ahead and keep the umbrellas handy, especially for the morning today as it appears to be more active than the afternoon.
Otherwise, it’s warm and humid out the door right now. So dress comfortably for a hot and summery day ahead.
Like days prior, our forecast remains largely unchanged. Temperatures reach the mid to upper 80s by lunch and highs today top out in the low 90s for some. The scattered showers or storms will help cool things off briefly at times for those who catch one.
We’ll keep this similar pattern through the rest of the week until the weekend. High pressure builds in aloft to help suppress rain chances for Saturday and Sunday to only a stray shower.
In turn, more sunshine in our skies will heat up temperatures to the low 90s with feels like temperatures around 105°. | 2022-07-20T13:15:04Z | www.wjhg.com | Wednesday Forecast | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/20/wednesday-forecast/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/20/wednesday-forecast/ |
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Local business owners are having to be strategic in what they can buy for their stores as inflation ticks up.
“Even when we’re buying products, some of the products that we have we can’t even afford to buy,” said The Little Mustard Seed Co-Owner Greg Snow.
Shipping costs are a concern for local small businesses. these days.
Snow said rising shipping costs are keeping him from stocking certain items.
“We wanted to bring in a line of rocking chairs that were outdoor rocking chairs, but the shipping for us would have been over 40% of the items,” Snow said.
The Little Mustard Seed on Harrison Avenue isn’t the only brick in mortar store feeling the sting from these steep transportation fees.
C & G Sporting Goods is just down the road and is dealing with similar issues.
“So what that’s going to do is your shipping costs are going to go up,” said C & G Sporting Goods Operating Partner Nate Taylor. “Obviously, diesel, the guys in the trucks, jets, even firearms. Pistols have to fly by air legally.”
Since shipping costs are trickling down to costumers, Taylor said it’s important to be smart with how you spend your money.
“You can look at consumer reports and you can also look at price indexes,” Taylor said. “You can make better-educated decisions on when you should buy things. So if there’s something you really want, maybe the price index for that is really high, but in two months it’ll be really low.”
For example, Taylor said his Cub Scout booklets have increased nearly 30% in price.
Thinking outside the box to stay competitive in today’s market is therefore crucial.
“We establish relationships with companies that keep wanting to push forward and introducing new products,” Taylor said.
Doing the small things can save people some extra cash as inflation remains in the midst of uncertainty. | 2022-07-21T02:56:01Z | www.wjhg.com | Inflation impacts shipping costs for small businesses | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/21/inflation-impacts-shipping-costs-small-businesses/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/21/inflation-impacts-shipping-costs-small-businesses/ |
Known to locals as the "Y," many Panama City Beach residents are asking why construction is taking so long to see progress.(WJHG)
PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Cones, construction, and chaos. That’s how most people would describe the past year of construction for the Highway 79 and Front Beach Road Roundabout Project.
Known to locals as the “Y,” many Panama City Beach residents are asking why construction is taking so long to see progress.
“I mean look at it. It looks like a mess. This is not something positive going on right now,” Muy Wayne O’s Manager Katherine Eastland said.
A never before seen concept in Panama City Beach left people with mixed emotions from the start.
“Good as we need it. Bad for the business as the construction goes on,” Domino’s Pizza Shift Runner Jeff Nelson said.
As construction goes on, some nearby businesses consider it a “nightmare.”
“It has been so frustrating. You know, lack of business, you Google us online and this road is closed. It’s just been very stressful,” Eastland said.
“Delivery business is hard for us as to getting in and out of this area,” Nelson said.
But city officials don’t consider this year-long “lag” in construction a “delay.” That’s because city officials put a six month “pause” on the project to change the contract.
“Which is to enhance and add additional drainage in the project particularly down toward the outfall pipe at Lullwater Drive,” CRA Manager Scott Passmore said.
Passmore said the city wanted to make sure the drainage on the roundabout was compatible with future phases to the CRA Project.
“The work was added and now we’re in the process now of getting it approved and moving forward,” Passmore said.
But moving forward after a six month pause, once again, leaves businesses with mixed emotions.
“They need to hurry up and get this project done so everybody else around it can go back to their way of normal business and their normal customers coming back down to this side of the beach,” said Eastland.
“We can sit here and complain about it, or let them do their best and get the job done,” said Nelson.
A job the city says will positively improve the quality of life for all.
Passmore said the roundabout project will add a multitude of other improvements. He said it will add a lot of pedestrian safety improvements like lighted crosswalks.
He also says the city has a vision for this roundabout to be a part of tourist development. That’s by making sure tourists and locals alike have a good time on the roads.
City officials said the project is now expected to be complete in December 2023 instead of June 2023.
However, they said they’re also working closely with these businesses to keep them updated on any changes. | 2022-07-21T04:27:36Z | www.wjhg.com | Highway 79 and Front Beach Road Roundabout Project had six months “pause” | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/21/highway-79-front-beach-road-roundabout-project-had-six-months-pause/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/21/highway-79-front-beach-road-roundabout-project-had-six-months-pause/ |
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Good Thursday morning everyone! Like days prior, our forecast remains largely unchanged...
It’s only a slightly active start on radar early on this morning. However, after sunrise and into the morning and midday, several scattered showers and thunderstorms will develop. In much the same fashion as yesterday, they’ll be widely scattered and for most south of I-10 on down to the coast. Ready the rain gear and dress comfortably as you head out the door.
Temperatures are quite warm and humid in the upper 70s for most. Temperatures reach the mid to upper 80s by lunch and highs today top out in the low 90s for some. The scattered showers or storms will help cool things off briefly at times for those who catch one.
Through the morning the better chance for a scattered storm resides for areas south of Hwy20 on down to the coast. The scattered storms will spread out across the Panhandle through the late morning and midday. Most of the storms are gone by the mid to late afternoon.
We’ll keep this similar pattern through Friday before changes come over the weekend. High pressure builds in aloft to help suppress rain chances for Saturday and Sunday to only a stray shower. In turn, more sunshine in our skies will heat up temperatures to the low 90s with feels like temperatures around 105°. | 2022-07-21T13:35:43Z | www.wjhg.com | Thursday Forecast | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/21/thursday-forecast/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/21/thursday-forecast/ |
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - If you are thinking about welcoming a companion into your life, look no further than Bay County Animal Control.
Evelyn Temple with Bay County Animal Control came by the NewsChannel 7 studio and brought “Sunny” along to say hello. Temple said “Sunny” would fit in perfectly with any kind of family. She also discussed the importance of microchipping your animal, and where you can get one for your pet.
To learn more about “Sunny” or microchips, watch the video attached to this story or check out the Bay County website. | 2022-07-21T18:09:14Z | www.wjhg.com | Adopt a pet from Bay County Animal Control | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/21/adopt-pet-bay-county-animal-control/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/21/adopt-pet-bay-county-animal-control/ |
DeFuniak Springs, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - The Rotary Club of North Florida is focusing on serving others.
This month the Rotary Club is hosting a camp for kids and teens with special needs, giving the kids all the fun of summer camp.
“Rotary is an organization that’s world wide,” Dan Sulger, Governor for District 6940 of Rotary International, said. “There are 1.4 million members around the world. Our main focus is simply this, simply, service above self.”
And that service above self focuses on the needs of others.
“If there’s anything we can do to help anyone whatsoever, we will be there,” Sulger said.
And this month that need is focusing on these kids.
“They come to be able to have the social interactions and regain some self esteem,” Joyce Dove, Executive Director of Rotary Youth Camp of North Florida, said. “Our focus is just to have fun and in that process they become more socially aware.”
The camp is broken up throughout July to allow kids of different ages to spend time together.
“The circumstances are we start with six year olds and take individuals up through adulthood,” Dove said.
Kids start off each day with breakfast and then comes all the summer camp activities.
“We do arts and crafts, a bb gun range, archery, and we go swimming of course, constantly,” Dove said. “All the different activities relate back to our theme and our theme this year is King Arthur and the round table.”
With the help of organizations, like the Rotary Club, the camp is free for those attending.
“Our rotary clubs donate funds to make this camp happen,” Andre Boyd, Rotary Area Governor of Bay County, said.
And the Rotarians go above and beyond.
“We have Rotarians that come and they fix meals,” Boyd said. “They help with the camp. That’s what it’s all about.”
All about putting others above yourself. | 2022-07-22T04:48:41Z | www.wjhg.com | Rotary Club of North Florida hosts youth camp | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/22/rotary-club-north-florida-hosts-youth-camp/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/22/rotary-club-north-florida-hosts-youth-camp/ |
Shawn Brattin has been handing out flowers for the last three days.(WJHG/WECP)
WASHINGTON COUNTY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Many people we see on the street may be looking for a little joy in their life.
“I think there’s a lot of darkness in this world, and there’s lots of things that can kind of bring us down so any small gestures really go a long way,” Celie Brown said.
One local 14-year-old is spreading joy in Chipley by handing out flowers.
“I’m giving them out to make people happy,” Shawn Brattin said.
When his family was gifted a few pallets of flowers, they decided to bring positivity to others.
“Sometimes I was seeing people were having a bad day, so we got these flowers and we’ve been passing them out for the last three days,” Brattin said.
He handed out flowers at Northwest Florida Community Hospital in Chipley, as well as local nursing homes, and he says those he gave flowers to were very thankful.
“I got hugs and thank yous,” Brattin said.
A few people who received flowers say they’re glad to see kids Shawn’s age sharing positivity.
“He’s got a sweet spirit about him, so I’m glad that I met him today,” Brown said.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve gotten any flowers, and I just thought it was the nicest thing,” Amy Cox said.
“I was really surprised, it put a big smile on me,” Christine Norris said.
Shawn said he wants to keep giving to others anyway he can, and putting smiles on their faces.
“Helping kids that don’t have toys, like Toys for Tots,” Brattin said.
Shawn said he still has more flowers to pass out, and will continue sharing them with others Saturday. | 2022-07-22T23:25:52Z | www.wjhg.com | Local teen spread joy by handing out flowers | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/22/local-teen-spread-joy-by-handing-out-flowers/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/22/local-teen-spread-joy-by-handing-out-flowers/ |
After Covid kept us all secluded for a while, the City of Callaway, with some help, thought there was a need to promote health.(WJHG)
CALLAWAY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - After Covid kept many secluded, the City of Callaway, with some help, thought there was a need to promote health.
“We really needed to create some sort of a situation where we can get people out, where they feel safe, but more importantly they can see exactly what kind of risk factors that they might have been exposed to by not having a lot of activity in their life,” Liz Hunt, Owner and Operator of Anytime Fitness in Callaway, said.
And one of the best ways to stay healthy is fitness.
“It’s really just wellness,” Hunt said. “You know if folks don’t get out and maybe they can’t see their primary care physician for several months out, then what are we doing right now to prevent somebody from a cardiovascular event?”
And so the Callaway Cares Health Fair was created.
“Yeah it’s a great advantage to come to maybe one spot and get all your needs met,” Chief David Joyner, Callaway Fire Department, said. “A place to come to point you in the right direction, if you need.”
Giving people lots of avenues to check their overall health.
“We had the proposition of bringing in folks to check blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, all kinds of different screenings for skin care, wellness, balance and fall assessment by a physical therapist,” Hunt said.
Vendors sold everything from fruits and vegetables to local honey and kids got an opportunity to train like fire fighters
“We have the kids agility set up,” Chief Joyner said. “Kids are dragging the dummy, pulling the hose, spraying the water.”
And those who put on the event say it was a success.
“It’s just really awesome that we have this opportunity to just see where people are at, meet them where they’re at, and provide a wellness solution for whatever it is that they need,” Hunt said.
The hope is that the health fair will return every year.
“I’m so excited and so more excited for next year cause I think it’s going to be even bigger,” Kylee Trenholm, Event Coordinator for City of Callaway, said.
All in a way to help others live their best lives. | 2022-07-23T00:48:21Z | www.wjhg.com | Callaway Cares Health Fair | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/22/callaway-cares-health-fair/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/22/callaway-cares-health-fair/ |
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Monkeypox cases are continuing to rise nationwide. However, officials with the Florida Department of Health in Bay County said they have received no reports of cases.
Health officials said the monkeypox disease is transmitted through direct contact. Health officials also stress the risk of exposure remains low.
”It’s going to be a rash of some sort. A lot of times people may get it mixed up with chickenpox but the difference is chickenpox heals at various stages when it’s on the body but monkeypox goes trough the same stages all at once,” said Brianna Rannie, Epidemiology Supervisor and R.N said.
Health officials say other symptoms include headaches, fevers and muscle aches.
The Florida Department of Health in Bay County is continuing to monitor the situation. | 2022-07-23T02:24:28Z | www.wjhg.com | No monkeypox cases reported in Bay Co. as numbers rise across U.S. | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/23/no-monkeypox-cases-reported-bay-co-numbers-rise-across-us/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/23/no-monkeypox-cases-reported-bay-co-numbers-rise-across-us/ |
But after a hurricane, tropical storm, or even the slightest rain shower, you could be impacted by flooding.(WJHG)
But after a hurricane, tropical storm, or even the slightest rain shower, you could be impacted by flooding.
“Are you in a high risk flood area? Are you higher or lower?” Hutt Insurance Agency President Trey Hutt said.
That’s why FEMA has updated its flood insurance program. The agency’s officials said the updates more accurately reflect risks where you live.
“Flood insurance is more important in Florida than in any other state,” said Hutt.
Hutt said the rates will go up about 20% statewide.
“And that will vary widely by where you are and how high your elevation is. The new rate won’t affect Bay County near as much as they will south Florida and our rates are going to be more modest,” said Hutt.
As for Bay County, the new rate will go up an average of 12% to 13%.
“For our clients in higher risk areas, you’re probably averaging in the $2,000′s range which varies pretty widely. For the lowest risk areas, more in the $500 to $600 range,” said Hutt.
And as Hutt points out, the vast majority of Bay County won’t see drastic monthly price hikes.
“This is an interactive map and this is Bay County here. It shows various zip codes. 82% will increase less than $10 a month,” said Hutt.
An impact Hutt said is not terrible for Bay County.
“On the left, this pie chart, you can see the people who will have the biggest impact is only 3%,” said Hutt.
Hutt said the FEMA updates are a good thing to more accurately affect rates on the type of risk area you live in.
“People won’t be subsidizing each other. It’s going to be more accurate where you’re paying a rate that’s more accurate for you, than subsidizing a rate that’s accurate for me,” said Hutt.
However, with the risk of severe weather, Hutt said flood insurance is vital in the Panhandle. | 2022-07-23T04:00:16Z | www.wjhg.com | Updated FEMA flood insurance program to impact Bay County rates | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/23/updated-fema-flood-insurance-program-impact-bay-county-rates/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/23/updated-fema-flood-insurance-program-impact-bay-county-rates/ |
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - “I was having dizzy spells, tiredness, you know just fatigued all the time,” Ida Keys, a cardiology patient, said.
It is these symptoms that Dr. Amir Hagihat, an Interventional Cardiologist at the Cardiovascular Institute of Northwest Florida, said are common when an aortic valve in the heart isn’t working properly.
“When I saw her for the first time, she couldn’t breathe well she was suffering from the symptoms of aortic stenosis,” Dr. Hagihat said. “In fact, untreated it not only leads to morbidity but also mortality.”
But, with a transcatheter aortic valve replacement, better known as TAVR, many at-risk lives can be saved here in Bay County.
“Putting in a new aortic valve in patients through the blood vessels in the groin area,” Dr. Hagihat said. “Instead of opening a chest and putting in a new valve, we’re going through easier access.”
The TAVR procedure is used in patients too high risk for traditional open-heart surgery. It means easier access and a fast procedure.
“We have a procedure now that is so much easier than going through open heart surgery,” Dr. Hagihat said. “It usually takes an hour.”
And a quick recovery.
“Recovery time on average they stay in the hospital two nights,” Dr. Hagihat said. “We call it TAVR Wednesday, and we get them out by Friday afternoon.”
Especially for patients like 70-year-old Ida Keys.
“The recovery was awesome,” said Keys. “It was just like a brand-new day for me. The surgery opened up a whole new thing for my body.”
Once patients leave these doors following an operation, Dr. Hagihat said he looks forward to not only their future but the institutes as well.
“When I see a patient come back with joy in their eyes, happy about the quality and quantity of life that they have received after undergoing this procedure it is just a wonderfully joyous moment for me,” Dr. Hagihat said. “I think it’s a moment to reflect on where we’ve been and where we’re going. We could grow this program even larger.”
A program that improves patient health.
“I’m doing great,” Keys said. “No pains, no nothing. I feel wonderful up here like I got a new body.”
