New Florida law makes excessive speeding a criminal offense
Florida is cracking down on “super speeders”, imposing harsher penalties on those who don’t obey the speed limit through new laws.
WJHG News Channel 7
Some of my best 'human' stories
A family that lost 40 years of memories in a fire, a woman who is losing her small business to the state, another woman who saw her life flash before her eyes during Hurricane Michael, and a man who watched the place he called home get demolished
Covering weather phenomena: historic snowstorm and Hurricane Helene
Over 6 inches of snow covered the Florida Panhandle for the first time in history. Hurricane Helene brought flooding and mandatory evacuations to residents. I got to report on both weather events for wall-to-wall coverage.
My extensive coverage of the federal investigations on Gulf World Marine Park
Excessive algae in water tanks and deteriorating building conditions led to the death of 5 dolphins in 8 months at Gulf World Marine Park. I covered the state and federal criminal investigations on the park as well as the Chapter 11 bankruptcy court case of its parent company for months.
Some of my best creative pieces
Whether it is through different camera angles, cool transitions, or editing tricks, I love spicing up a story with my personal creative touch.
News stories
70 pounds of cocaine found in Miramar Beach; federal agencies investigating
Instead of finding shells on the beach, one family found an unheard amount of cocaine. It was Sunday morning when the Walton County Sheriff’s Office found 25 bricks of cocaine, weighing 70 pounds, worth nearly half a million dollars.
Gulf World Marine Park to be sold as part of a court’s financial agreement
The Dolphin Company’s bankruptcy filing has allowed them to reorganize while continuing operations at their marine parks around the world, and in the company’s latest bankruptcy hearing, the court has now authorized a financial agreement.
Residents ask for better signage at Bay County parks after water quality advisory
Earlier this week, the Florida Department of Health issued water quality advisories for Carl Gray and Earl Gilbert parks, citing elevated levels of bacteria, which could indicate there’s sewage in the water.
High levels of bacteria in the water at Carl Gray and Earl Gilbert parks concerns residents
If you live in Bay County and have gone out for a swim lately, you may have been swimming in water that had high levels of bacteria, without knowing.
South Walton business owners react to passing of customary use of beaches bill
The passage of Senate Bill 1622 is already drawing reactions from people in Walton County. Local business owners claim that limited public beach access in recent years has driven many visitors away.
“A chaotic scene”, four arrested in bar brawl in PCB
A brawl at a bar in the West End of Panama City Beach involving multiple people resulted in several injuries and arrests, including a Bay District Schools employee
“Once the Dolphin Company took over, these animals had to suffer,” former Gulf World trainer speaks out
Rachel Hale is a former Gulf World Marine Park dolphin trainer, with over 10 years of experience in marine mammal care. She told News Channel 7 that it’s heartbreaking to see how much the park has changed.
Gulf World dolphins to be transferred to another Dolphin Company owned facility
NOAA told News Channel 7 that seven dolphins will be transferred from Gulf World Marine Park to Marineland Dolphin Adventure, which is also owned by The Dolphin Company.
Family that survived car accident says their faith in God is what has kept them going
On November 10th, 2024, in the blink of an eye, the Ridleys’ lives took a turn they never expected. Jeremy and Cassie Ridley and their two kids received multiple injuries when their car crashed into another vehicle.
Mosley High School senior gets to graduate after surviving car accident
The parents of a Mosley High School senior got the call that no parent ever wants to get: their daughter was involved in a car accident, and it was right before her high school graduation.
“The park is quite literally falling apart,” a local animal advocate speaks on Gulf World Marine Park
Federal agencies are investigating Gulf World Marine Park, yet the park is still open to the public. Katie Bashore is a local of Panama City Beach who recently visited Gulf World and said the conditions are unacceptable.
South Walton residents react to customary use bill heading to governor’s desk
The private vs public use of beaches is a contentious topic in Walton County. Now, a bill aiming to repeal a 2018 statute has made it to the governor.
Emergency court hearing called for Dolphin Company’s bankruptcy case
Not long after investigations on Gulf World Marine Park started, its parent company, the Dolphin Company, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and the Bankruptcy Court held an emergency court hearing on this case.
More flavor, more culture: Hispanic restaurants multiply in the panhandle
As Bay County’s Hispanic population continues to grow, so does Hispanic businesses, each sharing their culture’s rich and diverse elements. Colombian Grill House is the only Colombian restaurant in Panama City Beach.
NewsChannel 7 Exclusive: Gulf World Animal Welfare Act License set to expire
NewsChannel 7 has received an exclusive document confirming that Gulf World’s current Animal Welfare Act License expires in September of this year. The information comes from a verified document from the USDA.
Bay County ranked 8th best place in Florida for small business owners
A recent study by Smart Asset, which gathers data from the IRS, has revealed that Bay County is ranked among the best places in Florida for small business owners.
FSU students volunteer with Mission 850 to help others rebuild from Hurricane Michael
Some in the Panama City community are still recovering from Hurricane Michael’s destruction, and this spring break, the non-profit organization Mission 850 is helping families rebuild.
Bay District Schools is looking to hire international teachers to fill vacancies and promote diversity
Bay District Schools says they are striving to offer the most highly qualified teachers, foster a diverse cultural environment, and fill in existing teacher vacancies through partnering with the TPG Cultural Exchange program to hire international teachers.
Local law enforcement and school district speak on school safety 7 years after Parkland shooting
“The Parkland shooting is probably the one incident that shook me the most,” said Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford, reflecting on 7 years since a gunman opened fire and killed 17 in Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.
TPS termination for Venezuelans causes concern among immigrant community
Maria Andreina is one of over 600,000 Venezuelans who fled to the U.S. under TPS amid Venezuela’s political crisis. TPS provided legal status to Venezuelans, but the Trump administration has revoked it.
DeSantis visits Destin and says he plans to veto the TRUMP Act
Governor Ron DeSantis took the podium Friday to speak on how he is working to ensure state and local law enforcement work with the federal government to combat illegal immigration.
Immigrant family reacts to Bay District Schools’ statement regarding immigration enforcement
Evelyn, Tamara, and Emily came from Colombia with their mom three years ago and are now enrolled in Bay District Schools. The district released a statement ensuring the safety of students through the new immigration measures placed by the federal government.
Walton County prepares for snow and freezing temperatures
Walton County officials are preparing for snow and freezing temperatures.
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