News Archive

Tallahassee – The Florida insurance market took a hit Tuesday, as Farmers Insurance said it will end residential, auto and umbrella policies in the state, forcing tens of thousands of customers to look elsewhere for coverage.

The Santa Rosa County Commission has, and had, no plans to restrict shark fishing on Navarre Beach, according to Chairman Colten Wright. But area anglers are worried that a staff plan to add swimming areas along the 4-mile length of the beach would do just that.

A Pace restaurant linked to the nonfatal poisoning of seven people announced Friday that it has closed permanently after being “brutally harassed” by news outlets and social media.

A 40-year-old law could threaten federal funding for Navarre Beach renourishment, Michael Schmidt said last week. Schmidt, director of Santa Rosa County’s Environmental and Public Works departments, said Federal Emergency Management Agency officials are interpreting the 1982 Coastal Barrier Resource Act differently than they have for past beach restoration projects.

A Santa Rosa County news release Friday announced a “possible recommendation” to add more designated swimming areas — and prohibiting shark fishing — between sunrise and sunset from March 1 and Nov. 15. Fishermen are expected to voice their objection to the idea at the commission’s public forum at 4:30 p.m. today at the Board of County Commissioners Meeting Room, 6495 Caroline St., in Milton.

Bistro 98, a popular breakfast and brunch restaurant in Midway, has shut its doors. According to Jennifer Telfer, a former employee of Bistro 98, staff were informed of the decision Monday, June 19. The staff found out via a messaging app.

The Santa Rosa Island Authority is thrilled to announce that local naval aviator and retired Marine Corps Major Paul Entrekin is celebrating his 30th season as Air Boss of the Pensacola Beach Air Show this year.

Have you ever wondered who controls the schedule for all the aerial acts, mass formations, high-speed jet demonstrations and pyrotechnics at every show? Enter the Air Boss.

As the Air Boss, Entrekin has the primary responsibility for coordinating all air show operations within the demonstration area and plays a critical role in ensuring a safe, efficient and entertaining air show every year. All of this while also meeting the latest standard air show regulations.

More school vouchers. Expanded restrictions on teaching about sexual orientation and gender identity. Limits on using TikTok. Carrying guns without concealed-weapons licenses. A larger Florida State Guard.

Rip currents can prove deadly for beachgoers. According to the National Weather Service’s 2023 surf zone fatalities list (Jan. 1 to June 24), Florida leads the way with 27 fatalities, only two of which were non-rip current related. In nearby Bay County, Panama City Beach had seven drownings from June 15 to June 24. All of which were related to rip currents.

A new RV resort is being planned for the south side of Highway 98, along Woodhaven Lane. Ayana RV Resort, which sits on a 3.51-acre lot, will feature 31 RV pads, a 3,278 square-foot office building, a pool and deck, two stormwater ponds and fencing around the property. There are also plans for five live oak trees to be on the property, according to the site plans.