TAVR gives patients a new chance at life.
Ascension Sacred Heart Bay Heart Institute recently celebrated a huge milestone, the hospital’s cardiac team completed its 200th TAVR procedure. The first procedure was done in 2017. | 2022-07-23T05:30:59Z | www.wjhg.com | Cardiac procedure giving patients a new chance at life | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/23/cardiac-procedure-giving-patients-new-chance-life/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/23/cardiac-procedure-giving-patients-new-chance-life/ |
It’s a mainly quiet start on satellite and radar. However, a few stray showers are out in the Gulf this morning and may still try to move onto the coast. There will be a better chance for rain today through the midday and afternoon. So reach for the umbrellas and something comfortable to wear for the heat and humidity.
We’ll get the day started in the mid 70s and warm quickly. Highs today easily reach the 90 degree mark with a heat index close to 100 or in the low 100s this afternoon.
As we heat up this morning, that will set up for a robust sea breeze front to kick off a round of storms for most. They’ll start up near the coast in the morning, and then spread further inland into the afternoon.
We’ll see a very typical summery setup in this regard over the next few days. But storms will be a bit fewer in numbers toward the midweek.
For today, mostly sunny skies turn a bit partly cloudy by the midday and afternoon as scattered storms develop. Highs touch of about 90 degrees before a storm tries to cool us off. Your 7 Day Forecast has much of the same ahead for most days this week, however, the storms look fewer in numbers | 2022-07-25T13:24:04Z | www.wjhg.com | Monday Forecast | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/25/monday-forecast/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/25/monday-forecast/ |
PCPD COIN LAUNDRY BURGLARY(PANAMA CITY POLICE)
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - The Panama City Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying two suspects who allegedly burglarized a coin laundry on July 20th.
Officers with PCPD were called to the business in the 800 block of W. 11th Street when employees noticed a door had been shattered.
During the investigation, detectives were able to retrieve video footage from the business showing two suspects wearing all black enter the building and break open a quarter machine.
The suspects fled with an undetermined amount of cash after causing substantial damage to the building and the machine.
Anyone with information in this case is asked to call the Panama City Police Department at 850- 872-3100, or report tips anonymously via the “Panama City PD” Tip411 app. | 2022-07-25T20:04:45Z | www.wjhg.com | PCPD searching for suspects in coin laundry burglary | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/25/pcpd-searching-suspects-coin-laundry-burglary/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/25/pcpd-searching-suspects-coin-laundry-burglary/ |
A proactive patrol leads to two drug related arrests in Jackson County.(Jackson County Sheriff's Department)
JACKSON CO., Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - A proactive patrol lead to the arrest of two individuals on drug charges in Jackson County.
On July 23rd, a Jackson County Sheriff’s deputy was conducting a proactive patrol in the area of 71 South and Magnolia Bridge Road when he noticed a vehicle with faulty equipment.
The deputy pulled the vehicle over and made contact with the driver, identified as Christopher Danielle Williams of Chipley, who was allegedly visibly distressed.
A narcotics K-9 was deployed to do a free air sniff of the vehicle and alerted to the odor of narcotics coming from the vehicle.
Upon searching the vehicle, a box inside a backpack containing a white powdery substance and a crystal-like substance was found.
Both of the substances field tested presumptive positive for cocaine and methamphetamine.
One of the passengers, identified as Amy Finch of Chipley, was holding the bag between her legs in the vehicle.
She advised the deputy that the backpack was hers but the box did not belong to her.
Finch was arrested and charged with Possession of Cocaine and Possession of Methamphetamine.
Christopher Danielle Williams was arrested and charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. | 2022-07-25T22:43:07Z | www.wjhg.com | Proactive patrol leads to multiple drug related arrests in Jackson County | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/25/proactive-patrol-leads-multiple-drug-related-arrests-jackson-county/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/25/proactive-patrol-leads-multiple-drug-related-arrests-jackson-county/ |
”Because when we booked about a month ago,” coach Jay Lafountain told me via Zoom Monday “we were looking right around two thousand dollars for the eight rooms that we would need for all the wrestlers. Finding out second hand yesterday that our hotel reservations were going to do us no good, now we have four days until the event to try and find lodging. And trying to find hotels at the same price point four days before a major event is not going very well.”
The coach says they’re looking at an additional two grand, at least, coming out of the pockets of the parents and coaches. And they certainly don’t want to leave any wrestlers behind, because they all worked hard to make this trip!
“We set a price point early in the season, for what we expect the wrestling kids to be able to help pay for.” Lafountain told me. “With it being offseason, and the fundraisers that we’ve been doing so far all summer. And we’ve been at Innovations Credit Union on (Highway) 77 doing a car wash every other weekend to try and raise funds. And we met our goal to be able to go to this tournament. But now this additional two thousand dollar deficit is putting a strangle hold on what we’re looking at being able to do.”
The coach says those wishing to help the team out can search “Dolphin Nation Wrestling Club” on Venmo, PayPal or Cash App and contribute through those apps. The team is hoping to head north Thursday. | 2022-07-26T02:15:01Z | www.wjhg.com | Mosley summer club wrestling team facing unexpected obstacle this week | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/26/mosley-summer-club-wrestling-team-facing-unexpected-obstacle-this-week/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/26/mosley-summer-club-wrestling-team-facing-unexpected-obstacle-this-week/ |
It’s a quiet start for most on satellite and radar. However, the warm waters of the Gulf are trying to stir up a small and stray soaker for a lucky town or two on the coast. In a light southeasterly flow this morning, the best chance to get a small shower to drift onto the coast would be for areas around the Choctawhatchee Bay.
Otherwise, there’s only a small quick hitting shower or storm possible during the midday. Unless you’re time crunched, you’d be able to wait out any of these small isolated rain chances for today and leave the rain gear at home.
Dress comfortably for another warm and humid day ahead. We’ll get the day started in the low to mid 70s and warm fast under mainly to mostly sunny skies for much of the morning drive. As we warm into the upper 80s to low 90s by lunch we’ll generate enough lift from daytime heating to create a few more spotty storms. The sea breeze will drive them away from the coast where they’ll first pop up around noon, and then head inland into Georgia or Alabama by late afternoon. I’m only expecting to see a few develop today, and maybe a handful over the next few afternoons.
High pressure will build in over the late week and weekend helping to suppress any rising motion in the atmosphere for storms. We’ll go back to only an isolated or stray, short-lived, shower or storm Friday through early next week. With the lack of rain in the forecast for the end of the week and weekend, we’ll warm highs into the low to mid 90s. When you factor in the humidity, we’ll easily feel like 103 to 108 during this period.
For today, mostly sunny skies with an isolated shower on the coast turn mostly to partly sunny with a few stray showers or rumbles of thunder through the midday and afternoon. Highs today top out near 90 on the coast to the low 90s inland with a heat index up to 105. Your 7 Day Forecast has a few more storms trying to develop in a similar fashion through the midweek before rain chances dwindle into the weekend and the heat cranks up. | 2022-07-26T12:27:09Z | www.wjhg.com | Tuesday Forecast | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/26/tuesday-forecast/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/26/tuesday-forecast/ |
A log truck crashed on State Road 71 in Calhoun County Tuesday morning.(MGN)
CALHOUN COUNTY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - A log truck crashed on State Road 71 in Calhoun County Tuesday morning.
According to Florida Highway Patrol troopers, around 10 a.m. the truck pulling a trailer was going south on SR 71 near NW Sam Duncan Road.
The truck was driving around a left curve when it traveled onto the west shoulder of the road. This caused the front of the truck to hit a ditch, and the undercarriage to hit a culvert.
Officials say the truck got back onto the road and crossed both lanes of traffic before moving onto the east shoulder.
The truck came to a stop on the shoulder after hitting a tree. The trailer was still out in the northbound lane of SR 71.
The driver, 51, from Blountstown suffered minor injuries. | 2022-07-26T22:11:45Z | www.wjhg.com | Log truck crashes in Calhoun County | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/26/log-truck-crashes-calhoun-county/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/26/log-truck-crashes-calhoun-county/ |
Rain chances will be on the increase
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - It’s going to be a quieter evening in the panhandle tonight under mostly clear and partly cloudy skies. Lows will fall into the mid to upper 70s. On Wednesday it will be hot & humid with a slightly better rain chances. Rain chances will jump to 40-50% Wednesday and Thursday. Highs will reach to near 90. As we head into the weekend a ridge of high pressure will build overhead and rain chances will decrease and temperatures will increase a few degrees. | 2022-07-27T00:39:47Z | www.wjhg.com | Tuesday Evening Forecast | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/27/tuesday-evening-forecast/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/27/tuesday-evening-forecast/ |
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Many local businesses have struggled to keep a full staff.
With the fall set to begin in a matter of weeks, many seasonal workers will be headed back to school leaving more of a gap.
“Normally this time of year, it is cyclical. You see people exiting the workforce and then starting to re-enter in August when school resumes and the kids are back in school. So there are more activities and job seekers seeking employment. As the summer wears in,” Becky Samarippa, CareerSource Gulf Coast said.
But in the last couple of years, many local businesses have run into trouble hiring positions no matter the time of year.
“We’re very short staffed but we work through it,” Crystal Harrison, a Sonic Manager at the Thomas Drive location said.
In an effort to help with staffing issues, businesses have started offering incentives.
Places like Sonic on Thomas Drive are giving a $300 sign-on bonus.
“So after you start after 30 days, you get $200 and after 60 (days), you get $100,” Harrison said.
There’s another way they’re trying to attract employees.
“A couple of weeks ago, First Lady Casey DeSantis launched the mission “Continue the Mission”, this is an opportunity for local agencies. They come together and support veterans, retired veterans, their spouses, and retired law enforcement helping them get back into the career field,” Kecia Crawford, NWF Health Network Community Relations Specialist said.
Organizations like Northwest Florida Health Network and CareerSource Gulf Coast, are offering job fairs and career placement events to help.
“Even though our unemployment rate went up slightly from May to June, from our historical low of 2.1 to 2.7. It’s still a job seekers market,” Samarripa said.
There is one takeaway CareerSource wants potential employees to know.
“There are lots of opportunities for job seekers, and we really urge them if they are looking to re-enter the workforce or look for a new career. Now is a great time to do it, there are plenty of jobs available,” Samarippa said.
For more information on jobs available, visit these respective links:
CareerSource Gulf Coast, or call 850-872-4340
NWF Health Network | 2022-07-27T01:18:42Z | www.wjhg.com | Local businesses turn to incentives and job fairs to help fill vacancies | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/27/local-businesses-turn-incentives-job-fairs-help-fill-vacancies/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/27/local-businesses-turn-incentives-job-fairs-help-fill-vacancies/ |
WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - For those visiting South Walton, booking a short-term vacation rental is pretty much the thing to do. But having large groups of people filling houses in residential neighborhoods can sometimes cause problems.
The Walton County board of commissioners has been looking at ways to regulate these rentals. They’re considering making sure all of them are registered and have appropriate parking based on how large the rental is.
Officials compiled it into one Short-Term Rental (STR) Ordinance that went in for its second reading at Tuesday’s commission meeting. But it was tabled until the next meeting.
”I think the most important thing they were concerned about today is how do we deal with the largest of houses? And not catch the smaller homeowner or smaller homes up in the urge to get the monster houses,” Steve Hall, land use attorney for the Walton County Planning Department, said.
One of the biggest topics discussed was the parking situation and making sure a house of a certain size has a certain number of spots.
Officials said they’re going to discuss it before bringing the ordinance back into consideration. | 2022-07-27T01:19:00Z | www.wjhg.com | Walton County’s Short-Term Rental Ordinance still under discussion | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/27/walton-countys-short-term-rental-ordinance-still-under-discussion/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/27/walton-countys-short-term-rental-ordinance-still-under-discussion/ |
It’s a slightly active morning on satellite and radar as our southeasterly flow has already led toward some scattered storms to move onto the coast out of the Gulf this morning. The Forgotten Coast along Gulf and Franklin Counties will deal with the brunt of storms through the morning. But some may drift along Bay Counties Coast, and it’s not out of the question for a few to develop out of the Gulf and move into the Walton and Okaloosa County coasts as well. Most inland areas, especially up toward I-10 will have to wait till midday or afternoon for a scattered hit or miss storm.
Otherwise, we’re warm and humid out the door in the mid 70s. Dress comfortably, and go ahead and reach for the umbrellas with the hit or miss, scattered, storms in the forecast for today. As we warm into the upper 80s to low 90s by lunch we’ll generate enough lift from daytime heating to create a few more hit or miss storms. They’ll start near the coast, and head inland into the mid to late afternoon. We’ll see a very similar setup for Thursday’s forecast before changes come into the late week and weekend.
High pressure will build in over the late week and weekend helping to suppress any rising motion in the atmosphere for storms. We’ll go back to only an isolated or stray, short-lived, shower or storm Friday through early next week.
With the lack of rain in the forecast for the end of the week and weekend, we’ll warm highs into the low to mid 90s. When you factor in the humidity, we’ll easily feel like 103 to 108 during this period.
For today, mostly to partly sunny skies with a scattered storm on the coast in the morning, spreading inland into the afternoon. Highs today top out near 90 on the coast to the low 90s inland with a heat index up to 105. Your 7 Day Forecast has a few more storms trying to develop in a similar fashion into Thursday before rain chances dwindle into the weekend and the heat cranks up. | 2022-07-27T12:49:58Z | www.wjhg.com | Wednesday Forecast | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/27/wednesday-forecast/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/27/wednesday-forecast/ |
Camp Helen State Park in Panama City Beach offers great views and lots of fun.(WJHG)
PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Are you looking for something fun for the whole family? Camp Helen State Park in Panama City Beach offers great views and lots of fun.
“The park opens daily at 8:00 a.m.,” Courtney Harper, Executive Director for Friends With Camp Helen, said. “It’s open seven days a week and it stays open until the sun goes down”
Camp Helen has a variety of hiking and biking trails for visitors to enjoy.
If you love all things water sports, the park has that too.
“Paddleboards, kayaks, picnic areas, it’s just a lot of fun for the whole family,” Harper said.
While Camp Helen does offer fun every day activities, the park also offers special themed events to bring the whole family together.
“We have summer movie nights; movies and s’mores,” Harper said. “Tomorrow night, which is July 28th, we are showing The Goonies for a throwback 80′s theme night.”
Summer movie nights is a completely free event.
All you need to do is bring a blanket and the park takes care of the rest.
“Every one of our movies we offer free hot dogs, chips, drinks, and of course, s’mores for all attendees,” Harper said.
Camp Helen is already preparing for big events this fall, which includes their famous pumpkin patch.
“We have the largest pumpkin patch on the Emerald Coast,” Harper said. “The whole month of October our park is full of pumpkins. You just see a big sea of orange out there.”
Seeing others have a great time with their family and friends, makes it all worth it to the Friends of Camp Helen.
“My favorite part is the people, the people who come out here,” Harper said.
Load up the family this weekend, bring your pets, and enjoy fun in the sun at Camp Helen State Park. | 2022-07-27T23:29:37Z | www.wjhg.com | Visit Camp Helen State Park for low cost family fun | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/27/visit-camp-helen-state-park-low-cost-family-fun/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/27/visit-camp-helen-state-park-low-cost-family-fun/ |
Rain chances will again increase on Thursday
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Expect a generally quiet Wednesday evening in the panhandle, but things will become more active on Thursday. Tonight lows will fall into the mid to upper 70s under partly cloudy skies. Rain chances will increase near the coast by Thursday morning. The chances of storms will increase and push inland during the day. Rain chances will be 60%. Highs will be in the upper 80s to near 90. As a ridge of high pressure builds in Friday and through the weekend the temperatures will get hotter, but it should be relatively dry for this time of year. | 2022-07-28T00:08:27Z | www.wjhg.com | Wednesday Evening Forecast | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/27/wednesday-evening-forecast/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/27/wednesday-evening-forecast/ |
Washington County School District(WJHG/WECP)
WASHINGTON COUNTY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Laptops and other technology have become more necessary for students, and after COVID, that became even more obvious.
“The computer offers a backup system if a student was absent which has happened multiple times in COVID,” Roulhac Middle School Principal Nancy Holley said.
With the half cent sales tax implemented in 2018, the Washington County School District is now able to make sure their students are prepared.
“The blessing of the half cent sales tax is when I purchase something in Washington County, that half cent comes right back here to our students and our teachers to be used on technology and facilities,” Senior Data Systems Analyst Tiffany McKinney said.
With nearly half a million dollars saved from the half cent tax, the school district purchased 900 new laptops for students. All Washington County 6th and 9th graders will be receiving new laptops this year for at school use.
