Latest news with #Wewahitchka
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Wewahitchka celebrates its 150th anniversary
WEWAHITCHKA, Fla. (WMBB) – Gulf County celebrated its 100th anniversary on Friday, June 6. Saturday, June 7, one city in the county celebrated a different milestone. Wewahitchka turned 150 years old. Gulf County celebrates centennial birthday The city was established in 1975 by John Richards, who was sent by the government to settle among the Indians. The city's name is derived from an Indian name, called 'Water eyes'. Residents celebrated the city's anniversary with vendors, food, arts and crafts and a car show. While they celebrate, they are reminded of Wewahitchka's history before it was established. 'We're famous for our Tupelo honey and Dead Lakes. We also have got a lot of other industries that were back in the day in Iola, which was the town before Wewahitchka was established. And then as the Iola faded out, they moved up into Wewahitchka, so Wewahitchka has been around now since 1875, and we're celebrating our 150th anniversary today,' said Wewahitchka Historical Society President Ann Johnson. 'The Wewahitchka Library, the historical society and the friends of the library all worked really hard. This has been a long time in planning, and it is just we are just so thankful that so many people came out,' Charles Whitehead Public Library Branch Manager Joyelle Linton said. The Wewahitchka Historical Society works to preserve the town's history and artifacts. They are currently taking donations to restore their old Iola Cemetery and First Presbyterian Church. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lady Gators ring in historic season
WEWAHITCHKA, Fla. (WMBB) – Wewahitchka High School girls' weightlifting team made history by being crowned state champions in both the Olympic and traditional categories of the FHSAA Class 1A Rural Division. The achievement was credited not just to the athletes, but to the entire school and community, according to head coach Bobby Johns. 'It was really more than just about our girls,' Johns said. 'It was about our school and our community, and it was meant to be shared with them.' Two lifters were named double state champions: Emma Rustin and Mackenzie Hatcher, who each took home titles in both Olympic and traditional events. As a team, Wewahitchka was awarded both the Olympic and Traditional State Championships, a feat not often achieved, especially by a school of its size. Rustin, a junior, was named champion with a 365-pound total in Olympic and 380 pounds in Traditional. 'A great feeling was experienced,' Rustin said. 'I felt like I represented well. I think we all did. The pride of the community was carried with us. Hard work was proven to pay off, even when it doesn't feel like it.' Hatcher, a sophomore, posted 395 pounds in Olympic and 390 in Traditional. Ashlyn Ake added a first-place finish with 385 pounds in Olympic, contributing to the team's overall success. 'I am definitely very honored,' Hatcher said. 'Having the support of my school and being able to grow as an athlete and a person over these four years—those memories will always be treasured.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Gulf County's 100th: Free events, music, and fireworks celebration
GULF COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – It's a celebration a century in the making, Gulf County is turning 100, and the entire community is invited to join in on the festivities. The county will be hosting a week-long celebration honoring its history, culture, and coastal charm with a lineup of events for all ages. On Thursday, Gulf County, Florida Tourism joined the Gulf County Chamber of Commerce to discuss their plans. The party kicks off Monday, June 2, with live music, a time capsule ceremony, and local eats. World Changers, Panama City CRA unite for community service The week will be filled with live music, themed cocktail events, fireworks, movie nights, and more. 'Every one of these events are free. We want to invite everyone to come down and celebrate with us, whether you're from Gulf County or you come down here and vacation, or you just drive over from Panama City,' Chamber of Commerce CEO Joe Whitmer said. On Saturday, June 7, the week will conclude with a festival celebrating 150 years of Wewahitchka. If you would like to know more about the events going on throughout the week, click . Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Yahoo
Wewahitchka man charged for alleged child sex crime in Bay County
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – A Wewahitchka man was arrested in Bay County and is now facing child sex charges. According to the Bay County Sheriff's Office, 42-year-old Mathew Elliot is accused of traveling to Bay County on Wednesday to engage in sexual activity with a 15-year-old boy. The victim reportedly told authorities that Elliot came to the home, they had had sex, and that Elliot gave him sex toys. Jackson County deputies arrests man for lewd and lascivious acts on a child Deputies said when they made contact with Elliot, he allegedly did not want to talk, but authorities did notice there was a sex toy in the suspect's vehicle. Elliot is currently charged with Lewd or Lascivious battery, Lewd or Lascivious conduct, and traveling to meet a minor for sexual activity. He is currently being held in the Bay County Jail on a $40,000 bond. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
16-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
The Lady Gators make Wewahistory at state
LAKELAND, Fla. (WMBB)– The Wewahitchka Lady Gators took first place as a team in the 1A state weightlifting meet, making Wewahitchka history. Wewahitchka took first place in Olympic lifts with 38 points. Wewahitchka took first place in Traditional lifts with 22 points. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
