Jackson County is receiving a $700,000 grant from the state of Florida as part of the Coordinated Opioid Recovery (C.O.R.E.) Project—funding aimed squarely at combating the opioid epidemic that continues to affect communities across the region. The grant is being split between two key initiatives: $500,000 will go to PanCare Health to expand opioid treatment and recovery services, while the remaining $200,000 is intended to help Jackson County Fire Rescue address increasing emergency call volumes linked to addiction.

In a unanimous vote, the Marianna City Commission has reappointed Kenny Hamilton to the vacant commission seat following the unexpected resignation of Jim Dean. Dean, who was scheduled to take office on June 3, but has accepted a new position at the county level, making him unable to serve.

The Alford Community Organization is proactive month after month, year after year. Holidays, back-to-school drives, springtime and autumn activities keep the members

Children will be children and that goes without saying. They are in school for 180 days and some of those days can be stressful. Children handle stress in a variety of ways. Teachers and administrators take all those factors into consideration when it comes to discipline.

Teachers and staff at Cottondale Elementary School are now enjoying a well-deserved retreat, thanks to a recent makeover of their staff lounge sponsored by Envision Credit Union.

The Cottondale Middle and High School academic teams earned top honors at the 2025 Jackson County Academic Bowl held March 14 at Chipola College, showcasing their knowledge and teamwork in a competitive quiz bowl-style event.

Dustin Miller’s law firm, Miller Law PLLC, located at 239 East 4th Street in Panama City, represents more than just a business venture. It’s the culmination of years of dedication, training, and hands-on experience in the courtroom.

In a decision drawing both praise and concern, the Jackson County Board of Commissioners voted 4-1 to offer a key county position to Jim Dean, a seasoned public servant with deep experience in city and county management. The vote, taken in a called meeting Monday afternoon, reflects a growing sense of urgency among commissioners ahead of the upcoming budget season — but also sparked debate about the bypassing of traditional hiring procedures.

City Manager William Long updated the Times on the status of Marianna’s Public Safety Building.

With a critical June 1 deadline looming, Jackson County Tax Collector Mary Carol Murdock appeared before the Board of County Commissioners this week to address the fate of 281 tax certificates set to expire.

At the Board’s regular May meeting of the Jackson County Board of County Commissioners, representing Opportunity Florida, Roy Baker appeared before the Board to request the adoption of a resolution in support of the Redesignation of a Rural Area of Opportunity in Northwest Florida.

After 18 years of dedicated public service, including seven years as County Administrator, Wilanne Daniels officially announced her resignation Tuesday at the Board meeting, effective June 3, 2025.

The Marianna Police Department, Jackson County Fire Rescue, and Marianna Fire Department were called to Jireh Court off Pennsylvania Avenue around 11:20 a.m. in reference to a bomb threat.

The Times reached out to Florida Department of Transportation for an update on the various state roads in Jackson County that are under construction, have planned construction, almost completed construction.

The wait is over, and sighs can be heard all over Jackson County. Big Lots is reopening.

In the rolling pines of Jackson County, Florida, where the courthouse clock kept time for both justice and tradition, Judge Robert L. McCrary, Jr. presided with quiet dignity. By the time Clarence Earl Gideon stood before him in 1961, McCrary was already a seasoned presence in Florida’s legal world.

Wednesday, April 16 at 9:00 a.m. Malone Fire and Rescue held their official groundbreaking celebration of the new fire station.

Visitors coming to the state of Florida via U.S. Highway 231 will now have the opportunity to visit the Florida Welcome Center just across the Florida State line.

Team CTI has officially launched operations at the Marianna Municipal Airport.

The Jackson County Board of County Commissioners had the adoption of a Fair Housing Proclamation to declare April as Fair Housing Month.

Jeffrey Pittman, president of the Jackson County Farm Bureau, urged the Jackson County Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday night to preserve agricultural lands and rural values amid increasing development pressure.

The Jackson County Board of County Commissioners voted to dedicate their board room as the Ernie Padgett Board Room on April 22, 2025.

Community leaders and citizens were present Thursday at 1:30 p.m. as the shovels were put in place for the groundbreaking.

The City of Cottondale was awarded $4,347,351.00 from a CDBG-DR (Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery block grant)for work on the Caney Pond Drainage Project.

We are excited to introduce Marianna Health and Rehabilitation to the community under its new leadership and management. Formerly known as Marianna Health & Rehab Center and operated by the City of Marianna, the center is now proudly part of the Southern HealthCare Management, LLC (SHCM) family.

Ronnie Allen has been a cornerstone at Marianna Toyota for more than a quarter of a century. His customers are a testament to his dedication and attention to the job he’s held for 25+ years.

Administrator Wilanne Daniels told the Board that staff had been requested to place an RFP (Request for Proposal) for insurance. A representative from two insurance companies was present to speak to the Board

In a ceremony filled with admiration, storytelling, and heartfelt gratitude, the misdemeanor courtroom at the Jackson County Courthouse was officially dedicated Friday morning to retired County Judge Woodrow W. Hatcher, whose decades of service and groundbreaking legacy continue to shape Florida’s legal landscape.