We’re told this will maintain the district’s one-to-one student to technology ratio.
“We have some equipment that is aging out, we’ve had it for six or seven years now,” McKinney said. “This half cent sales tax is affording us the opportunity to refresh that.”
Officials said they believe making sure students have updated and reliable technology helps them learn both in the classroom and when they can’t be there.
“They see all our resources that our school district has to offer to them, which is ready for them and meets them at an individual level,” Holley said.
In addition to the 900 student laptops, some teachers will receive new technology as well. | 2022-07-28T01:37:10Z | www.wjhg.com | Washington Co. School District buys 900 new student laptops | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/28/washington-co-school-district-buys-900-new-student-laptops/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/28/washington-co-school-district-buys-900-new-student-laptops/ |
PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Parents may be looking for ways to keep kids entertained the rest of summer and some at-home activities could do the trick.
Suzan Gage, the Executive Director for the Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida, joined the NewsChannel 7 Today team to talk and demonstrate sensory play for kids. Sensory play includes any activity that stimulates a young child’s senses: touch, smell, taste, movement, balance, sight, and hearing.
Suzan brought three activities for children to try:
Blowing bubbles: Bubbles are always fun, and you may think that it is just a simple activity. But did you know that blowing bubbles actually helps with language development in young children? When properly blowing a bubble, it helps to strengthen the muscles in the mouth that are used for speech.
Moon sand (playing with sand): Sand play of all types can be calming for a lot of children and can help them develop a sense of texture. We like this moon sand here because of the way you can mold and sculpt it. Playing with moon sand can strengthen the small muscles in the hand, which can help with pre-writing skills for a young child. You can find a recipe for moon sand here so you can make your own at home.
Rub-A-Dub station (water play): Bring out any wash basin or small tub and let your children wash baby dolls, toy trucks, cars, dishes, and pretty much anything will work. Bring out the soap, sponges, and washcloths. Water play calms and can help relax overwhelmed children.
To learn more from Suzan and about all the ELCNWF has to offer families, you can watch the video attached to this article.
Lifeguard Camp
ECP Roundabout Update | 2022-07-28T13:17:45Z | www.wjhg.com | Sensory play for kids in this week’s Sweet Summertime | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/28/sensory-play-kids-this-weeks-sweet-summertime/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/28/sensory-play-kids-this-weeks-sweet-summertime/ |
It’s going to be another active morning on satellite and radar with scattered storms developing out of the Gulf and moving onshore. We’ll expect them to be quite numerous in nature along the coast this morning, but inland areas will likely have to wait for the afternoon for a rain chance. So reach for the umbrellas if you’re commuting south of Hwy20 and along the coast.
Otherwise, dress comfortably for another warm and humid start with most getting going inland in the mid 70s to upper 70s near 80 on the coast. Not much has changed in the forecast from yesterday to today. The only exception is a more south to southwest wind today as opposed to the southeast wind yesterday.
As we warm into the upper 80s to low 90s by lunch we’ll generate enough lift from daytime heating to create a few more hit or miss storms. They’ll start near the coast, and head inland into the mid to late afternoon.
Changes come gradually into the weekend. High pressure will slowly build back in over the late week and weekend working to suppress any rising motion in the atmosphere for storms. Friday morning will still have some scattered storms on the coast before the ridge strengthens. We’ll go back to only an isolated or stray, short-lived, shower or storm Friday afternoon, through the weekend, and into early next week.
For today, mostly to partly sunny skies with a scattered storm on the coast in the morning, spreading inland into the afternoon. Highs today top out near 90 on the coast to the low 90s inland with a heat index up to 105. Your 7 Day Forecast has a few more storms trying to develop in a similar fashion Friday morning before rain chances dwindle into the weekend and the heat cranks up. | 2022-07-28T13:52:36Z | www.wjhg.com | Thursday Forecast | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/28/thursday-forecast/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/28/thursday-forecast/ |
At Thursday's city council meeting, city leaders approved an exclusive negotiations agreement with the potential developer.(WJHG/WECP)
PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - An indoor baseball and softball training center could be coming to Panama City Beach.
In April, a representative with D-Bat Baseball and Softball Academics proposed a partnership with the city to bring a facility to the beach.
D-BAT works to train players of all levels, from little league to the pros. They have more than 100 facilities across the county and now are looking to build one at Frank Brown Park.
At Thursday’s city council meeting, city leaders approved an exclusive negotiations agreement with the potential developer.
“They’re spending the money to say hey is this worth it for us to do this? Is it worth it for us to go through the engineering and the architect fees to try to create a lease that’s going to enhance Frank Brown Park? Listen, we all know U-sports is one of the most important things that we have in our society and this is a great amenity to U-sports at Frank Brown Park,” Panama City Beach Mayor Mark Sheldon said.
The agreement would be to develop eight acres of the park.
But, this is just conversation, so nothing is set in stone. | 2022-07-29T00:01:25Z | www.wjhg.com | New D-BAT indoor training facility could be coming to Frank Brown Park | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/28/new-d-bat-indoor-training-facility-could-be-coming-frank-brown-park/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/28/new-d-bat-indoor-training-facility-could-be-coming-frank-brown-park/ |
At Thursday’s council meeting, city leaders discussed allowing beachfront businesses to use online food service apps to deliver onto the sand.(WJHG)
PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Food delivery services are as popular as ever. But did you know it is illegal to have your order delivered onto the sandy beaches in Panama City Beach? Code enforcement regulates these types of deliveries on a daily basis.
However, city leaders are talking about a compromise. At Thursday’s Panama City Beach council meeting, they discussed allowing beachfront businesses to use online food service apps to deliver onto the sand.
This would not include alcohol and workers would not be allowed to go take orders in-person either.
“There’s not going to be servers or folks down on the beach taking orders, going chair to chair, or bothering people. That’s really important to us. We want people to enjoy the beach for what it is. But some folks like myself who bring their kids to the beach, we’re already carrying enough stuff. We don’t have to carry a lunchbox full of food too if we can order it from the restaurant above and they can just deliver it to us,” Panama City Beach Mayor Mark Sheldon said.
Officials said any businesses involved would have to pay a fee and would be responsible for cleaning the beach area near their property.
Nothing has been finalized. But city leaders said they hope to discuss this further in the coming meetings. | 2022-07-29T00:01:37Z | www.wjhg.com | PCB city leaders discuss legalizing food deliveries on the sandy beaches | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/28/pcb-city-leaders-discuss-legalizing-food-deliveries-sandy-beaches/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/28/pcb-city-leaders-discuss-legalizing-food-deliveries-sandy-beaches/ |
Panama City Beach Parkway, or as locals know it as Back Beach Road, may soon be widened.(WJHG/WECP)
PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Panama City Beach Parkway, or as locals know it as Back Beach Road, may soon be widened.
It’s a massive project the Florida Department of Transportation has been working with the city to complete.
The plan is to widen Back Beach from four to six lanes, adding additional sidewalks and bicycle lanes.
The $124 million project will be completed in three stages, stretching from Frank Brown Park to the Hathaway Bridge.
At Thursday’s council meeting, city leaders agreed to move forward with relocating utilities in the first section as a first step.
“So, the city today took proactive steps to start moving utilities and get things done so we can keep that project moving forward so the residents and visitors and businesses of Bay County and Panama City beach can all understand we’re moving forward on this project,” Panama City Beach Mayor Mark Sheldon said.
The first phase of the project will run from Mandy Lane to Nautilus Street.
Officials said they hope to start construction next year. | 2022-07-29T00:01:44Z | www.wjhg.com | PCB city leaders work to move forward with widening Back Beach Road | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/28/pcb-city-leaders-work-move-forward-with-widening-back-beach-road/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/28/pcb-city-leaders-work-move-forward-with-widening-back-beach-road/ |
It’s a relatively quiet start on satellite and radar this morning with only a stray shower possible on the coast this morning. Our rain chances today decrease compared to days prior. However, I still anticipate seeing a few pop up on radar for the lucky few.
Otherwise, it’s a warm and humid start with low 80s on the coast to mid 70s inland. Be sure to dress comfortably and stay hydrated today with temperatures warming fast. We’ll reach the upper 80s by lunch and low 90s this afternoon with feels like temperatures in the low triple digits.
High pressure slowly builds back in today and over the weekend working to suppress any rising motion in the atmosphere for storm development. While a few may be able to still develop today, they’ll be even fewer in numbers this weekend.
The best place to catch one of the small spotty showers today will be in our Western Counties over Okaloosa and Walton. They’ll be quite small and brief for those who see it.
For today, mostly to partly sunny skies with a scattered storm on the coast in the morning, spreading inland into the afternoon. Highs today top out near 90 on the coast to the low 90s inland with a heat index up to 105. Your 7 Day Forecast has a few more storms trying to develop in a stray fashion today, few and far between into the weekend, and the heat cranks up. | 2022-07-29T12:46:33Z | www.wjhg.com | Friday Forecast | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/29/friday-forecast/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/29/friday-forecast/ |
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) -Greg Jordan is getting his team set to hit the field Monday for the start of fall practice! Coach Greg Jordan, the former Blountstown, St. Joe and Liberty coach, moving back to Blountstown in the offseason. He ran the Tigers through spring and summer workouts. And even shared them with the other sports during June!
“You know I say all the time that you don’t win any games during the month of June and July but you can lose some.” coach Jordan told me via Zoom Thursday. “You know we have a system that we try to do as far as during the month of June, when we have the kids doing basketball and baseball. When July comes around we turn just to strictly football. And go from there. And so just an opportunity to get out, show some growth like I said. And get in the weight room and give the kids an opportunity to learn some new positions. And lift weights all summer and get ready for the fall.”
And now they’re just about ready for a very important week, one the coach hopes will set the tone for the entire season!
“Your first week of camp I think it sets the, kind of expectation and all for the rest of the year,” says Jordan “as far as what kids are allowed to do. How they are allowed to practice. And what we expect out of them. You know it’s important to get things set and set standards and hold kids accountable and to the line. It’s always an exciting time for kids. New kids get an opportunity to get out and do some things, earn their way and get an opportunity to play.”
Jordan taking over for his former assistant Beau Johnson who left for a job in Georgia in the offseason. The cupboard certainly not bare in Blountstown, the Tigers 9-2 last season. Ironically that 9th win coming against coach Jordan and Liberty in round one of the playoffs. | 2022-07-29T23:25:42Z | www.wjhg.com | Greg Jordan set to lead Blountstown, once again, into fall practice | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/29/greg-jordan-set-lead-blountstown-once-again-into-fall-practice/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/29/greg-jordan-set-lead-blountstown-once-again-into-fall-practice/ |
Local Shark Expert(wjhg)
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Even on the calmest days, some of the sea’s most feared creatures are never far away...
Sharks are common all over the world, including right here in the panhandle. Species native to the emerald coast include hammerheads, black tip sharks, sharp nose sharks, bull sharks, and many more. Your location will play a huge role in what you see.
”Different sharks are found in different habitats, I mean species like makos that are found further offshore, but many of the coastal species we have are coastal they are found anywhere from right in the beach zone to several miles offshore,” John Carlson, Research Biologist at NOAA Fisheries said.
It’s fairly common for beach goers to be weary of the water. But unlike the myths or the movies, experts say sharks aren’t interested in humans.
”It’s more dangerous for you to drive to the beach, than it is for you to actually go swimming. You have a much better chance of getting hurt walking to the beach, carrying all of your stuff, than you do getting in the water where there would potentially be sharks,” said Carlson.
But like humans, sharks too make mistakes. Especially when swimmers accidentally mirror behaviors of common prey.
“That flashing in the water, that contrasting flashing of the water from the bottom of your foot - to a shark - may be mistaken for a wounded fish which is normally part of it’s prey,” said Carlson.
Staying calm is key in any close encounter.
“Don’t splash at it, don’t kick at it, or punch it, because that really doesn’t do anything,” Carlson said.
The water isn’t just a place for humans to relax. For sharks, it’s a home.
“Sharks are an integral part of the ocean ecosystem just like everything is an important part of the ocean ecosystem,” Carlson said.
That’s why shark lovers like john are working on conservation and maintenance of healthy populations.
“The us probably has some of the most robust shark populations in the world due to good management and good cooperation between both the recreational industry and the commercial industry,” Carlson said.
Thanks to these efforts, many shark species will enjoy healthy populations for years to come. | 2022-07-30T01:53:44Z | www.wjhg.com | Shark expert eases fears about sharks | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/30/shark-expert-eases-fears-about-sharks/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/30/shark-expert-eases-fears-about-sharks/ |
PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - The summer heat didn’t deter folks from getting into the holiday spirit early.
The St. Andrew’s Farmers Market held its “Christmas in July” event Saturday.
Management for the St. Andrew’s Farmers Market recently approved of the idea.
Locals enjoyed festive ribbons, bows, Santa hats, and more on various tables at Oaks by the Bay Park.
Terra Bella Soaps and Such business owner Yaroslava Snitsar said hosting events like these are a great way to brighten spirits and lighten the mood.
“We have a little something to pick up people’s spirits,” Snitsar said. “People can start a little bit of Christmas shopping. We have very nice vendors. They’re very talented. There’s tons of space to walk, space for puppies to run, and for kids to run around.”
Small business owners at the market say they hope to make this event an annual tradition.
The St. Andrew’s Farmers Market is held at Oaks by the Bay Park in Panama City every Saturday from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. | 2022-07-31T04:20:29Z | www.wjhg.com | Market at St. Andrews celebrates Christmas early | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/31/market-st-andrews-celebrates-christmas-early/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/31/market-st-andrews-celebrates-christmas-early/ |
Published: Jul. 30, 2022 at 1:39 AM CDT
Thurman is currently being held in the Houston County Jail but Is expected to be extradited back to Holmes County.
Dothan Police received a missing persons report on July 11 for Terry and Bell. The two were last seen leaving a Dothan motel on July 8.
HOLMES COUNTY MURDER INVESTIGATION(WTVY)
Holmes County received info from Dothan Police on Thursday that prompted the search of property on Long Round Bay Road in Bonifay. Human remains were found buried on the property through the work of the Bay County Sheriff’s Office cadaver dogs and the work of multiple agencies.
Police believe the remains are Terry and Bell, however, a positive identification will be made by the Florida state medical examiner’s office. | 2022-08-01T04:41:00Z | www.wjhg.com | Murder charges now filed in case of missing Dothan couple | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/30/murder-charges-now-filed-case-missing-dothan-couple/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/07/30/murder-charges-now-filed-case-missing-dothan-couple/ |
It’s a quiet start on satellite and radar this morning. We’ll have to wait largely for the afternoon before we see any scattered storms take shape in our skies.
Otherwise, it’s a warm and humid start out the door with temperatures in the mid 70s. Dress comfortably and keep the umbrellas nearby for an afternoon chance at a storm. We’ll warm up fast, into the upper 80s by late morning. Highs today reach the low 90s for most away from the coast. And where we have the most heat will help set up the sea breeze and daytime heating storms.
They’ll start up near the coast in the early afternoon and drift inland into the late afternoon. I’m only expecting a few storms to actually develop. However, like days prior, if you happen to catch it, it’ll be a significant downpour and lightning storm. Only about 30% of the Panhandle will see the afternoon storm today.
Rain chances this week increase heading into tomorrow and Wednesday. Widely scattered storms will be anticipated into the midday and afternoons as our ridge of high pressure loosens its grip on our skies.
The ridge builds back in over the late week forecast to bring down rain chances to a stray storm Thursday and Friday. Again, even though rain chances may be low on some days, that doesn’t mean they won’t develop, just lower coverage of storms across the Panhandle. Any storm that does develop will be capable of producing heavy rains and frequent lightning this week.
For today, mostly to partly sunny skies with a few afternoon storms around for about 30% of the Panhandle. Highs today top out in the low 90s with a heat index in the low triple digits outside of a storm. Your 7 Day Forecast has those afternoon storms increasing in coverage over Tuesday and Wednesday before waning into the late week. | 2022-08-01T13:18:23Z | www.wjhg.com | Monday Forecast | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/08/01/monday-forecast/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/08/01/monday-forecast/ |
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport in Bay County experienced an unprecedented 1.6 million passengers in 2021.
“Last week we reported to the airport board that we were down a little bit over our numbers from ‘21, but as we talked about, ‘21 was unprecedented in our amount of activity,” said ECP Deputy Executive Director Richard A. McConnell.
Experts say Florida’s lenient pandemic rules brought more people to the state. That’s why McConnell suspects this year will bring in fewer passengers.
