850 GOOD NEWS 2025: A year in review

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Summer 2025 was packed with good news, pouring in from across our viewing area-- from Shell Island’s teenager-run ice cream boat to the purple martin nestlings taking off from Harvey Dee Mathis Park in Panama City for their long journey to the Amazon River Basin.

We’re making our first stop in the heart of downtown Panama City, where we last saw Terri the cat in June snuggled up on an antique chair inside Liane Harding’s Main Street Antiques on Harrison.

“Terri still comes to the shop almost every day. He didn’t come today, so you’ve got our other shop animal, Lola. The construction is done. The street is open. Downtown is decorated to the nines,” said Harding.

Also in June, we made a stop in Jackson County, where we learned about Kennedy Newsome.

She had just got a call from Congressman Neal Dunn saying her pen and ink rendition of Marianna’s Joseph W. Russ Jr. House would be displayed in the nation’s Capitol.

“My ‘Kreate with Kennedy’ business-- Kreate with a ‘K’-- has really taken off. I’m doing custom, and I’ve started doing commissioned window pieces for Christmas, and it’s been going really great,” said Newsome.

At the end of the month, we spent the day with the Panama City Kiwanis Club.

Their plans of revamping Henry A. Davis Park were starting to come together.

“Everything’s moving forward. All the equipment’s been purchased. We’re supposed to have installation begin sometime in February or March. On April 25 of ’26, we’re going to have a grand opening,” said Panama City Kiwanis Club’s Eric Krebs.

In July, we met Duncan Rivard and William Kiker.

The two high school overachievers had just competed in a national debate where Rivard placed third overall and Kiker took the win.

“I’m finishing up my first semester of school this week. I’m off to a good start so far in the debate season,” said Rivard.

“I’m the president and founder of the Dartmouth College mute court team. So, I’ve kind of replaced speech and debate with something that’s very similar but not quite speech and debate,” said Kiker.

Fast forward to September, when we got another good news tip.

This time out of Bonifay, where officer Jasley Medley had just received the lifesaving award.

While dining off duty, she rescued a choking restaurant-goer at a nearby table.

“I’ve promoted from patrol to the narcotics division and investigations. Here at the PD, we’re participating in what we like to call, ‘Operation Silver Santa,’” said Medley.

And some good news still tugs on the heart strings.

We learned that at the end of September when Ginny O’Hare announced her retirement after 22 years of heading activities at Clifford Chester Sims State Veterans Nursing Home.

“I have been shopping, getting ready for Christmas, hanging out with the grandkids. I went to see an Adam Sandler concert. That was awesome,” said O’Hare.

As fall set in, the good news kept coming-- from Jackson County peanut growers to the oldest library in Florida.

Our stop in October took us to Ruth Lake Farm in Walton County, where the rows of pick-able blueberries and oranges, Christmas trees and bumble bees all work together for a good cause-- to fight human trafficking in the panhandle through the nonprofit Safe in the Panhandle.

“Our safe house is set to open very soon as we continue to advocate and fight for victims of human trafficking,” said Ruth Lake Farm’s Jared Cartee.

In November, we learned something new about a service we all know and love.

The last time we were aboard FLOW, the Free Library on Wheels, we met Laura Roesch. She explained the van is actually decorated according to the favorite book of each member of the Bay County Library Foundation.

“It’s been a good year for us. We’re looking forward to 2026, and I think it’s probably going to be bigger and better than any year we’ve had,” said Roesch.

And finally, you might know him as the PCB Sand Man, but we know him as Charlie Cofield.

The local was born and bread in Bay County and has made a name for himself through his artistic sand art designs outside the landmark holiday resort.

“My plans for Christmas is going to be snowflakes,” said Cofield.

As we head into the colder, winter months, good news still prevails-- from those bold enough to showcase their talent to those who dedicate every day to serving others.

Each new year brings with it uncertainties. But as we head into 2026, one thing is for certain: Florida’s panhandle is chalk full of good people doing great things.

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