Washington County News and Holmes County Advertiser

12/26/2025

Florida lawmakers move to define new rights and limits as the state pushes forward with an ambitious “Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights.”

In a priority of Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Senate Republican on Monday filed a proposal dubbed the “Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights,” adding Florida to the growing debate over how to regulate rapidly advancing AI technology. The proposal (SB 482), filed by Sen. Tom Leek, R-Ormond Beach, includ...

12/25/2025

🚒 Merry Christmas from Ponce de Leon Volunteer Fire & Rescue! 🚒

From our fire family to yours, we wish you a joyful, safe, and blessed Christmas.

We are grateful for the continued support from our community and proud to serve you every day.

May your holidays be filled with warmth, laughter, and peace.

12/25/2025

Fire crews are currently on scene of an active structure fire on Church Avenue in Chipley. Firefighters are working to contain the blaze and protect nearby structures. No injuries or cause have been confirmed at this time, and additional information will be released as it becomes available.

Video provided by: Lorie Chamblee

12/25/2025

To our wonderful community,

​As the bells ring and the lights twinkle, the crew at Chipley Fire Department wants to wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas.

12/25/2025

Between the headlines and the holidays, one inherent truth endures: service to our community matters. Merry Christmas from the staff of Kent Smith Media.

12/25/2025

12/24/2025

The annual Norad Santa Tracker goes live, giving families around the world a chance to follow Father Christmas as he prepares for his journey on Christmas Ev...

12/23/2025

On December 20, investigators with the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Division, assisted by the Bonifay Police Department, arrested Mary Mason of Shalimar following an undercover narcotics operation.

On December 20, investigators with the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Division, assisted by the Bonifay Police Department, arrested Mary Mason of Shalimar following an undercover narcotics operation. During the operation, Mason traveled to Bonifay and sold approximately eigh...

12/22/2025

On December 21, 2025, a deputy with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office observed a vehicle committing a traffic violation on Pipkin Road.

On December 21, 2025, a deputy with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office observed a vehicle committing a traffic violation on Pipkin Road. The deputy pulled behind the vehicle and activated emergency lights in an attempt to conduct a traffic stop. The vehicle turned onto State Road 79 and accele...

12/22/2025

On December 19, 2025, a deputy with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office observed a vehicle committing a traffic violation at the intersection of Quail Hollow Boulevard and County Line Road, and the vehicle also matched the description of a BOLO issued by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office for a suspect with multiple felony warrants from the state of Kentucky.

On December 19, 2025, a deputy with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office observed a vehicle committing a traffic violation at the intersection of Quail Hollow Boulevard and County Line Road. The vehicle also matched the description of a BOLO issued by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office for a ...

12/22/2025

The Chipley Christmas Fest and Parade brought the community together in the spirit of the season on Friday, December 19, with vendors, food trucks, extended downtown business hours, and a festive holiday parade.

The Chipley Christmas Fest and Parade brought the community together in the spirit of the season on Friday, December 19, with vendors, food trucks, extended downtown business hours, and a festive holiday parade. Pictured above is a train float entered by the Krewe of Saint Andrews. [CHERYL GAINER MC...