“We’re thinking it’s going to be somewhere in-between the 1.2 million passengers of 2019 and the 1.6 million passengers of 2021.”
ECP officials said the Fall season is expected to be steady regardless of expected seasonal reductions in airport traffic. However, McConnell said expanding the airport to meet demand is a top priority.
“We’ve got projects right now, expansion projects, that are designated for our baggage makeup area where your baggage goes before the airplane,” McConnell said. “We’re also looking at parking expansion. We’re seeing that parking is filling up.”
Concourse expansions are also on the agenda.
“We’re seeing expansion to our aircraft apron out front by the terminal gates,” McConnell said. “That’s to accommodate the aircrafts that we’re seeing. We’re also looking at concourse expansions.”
Officials said these projects will take time.
“In the airport business development is a slow process, but we want to make sure we meet the demands of the public,” McConnell said.
He also said inflation is impacting travel with the cost of jet fuel and ticket prices remaining high. | 2022-08-02T01:37:37Z | www.wjhg.com | ECP officials predict travel numbers will remain strong | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/08/02/ecp-officials-predict-travel-numbers-will-remain-strong/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/08/02/ecp-officials-predict-travel-numbers-will-remain-strong/ |
STRUCTURE FIRE IN PARKER(WJHG)
PARKER, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - City of Parker law enforcement and first responders are currently investigating after a fire broke out at the Parker Inn on E Hwy. 98 Monday evening.
Officials with the Parker Fire Department tell NewsChannel 7 several rooms caught fire. An official with the fire department told us they won’t be releasing any more information at this time due to “another situation.”
NewsChannel 7 has reached out to the Parker Police Department for more information on any possible investigation and are waiting to hear back.
We will continue to update you when we know more. | 2022-08-02T01:59:21Z | www.wjhg.com | Authorities are investigating fire at Parker Inn | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/08/02/authorities-are-investigating-fire-parker-inn/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/08/02/authorities-are-investigating-fire-parker-inn/ |
Officials say the bodies were found in a shallow grave on Long Round Bay Road.(WJHG/WECP)
HOLMES COUNTY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Both the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office and Dothan Police Department are investigating a double homicide after two bodies were found in Holmes County last week.
“I was contacted by Major Glover with the Dothan Police Department, who stated that he received reports back on July 11th of two missing people from Dothan,” Holmes County Sheriff John Tate said.
Law Enforcement later learned the two missing people, identified on the Sheriff’s Facebook page as Shauna Terry and boyfriend Damien Bell, could be buried off of Long Round Bay Road in Bonifay.
“The property was secured, and investigators were able to locate a freshly dug site on the back edge of the property,” Tate said.
Two bodies were found there by Bay County cadaver dogs.
On Monday, Tate said they are waiting for the medical examiner to officially identify the victims.
Officials say while the search in Holmes County was taking place, another search of a Dothan property was happening as well.
“We also executed a search warrant on Dutch Street in Dothan,” Dothan Police Lieutenant Robert Hall said. “That is believed to possibly be the site of one of the murders that took place. A lot of evidence was collected there, and we are in the process of processing that.”
Officials say Bonifay resident Sheena Marie Thurman was arrested at a motel in Dothan and is being charged with one count of murder in Alabama, and one count in Florida in connection with this case.
However, Law Enforcement believes there will be several more arrests.
“That’s why I don’t want to speculate like he said, of how many arrests there could be,” Hall said. “We could speculate all day long, but we have to follow the evidence and go with what it leads us to.”
Officials say the victims and suspect knew each other, and investigators believe they know what motivated the crime, but they are not releasing that information to the public at this time. | 2022-08-02T03:00:19Z | www.wjhg.com | Local Law Enforcement investigates double homicide in Bonifay, Dothan | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/08/02/local-law-enforcement-investigates-double-homicide-bonifay-dothan/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/08/02/local-law-enforcement-investigates-double-homicide-bonifay-dothan/ |
Each school in Jackson County has at least two AEDs like this one.(WJHG/WECP)
JACKSON COUNTY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - It’s important for schools to be prepared for anything that might happen during school hours or sporting events.
“Knowing that it’s here and we have the trained faculty and staff to utilize and to implement the life saving device whenever it’s needed, that we have that capability, it will make everyone feel more at ease and more comfortable,” Grand Ridge School Principal Becky Hart said.
So when Jackson County Fire Rescue Chief Charlie Brunner was given 10 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to spread throughout Jackson County, he knew exactly what to do with them.
“These schools needed AEDs, but since this county is so large, they ran into a big burden with having to purchase AEDs that were unbudgeted for, so we were able to meet that need,” Brunner said.
When the School Board got them, they dispersed them to schools in Jackson County.
“Especially at some of our bigger high schools, multiple events go on at the same time, and having an additional AED or two really is going to help out this year,” Director of Risk Management, Safety and Transportation Hunter Nolen said.
Many Jackson County schools, like Grand Ridge School, may be far from local EMS, but now, with the addition of the AEDs, they will be able to perform life saving measures on their own.
When someone goes down at a sporting event, every minute counts.
“They can start CPR, provide defibrillation if needed in those precious first minutes and even seconds,” Brunner said.
“For some of the outlying schools this is going to be big for the overall safety of our students and staff,” Nolen said.
With the addition of these AEDs, each school in Jackson County will have at least two, with some larger schools having up to seven, to keep students, athletes and even fans safe. | 2022-08-03T00:18:40Z | www.wjhg.com | Jackson County Schools will have multiple AEDs after donation | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/08/02/jackson-county-schools-will-have-multiple-aeds-after-donation/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/08/02/jackson-county-schools-will-have-multiple-aeds-after-donation/ |
We’ll see some more scattered storms developing out of the Gulf and moving onto the coast again this morning. They’ll increase in numbers by mid-morning. Eventually some will reach inland into the midday and afternoon, but the morning should be fairly quiet inland with partly cloudy skies. So go ahead and keep the umbrella around with you today.
Otherwise, we’re warm and humid to start with temperatures in the low to mid 70s. We’ll warm our way into the upper 80s by lunch and to near 90 in the afternoon outside of a storm.
The scattered storms develop in a similar fashion for today as to what we saw yesterday. A few gulf storms move onto the coast in the morning, followed up by widely scattered storms into the midday while things quiet down inland late in the day and into the evening. This pattern will stick around into Thursday before breaking slightly on Friday.
A mid-level low spins off to the west taking the added lift for widely scattered storms to the Western Gulf Thursday night into Friday. However, we’ll sit just west of a ridge of high pressure in the Western Atlantic. Caught in between these two features we should still manage to develop a few scattered or spotty storms.
A very diurnal pattern of sea breeze storms develops into the weekend as we sit just to the west of the ridge of high pressure. Southeasterly flow in the atmosphere will lead to a robust sea breeze producing widespread coverage of rain for roughly an hour or a little more each day.
For today, partly to mostly cloudy skies with scattered storms around. Highs today top out in the upper 80s near 90 degrees. Your 7 Day Forecast has chances for rain sticking around into the end of the week and weekend with a small downturn in storms on Friday. | 2022-08-03T12:29:28Z | www.wjhg.com | Wednesday Forecast | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/08/03/wednesday-forecast/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/08/03/wednesday-forecast/ |
Ascension Sacred Heart Bay hosts grand opening of new radiology suite
Ascension Sacred Heart Bay set out a few years ago to provide better healthcare access to their patients.(WJHG)
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Ascension Sacred Heart Bay set out a few years ago to provide better healthcare access to their patients.
On Wednesday, they hosted a grand opening of their new radiology suite in Panama City that will do just that.
The new area for radiology includes MRIs, X-rays, CT scans, fluoroscopy and multi-use space.
The new upgrade will provide more jobs and better access to healthcare for those in Bay County.
“This is critically important; as a level two trauma center, as a comprehensive cardiac center, as we are bringing to the community now breast imaging for women’s health,” Dr. Mario Pulido, Chief Medical Officer for Ascension Sacred Heart Bay and the Midwest Market, said. “And really all of this work is around coordination of delivery of health care to the community. So less and less as we advance these projects forward, are members of this community going to have to relocate or travel out of the area to get similar studies as you would be accustomed to in an academic center.”
The suite is centrally located in the hospital to provide patients easier access to the new machines.
Dr. Pulido says this will improve the ability to take care of patients and provide timely information about their diagnostic studies. | 2022-08-03T23:09:12Z | www.wjhg.com | Ascension Sacred Heart Bay hosts grand opening of new radiology suite | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/08/03/ascension-sacred-heart-bay-hosts-grand-opening-new-radiology-suite/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/08/03/ascension-sacred-heart-bay-hosts-grand-opening-new-radiology-suite/ |
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) -The first day of school is always exciting for parents and their kids. But for mother and daughter duo, Taiquasia Pugh and Connie Lauderdale are breaking the mold by attending school together
“I think she got me up at 6:30 a.m. fully dressed she was like it is time for school, I said well okay I guess I’ll get up now then. My alarm goes off at 7 instead of 6:30,” Pugh said.
This mother and daughter are going to school together at Haney Technical College. Although they are in different programs it doesn’t mean they can’t encourage one another.
“It feels great already on the first day that I am going to spend my last moments pretty much finishing while she is beginning,” Pugh said. “So I get to see her on my last day and get to tell her mom I passed my exams, I am done with school.”
There is no better motivation than your mom cheering you on. Or your daughter saying it’s never too late to go back to school.
“She was so nervous and anxious I was like mom you got it you are a smart woman you know how to get in and out of everything,” Pugh said.
This dynamic duo wants everyone to know there is no age limit on fulfilling your dreams
“Sign up for Haney. Doesn’t matter how old you are it doesn’t have an age for education so always just take that leap of faith and just go for it,” Pugh said.
Pugh’s mom already has plenty of life experience. She’s been working in the medical field but now she is getting the education to become a registered nurse.
However, her daughter is just getting started and still figuring out what her future holds.
“I love to model I love to sing. I have different talents so I don’t know exactly which one I want to go for but this is definitely a stepping stone for me,” Pugh said.
But she will never give up especially with her mom by her side. | 2022-08-04T00:40:37Z | www.wjhg.com | Mother and daughter duo taking on school together | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/08/04/mother-daughter-duo-taking-school-together/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/08/04/mother-daughter-duo-taking-school-together/ |
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) -The next stop on our tour of area high school football practice fields takes us into South Walton County and check in with Phil Tisa and his Seahawks. Coach Tisa and the Seahawks coming off the best season in program history. Last year’s team finishing 10-2 and making it two deep into the state playoffs, losing to a Bolles team, a private school that’s basically a football factory. Tisa working in spring and now here in fall camp, on replacing some record setting offensive players in quarterback Kemper Hodges, and receiver Cade Roberts. On top of that star senior receiver Pearce Spurlin is recovering from shoulder surgery, he’ll likely miss the first five or six games. So it’s a good thing the overall numbers are strong for coach Tisa as camp begins!\
”Proud of where we are numbers wise, largest program we’ve ever had and I’m excited to see what we can do.” coach Tisa told me during Wednesday’s practice. “Somewhere between 55 and 60 and hopefully you can create some depth out of that, create some competition. And push kids a little bit harder. And at the same time it makes practice easier because you can split up and work offense and defense and at the same time still have enough people to work against.”
Again having to replace a record setting receiver like Roberts, and a record setting quarterback like Hodges, well that’s a tall order.
“I mean both of those kids were leaders in the way they played and the way conducted themselves.” Tisa says “Not really kids that you can replace. I think you have to try and diversify. And use your running backs to take some of that pressure off of the quarterback run game. And do different things like that.”
For now two players are competing for the starting quarterback spot, Tisa told me.
“We have Carson Hawk who was our back up last year and a returning player. And we have then we have Wells Bettenhausen that moved in back in the spring. So those two are still battling it out. Couldn’t give you even an inkling of who’s ahead of who. It just depends on what day it is. I’m hoping that one of them will eventually step up and just say the job is theirs.”
And with the changes in personnel, well does that change the game plan? ”No you don’t drastically change it, you tweak it. But I think every coach does that based on whatever they have you know year in and year out. But we’re still going to do what we do, just may, probably won’t be as quarterback run heavy as we were with Kemper. And put more of that on our running backs who have really come along way in the past 12 months.”
The Seahawks will host St. John Paul the Second in their classic on the 19th and open the regular season at home against Baker on the 26th. | 2022-08-04T02:42:28Z | www.wjhg.com | South Walton working through first week of fall camp | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/08/04/south-walton-working-through-first-week-fall-camp/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/08/04/south-walton-working-through-first-week-fall-camp/ |
A Georgia man was arrested early Wednesday morning for trafficking cocaine.(WJHG/WECP)
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - A Georgia man was arrested early Wednesday morning for trafficking cocaine.
Bay County Sheriff’s Office deputies say around 3:20 a.m. a patrol deputy tried to stop a car on N. Lagoon Drive. They say the car drove away and when authorities chased it, the car crashed into a ditch.
The driver, Richard Steven Kelly Jr, 37, from Columbus, Georgia was taken into custody.
Deputies say when they searched Kelly’s car, they found a backpack with 47.4 grams of cocaine, LSD, and other drug paraphernalia, as well as $11,000.
Kelly was arrested for driving under the influence, trafficking cocaine of more than 28 grams, possession of LSD, and possession of a new legend drug without a prescription, possession of drug paraphernalia, as well as aggravated fleeing and eluding. | 2022-08-04T23:30:30Z | www.wjhg.com | Georgia man arrested in Bay County for trafficking cocaine | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/08/04/georgia-man-arrested-bay-county-trafficking-cocaine/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/08/04/georgia-man-arrested-bay-county-trafficking-cocaine/ |
The summer weather pattern continues
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - The weather pattern continues to look unsettled in the panhandle through the weekend ahead, but we are not expecting anything unusual for this time of year. For tonight skies will be mostly clear w/lows in the 70s. On Friday expect scattered storms to develop on the SE flow starting over the Forgotten Coast first and then pushing inland. Highs will reach the low 90s w/feels like temps over 100. Rain chances will be 50%. The rain chances will continue through the upcoming weekend and on into next week. | 2022-08-04T23:30:36Z | www.wjhg.com | Thursday Evening Forecast | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/08/04/thursday-evening-forecast/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/08/04/thursday-evening-forecast/ |
Stolen Election Signs Ahead of Political Signs
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - With primary elections less than three weeks away, you may have noticed election signs start to pop up around Bay County. But did you know tampering with election signs is against the law?
“They can’t be on the right-of-way, or they can’t be on state or federal property, so it has to be on someone’s private property. If they trespassed on someone’s property to damage that sign or remove that sign,” Lynn Haven Police Chief Ricky Ramie said.
But it’s a good thing that doesn’t seem to be a common trend this election season.
“We haven’t had any stolen and as of date, I don’t know of any being damaged. Now we have had some that have been reported as moved from their original location,” Ramie said.
Ramie said they’ve received only two reports of election signs being moved from two vacant private properties.
“When you have a presidential election which at times is much larger, we get more reports of this nature. I can say that during this election, two is very minimal compared to other times that we’ve had,” Ramie said.
But Bay County Supervisor of Elections Mark Andersen said there’s a reason it’s not as big of a “situation” this year.
“Signs in general, they’ve just begun to show up. They’re later than normal,” Andersen said.
Not only are signs late, but there are less of them.
“I’ve never seen it this quiet with so few signs, with so few candidates on the local side,” Andersen said.
But that doesn’t deter the message to local candidates and community members.
“We want everybody to play fair and get out and campaign and do your due diligence as a candidate for office,” Ramie said.
And election officials are working to keep fair for all.
Panama City Beach Police, Panama City Police, and The Bay County Sheriff’s Office also tell us they have not received any reports of stolen, moved or damaged election signs.
Offices up for re-election in the primaries include:
State Representative Districts 5 and 6
Retention of Supreme Court Justices
Retention of First District of Court Appeal Judges
14th Judicial Circuit Groups 1, 2, 5, and 8
County Commissioners Districts 2 and 4
School Board Members Districts 2, 3, and 5
Lake Powell Community Development District Seat 2 and 5
For more information on how you can get prepared ahead of the August 23rd primaries, visit Supervisor of Elections. | 2022-08-05T01:01:33Z | www.wjhg.com | Law enforcement officials address reports of tampered election signs | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/08/04/law-enforcement-officials-address-reports-tampered-election-signs/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/08/04/law-enforcement-officials-address-reports-tampered-election-signs/ |
New energy ‘superhighway’ connecting Northwest Florida to FPL energy grid.(Florida Power and Light)
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) -Northwest Florida is connected to the Florida Power and Light energy grid. The North Florida Resiliency connection went into service Thursday.
