The Panhandle Press

An effort to remove Lynn Haven Mayor Jesse Nelson has been put on hold

Bay County Supervisor of Elections Nina Ward has determined that a committee to recall Lynn Haven Mayor Jesse Nelson has failed to gather enough valid…

Aug 7 • 

Valerie Crowder

July 2025

Lynn Haven's city manager faces calls for termination as commissioners investigate claims made in lawsuit

City commissioners are expected to decide on Friday whether to fire City Manager Vickie Gainer over allegations that she rigged contract bid…

Jul 17 • 

Valerie Crowder

1

June 2025

DEP denies a requested exploratory drilling permit near the Apalachicola River

Florida environmental officials have denied a Louisiana company's request to look for oil near the Apalachicola River after a judge recently found that…

Jun 17 • 

Valerie Crowder

4

Oyster farmers invite DeSantis to sign bipartisan 'Kill the Drill' bill in Apalachicola

Gov. Ron DeSantis has been asked to sign a proposed ban on oil and gas drilling near the Apalachicola River and Bay alongside local business owners and…

Jun 12 • 

Valerie Crowder

4

May 2025

Local officials call on Florida lawmakers to fund Apalachicola Bay's oyster restoration

Franklin County Commissioners are pleading with state lawmakers to include the governor's proposed funding for the bay in their final budget, as…

May 1 • 

Valerie Crowder

5

April 2025

Judge says DEP should deny Clearwater's request for an exploratory drilling permit

Opponents to a proposed plan to allow exploratory oil drilling near the Apalachicola River have scored a legal victory after a judge recommended the…

Apr 28 • 

Valerie Crowder

1

'Kill the Drill' bill clears the Florida Senate. Now it's heading to the House with changes

A proposed ban on oil and gas drilling near the Apalachicola River and Bay is nearing final passage after the state Senate approved an amended version…

Apr 24 • 

Valerie Crowder

A proposed ban on drilling near the Apalachicola River passes the Florida House

Legislation that could stop a plan to allow exploratory drilling in the Apalachicola River's floodplain has received unanimous support in the state…

Apr 16 • 

Valerie Crowder

1

A proposed drilling ban is heading to the Florida House floor for a full vote

Florida lawmakers are advancing a proposed ban on oil and gas drilling near the Apalachicola River and Bay, but the bill still faces obstacles to…

Apr 9 • 

Valerie Crowder

4

A proposed drilling ban could frustrate plans to look for oil near the Apalachicola River

Florida lawmakers are advancing a proposed ban on oil and gas drilling near the Apalachicola River and Bay, which could stop ongoing plans to allow…

Apr 4 • 

Valerie Crowder

4

February 2025

Florida lawmakers are working on a bill to prevent drilling near critical waterways

Panhandle state lawmakers are drafting a bipartisan plan that would stop future drilling efforts near the state's critical waterways, including the…

Feb 12 • 

Valerie Crowder

2

Leon County state lawmakers hear from constituents ahead of legislative session

Dozens of Leon County residents recently spoke in front of members of the Leon County legislative delegation about schools, utilities, gun safety and…

Feb 8 • 

Valerie Crowder