Community Archive

The Atlantic Hurricane Season lasts from June through November. While last year was quiet as far as named storms go, Florida Power & Light are staying prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws their way in 2026.

FPL is the state’s largest power utility. Serving a large swath of the state, they are a major player when it comes to turning the lights back on after a natural disaster rolls through.

Santa Rosa County Commission Chairman Colten Wright says that a proposed amendment on the November ballot that would eliminate property taxes on certain homesteaded properties would guarantee cuts to public safety, infrastructure and other core county services.

Santa Rosa County’s newest school, Soundside High School, took its next big step toward opening in the fall.

On June 9, school officials held a ribbon cutting ceremony to officially mark the completion of the three story school. The final cost of the school, according to Superintendent Dr. Karen Barber, was $132 million and was built on a 34-acre parcel. Approximately $41 million of that came from the local option half-cent sales tax.

While many associate early America with the 13 colonies, people often forget about the colonies which didn’t revolt.

Both East and West Florida remained loyal to the British during the duration of the war. In West Florida, the British were in charge from 1763 to 1783.

Dean Light has worked in various roles throughout the years.

He served in the U.S. Air Force for 26 years, earning the rank of Senior Master Sergeant, worked as the Facilities and Maintenance Supervisor and later the Environmental, Health and Safety Specialist at Crane Electronics in Fort Walton Beach and currently serves as a helping hand at Pik-Itz Art & Antiques, which he and his wife own.

Now, Light is looking to add another job title to his resume: County Commissioner.

Santa Rosa County Animal Services will host a series of Community Cat Days throughout June, offering free spay and neuter services for eligible outdoor cats owned by no one and living in Santa Rosa County.

Santa Rosa County District Schools has announced the locations where families can get free breakfast and lunch this summer.

Through a partnership with Summer Break Spot, the school district is offering nutritious meals at a time when some families may be facing food insecurity.

Nicknamed “Flash,” Gulf Breeze resident Gordon Sprague, 88, has always had a penchant for adventure.

Not many people can say they’ve been a racecar driver, an assistant to the owner of the Kansas City Royals, an Air Force mechanic, a top selling international businessman, parks and recreation director for several major American cities and have their name on the Florida State University football coach’s office. But Sprague can.

Two teams of Navarre High School students competed in a national drone competition last month, with one team finishing first in one category.

The drone teams are part of the school’s experimental science course. According to Tami McConnell, who teaches the class, Navarre High was the only school in the nation to have two teams competing in the national competition.

A June 4 brush fire on Smallwood Drive in Holley by the Sea could have been much worse, according to Holley-Navarre Fire District Chief Kevin Lewis.