Local News

Firefighters demonstrating equipment at school event.

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WCSO Investigator graduates from Florida Sheriffs Commanders Academy

ByAMBER PATINO 09/11/202609/11/2026

Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) Investigator Justin Jenkins recently graduated from the Florida Sheriffs Association Commanders Academy, joining 41 other law enforcement professionals from across the state as part of Class 19. The graduation ceremony was held Friday, September 4, marking the completion of the intensive two‑week leadership program designed to prepare command‑level officers for advanced […]

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Ribbon cutting welcomes GypsyRose to new Chipley location

ByAMBER PATINO 09/10/202609/10/2026

A ribbon cutting was held Wednesday, Sept. 9, to welcome GypsyRose to its new location in Chipley. Owner Deborah Naugle was joined by city officials, Washington County Chamber of Commerce representatives, fellow business owners, and members of the community as the Chamber officially celebrated the restaurant’s relocation. The ceremony took place at 1411 Jackson Avenue, where […]

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Southern Charm Nutrition welcomed to Chipley with Chamber ribbon cutting

ByAMBER PATINO 09/10/202609/10/2026

A ribbon cutting was held Friday, Sept. 4, to celebrate the opening of Southern Charm Nutrition, located at 709 7th Street in Chipley. Despite a passing storm, owner Amanda Lamb, joined by Richard Lamb, family, friends, and community members, gathered with Washington County Chamber of Commerce representatives to mark the occasion. Southern Charm Nutrition offers a variety of teas and protein shakes and welcomes customers […]

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Fire Games unite Washington County firefighters in competition and remembrance

ByAMBER PATINO 09/08/202609/08/2026

Washington County firefighters once again put their strength, speed, and teamwork to the test during the third annual Washington County Fire Games, held Saturday, Sept. 5, at the Possum Palace in Wausau. Introduced by Greenhead District Chief Greg Cole in 2024, the event continues to highlight the dedication of local firefighters through friendly competition while honoring the lives lost […]

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Arc consumers assemble care baskets for Emerald Coast Hospice

ByAMBER PATINO 09/04/202609/04/2026

Consumers at The Arc of Washington‑Holmes Counties recently assembled care baskets to donate to Emerald Coast Hospice, working together on a project meant to offer comfort and encouragement to families in need. The donation is a part of the Arc consumers’ ongoing commitment to giving back to their community. Arc participants proudly displayed the donated […]

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Kate M. Smith Elementary unveils new STEM classroom through $50,000 FPL grant

ByAMBER PATINO 09/04/202609/04/2026

Kate M. Smith Elementary School (KMS) celebrated the reveal of its newly transformed STEM classroom on Wednesday, September 2, made possible through a $50,000 grant from the NextEra Energy Foundation, the corporate foundation of NextEra Energy, Inc. and Florida Power & Light (FPL). The grant was awarded to the Washington County Educational Foundation, Inc. to […]

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Crime

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Caryville man faces drug charges following Washington County traffic stop

ByStaff Report 09/01/202609/01/2026

A Caryville man was arrested on multiple drug-related and other charges following a traffic stop Sunday, August 31, according to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies initiated a traffic stop on Yates Settlement Road after attempting to stop a vehicle driven by 37-year-old Jeremy Ryan Hewett of Caryville, the sheriff’s office reported. According to WCSO, […]

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WCSO, U.S. Marshals arrest wanted felon in Washington County

ByStaff Report 08/25/202608/25/2026

A Washington County man wanted on felony charges was taken into custody August 23 following a joint operation by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Marshals Florida/Caribbean Regional Task Force. Deputies apprehended 49-year-old Rex Allan Creamer after receiving information about his whereabouts. Creamer was being sought on charges of providing false identification to a law enforcement officer, […]

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Two Northwest Florida Reception Center officers arrested in Bay County Walmart thefts

ByStaff Report 08/19/202608/19/2026

Two correctional officers from Northwest Florida Reception Center in Chipley were arrested Monday, August 17, in connection with a series of thefts at Walmart locations in Bay County. According to the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the Walmart in Callaway regarding a reported theft. Witnesses said the suspects fled in a white Hyundai […]

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Washington County deputies assist U.S. Marshals in arrest of wanted felon

ByStaff Report 08/05/202608/05/2026

On Wednesday, August 5, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office assisted the U.S. Marshals Florida/Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force after receiving information about the possible location of a wanted felon in Washington County. Deputies assigned to the U.S. Marshals Task Force located the fugitive at a residence in Vernon, Florida. Everette Kirchbabum was taken into custody […]

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Washington County sheriff’s office investigates sexual battery case

ByStaff Report 08/04/202608/04/2026

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a sexual battery case involving a minor following allegations reported on Friday, July 24. After an investigation, probable cause was established, and arrest warrants were obtained for Michael Thomas Mekara, 39, of Chipley. Mekara is charged with sexual battery on a victim 12 years of age or older […]

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Multiple arrests made after Washington County Drug Task Force operation

ByStaff Report 07/28/2026

Thirteen individuals are facing felony drug charges following an extensive investigation conducted by the Washington County Drug Task Force. The investigation was led by the Washington County Drug Task Force, a joint effort between the Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) and the Chipley Police Department, targeting individuals involved in the sale and distribution of illegal […]

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State News

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Five Washington County businesses recognized in 2026 Best of Florida awards

ByAli Moreland 09/04/202609/04/2026

Five businesses serving Washington County have been recognized in the 2026 Best of Florida awards, an annual program that highlights businesses and organizations across the state. According to Guide to Florida, the Best of Florida program combines reader voting with editorial and compliance review. Businesses are grouped into tiers based on voting results, with Best […]

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Florida blocks undocumented students from state universities

ByStaff Report 09/04/202609/04/2026

Florida’s State University System Board of Governors voted unanimously Thursday to ban undocumented students from attending the state’s 12 public universities. Under the approved rule, any person “who is present in the United States unlawfully” will not be eligible for enrollment beginning in the 2027-28 academic year. The move is the latest in a series […]

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Community & Faith

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Let’s ‘fall on our knees’ this Christmas

BySheryl Boldt 12/18/202312/18/2023

As a little girl, I spent delightful moments singing about the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay. I gazed at our small nativity scene. I loved looking at all the characters gathered devotedly around the newborn child: Mary and Joseph, the angels, the shepherds, the wise men – even the animals. The scene was […]

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Community | Faith | Faith Columns | Opinion

Disagreeing without being disagreeable

ByWashington County News 12/18/202312/18/2023

Michael Brooks I was rendered speechless—highly unusual for a Baptist preacher. I was in college serving a church in the Birmingham area as interim pastor for what became an eight-month assignment. I enjoyed the experience immensely preaching three times a week, attending deacons meetings and visiting the sick. I learned a lot and had a […]

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