As Spring Break approaches and thousands of visitors are expected to arrive in Bay County, local and state officials are making it clear that criminal behavior will not be tolerated.
Sheriff Tommy Ford and Chief J.R. Talamentez met Monday with Matt Walsh, secretary of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, to coordinate enforcement efforts ahead of the busy Spring Break season.
Officials said discussions focused on Bay County’s zero-tolerance stance toward juvenile criminal activity, with an emphasis on accountability, public safety, and immediate consequences for unlawful actions.
State officials pledged full support from the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice to assist local law enforcement throughout Spring Break. Local leaders said the partnership will allow agencies to respond quickly to incidents involving juveniles and maintain a strong law enforcement presence.
Authorities stressed that the goal is to ensure a safe Spring Break for residents and visitors alike, while delivering a clear message that illegal activity — especially involving juveniles — will not be overlooked.
The Create Dothan series challenges artists to explore the theme Colors of the Wiregrass. The exhibitions are held four times a year and are designed to highlight and promote local artists while celebrating the region’s culture, landscape, and creative community.
McDonald is a ceramic and mixed media artist whose Winter 2026 installation includes ceramic and collage works inspired by aerial views of the Wiregrass region. Her pieces incorporate imagery drawn from Google Earth, transforming geographic patterns and natural textures into layered artistic compositions.
The exhibition is on display during Visit Dothan’s regular operating hours. Visit Dothan will also be a featured stop during the First Friday Art Crawl on Friday, February 6, 2026, where community members are invited to view McDonald’s work and meet the artist.
Admission is free, and the public is encouraged to attend and support local art in the Wiregrass area.
The Enterprise Fire Department is reminding residents of the city’s longstanding fireworks ordinance after responding to multiple fire incidents during the New Year holiday that officials believe were linked to fireworks activity.
According to the City of Enterprise, firefighters were dispatched to several fires between Dec. 31, 2025, and Jan. 1, 2026, resulting in varying degrees of damage and requiring significant personnel and equipment resources.
“During the New Year holiday, we responded to multiple incidents within a short period of time that could have resulted in serious injury or major property loss,” Fire Chief Christopher Davis said.
Fireworks have been prohibited within Enterprise city limits since September 1999. The ordinance makes it illegal to discharge, ignite, or use fireworks and also bans the sale of fireworks within the city.
“The fireworks ordinance exists to reduce those risks, protect our residents, and help ensure our firefighters are available for true emergencies,” Davis said.
City officials noted that some neighboring jurisdictions may allow consumer fireworks. Residents are encouraged to review local regulations if celebrating outside the Enterprise city limits. Where fireworks are permitted, the Enterprise Fire Department urges individuals to use caution, remain aware of their surroundings, and avoid conditions that could easily ignite fires.
“Our priority is safeguarding lives and property,” Davis said. “Our department remains committed to protecting lives, property, and the safety of the community.”
On January 16, 2026, narcotics agents with the Eufaula Police Department made contact with Jerome Gilbert, 48, of Eufaula, while he was seated inside a vehicle as officers attempted to execute an arrest for an active warrant.
According to authorities, during the encounter Gilbert began making furtive movements toward the vehicle’s center console and was observed placing a substance in his mouth, believed to be an illegal narcotic. Officers removed Gilbert from the vehicle and conducted an investigation at the scene.
The investigation led to the discovery of approximately 0.4 grams of crack cocaine and 0.5 grams of marijuana.
Gilbert was subsequently charged with the following offenses:
Unlawful Possession of Marijuana, First Degree (13A-12-213)
Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance (13A-12-212)
Tampering with Physical Evidence (13A-10-129)
Unlawful Distribution of a Controlled Substance (13A-12-211)
Gilbert was taken into custody without further incident. Additional details regarding bond and court dates were not immediately available.
All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
DOTHAN: 10:16 PM Dothan 911 dispatched Dothan Fire Engine Companies, Pilcher Ambulance and Dothan Police to a structure fire on Cedar Chae Court. Reports gas heater, smoke and flames visible. The resident unable to evacuate, getting into s safe place inside the residence. Responding fire engine company told to check computer for code to enter residence.
10:21 PM Dothan Fire Engine Company Truck 3 and Engine Company 3 ( Whatley Drive ) arrived on the scene. A single story residential structure, nothing visible.
10:22 PM Dothan Fire Engine Company 6 ( Napier Field Road ) arrived on the scene.
10:23 PM Dothan Fire Engine Company 8 ( Highlands ) arrived on the scene.
10:23 PM Dothan Fire Engine Company 3 attempting to make entry. Visial through the windon not much smoke visible, no flames visible.
10:25 PM Dothan Fire Engine Company 3 reports no fire, fire place only cutting gas to the residence. 10:25 PM Dothan Fire Battalion Chief 2, Chief Trawick on the scene.
10:26 PM Dothan Fire Engine Company 3 reports Dothan Fire Engine Company 6 ( Napier Field ) and Dothan Fire Engine Company 8 ( Highlands ) can return to service. Dothan Fire Engine 3 ( Whatley Drive ) and Dothan Fire Engine Tuck 3 ( Whatley Drive ) can handle.
NOTE: The call hit 911 at 10:16 PM the first engine Company, Company 3 and Truck 3 ( Whatley Drive ) was on the scene in 5 minutes of the call hitting 911.
10:32 PM Pilcher Ambulance arrived on the scene but advised they could return to service and Rehab can return to service.
10:36 PM Dothan Fire Engine 8 ( Highlands ) back in quarters.
OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE IS 45 degree as per SIRI
10:44 PM Dothan Fire Engine Company 3 and Truck 3 ( Whatley Drive ) have returned to service. No fire at this location, all contained to fireplace. Returning to station.
