May 26, 2023
Florida’s Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday begins May 27
The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) encourages Floridians to purchase disaster preparedness items during Florida’s two 14-day Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holidays beginning May 27 through June 9 and Aug. 26 through Sept. 8.
House Bill 7063, the largest tax relief plan in Florida’s history, was signed into law by Governor DeSantis extending the Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday from a single 14-day holiday to two separate 14-day holidays.
May 26, 2023
Calkins raises partisan objection to board appointee
James Calkins criticized Democrats and any Republican who doesn’t agree with his political views at Thursday’s regular Santa Rosa County Board of Commissioners meeting.
May 26, 2023
County preparing bid request for Navarre Beach Bridge study
Santa Rosa County staff are preparing bid documents for a Navarre Beach Bridge project development and environmental study, Commissioner Ray Eddington said last week. He hopes the item is ready for commission consideration in June.
May 25, 2023
Circle K offering 40 cents off a gallon for fuel day
Across northwest Florida, Circle K locations will offer 40 cents off per gallon as part of “Fuel Day.” The savings event will run between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Thursday, May 25. Fuel Day is also taking place at Circle K locations across the United States.
According to Circle K, customers can receive the deal directly at the pump. Here are a list of participating locations in Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties:
May 25, 2023
YMCA serving Gulf Breeze with latest location
The YMCA of Northwest Florida took over the former Gulf Breeze Aerobics & Fitness building in December to open a new branch in Gulf Breeze.
May 24, 2023
Veterans parking spaces now at county buildings
Northwest Florida is home to quite a few veterans.
In many places, veterans can enjoy designated parking spots but at Santa Rosa County-owned facilities, the only veterans parking spots were for Purple Heart recipients. Other veterans did not have designated parking.
At least not until now.
May 23, 2023
Navarre man sentenced to 20 years for child exploitation crimes
Stephen D. Regis, Jr., 31, of Navarre, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for the production, receipt, and possession of child pornography, as well as the transfer of obscene materials to minors. The sentence was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
May 23, 2023
South End soccer complex design nears completion; county studying best way to pay for $9-million project
The design is done; now Santa Rosa County has to decide how to pay for the almost $9-million soccer complex planned next to Pensacola State College’s Tiger Point campus.
May 23, 2023
‘Be the Light in Someone’s Darkness’
Concerned residents of all ages participated in a Suicide Awareness and Prevention Walk from King Middle School to Milton City Hall on Friday, May 19. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15-to-24-year-olds and the 11th leading cause of death in the United States. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of self-harm, please remember that you are not alone. Reach out for help. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.
May 22, 2023
Group forms to ‘Protect’ Navarre from incorporation
Every few years, groups organize in an attempt to incorporate Navarre. Protect Navarre organized last month to prove it isn’t necessary.