“It helps day-to-day reliability. It helps with storm reliability and it will eventually, over time, actually reduce our customer’s costs because if we can produce power for less money everybody benefits,” Eric Silagy, FPL chairman, and CEO, said.
From start to finish the process to build the new transmission line only took around 18 months.
“To us, it was obvious that this would have so many benefits and it was something that really needed to be done,” Silagy said.
The North Florida Resiliency Connection is like a super-highway for energy. FPL officials said it is 176 miles long. They also say this is going to save them time and energy when severe weather hits the Panhandle.
“This line will now give us a new interstate a new super highway of electricity, that will allow us to get electricity from a part of the state that maybe hasn’t been impacted by a hurricane to a part that has,” Silagy said.
Taking things back to 2018 when Hurricane Michael hit the Panhandle and many went without power. Local and state officials said they learned a lot from that and this new connection will be helpful in the future.
“Hurricane Michael tormented a lot of us,” Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, said. “I get emotional because this is an investment this is a commitment this is part of the march to make sure northwest Florida is better stronger easier to bounce back when disaster strikes again.”
“We know what it is like to have the resiliency to have the power back is a big deal,” Congressman Neil Dunn, said.
Officials noted Thursday that while they have a storm plan in place for the area you should have one as well. Click here to make sure you have everything you need.
In addition to storm protection.. Fpl says the connection that is now in service is expected to save customers millions of dollars in fuel costs. | 2022-08-05T01:31:59Z | www.wjhg.com | New energy ‘superhighway’ connecting Northwest Florida to FPL energy grid | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/08/05/new-energy-superhighway-connecting-northwest-florida-fpl-energy-grid/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/08/05/new-energy-superhighway-connecting-northwest-florida-fpl-energy-grid/ |
Danny Wells fine tunes a bow at EZ Ride Archery in Panama City.(WJHG)
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - There’s a new place in Panama City where you can get anything you need when it comes to bows and arrows. EZ Ride Archery recently opened its doors on Hwy. 231, with everything for experienced to novice archers.
”All the new innovations coming out we are on top of the game here,” said Danny Wells, Manager at EZ Ride Archery.
When shooting a bow, they say it’s important to relax, but for Danny Wells, he’s been doing everything but the past few weeks.
“We do everything from string, to set up builds from start to finish,” said Wells. “Anywhere from tournament shooting to recreational shooting, hunting aspects.”
After weeks of intense focus, EZ Rides Archery opened up in Panama City. It’s the brainchild of Martin Murdock who owns EZ Ride Golf Carts next door. After traveling to Marianna for years to get Danny’s expertise, he recruited him to run his new shop.
”I used to be a manager of another archery shop for over 10 years. So a lot of these guys are used to me being there,” said Wells.
And that was right on target. Danny knows everything from the draw to the nose button. A deep knowledge of the craft, helping expert and novice archers hit the bullseye.
”From anywhere from tournament shooting to recreational shooting, hunting aspects,” said Wells. “We want to be the Taj Mahal of archery.”
Lofty goals, but Danny has the record to back it up. He has been shooting a bow since he was a kid.
”Got snake bit and it’s been a beautiful thing.”
A beautiful life looking through the sights. A career of working in archery shops and even competing in archery tournaments across the nation.
“I’ve been doing this stuff since 1987 so I got a lot of years behind me. I’m the dinosaur in this business for a lot of ways.”
And the good thing about being around awhile means more shots at making a difference.
”Some of the guys I am working with now, I am working with their grandchildren and they were teenagers when I started,” said Wells. “That’s nice to be a dinosaur in a lot of ways because you get to see all the things that have been touched in your life and giving back to the community and the peers all around us is so important to me.”
Giving back for decades. One of his favorite memories was going to Jackson County schools to teach kids archery for 4-H.
“When they actually hit the target or hit the bullseye that expression, you can not put a money factor on what that does and what that brings to me when I see that child,” said Wells. “Their enthusiasm and that joy that just got brought out in them in that moment, that’s what drives me is to see that part and that instillment in that individual.”
Because of life you’re passionate about, hits the bullseye every time.
EZ Ride Archery is holding its grand opening on August 20. The shop is currently open but will have an outdoor range ready for shooting during the grand opening.
It is located at 4133 Hwy. 231, Panama City. | 2022-08-05T01:32:05Z | www.wjhg.com | New Panama City Archery Shop Hits the Bullseye | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/08/05/new-panama-city-archery-shop-hits-bullseye/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/08/05/new-panama-city-archery-shop-hits-bullseye/ |
Back To School Bus Safety And School Zones
JACKSON COUNTY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - It’s important for parents to keep their kids safe, and that includes when they send them to school on the school bus.
“So definitely bus traffic is one of our scariest things on the roadway because it has our precious cargo on it, our children,” Florida Highway Patrol Lieutenant Jason King said.
“I know everybody is busy to get to where they’re going, but we have precious cargo on this bus and we just want the public to know to please take your time,” Director of Risk Management, Safety and Transportation Hunter Nolen said.
You may already know that passing a school bus from behind when the stop sign is out is against the law.
Officials say they hope residents will always stay mindful of sharing roads with buses, but when you see the red or yellow lights flashing, or the red stop sign come out, that’s your cue to stop.
Many people aren’t aware of when they have to stop and when they can proceed with caution.
“A four lane road that has a division but no barrier in the middle, both sides of the traffic need to stop for a school bus no matter what side of the road they’re on,” King said. “The only time other vehicles going the opposite direction of the bus can continue going safely is when there is a raised median, if it’s grass or a concerete barrier.”
“Help us out this first couple of weeks while we get these students trained on how to enter and exit the bus,” Nolen said. “[We] Just really need the public’s help.”
It’s also important to slow down and pay close attention to the road when driving through school zones.
“You have small children in the area crossing roadways or on sidewalks so just slow down, be aware and be defensive,” King said.
Officials say they’re asking drivers to take these steps to help all kids have a safe school year. | 2022-08-05T02:32:57Z | www.wjhg.com | Officials remind drivers about school bus safety prior to the new school year | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/08/05/officials-remind-drivers-about-school-bus-safety-prior-new-school-year/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/08/05/officials-remind-drivers-about-school-bus-safety-prior-new-school-year/ |
PCPD is asking for the public's help in locating a runaway last seen on August 2nd.(Panama City Police Department)
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - The Panama City Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating a runaway who was last seen on August 2nd at the Hidle House in Panama City.
Limon T. Wilson, 15, is described as a black male, approximately 6 feet tall, weighing 150 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes.
He was last seen wearing a camo windbreaker, dark colored pants and tennis shoes, leaving the Hidle House off Lisenby Avenue.
Anyone with information in this case is asked to call the Panama City Police Department at 850- 872-3100, or they can report tips anonymously via smartphone by downloading the “Panama City PD” Tip411 app from the iOS or Google Play stores. | 2022-08-05T21:19:02Z | www.wjhg.com | PCPD asking for public’s help in locating runaway | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/08/05/pcpd-asking-publics-help-locating-runaway/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/08/05/pcpd-asking-publics-help-locating-runaway/ |
Two sisters were booked into Bay County Jail on robbery charges after allegedly being involved in a phone scam.(MGN)
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Two individuals are in jail after allegedly starting a cell phone scam, according to Panama City Police.
On July 31st, officers were called to a business on West 15th Street where they say they found the victim with minor injuries.
Through investigation, police say the victim found an iPhone 13 for sale on Facebook Marketplace for $500. He planned to meet the seller, Avonlea Ledutuwa Ansel, 19, in the parking lot of the business to get the phone.
The victim said he went to the location and gave the money to Avonlea, who gave the phone to her sister, Autumn Ansel, 20, to unlock it, and passed the phone to the victim to look at.
When the victim was sure the phone worked, he said he handed it back to Avonlea to place in the box, but the sisters started to leave the parking lot with the phone and the money.
The victim states he tried to reach into the sisters’ moving car to take his money back, but the car began moving at a fast speed, and the sisters pepper sprayed him.
Avonlea and Autumn Ansel were charged with principal to robbery and booked into Bay County Jail.
Anyone with information on this case is asked to call the Panama City Police Department at 850-872-3100, or report tips anonymously via smartphone by downloading Tip 411 app.
Two sisters are charged with principal of robbery after allegedly being involved in a phone scam.(Panama City Police Department)
Two sisters were charged with principal of robbery after being allegedly involved in a phone scam.(Panama City Police Department) | 2022-08-05T23:50:58Z | www.wjhg.com | Cell phone scam leads to robbery charge | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/08/05/cell-phone-scam-leads-robbery-charge/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/08/05/cell-phone-scam-leads-robbery-charge/ |
These three men are wanted for capital murder.(WJHG/WECP)
HOLMES COUNTY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - The bodies of two Dothan residents, Shauna Terry and Damien Bell, were found buried on the property of Sheena Marie Thurman in Bonifay last Friday. Officials said Thurman has been arrested and charged with an open count of murder in both Alabama and Florida.
“The female subject that was killed (Terry), she was basically killed there at the scene where the burial was,” Holmes County Sheriff John Tate said.
We’re told the cause of death for Terry was multiple gun shot wounds, and for Bell, was blunt force trauma to the head.
“We have recovered the firearm that was used and the object that was used for the blunt force trauma,” Tate said.
Tate said David Allen Bastian, of Port Saint Lucie, who was already in jail on unrelated charges, was charged in connection with the murder in Alabama on Thursday.
However, there are still three people on the run who are wanted for capital murder: Davante Laquae Williams, Joshua Parks and Macauthur Mike Hawkins.
“What makes this case so complicated and difficult is number one, the people who were murdered were from Dothan, number two, a lot of your players and your suspects are from Dothan or not from here,” Tate said.
Officials said they believe this was an isolated incident, and other crimes, like the sale of drugs, were involved. However, the three suspects still on the run are considered dangerous, and Law Enforcement asks that you contact your local agency if you see them or have any information regarding this crime. | 2022-08-06T03:24:12Z | www.wjhg.com | Two arrested, 3 wanted for double homicide in Dothan, Bonifay | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/08/06/two-arrested-3-wanted-double-homicide-dothan-bonifay/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/08/06/two-arrested-3-wanted-double-homicide-dothan-bonifay/ |
Experts say breastfeeding helps mothers and their babies.(Monkey Business Images)
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Parents eager to learn about breastfeeding attended an educational event at the Florida Department of Health in Bay County Saturday morning.
“It’s about educating our moms,” said board-certified lactation consultant Sandy McCroan. “As you saw earlier, Dr. Davis was here. She was speaking on safety for children, infants, and support. We’re here introducing moms to other moms so they can have that support system.”
Breastfeed Bay, the Breastfeeding Task Force of Bay County hosted the event in honor of National WIC Breastfeeding Week.
It’s a campaign geared toward educating parents on the importance of breastfeeding.
“You realize the importance not only for safety, for the health benefits of breastfeeding, but also in situations where we have formula shortages, or if there’s not safe water, breastfeeding is easy,” McCroan said.
The event is also meant to bring mothers together and reduce the stigma that can be connected with breastfeeding in public.
“Don’t be embarrassed,” said mother Destiny Shay. “I know with my first I was shy to breastfeed out in public and I would always try and cover up, but honestly it’s a natural thing. You do it and it’s a good bonding experience with your baby.”
However, if a mother can’t breastfeed, there are other options.
“For those moms, there are other things they can do,” McCroan said. “Skin to skin, obviously you have no choice but to use formula or if you’re able to get donor milk from a reputable donor.”
Parents also learned about car safety, water safety, firearm safety, and more.
Mothers can learn more about breastfeeding by calling WIC’s 24/7 hotline number at 850-747-5775. | 2022-08-07T02:43:47Z | www.wjhg.com | Local parents learn benefits of breastfeeding | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/08/07/local-parents-learn-benefits-breastfeeding/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/08/07/local-parents-learn-benefits-breastfeeding/ |
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) -An off-duty Panama City Fireboat discovered a boat Sunday morning with the engine still running that had hit a tower abutment in North Bay, near the Bailey Bridge.
The U.S. Coast Guard has confirmed only one individual was on the boat but cannot confirm a name at this time. They tell us next of kin is still being notified.
FWC is currently investigating the incident. | 2022-08-07T20:28:42Z | www.wjhg.com | FWC investigating boating accident in Bay County | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/08/07/fwc-investigating-boating-accident-bay-county/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/08/07/fwc-investigating-boating-accident-bay-county/ |
It’s a quiet start for now on satellite and radar. However, we’ll expect to see a few stray showers flaring up around the coast early on this morning. The better chance for rain today will be in the afternoon for most.
Otherwise, it’s a warm and humid start with most getting started in the mid 70s. We’ll warm quickly this morning with just a few clouds cruising by. Temperatures reach the mid 80s by lunch with highs this afternoon near 90.
Once we get enough heat to develop today, we’ll start to get some scattered storms flaring up this afternoon. So keep the umbrellas handy for the afternoon summer storm.
Most of the week ahead plays out similarly. Some days we’ll have a slightly better chance at catching the afternoon storm than others. But the typical August summery weather pattern of warm and humid days with an afternoon storm chance plays well all week.
For today, mostly to partly sunny skies with highs in the upper 80s near 90 degrees and an afternoon storm. Your 7 Day Forecast has similar days ahead all week, with some showing a little more likelihood of catching the afternoon storm than others. | 2022-08-08T13:12:51Z | www.wjhg.com | Monday Forecast | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/08/08/monday-forecast/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/08/08/monday-forecast/ |
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Are you looking to sit back and relax with a glass of wine this week? Thistle and Thorne has an opportunity for you.
Wine 101 is a tasting event for those who love wine and for those who are new to wine.
“The Wine 101 tasting was designed for servers coming into our restaurant so they can become familiar with the wines that we offer our guests,” Eric Rickards, chef at Thistle and Thorne, said. “And become more comfortable with wine in general if they don’t have a broad base knowledge of wine. "
Tickets are $25 and can be bought at any time at the restaurant or by reaching out online on Thistle and Thorne’s Facebook or Instagram page.
The event kicks off August 11th at 5:30 p.m. and will last until 6:30 p.m.
Sit back, relax, and try wines from all around the world at Thistle and Thorne. | 2022-08-08T14:44:11Z | www.wjhg.com | Thistle and Thorne invites you out for Wine 101 | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/08/08/thistle-thorne-invites-you-out-wine-101/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/08/08/thistle-thorne-invites-you-out-wine-101/ |
It’s another active day on satellite and radar with morning storms developing out the Gulf this morning. They’ll move onto the coast to start the day. In fact, most of the morning will be wet on the coast with scattered storms. Only a few make it inland later today.
Otherwise, it’s a warm and humid start with temperatures and dew points in the low to mid 70s. But we’ll be slow to warm on the coast with the anticipation of morning storms and clouds, especially for the coast. Eventually this afternoon we’ll find drier times to warm up to the upper 80s for today.
Our pattern remains unsettled over the next few days as warm moist air and a favorable southeast wind keeps sea breeze and daytime heating storms developing daily. We’ll keep these scattered storms going through the rest of the work week before some changes come over the weekend.
A summertime cold front brings a few batches of rain by Friday and Saturday. Timing of those storms is too early to say at this time. But the front may clear us to the south Sunday and Monday bringing a nice change of continental air, lowering humidity.
For today, mostly cloudy skies with scattered storms. Highs today reach the upper 80s to near 90 degrees. Your 7 Day Forecast has similar scattered, stormy, days ahead for much of the week. | 2022-08-09T13:51:39Z | www.wjhg.com | Tuesday Forecast | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/08/09/tuesday-forecast/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/08/09/tuesday-forecast/ |
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - It is Tuesday again and you know what that means!
It’s time for another edition of Time Travel Tuesday! Local historian Bill Hudson stopped by the NewsChannel 7 studio to discuss some footage from Bay County’s history to share with viewers.
Let’s see what “blast from the past” Bill has in store for us in the video below. | 2022-08-09T18:08:23Z | www.wjhg.com | Time Travel Tuesday w/ Bill Hudson | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/08/09/time-travel-tuesday-w-bill-hudson/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/08/09/time-travel-tuesday-w-bill-hudson/ |
School begins on August 9th and Walton High is thrilled to start.(WJHG)
DEFUNIAK SPRINGS, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - School begins on August 9th and Walton High is thrilled to start.
“Just can’t wait to see our students tomorrow,” Principal Brianna Leavins, Walton high school, said.
Walton high school made waves last year with a high grading on their school.
“We earn a school grade each year,” Principal Leavins, said. “Last year we earned a 61 B, which is one percent away from an A.”
