Austin Maida

Duval

Reporter at WJHG-TV (Panama City Beach, FL)

Reporter @WJHG_TV. Duval native. UNF journalism grad. I love my family, my friends, good food and the Jacksonville Jaguars.

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Articles

Local financial planners lend advice amid market volatility

2 weeks ago | wjhg.com | Austin Maida

PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Financial advisors across the country are meeting with clients to advise them on how to react to the volatile market. “What’s been going on is essentially these trade wars and these tariffs that have been recently implemented are causing uncertainty in markets,” said Alex Astin, Financial Advisor for Burns Real Estate Planning in Panama City Beach.
Four Alabama teens arrested following separate shootings in Panama City Beach

2 weeks ago | wjhg.com | Austin Maida

PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Four Alabama teens have been arrested in connection with two separate shootings in Panama City Beach in recent days. According to Beach Police and the Bay County Sheriff, the four teens crossed state lines and came to Panama City Beach with partying on their minds. Last Saturday night, shots rang out near the Skywheel in Pier Park, injuring three. Following an investigation, Panama City Beach Police now say the shooting is a product of gang violence.
LIVE: Officials provide update on Thomas Drive shooting and Pier Park shooting

2 weeks ago | wjhg.com | Mia Hernandez |Austin Maida

PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Law enforcement officials are holding a press conference regarding two recent shootings in Panama City Beach. Panama City Beach Police Chief Talamantez and Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford are holding a joint press conference to discuss updates on two recent shootings. One happened Thursday night around 11 p.m. near Hammerhead Fred’s off Thomas Drive. The other shooting took place at Pier Park last Saturday night.
Walton County Sheriff’s Office pays tribute to fallen deputy

2 weeks ago | wjhg.com | Austin Maida

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - The American flag flew at half-mast outside of the Walton County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday following the loss of Deputy Will May. (RELATED: Walton County deputy dies following officer-involved shooting)Wednesday night, Sheriff Michael Adkinson said he was at a loss for how a routine call could turn violent so quickly. “His wife told me a couple hours ago ‘I asked him not to go to work today. You don’t need to go to work today.
Final preparations for 2024 Bay County Primary Election

Aug 19, 2024 | wjhg.com | Austin Maida

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Tomorrow is the big day all across the Panhandle, as area counties, including Bay, hold their 2024 primary elections. Bay County Supervisor of Elections Nina Ward says that her office has been preparing for quite some time. “Tomorrow is the big day, so my staff has just been preparing a year in advance for this one day. We are ready for voters,” said Ward. On the eve of the election, Monday was all about making final preparations.
Panama City’s Civic Center set for demolition after years of uncertainty

Aug 14, 2024 | wjhg.com | Austin Maida

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - A Panama City landmark that has stood for decades is set to be demolished after nearly five years of uncertainty following Hurricane Michael. The Panama City Marina Civic Center, a 2,500-seat facility that has been a community staple since the late 1950s, sustained significant damage during the 2018 hurricane. The storm’s impact left the building unusable, and it has remained in limbo ever since. “It took pretty extensive damage.
Graceville Tigers cancel 2024 varsity football season

Aug 13, 2024 | wjhg.com | Austin Maida

GRACEVILLE, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - NewsChannel 7 has confirmed that Graceville High has cancelled it’s 2024 varsity football season. Head Coach Richard Koonce has notified other area coaches that his team does not have enough players to play this season. One contributing factor is the departure of several key players who have transferred to other schools in the area.
Panama City Beach votes to move more power lines underground

Aug 8, 2024 | wjhg.com | Austin Maida

PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Panama City Beach was fortunate earlier this week when Hurricane Debby turned east and spared the area. On Thursday night, the Panama City Beach council agreed to make the city a little less susceptible to power outages for the next time a hurricane strikes. At Thursday’s regularly scheduled meeting, the council voted to enter an agreement with Florida Power and Light which will move power lines in segment 4.2 of Front Beach Road underground.
National Night Out connects law enforcement, first responders with children

Aug 6, 2024 | wjhg.com | Austin Maida

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - The heat was on Tuesday, but that didn’t stop families from getting together with local law enforcement agencies and first responders. National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign to connect residents -- specifically children -- with those who protect and serve them. “The main goal of it is for us to make contact with the public, especially the children, in a friendly atmosphere,” said Sergeant Becky Thore with the Panama City Police Department.
National Poll Worker Recruitment Day places emphasis on civic engagement

Aug 1, 2024 | wjhg.com | Austin Maida

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP)—Local and national elections are rapidly approaching, and one often-overlooked group is vital to ensuring smooth operations. The process of electing representatives can’t get off the ground without the help of poll workers. “They’re volunteers, they come in, they attend training before every single election. They’re going to be the people checking you in for early voting, issuing you a ballot,” said Nina Ward, Bay County Supervisor of Elections.