Kellie Sanchez
Multi-Media Journalist, Walton County Bureau
Panama City Beach, Fla.
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Kellie Sanchez joined WJHG/WECP as a multi-media journalist in July 2019.
Kellie Sanchez is from the Dallas, Texas area. She graduated from Loyola University New Orleans in May 2019 with a degree in Mass Communication: Journalism and a minor in political science.
In the summer of 2017, Kellie interned at the NBC affiliate in New Orleans, WDSU-TV, where she had a valuable, educational experience that eventually led to her being hired as an associate producer. While there, she covered everything from tropical storms to elections, to Mardi Gras.
While at Loyola, Kellie was an anchor and producer on the daily newscast The Maroon Minute and weekly sports show The Wolf Pack Wrap Up. One of Kellie’s favorite experiences while at Loyola was when she was one of a handful of students chosen to be on the sidelines at a Saints game to help the Nola.com | Times-Picayune photographers.
When she’s not working, Kellie can be found reading by the pool, at a local coffee shop, or hanging out with her friends (and of course, in the fall, watching the Saints).
Kellie is excited to be working at WJHG/WECP and covering Walton County. Feel free to email her or reach out on Facebook and Twitter.
The second drive-up vaccination clinic Thursday morning allowed more people 65-years and older to get the Moderna vaccine.
As more families decide to call Walton County home, schools are having to expand to meet up with the growth.
The commissioners never made a motion to remove it, so there was no vote.
The Powder Room sells guns, offers classes on safe gun usage, and has an indoor simulator for people to practice with.
Glidewell said another reason three of the five commissioners voted against the solar panels was fire safety concerns.
Those vaccines will be given to people who work at the hospital first.
Christmas Reflections at Lake DeFuniak draws people from near and far to the little North Walton town. In turn, local businesses see a boost in sales.
One of the initiatives of the Department of Health is to get as many people vaccinated for the flu as possible.
With many people working from home and attending school online due to the pandemic, Kromer said South Walton County is looking more attractive as a permanent place to call home.
In the Florida panhandle, Gulf Power has already built four solar energy centers, and wants to build one on 867 acres in North Walton County.
The money collected from the tax will be used to market and promote things to do in North Walton County.
Right now 31 are in custody at the federal and state level, but 13 are still wanted.
The Tourist Development Tax will be expanded to include north Walton County.
All of the ideas brought up by the citizens will be presented at a Walton County Commission meeting before the end of the year.
By next summer, beach goers in Walton County could see higher fines for violating red flag warnings.
Officials said, this is important because families need help now more than ever because of the impacts of the coronavirus.
County officials plan to send out bulk trash pickup trucks to clean up debris near homes along the coast, rivers, and bay.
Heavy rain, flash floods, and strong wind gusts are some of the expected impacts from Hurricane Sally.
Election day is November 3.
Even though there are about 200 new students this year, there are actually fewer total students this year than last year.
While they’re known for taking in rescues, Alaqua also has programs to help people.
For people having trouble connecting to the internet when trying to do work or school, Walton County libraries are offering some help.
Monday, August 31 will be recognized as Overdose Awareness Day in Walton County.
The visitor center will be located just south of the bridge on Highway 331.
Dunn said events like this are important to keeping citizens informed.
There will be a recount for the district 1 race Saturday morning.
North Walton County is a unique part of the community, and so too are the concerns and issues facing its residents.
Walton County Commissioners unanimously voted no on a resolution that would have encouraged people to wear masks in public.
The three Republican candidates, William “Boots" McCormick, Philip Cryar, and Lisa Johnson will vie for the seat currently held by Bill Chapman, who is not seeking re-election.
Walton County has received $3,231,205 in CARES Act funding- money that can be used to help with Coronavirus related expenses.
Pets will also need plenty of food and water, copies of medical records, and extra medicine.
Hurricane season is underway, and while a storm is not heading our way, Walton County emergency management officials are getting ready anyway.
Earlier this month there was a contest for adults and kids to design their own skateboard decks, and now they're on display until the end of august at the center for the arts in Panama City.
When it comes to working and learning from home, moving to the beach is how many are making the best of a challenging situation.
Some Walton County residents say the COVID-19 pandemic is too serious for commissioners to postpone.
All weekend long, they will be offering reduced adoption fees for cats and dogs.
The rules were made through a partnership with the Panama City Beach Police Department and six rental businesses.
Walton County School District officials say each high school will make its own plans for graduation.
The Walton County School District is making plans for when students and teachers return to campus this fall.
Airport traffic is down this Fourth of July holiday weekend, compared to last year.
Visit South Walton officials said they are expecting occupancy to be up 5 percent from last year.
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and the slow reopening of Florida, park managers are implementing social distancing guidelines and more cleaning practices.
In a 3-2 vote, Walton County Commissioners have decided to keep the confederate flag in front of the courthouse.
Wetlands restoration in Walton County is helping keep the ecosystem healthy. (WJHG/WECP)