For this achievement, the school celebrated in a special way.
“I told our students last year when we get our A, we’re rolling out a red carpet,” Principal Leavins, said. “Because we fell just shy at 61 B, we rolled out a navy carpet because they still deserve all of the praise.”
The start of school also means school zones will be in effect.
And law enforcement wants to make sure everyone stays safe.
Our police chief in DeFuniak Springs and our sheriff, Sheriff Atkinson, they’re doing operation bluebird to make sure everyone is adhering to the law, speed limits, and those safety measures in the school areas,” A. Russell Hughes, Superintendent of the Walton County School District, said. “Our children are back on the road, they’re driving, they’re on buses, and we want to make sure they arrive to school safe.” | 2022-08-09T19:39:21Z | www.wjhg.com | Back to school with Walton High | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/08/09/back-school-with-walton-high/ | https://www.wjhg.com/2022/08/09/back-school-with-walton-high/ |
"I wanna say thank you. I could have still been over there right now," Manigault said to those who donated to bring him home.
In November of 2021, that dream came to a screeching halt when he and his friends were attacked after celebrating a win for a basketball game in Nicosia, Cyprus. They were leaving a club when the attack began. | 2022-03-15T13:53:01Z | www.wusa9.com | Maryland basketball player speaks about brutal attack in Cypress | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/corey-manigault-attacked-corey-manigault-back-home-former-college-basketball-player-assaulted-europe/65-f2ff4813-829e-4812-a614-3ca90b75c190 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/corey-manigault-attacked-corey-manigault-back-home-former-college-basketball-player-assaulted-europe/65-f2ff4813-829e-4812-a614-3ca90b75c190 |
Police believe there are multiple eyewitnesses to this incident who can help identify who is responsible.
ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, Md. — A 21-year-old woman from Maryland was killed in a shooting in Anne Arundel County Monday, police said.
Anne Arundel County Police responded to a shooting in the 200 block of Whitaker Road in Pasadena on March 14 at approximately 4:30 p.m., according to police.
Once on scene, police found woman, later identified as Aiyana Walker, laying on a sidewalk suffering from gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene by Anne Arundel Fire personnel, according to police.
Additionally, while on the scene, police were told that a 16-year-old boy from Curtis Bay, Maryland, fled the scene and arrived at an area hospital suffering from a gunshot wound. He is currently in stable condition, police said.
Detectives believe there may be as many as 30 eyewitnesses to this homicide. They are hopeful that someone/some people will do the right thing and come forward.
Ms. Walker's family and friends deserve closure, and both victims deserve justice. To remain anonymous, 410-222-4700. pic.twitter.com/pf9jY2D4hq
A preliminary investigation found that a dispute began when a large group of people were gathered on Whitaker Road near Huff Court.
Homicide Unit members within the Anne Arundel County Police Department have taken over the investigation, according to police.
Police believe that there are many eyewitnesses from the community that may have information on the incident and could possibly identify the shooter or shooters involved.
Police urge those in the community who have information on the incident to come forward. Police are also requesting that anyone who has information on this incident to call the Anne Arundel County Police Tip line at 410-222-4700 or the Homicide Unit at 410-222-4731 and can remain anonymous.
RELATED: 1 man dead, 1 injured in double shooting in Southeast DC, police say | 2022-03-15T15:20:39Z | www.wusa9.com | Shooting in Pasadena, MD kills woman and injures boy | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/woman-killed-teen-hurt-in-maryland-shooting/65-a6845629-b128-4409-98aa-1dcfc7712c3c | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/woman-killed-teen-hurt-in-maryland-shooting/65-a6845629-b128-4409-98aa-1dcfc7712c3c |
Steven Maurice Warren, 28, pleaded guilty to eight counts of attempted first and second degree murder and multiple assault charges.
PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. — Editor's Note: The video above is from Aug. 24, 2020.
A 28-year-old Maryland man was sentenced to 90 years in jail after pleading guilty to numerous charges stemming from a home invasion in August 2020 in which three Prince George's County Police officers were shot.
Steven Maurice Warren appeared in Prince George's County Circuit Court Tuesday for a sentencing hearing after he was indicted on 38 separate charges, ranging from attempted first-degree murder to reckless endangerment and burglary.
On Aug. 23, 2020, PGPD officers responded to a call for a home invasion in the 1300 block of Capital View Terrace. The first officer that arrived, Officer Brandon Westfall, was shot three times after he confronted Warren and a second man. Westfall was able to call for backup and treat himself while additional help arrived, according to county officials.
Responding officers exchanged multiple rounds of gunfire with Steven Maurice Warren and his co-defendant Andre Larnell Smith; 198 rounds were fired altogether, according to Deputy State’s Attorney Jonathon Church, and three officers were shot and injured during the incident.
In a press conference following the hearing, Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy said she felt the sentencing underscores how seriously the county takes gun violence.
"We care about our community," Braveboy said. "We will protect them, we will serve them. But we will also hold individuals accountable when they commit atrocities in our community."
Warren's co-defendant, Smith, is still being tried and is due back in court on April 12.
RELATED: 'It was like a movie' | Neighbors react to shooting injuring 3 Prince George's County officers
Wounded officer celebrated child's birthday before harrowing attack in Prince George's County
'Nothing but the grace of God' | Prince George's County police charge 2 men in shooting of 3 officers
DC Sniper Case, 20 Years Later: Maryland court hears arguments for Lee Boyd Malvo's chance at parole | 2022-03-15T23:03:43Z | www.wusa9.com | Sentencing hearing for man who shot 3 cops | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/legal/sentencing-prince-georges-county-home-invasion-three-officers-shot/65-7e55e89b-f7ff-4383-b014-b9a9149f5caa | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/legal/sentencing-prince-georges-county-home-invasion-three-officers-shot/65-7e55e89b-f7ff-4383-b014-b9a9149f5caa |
Some of the jobs losing the four-year degree requirement include roles in IT, administrative and customer service.
MARYLAND, USA — Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan announced Tuesday plans to drop the four-year college degree requirement from thousands of state jobs.
In a press release, the governor's office said dropping the requirement is part of a multi-pronged, first-in-the-nation workforce development initiative spearheaded by the Maryland Department of Labor and the Maryland Department of Budget and Management (DBM).
Hogan's office said the state will work with partners to recruit and market the roles to eligible job seekers commonly referred to as those who are “Skilled Through Alternative Routes” or "STARs."
“Through these efforts, we are launching today, we are ensuring that qualified, non-degree candidates are regularly being considered for these career-changing opportunities,” said Governor Hogan. “This is exactly the kind of bold, bipartisan solution we need to continue leading the nation by giving even more Marylanders the opportunities they need to be successful.”
WATCH NEXT: Immerse yourself in cherry blossoms with Pixelbloom exhibit | It's A DC Thing
The new exhibit at D.C.'s Artechouse runs through May 30. | 2022-03-16T00:32:41Z | www.wusa9.com | Maryland drops 4-year degree requirement for some state jobs | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/maryland-drop-four-year-degree-requirement-thousands-state-jobs/65-b673ec6b-15c2-4faf-942e-f27a70f9f9b4 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/maryland-drop-four-year-degree-requirement-thousands-state-jobs/65-b673ec6b-15c2-4faf-942e-f27a70f9f9b4 |
30-year-old Gerald Brevard III also has a long criminal record that shows an escalation of violence.
WASHINGTON D.C., DC — WUSA9 is learning more about the man police said was behind a 2-state crime spree, shooting 5 people sleeping on the street, killing two of them.
Family members said they knew 30-year-old Gerald Brevard III suffered from mental illness for a very long time and had run-ins with the law, but he was never violent.
His older cousin Rosaline Law describes him as an introvert, kind and respectful but a person who didn’t talk much. Law said she was following the story and even saw the suspect pictures police released and thought it looked like her cousin, but she said when news reports referenced New York, it “threw her off” because she didn’t think he traveled to New York City.
Her fears and suspicions were confirmed when she received a call from relatives Tuesday after Brevard’s 2:30 AM arrest.
Surveillance video from the Mobile gas station at 2305 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE shows the dramatic moments when the 30-year-old surrendered to police. The video shows ATF agents jumping out of their cars and Brevard raising his hands and dropping to the ground. Several agents quickly surround and handcuff him.
“I was glad that it was over,” said Law. “I’m glad, whoever it was being it my family member or whoever, that was over because nobody deserves that…homeless or anybody, nobody deserves that.”
The arrest happened just blocks from his Southeast home he shares with Law’s 80-year-old mother.
“Every time I came over to see my mom, he was smiling very respectable, but he didn’t really talk a lot. He cared for my mom a lot. He suffered from mental illness for a long time. So, she (my mom) took him in and gave him a chance to get himself together but if you don’t get help it’s going to keep going to the next level.”
In fact, WUSA9 has learned the 30-year-old has an extensive criminal record. Court documents seem to show his behavior did escalate over the years from misdemeanor unlawful entry in D.C. back in 2016 to assault with a deadly weapon.
According to court records, Brevard served seven months behind bars for that 2018 assault and was added to the Behavioral Health Department Services. But then in March 2020, he was charged with abduction and assault and battery in Fairfax County and released on one-year supervised probation.
“If the judicial system gave the people the help that they need then maybe it won’t get to this next level,” said Law, “We just ask for prayers for the families our family as well as the family members and the people this happened to.”
In the meantime, WUSA9 reached out to Catholic Charities which operates the two mens' shelters in Northeast closest to the crime scenes. CEO Father John said the shelters are safe and its doors are open for anyone who is still frightened. | 2022-03-16T02:08:59Z | www.wusa9.com | Relatives say suspect in homeless attacks is mentally ill | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/relative-says-suspect-in-attack-on-homeless-men-suffered-from-mental-illness-for-many-years/65-a46c295e-656b-4367-bcbd-608b24c34318 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/relative-says-suspect-in-attack-on-homeless-men-suffered-from-mental-illness-for-many-years/65-a46c295e-656b-4367-bcbd-608b24c34318 |
WMATA: Juvenile stabbed on Metrobus in DC
Juvenile stabbed on Metrobus, WMATA says
The victim was taken to a nearby hospital for help and is expected to be okay.
WASHINGTON — A juvenile was taken to the hospital after being stabbed on a Metrobus Tuesday evening, according to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA).
A WMATA spokesperson says the stabbing happened aboard a Metrobus on the W6 route. First responders arrived to help the victim near Bruce Place and Jasper Place in Southeast just after 6 p.m.
The bus operator reported hearing a fight on the bus before coming to a stop. The people believed to be involved in the fight ran away but one juvenile victim was found not far away from where the bus stopped.
The bus was taken out of service following the attack and officials are investigating. | 2022-03-16T03:36:12Z | www.wusa9.com | WMATA: Juvenile stabbed on Metrobus in Southeast DC | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/crime/juvenile-stabbed-metrobus-in-dc-officials-say/65-aaf28bf3-4854-4daa-930e-348608e54206 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/crime/juvenile-stabbed-metrobus-in-dc-officials-say/65-aaf28bf3-4854-4daa-930e-348608e54206 |
Police are asking for the public's help after a woman was hit in the intersection of Walters Lane and Chavez Lane in Suitland-Silver Hill.
SUITLAND-SILVER HILL, Md. — Editor's note: The above video is from February 12, 2022.
A woman is dead after a hit-and-run crash in Prince George's County and police are still looking for the driver responsible.
Prince George's County Police said in a tweet that officers responded to the intersection of Walters Lane and Chavez Lane in Suitland-Silver Hill at around 8:40 p.m. for a report of a pedestrian collision.
When officers arrived on the scene, they found a woman in the road. She was taken to the hospital for treatment and pronounced dead a short time later, according to police. The woman hit has not yet been identified by police.
Investigators are still working to determine the circumstances that led to the collision, but said the striking driver left the scene after the crash.
Police did not provide a description of the vehicle involved. They asked anyone who may have information about this crash to contact Prince George's County Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS.
The woman hit has not yet been identified by police.
Nationwide, pedestrian deaths are the highest they have been in decades.
RELATED: Maryland crossing guard struck by car protecting student, video shows | 2022-03-16T09:39:36Z | www.wusa9.com | Prince George's County hit-and-run crash leaves woman dead | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/hit-and-run-crash-in-prince-georges-county-leaves-woman-dead/65-b238b77d-348b-4f46-93be-a7ad2500f7af | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/hit-and-run-crash-in-prince-georges-county-leaves-woman-dead/65-b238b77d-348b-4f46-93be-a7ad2500f7af |
The fair will stretch over two days, from Wednesday, March 16 to Thursday, March 17 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day and anyone can participate from anywhere.
WASHINGTON — A virtual job fair set to fill hundreds of vacancies in D.C. government positions begins Wednesday, March 16.
Mayor Muriel Bowser and the D.C. Department of Human resources are actively encouraging residents to register for the event, which can be participated in from anywhere due to being held virtually. Job seekers will have the opportunity to talk to hiring managers from across the District government and qualified applicants may have an opportunity to interview via video chat or phone call.
The fair will take place over two days, on Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on each day, and on-the-spot offers could be made as the government works to fill more than 500 vacancies. Those vacancies include positions in IT development, social work and public safety to health, education, legal, contracting, and construction.
RELATED: Gov. Hogan announces plan to eliminate 4-year degree requirement for thousands of state jobs
A full list of all departments hiring can be found below.
The free event does require registration. Interested participants can register for Day 1 of the virtual fair here and Day 2 of the virtual fair here.
“We want people who love DC and live in DC to come work for DC,” the mayor said via press release. “We want them to know that DC Government is a fantastic place to work.”
RELATED: 467,000 jobs added in January despite Omicron surge
Departments with job openings participating in the fair:
DC Department of Housing and Community Development
DC Department of Regulatory Affairs
DC Department of Insurance, Securities, and Banking
Applicants will also have the option of claiming additional preference if they are:
A District resident;
Anyone claiming District residency preference at the time of application should be prepared to provide a government-issued form of identification and proof of voter registration.
A veteran (and/or has disabilities from military service);
Applicants claiming veteran’s preference should be prepared to provide a copy of their DD-214.
18 to 21 years of age and is currently or was a Child and Family Services (CFSA) foster care recipient within the last five years. Applicants claiming a foster care preference will need a letter or other documentation from CFSA or the Family Court of D.C. Superior Court showing that they are currently in foster care or showing the date they left court supervision. | 2022-03-16T12:46:38Z | www.wusa9.com | DC government kicks off huge virtual job fair | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/dc-government-virtual-jobs-hiring/65-a5891f5b-78bc-4e0f-b1bc-168705a745a1 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/dc-government-virtual-jobs-hiring/65-a5891f5b-78bc-4e0f-b1bc-168705a745a1 |
The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors chairwoman has met with Commanders officials, but says she has not seen any stadium complex specifics.
“Whenever there is a commercial entity that wants to come to Loudoun, I'm always willing to take the meeting,” said Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Phyllis Randall. “And so of course, we will then take the meeting and have a conversation with the team.”
Randall said she recently met with team officials, but has not seen any specifics on what the Commanders Stadium Complex would look like. According to internal team documents, first obtained by WUSA9, the stadium blueprints in Northern Virginia includes training facilities and team offices, a 14,000-seat amphitheater, hotels and a conference center, apartments, retail and nightlife venues.
But Randall added with the billion-dollar Northern Virginia bond financing plan winding its way through the state legislature, and two other Prince William County sites still in play, serious talks in Loudoun County are far off. Yet, the stadium complex under consideration seems to be in line with the county’s desire to spur economic development along WMATA’s Dulles Corridor Metrorail project, which is planned to bring metro service close to that Loudoun County stadium site.
“That's the first thing that's really, really important, and that is where it's located would be on the metro,” Randall said. “And I will tell you, when the board, two boards ago, approved the metro, they had in mind big developments and big things.”
WUSA9 was first to report Prince George's County is also in the game for a new Commanders stadium, with plans to build it in Landover near FedEx Field, but this time with better access to the Morgan Boulevard Metro station.
Sources tell WUSA9 the state of Maryland is working on a bond financing plan of its own, potentially setting aside hundreds of millions of dollars for development around the potential new stadium but not to help Snyder finance the stadium itself. During a meeting with reporters Tuesday, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan said there is no way he’s getting in a bidding war with Virginia.
“I think they’re using everybody back and forth, as they have been for eight years,” Hogan said. “They’re negotiating, trying to pit everyone against each other, but we’re not going to get over a bidding war over them and we’re not going to be proposing $1.2 billion to build them a stadium. If Virginia wants to do that, and they want to go and do that, I would say, ‘good luck.'"
