News Archive

Tropical Storm Fred’s track has nudged to the east overnight, which means landfall is likely between Panama City and Walton County. That track, if it holds true throughout Monday, reduces impacts in Santa Rosa County.

Santa Rosa County Emergency Management officials continue to closely monitor the Tropical Storm Fred. Residents are reminded to follow the National Weather Service and local media outlets for the most recent weather updates.

The latest forecast from the National Hurricane Center places Navarre at the western edge of the “cone of probability” for Tropical Storm Fred. Fred, which until earlier this morning was in shambles, has reorganized into a tropical storm with sustained winds of about 40 miles per hour.

The storm is heading for the northern Gulf Coast somewhere between Navarre and the Jefferson/Wakulla county line, according to the forecast released at 10 a.m. Sunday. A warning means tropical storm conditions should be expected within 24 hours.

The area just west of Navarre is under a tropical storm watch.

A 71-year-old Port St. Joe man riding a motorized tricycle on Interstate 10 was killed Saturday afternoon when he swerved to avoid some tire debris on the roadway. His tricycle then left the roadway, entered the shoulder and overturned.

Beginning at 8:00 a.m. Thursday, August 19, 2021, NOMI Health will expand COVID-19 testing through two new testing sites.
These will be located at the following locations operating from 8:00 am – 6:00 pm daily, Monday through Sunday.

Gulf Islands National Seashore will close the Fort Pickens Area beginning August 14 at 8 p.m., in response to Tropical Depression Fred approaching the Northwest Florida area.

The Santa Rosa County Tourist Development Council met Aug. 5 to discuss the potential redevelopment of a portion of the Riverwalk district in Milton.

The Emerald Coast Science Center’s Fifth Annual Women in Science Conference is coming up Sept. 9 at Northwest Florida State College.

With the potential of heavy rain in the forecast as a result of Tropical Depression Fred, Santa Rosa County does have sand available at several locations, including on the corner of Leisure Street and Citrus Drive in Navarre.

Sand is also available at Tiger Point Park in Gulf Breeze, Pace Fire and Rescue and on the corner of Pine Forest Road and Carroll Road in Milton.

Residents must bring their own shovels and sandbags.

No local impacts are expected through Saturday, but heavy rainfall and strong winds are possible in the area late Sunday and into early Monday. There is also an increased chance for rip currents through the weekend. Location for landfall is still uncertain.

Community Health Northwest Florida, the area’s only Federally Qualified Health Center, announced the opening of its newly renovated Milton patient care site at 6671 Caroline Street Aug. 9.