May 19, 2021
Atlantic system forms 12 days before hurricane season
The first fledgling tropical system has formed in the Atlantic, 12 days ahead of the official onset of hurricane season. The storm is not forecast to pose a threat to Florida. At this point, it’s a non-tropical Bermuda low, which may briefly acquire some tropical characteristics this weekend before moving north, according to local officials.
May 19, 2021
Proposed Navarre Beach RV park hits major snag
Right now, it’s a 23-acre expanse of white sand on the north side of Gulf Boulevard on Navarre Beach.
The parcel, across from SpringHill Suites Navarre, still has a “For Sale” sign on it.
May 19, 2021
One ambulance, two lives saved
On Tuesday, May 18, 2021, two Okaloosa County EMS team members were presented with the Okaloosa County H.E.R.O. Award (Humanitarian Efforts Recognized by Okaloosa County) for their heroic actions earlier this year. Paramedic, George Lee and EMT, Devon Hare had begun stabilizing a patient suffering from a medical emergency when the ambulance doors flung open, following a commotion outside.
May 18, 2021
Gulf Cable breaks ground, brings jobs to county
Santa Rosa County officials and company leadership broke ground today on a new facility that will be built on eight acres in the Santa Rosa Industrial Park. This facility will serve as home to Gulf Cable/WTEC, a cable manufacturer that will bring more than 20 new jobs to the area.
May 18, 2021
Commission to discuss staff use of personal electronic devices during meetings
After a citizen called out a Santa Rosa County staff member for looking down at an electronic device during a heated May 11 Board of County Commission meeting, District 5 Commissioner Colten Wright decided it was time to suggest a change.
Wright has placed an item on the May 20 work session agenda suggesting commissioners restrict or limit use of personal electronic devices while in board meetings.
May 17, 2021
Citizen accuses Zoning Board member of bias after argument over bridge naming
Santa Rosa County Zoning Board member Sam Mullins was asked to disqualify himself from voting on a particular agenda item by an audience member at a meeting May 13. Tony Hughes, the audience member who requested Mullins’ disqualification, says this is the result of an incident that occurred at a February Board of County Commissioners meeting.
May 17, 2021
Settlement reached in wrongful death of Navarre man in Alabama jail
Beasley Allen lawyer Mike Crow reached a settlement for the family of Almus Taylor in a lawsuit against the Covington County, Alabama, Jail and three of the jail’s guards over claims that the guards left Taylor to die in his jail cell after refusing to address his life-threatening medical needs.
May 17, 2021
Zoning Board gives “The Club” green light for driving range
A proposed driving range in Gulf Breeze was approved at a Zoning Board meeting May 13.
May 15, 2021
Deputies, district officials team up to make board meetings ‘safe’
A large sign detailing what behavior is unlawful at government meetings greeted those attending the May 13 Santa Rosa County School District Board meeting.
There were also at least nine Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Office deputies, some in full K9 tactical gear, ready to deal with noncompliance.
May 15, 2021
Pace woman charged with DUI manslaughter
A 26-year-old Pace woman has been charged with DUI manslaughter for an accident that happened early Saturday morning.