Randall said any potential stadium talks in Loudoun County would include “deep and long conversations with the community,” while noting the Board of Supervisors would have to approve all the zoning changes required to clear the way for a football stadium. Still, Randall said she is ready to explore any ideas that will spur economic growth in her county.
“According to U.S. News and World Report, Loudoun County has the best economy in the country,” Randall said. “So, we're always open for business.”
D.C. leaders remain split on the idea of a new Commanders Stadium at the old RFK site in southeast D.C., and with the federal government still in control of that land, chances the team returns to the District are extremely slim.
RELATED: Mayor Bowser wants to build an indoor sports complex at RFK Campus | 2022-03-16T20:25:05Z | www.wusa9.com | Loudoun County leaders talk potential Commanders stadium location | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/sports/nfl/washington-commanders/new-washington-commanders-stadium-virginia-plans-loudoun-county/65-3a9c558e-c9e2-493a-84ce-b27468b3a6cc | https://www.wusa9.com/article/sports/nfl/washington-commanders/new-washington-commanders-stadium-virginia-plans-loudoun-county/65-3a9c558e-c9e2-493a-84ce-b27468b3a6cc |
Dulles could build the country's largest airport-based solar farm
15 solar sites approved in Virginia, including Dulles Airport proposal
Gerald Brevard III was held without bond pending further court proceedings.
Author: Laura Wainman, Matthew Torres
WASHINGTON — A 30-year-old D.C. man accused of multiple attacks targeting men experiencing homelessness in D.C. and New York City made his first court appearance Wednesday in the District. Gerald Brevard III was charged with first-degree murder while armed in the March 9 death of 54-year-old Morgan Holmes.
In a white jumpsuit with a chain wrapped around his waist, Brevard appeared before Superior Court Judge Tanya Jones Bosier one day after he was arrested at a Southeast, D.C gas station. He's accused of attacking Holmes and four other men sleeping on the streets in the District and NYC between March 3-12; one of the New York victims also died. Police say the investigation is ongoing in those cases.
While the defense asked that Brevard be released under a high-intensity supervision program due to lack of probable cause, Judge Bosier denied the request and ordered that he be held without bond, due to his "escalation in violent crimes."
JUST IN: Homeless shooting suspect Gerald Brevard appeared in court for an arraignment. His defense argued the judge not find probable cause and release him to high intensity supervision program. The judge denied those requests. @wusa9
D.C. Police Chief Robert Contee said Brevard was arrested in D.C. multiple times, dating back to 2016, including for an assault on an officer and another assault with a knife.
Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis said Brevard also had a history of arrest in Virginia. In 2020, Davis said Brevard was charged with abduction with attempt to defile, burglary and possession of burglary tools.
The judge also cited the similar attire Brevard was seen wearing in surveillance video after every incident and the .22 caliber casings with a letter "C' on the headstamp left at each scene as probable cause.
The defense argued that there were discrepancies with the suspect description provided by witnesses, said there's no DNA evidence, guilty admission or a firearm tying Brevard to the crimes.
Brevard's father, who could not make it to the hearing, said he believes his son's past shows that the judicial system failed.
"There were no signs he would be violent," Gerald Brevard Jr. said on a phone call, while offering apologies and condolences to the victims and their families. "I think he needs mental help more than he needs to be criminalized."
Brevard Jr. said his son had experienced homelessness himself.
Court documents released Wednesday shed light on the timeline of the attacks and offered new details in the case, including the fact that one of the D.C. victims is still hospitalized from his injuries; he was shot around 1:20 a.m. March 8 in the head, face, chest, thigh, buttocks and hand. According to the documents, security cameras in the area of that shooting captured audio of a man screaming “no, no, no” and “please don’t shoot." A few minutes later, Brevard was seen sitting on a curb listening to music on his phone, the documents say.
"This could all have been avoided had he gotten the help he needed," Brevard Jr. said.
Suspect’s cousin tells me 30 year old Gerald Brevard III suffered from mental illness and was recently incarcerated for inappropriately touching women on the train, but was released. She says the family is devastated and praying for the victims’ families @wusa9 pic.twitter.com/jWhINWSDVp
— Delia Gonçalves (@deliangoncalves) March 15, 2022 | 2022-03-16T23:32:58Z | www.wusa9.com | Man who allegedly attacked homeless people charged with murder | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/crime/man-allegedly-attacking-homeless-appears-in-court-judge-says-history-shows-pattern-of-escalating-violence/65-2f753b47-e34b-411e-8903-345df04ef6ea | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/crime/man-allegedly-attacking-homeless-appears-in-court-judge-says-history-shows-pattern-of-escalating-violence/65-2f753b47-e34b-411e-8903-345df04ef6ea |
Alaiya Robinson and Jeniah Clayton-Bowman, 13, never made it home from Drew Freeman Middle School on March 7, 2022.
DISTRICT HEIGHTS, Md. — Two families in Prince George’s County are asking for community help to find two teen girls that haven’t been seen in nine days.
According to their families, Alaiya Robinson and Jeniah Clayton-Bowman never made it home from Drew Freeman Middle School on March 7, 2022. Both girls are 13-years-old.
Their families said they simply want the girls to come home and to know and believe it is okay to come home. Both families said the girls had gotten in trouble at school that day and may have been afraid of facing more punishment at home—and that’s why they think they ran away.
They fear now the girls may be in danger and they’re hoping this plea will reach the girls.
“Janiah baby, my sweet, sweet baby, I know you’re probably somewhere scared," Jalesa Clayton said. "I’m worried about you, I hope that you see this Janiah and come home."
“Alaiya, I love you and I just want you to come home," added Christina Clark. "Please Alaiya, please come home."
Alaiya’s mother says she can’t function because she’s afraid of what may have happened. She’s asking anyone with any information to please contact @PGPDNews @wusa9 pic.twitter.com/R0ww54jUMd
Jeniah’s aunt Jalesa, who she lives with, said the girls were caught drinking at school and were suspended for five days. They think the girls may have been afraid of being punished at home.
“I haven't talked to her since 12, maybe 12:30-1 p.m. Monday, March 7,” Clayton said.
Jeniah’s aunt is also distraught. They both just want the girls to know, it’s okay to come home. @wusa9 pic.twitter.com/fIjvsvmrSJ
“She definitely ran away, I'm not taking away from that, but I think something had to happen along the way cause I feel like my daughter would have came home," Clark said. "She's not a run away. She's never run away before. This was her first time ever doing anything like this."
Prince George’s County Police said they’re investigating this as a missing persons case, and they’re asking the public to help. Both women said they’ve gotten ransom calls and other threats.
“It's been nine days and it's been so much he say she say,” Clayton said.
With rumors swirling around about where the girls are, both women say they’re focusing on blocking out negative thoughts.
"I pray that nothing bad happened to her and that maybe she's just being a teenager and she's just, I don't know, out here in the streets," Clark said. "But I honestly don't feel like it."
RELATED: Prince George's County native, Corey Manigault, speaks about brutal attack in Cyprus | 2022-03-16T23:33:04Z | www.wusa9.com | Families want help finding missing middle school girls | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/missing-girls-in-prince-georges-county/65-938deaaa-0dc3-4cfd-936f-3fc29f257648 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/missing-girls-in-prince-georges-county/65-938deaaa-0dc3-4cfd-936f-3fc29f257648 |
DULLES, Va. — Virginia just took a big step toward turning Dulles Airport into a large-scale solar farm. If it’s built, it will be the biggest airport solar generation and storage facility in the U.S., according to a Dominion Energy spokesman.
Dominion reports the project will be capable of producing 100 megawatts, which is enough solar electricity to power more than 16,000 homes. However much of the power would be used to build vehicle charging capacity for buses and cars at Dulles, according to Dominion Energy's Aaron Ruby.
The Dulles solar project was among 15 sites throughout Virginia that were approved Tuesday by the State Corporation Commission (SCC), Dominion announced. In total the approved solar sites will provide nearly 1,000 megawatts of carbon-free electricity, enough to power about 250,000 Virginia homes at peak output, Dominion said.
The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Board received a recommendation Wednesday to approve the project from airport managers who have studied the proposal. The proposal must still be reviewed by the Federal Aviation Administration and other federal authorities before it can be built, according to the report from airport staff.
The FAA will review whether or not glare from a future solar farm might impact flight safety, according to the report.
Princeton University Center for Policy Research on Energy and the Environment professor Jesse Jenkins said airports are drawing a lot of interest from solar developers.
"Airports make a lot of sense for siting of solar," Jenkins said. "They're usually close to where we consume electricity near our urban areas. The land is already reserved - large areas of land - with security perimeters around them already, and that makes them a really logical place to develop solar.”
The Dulles site would be 835 acres and could be completed by 2024, according to the Airport Authority's report.
In total, Dominion has acquired nearly 100,000 acres of land for future solar development, including a reclaimed coal mine in Southwest Virginia, Ruby said.
Land use in local communities is a growing tension in the solar industry, according to former U.S. Energy Department official Samantha Gross, who is now a researcher at the Brookings Institution.
"People think about solar as being all positives," Gross said. "But it does use up a lot of land, and it's especially concerning when it uses up land that's important for other uses being residential development or farmland."
Gross said the Dulles proposal is "a good idea."
The Dulles project would include a storage facility capable of storing 50 megawatts of electricity, according to Dominion Energy. The facility would feature large pods of batteries that appear similar to steel shipping containers.
“We all know that solar only produces electricity when the sun is shining," Ruby said. "So when we build solar, we need an ability to store solar during the day, so that we can generate electricity at night because our customers require electricity 24/7 around the clock.”
Here's why lanes will be closed on George Washington Memorial Parkway | 2022-03-16T23:33:10Z | www.wusa9.com | Dulles could build largest airport solar farm in U.S | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/solar-farm-approved-dulles-airport-virginia-state-corporation-commission/65-f730452d-ae6a-4c7b-b120-b55d165c7037 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/solar-farm-approved-dulles-airport-virginia-state-corporation-commission/65-f730452d-ae6a-4c7b-b120-b55d165c7037 |
In order to replace the up to 10 million lead service lines nationwide, states first need to find them. We Verified not all states are keeping an inventory.
Author: Evan Koslof, Eliana Block, Tolu Oluwadiya
WASHINGTON — On a frigid morning in February, Jason Fuentes found himself in a hole.
It was just after 10 a.m., and his New York Giants sweatshirt was already crusted in a layer of dirt and mud. That hole sat in the middle of a front lawn on Lawrence Street, N.E. in the district. By his feet, a tool called a "bullet," akin to a jackhammer, was roaring as it paved a tunnel from this hole to another one on the sidewalk.
All of this was being done to make room for a brand new copper pipe, which will replace a potentially dangerous lead one.
Later, they'll cut through the asphalt to the concrete and connect the new pipe to the water main.
"Parálo! Parálo!," he yelled, Spanish for 'stop it.'
The noise of the bullet came to a stop. Fuentes was one of about a dozen crew members working to replace this lead pipe. It's a laborious process that will take half a day to complete.
"This is what I do every day," he said while shoveling. "I’ve been doing it for 12 years."
Jason Fuentes helps replace a lead service line in Northeast D.C.
This process has been replicated thousands of times across the country. Teams donning yellow safety vests have been working for decades to counter an epidemic of lead pipes, sometimes in the 'service lines,' which connect the water main to houses. Lead can cause medical problems if it gets in the water.
The EPA estimates up to 10 million lead pipes still remain, buried underground in communities big and small. But before any work can be done, utilities need to know where the lead pipes are.
A crew member stands beside a hole in the concrete leading to the water main.
Does D.C., Maryland and Virginia know where their lead pipes are?
Our Verify researchers brought this question to the people in charge of water quality in all three jurisdictions. We discovered D.C. has the best handle on the quantity and location of lead pipes.
"We have a lot of historic documentation that has a good indication if there's [a] lead pipe," Schmelling, a 17-year D.C. Water veteran, said. "We also have excavation records—but essentially, we have to come to the block and we dig down to the service line in the yard space, and then we can see the pipe. And that's how we determine whether they have [a] lead pipe."
D.C. Water has a block-by-block map showing where they think lead pipes are. While the map is robust, it is not complete: there are several addresses marked with a white dot, representing "no information."
Click here to access DC Water's lead pipe map.
Credit: D.C. Water
A bird's eye view of D.C. Water's block-by-block lead map. Green represents lead-free pipes, grey denotes possible lead and white means that D.C. water has no information about the material of pipe installed.
D.C. Water compiled their historical and contemporary lead data into a public map. This image shows houses on Lawrence St. in Northeast D.C. where the Verify team shadowed a lead replacement crew.
According to Schmelling, there are about 30,000 lead pipes in the District, 10,000 of which are on the public side and 20,000 which are on the private side. She said the cost to replace just one ranges between $10,000 and $15,000.
You can see how the cost easily adds up: paying for a crew, excavating the street, sidewalk and yard, then refilling the concrete and asphalt ripped up to reach the water main.
"In addition to that, there's all the management of the project and making sure we meet all of DDOT's (Department of Transportation) permit requirements and all of our signage, and making sure that everybody is safe on the job site, and pedestrians and cars are safe," Schmelling said.
D.C. Water is well aware of the problems lead pipes can cause.
In the early 2000s, D.C. Water changed the chemicals used to treat water, causing lead pipes in the city to corrode.
"Nobody realized at that time that changing our disinfectant would actually cause the lead to leach into the water," Schmelling said.
The more water utilities, the harder it is to create an accurate inventory
Meanwhile, finding statewide numbers in Virginia and Maryland is not as easy.
"The reason we don't know how many lead service lines there are is because it wasn't tracked," Dwayne Roadcap, the Director of the Office of Drinking Water at Virginia Department of Health, said.
Unlike D.C. where there is one major water supplier, Virginia has 2,830 water utilities, according to Roadcap. He said utilities are not required to track lead pipes or report their location to the state.
“I think some of the utilities have better information than others," Virginia's top tap water official said.
Roadcap said testing remains important, since lead is out there.
"Even though we know that we have lead service lines, we also know that the drinking water is safe, because we're doing a good job of monitoring the water quality, and making sure that the lead is not leaching from the pipe," he said.
You might be wondering, 'doesn't the federal government require utilities to track lead pipes?'
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, the law that governs tap quality, there are two main parts that apply to lead.
The first part involves the use of lead pipes.
In 1986, the SFWA banned water systems from installing lead pipes and solder containing lead, or using it for repairs.
The second part pertains to testing for lead: it's called The Lead and Copper Rule.
In 1991, the EPA created a limit—what they call an "action level"—on how much lead could be in drinking water before corrective action is needed. That limit is 15 parts per billion.
The Lead and Copper Rule requires utilities to sample tap water in their distribution area, and if more than 10% of the samples collected exceed 15 parts per billion, utilities do certain things like corrosion control, reaching out to customers, and if the levels are high enough, lead service line replacements.
Those samples must be collected from sources with known or suspected lead pipes.
"Systems had to do materials inventory to identify those sampling locations. Those weren't comprehensive," a senior EPA official said. "There's also the situation where if a system exceeded the action level previously, they had to have an inventory because they were triggered into a lead service line replacement requirement...and they needed to replace a certain percentage."
Up until Dec. 2021, there was no federal requirement for states to compile an inventory of lead service lines owned by utility companies. More on that later.
Lead is more common in houses built in the early 1900s
While Roadcap said there is no statewide total, he said older places like Richmond, Newport News and Alexandria are known spots to find lead.
Our Verify researchers contacted Virginia American Water Company (VAWC), the sole water distributor in Alexandria.
In 2018, there were 2,641 utility-owned service lines classified as "potentially lead, unknown or presumed lead" in the city, according to a VAWC spokesperson.
Credit: Virginia American Water
This is a map provided by Virginia American Water, showing where they believe there may be lead in Alexandria.
Since then, she said the utility has reduced lead pipes by 25 percent, and that, statewide, about three percent of VAWC's service lines contain lead.
The company provided a heat map of where they believe lead pipes may be.
What about Maryland?
Similar to Virginia, Maryland also doesn't keep a record of lead pipes used for drinking water.
"We don't know how many lead pipes there are. We don't know how many lead-infused fixtures there are. It's a priority for us," Ben Grumbles, Secretary of the Environment, said.
Maryland has about 470 community water systems, and while Grumbles said they did do an inventory of lead pipes five years ago, they got sporadic answers.
They’re also doing regular testing at schools.
As of Feb. 7, the state had received 70,640 water samples taken at schools. It found that lead levels exceeded 20 parts per billion, which is over the EPA limit, in more than two percent of the drinking water outlets.
“This is a manageable problem that we can help fix," Grumbles said. "So it was not— it's not an overwhelming crisis.”
