Community Archive

Although Florida’s winters aren’t nearly as cold as other parts of the United States, the Sunshine State is not without its cold season, especially in the northern part of the state.

Following the grisly attacks of Oct. 7 on Israeli citizens, which claimed 1,200 lives, and the subsequent Israel-Hamas War, the world’s attention has been focused on Israel and Palestine.

With shovels in hand and hardhats on their heads, members from Santa Rosa County school board ushered in the beginning of a new era for education on the south end of the county Wednesday, Dec. 6. They were at 5760 Gulf Breeze Parkway, the new home of a new high school, for a groundbreaking ceremony to kick off construction on the three story, 74 classroom Southend high school.

The world was in shock after the attack on Israel that took place in October. Now, uniting to demonstrate their support for the nation of Israel and its peoples, local faith leaders are joining together to present “A Night to Honor Israel” that will provide the community with a unique opportunity to stand together against antisemitism.

Santa Rosa County Animal Services (SRCAS) is joining the BISSELL Pet Foundation, a national animal welfare organization dedicated to ending pet homelessness, in bringing hope to shelter pets this holiday season with the “Empty the Shelters – Holiday Hope” adoption event. SRCAS, 4451 Pine Forest Road in Milton, is participating Dec. 1 to 17 with reduced adoption fees of just $5 per cat or dog at SRCAS. View available animals online at www.santarosa.fl.gov/Animals. 

On Saturday, Dec. 9, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center (NBSTCC) will hold its 2023 Sea Turtle Soiree. Proceeds from the event go toward NBSTCC programs and operations, which include educating visitors about marine ecosystems and helping injured or distressed sea turtles in Santa Rosa County.

The heavy rain forecasted for Saturday has led organizers of a few Christmas events to cancel or reschedule. Here is what we know so far:

Hurlburt Field’s Annual Winter Wonderland and Tree Lighting is RESCHEDULED for Thursday, Dec. 7 from 4-7 p.m. at Memorial Air Park.

Looking to get some new books while getting rid of some you’ve already read?

On Saturday, Dec. 2, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., a community book exchange will be held at Navarre Library’s meeting room. Santa Rosa County Libraries, which oversees Navarre Library, is not affiliated with the book exchange or its organizers.

The 16th Annual Fill the Mayflower food and funds drive – presented by Coastal Moving and Storage and benefitting Manna Food Bank – was a success, raising the equivalent of more than 47,000 healthy meals for neighbors in need in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties! Food collected during Fill the Mayflower at Cordova Mall will be distributed through Manna’s pantry and 17 food security programs in the two-county area.

Hurlburt Field will ring in the holiday season with the annual Winter Wonderland Celebration Friday, Dec. 1 from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The event, hosted by the 1st Special Operations Wing (SOW), is at Hurlburt Field’s Memorial Air Park.