Lead pipe inventories are now required under a December 2021 amendment to the Safe Drinking Water Act
So as of right now, D.C., Maryland and Virginia don’t know where all the lead pipes are.
That’s because the EPA’s focus has been more on testing for lead rather than replacing pipes. But that will soon change.
Under a new amendment to the Safe Drinking Water Act, all states must submit a full inventory to the EPA by Oct. 2024, which means states and utilities must work on compiling all that data now.
Officials: Briefing on Bowie's rusty water due in January | 2022-03-16T23:33:16Z | www.wusa9.com | Tracking lead pipes in DC, Maryland and Virginia | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/verify/lead-pipes-in-dc-maryland-and-virginia-fact-check-2022/65-83be9ed3-50ac-45bb-ad72-efe38a57756d | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/verify/lead-pipes-in-dc-maryland-and-virginia-fact-check-2022/65-83be9ed3-50ac-45bb-ad72-efe38a57756d |
Anna Delvey Details Her Prison Life, Backtracks on Saying She'd Marry Kanye West
As the possibility of deportation continues to loom, Anna Delvey has pulled back the curtain on her life locked up.
The woman born Anna Sorokin and infamously known as the "fake German heiress" sat down for a remote interview with Call Her Daddy's Alex Cooper, covering a range of the podcast host's questions via video calls from the Orange County Correctional Facility in Upstate New York, where she's currently being held by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. In 2019, she was convicted of second-degree grand larceny, theft of services and one count of first-degree attempted grand larceny, accused of swindling more than $200,000. She was released from prison in February 2021, but was detained by ICE the following month. She's since gained renewed notoriety as the subject of Netflix's recent hit, Inventing Anna.
Her lawyer, Manny Arora, told ET on Tuesday that he recently filed a motion to stay deportation, noting that she should not be able to be deported before the appeals deadline on March 19. While the interview was conducted on March 7, more than a week before rumors emerged of Anna having a meltdown at the airport -- reports Arora called false -- the 31-year-old prisoner addressed the possibility of being kicked out of the United States.
"Hopefully that won't happen," she told Cooper when asked how she envisions her life if she does get deported to Germany. However, Anna also noted that, if deported, she would be able to go anywhere else in the world that she wanted save for the U.S.
In the meantime, according to Anna, she's been receiving adoption offers and marriage proposals in the mail. As for how she's able to do interviews, Anna explained her current process of buying tablets, like the one she called Alex from, and phone minutes off of fellow inmates. Anna also dropped that she has what she calls a "jail assistant," though she didn't offer specifics on the arrangement.
While previously imprisoned at Rikers, Anna confirmed she would pay other inmates to do chores for her. "If you have money," she said, "you don't really have to do anything."
"They actually think I'm, like, super rich," she quipped with a laugh.
— Anna Delvey (@theannadelvey) February 21, 2021
Among the other topics discussed was Kanye "Ye" West and whether she would date him after tweeting that she would marry him for a U.S. green card back in February 2021, especially now that her pal, Julia Fox, already did.
"That's a tricky question," she said before noting the tweet was a joke. As for West, "He doesn't seem to be getting the best reviews," she told Alex, "so I don't know."
Anna Delvey's Lawyer Says She's Not Been Deported to Germany
'Inventing Anna' Costume Designer on Transforming Julia Garner
Anna Delvey's Former Friend Slams Netflix's 'Inventing Anna' Series
Julia Garner Responds to Anna Delvey's Comments About 'Inventing Anna' | 2022-03-17T02:29:57Z | www.wusa9.com | Anna Delvey Details Her Prison Life, Backtracks on Saying She'd Marry Kanye West | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/entertainment/entertainment-tonight/anna-delvey-details-her-prison-life-backtracks-on-saying-shed-marry-kanye-west/603-7e85011e-82fe-4745-97f2-d34db7ee2fb1 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/entertainment/entertainment-tonight/anna-delvey-details-her-prison-life-backtracks-on-saying-shed-marry-kanye-west/603-7e85011e-82fe-4745-97f2-d34db7ee2fb1 |
Traci Braxton wanted to keep her battle with cancer private, but when Kevin Hart got wind about her health condition and that she was also a huge fan of his, the 42-year-old comedian sprung into action and sent Traci a touching and uplifting video.
Traci's famous sister, Toni Braxton, shared the 39-second video on Instagram in which Hart addresses Traci and says he's just being made aware how long of a fan of his she's been. "I just wanna take the time to give you that love back and tell you that you are loved in return for the love that you have given," Hart said. "And I wanna tell you that my prayers are with you. I wanna tell you to be strong. I wanna tell you to stay positive."
He added, "And I wanna tell you that you have an amazing family and support system around you that are doing their best to just try to keep you positive, uplift you in every way possible. I hope this video does that in some type of way."
Hart ended his message saying he's praying for Traci and "more importantly, my heart is smiling because of you."
Toni captioned her post saying, "a lot of people didn't know about Traci's illness b/c she preferred to keep it private, however special thanks to @kevinhart4real for taking the time to send her love and well wishes... you were her favorite. We really appreciate you."
The "Un-Break My Heart" singer posted the video on the day her mother, Evelyn Braxton, took to Instagram and paid a heartfelt tribute to her daughter.
Traci died on Saturday after a battle with esophageal cancer. She was 50. Traci's husband, Kevin Surratt, told ET, "We have come to a time where we must inform the public that after a year of privately undergoing a series of treatment for esophageal cancer, our beloved Traci Braxton has gone on to glory."
A rep for the late singer told ET that Traci was surrounded by family and friends at the time of her death. Traci is survived by her husband and 26-year-old son, Kevin Surratt Jr. | 2022-03-17T02:30:10Z | www.wusa9.com | Kevin Hart Sent a Video Message to Traci Braxton Before Her Death | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/entertainment/entertainment-tonight/kevin-hart-sent-a-video-message-to-traci-braxton-before-her-death/603-c11d0ea1-d51b-4eb7-9bcb-205c276b57eb | https://www.wusa9.com/article/entertainment/entertainment-tonight/kevin-hart-sent-a-video-message-to-traci-braxton-before-her-death/603-c11d0ea1-d51b-4eb7-9bcb-205c276b57eb |
Police release photo of man wanted in connection for fatally shooting DC man in front of children
WASHINGTON — Metropolitan Police Department needs help locating a man wanted in connection with a fatal shooting in Northeast D.C. that occurred March 4.
MPD Capt. Kevin Kentish, who works in the homicide unit, told reporters that investigators have identified a person suspected of shooting Sedrick Miller, 42, of Northeast D.C. in front of his two children.
Miller was killed on a Friday morning on the 2300 block of 18th Street. When officers arrived, Miller was showing no signs of life and appeared to have gunshot wounds. He was declared dead at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. The two children, an infant and a 5-year-old, witnessed their father's death.
Kentish showed reporters two photos of the man connected to the fatal shooting, 27-year-old Jarrell David Harris of Southeast D.C.
MPD seeks 27 year-old Jarrell David Harris, of Southeast, DC. He is wanted in reference to a Homicide that occurred on Friday, March 4, 2022, in the 2300 block of 18th Street, Northeast.
Release: https://t.co/iPSTosE2xd pic.twitter.com/i7HSkXY8XG
A statement from MPD says Harris is "wanted on a DC Superior Court arrest warrant" and faces charges for first degree murder while armed.
Kentish reminded people of the lack of empathy the killer showed on March 4 by shooting a father in front of his own children.
"It shows the level of unconcern that this individual showed in trying to commit this murder," Kentish said. "I think this actually shows how dangerous this individual is and this is why we need to get him off the street."
Police are asking anyone with information about Miller's death or Harris' whereabouts to call 240-727-9099. Anonymous tips can be texted to 50311.
A $25,000 reward is offered to anyone who can provide D.C. Police with information about a case that can lead to an arrest of conviction.
Foundation reaches out to help 3rd grader who witnessed his mother's death
Police: 3 arrested in connection with attempted murder of 95-year-old Hagerstown woman | 2022-03-17T02:30:40Z | www.wusa9.com | Photo shows man suspected of shooting, killing father | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/crime/police-release-photo-of-man-wanted-for-fatally-shooting-dc-man-in-front-of-children/65-45940ed0-316e-4bb5-8eb3-f43c53392fbc | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/crime/police-release-photo-of-man-wanted-for-fatally-shooting-dc-man-in-front-of-children/65-45940ed0-316e-4bb5-8eb3-f43c53392fbc |
The Bison beat Incarnate World University 55-51 after trailing to the Cardinals at halftime.
WASHINGTON — Editor's Note: The video above originally aired the morning of March 16, before Howard's victory.
Howard University made sports history Wednesday night when the women's basketball program won its first-ever NCAA Tournament game.
The 55-51 win over the Incarnate World University Cardinals was the first time the Howard University women's program made an NCAA Tournament appearance in 21-years.
Howard and Incarnate World sprinted out the gate offensively before both teams' defenses settled in to slow down the pace of play by the start of the second quarter.
But losing by two points at halftime to the Cardinals sparked offensive production from the Bison.
Howard outscored Incarnate World by five points in the second half to secure the victory.
RELATED: Journey to $1,500: Pick your teams for the WUSA9 Bracket Challenge
Howard women's basketball team wins their first NCAA tournament game in school history!!!!! It was also their first tournament appearance in 21 years. @wusa9 @Coachtygrace @HUBisonSports @Howard_WBB
More: https://t.co/mwrQqolTIs pic.twitter.com/eZKj4HrJ9M
Howard University will now play the best team in the tournament when it faces off against the University of South Carolina this coming Friday at 2 p.m.
The Howard Univerisity women's basketball program has made the NCAA Tournament a total of six times. The Bison's last appearance in the NCAA Tournament was a loss to Iowa State in 2001.
Here's what needs to happen to build Washington Commanders stadium on the old Loudoun Quarries | 2022-03-17T02:30:46Z | www.wusa9.com | Howard Univeristy basketball wins NCAA Tournament game | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/sports/howard-basketball-ncaa-tournament-win-incarnate-world/65-54970337-9ed3-4b93-88ec-e97a5f696191 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/sports/howard-basketball-ncaa-tournament-win-incarnate-world/65-54970337-9ed3-4b93-88ec-e97a5f696191 |
Man shot by adult son in hospital parking lot Wednesday; son then killed himself, Anne Arundel police say
Gov. Glenn Youngkin wants Virginia lawmakers to suspend gas tax for 3 months
Two men are dead, a father and son, the son allegedly shot the father in the parking of a hospital in Maryland.
GLEN BURNIE, Md. — A man is dead after his adult son shot him multiple times in the parking lot of University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center (UM BWMC) in Glen Burnie Wednesday. After shooting his father, police say the son shot and killed himself.
The incident happened Wednesday around 5:30 p.m., official say. Anne Arundel first responders were called to the parking lot of UM BWMC for a report of a shooting that had just occurred.
When police arrived on scene they found a man, suffering from gunshot wounds in between parked cars. Police said that the family of the two men were notified following the incident.
Officials identified the two men as 40-year-old Kintrell Todd McEachern Sr. and his son, 24-year-old Kintrell Todd McEachern Jr.
According to officials there was a dispute in the parking lot that led to the fatal shooting of McEachern Sr.
#Breaking Just Confirmed 1 man found dead in parking lot. https://t.co/2l2Rsr2sZ6
Police say the McEachern Sr. was shot multiple times in the torso and once in the head.
Michael Schwartzberg, the senior director of media relations at University of Maryland Medical System released the following statement following the shooting:
"We can confirm the Anne Arundel County Police Department is investigating a shooting incident at a University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center parking lot this evening. Our thoughts are with the victim and their family members. At this time, the hospital’s Emergency Department is open for patients and there is no impact to delivery of patient care. We would like to thank the AACoPD Police Department and Fire Department for their rapid response to the situation, and recognize the efforts of hospital staff who took quick action in attempting to render aid to the victim. Please contact the AACoPD’s Public Information Officer for additional information about this incident." | 2022-03-17T04:06:17Z | www.wusa9.com | Adult son fatally shoots father, and then himself, in Glen Burnie | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/man-shot-by-adult-son-in-hospital-parking-lot-son-then-killed-himself/65-ece511f6-48a9-45a9-95ca-d134062b5689 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/man-shot-by-adult-son-in-hospital-parking-lot-son-then-killed-himself/65-ece511f6-48a9-45a9-95ca-d134062b5689 |
The governor estimated the move would save drivers 26 cents per gallon at a time when prices have skyrocketed.
RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) said Wednesday that he wants the General Assembly to pass legislation to suspend the state gas tax for three months.
Youngkin estimated the gas tax holiday would save drivers 26 cents per gallon of gas and 27 cents per gallon of diesel at a time when prices have skyrocketed.
“This is a break that people need right now, and the whole purpose of suspending the gas tax was to recognize Virginians have real needs to save money and we need to do it now," Youngkin said.
The governor's proposal would suspend the gas tax in May, June and July and phase it back in throughout August and September.
"We actually have an expectation we're going to have $1.1 billion more in the Commonwealth Transportation fund than we thought. And so this will cost a little over $400 million. We'll still have $700 million more than we thought to fund road projects and fill potholes," Youngkin said.
RELATED: High gas prices cause DC taxis to add new surcharge
Youngkin said he would send a bill to lawmakers when they reconvene soon for a special session. He did not say when that would be.
House Minority Leader Eileen Filler-Corn is pushing for an action she said can help drivers immediately, through an executive order to activate a state law targeting price gouging.
“Moving forward with the governor's announcement, that's going to take some time, right. First, we have to hear about the bill, we have to see a draft, then there has to be a special session," Filler-Corn said in an interview with WUSA9. "We can move forward today by having the governor issue this executive order and triggering the anti-price gouging act."
The concept of suspending the gas tax is also being debated in Maryland where it could be signed by Gov. Larry Hogan (R) by the end of the week. | 2022-03-17T04:06:23Z | www.wusa9.com | Youngkin wants lawmakers to suspend gas tax for 3 months | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/glenn-youngkin-wants-lawmakers-to-suspend-gas-tax-for-3-months-for-virginians/65-3a42b24e-453e-48b0-b128-4c5acffa6648 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/glenn-youngkin-wants-lawmakers-to-suspend-gas-tax-for-3-months-for-virginians/65-3a42b24e-453e-48b0-b128-4c5acffa6648 |
Glen Bailey, 34, said he broke his femur in the incident and was only trying to get out of an officer's way.
HAGERSTOWN, Md. — Hagerstown Police have identified the officer who hit a man on a motor scooter on a sidewalk Monday.
According to the department, the officer was 32-year-old Timothy Cramer. He has served on the force for one year and nine months. He has been placed on administrative suspension.
Police say Cramer hit 34-year-old Glen Bailey Monday around 6 p.m., near the intersection of Jonathan and Bethel Streets in Hagerstown.
Bailey was driving his motor scooter down Bethel when another officer stopped in front of him in the intersection. Hagerstown City surveillance video shows Bailey then take a right onto a sidewalk on Jonathan just before he is hit by Cramer’s cruiser.
On the Hagerstown Police Department Facebook page, many people have criticized Bailey for being on the sidewalk in the first place.
However, he said he decided to ride on the path because he did not know what the other officer was doing in the intersection.
“I was trying to get out of their way,” he said. “I didn't know what was going on. No lights was on or nothing. So, I moved out the way.”
Update | Glen Bailey says he broke his femur in the collision below & it will take 8 mos to heal. The Hagerstown Police Department also says he will eventually be charged w/ traffic violations. He said the department has yet to inform him of that directly. (@wusa9) https://t.co/vafGpYykg8 pic.twitter.com/9S1QbmmQwq
Bailey has since been discharged from the hospital. He says he has a broken femur and it will take eight months to heal.
He said he expects to have more surgeries after that.
“I have plates and screws in to keep it in place,” he said.
Hagerstown Police said Tuesday that they planned to investigate Cramer’s actions. Bailey will also be charged.
“Mr. Bailey will be charged with traffic violations after the completion of the investigation,” a Hagerstown Police Department statement reads.
Bailey said the police department has yet to directly inform him of any plans to charge him with a crime.
“I need some type of justice, because this was dead up wrong,” he said. | 2022-03-17T10:12:51Z | www.wusa9.com | Hagerstown man who was hit by officer to be charged | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/hagerstown-man-who-was-hit-by-officer-to-be-charged/65-22fc734c-b3d3-4caf-bf31-16b40a8f1e26 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/hagerstown-man-who-was-hit-by-officer-to-be-charged/65-22fc734c-b3d3-4caf-bf31-16b40a8f1e26 |
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.