News Archive

Former Adams Sanitation boss and Okaloosa County Commissioner Nathan Boyles has officially been elected to the Florida Legislature. The newly elected public official will serve as the State Representative for District 3, which represents most of Santa Rosa County the north part of Okaloosa County.

Santa Rosa County Board of Commissioners approved plans for the expansion of Twelve Oaks Recovery Center with some minor caveats based on community input.

The scenario: A category 4 hurricane has struck Santa Rosa County and now it is all hands on deck for the aftermath.

In preparation for the 2025 hurricane season, Santa Rosa County Emergency Management gathered its partners needed in a crisis and held their annual hurricane exercise.

In the early morning hours of June 10, Holley-Navarre Fire District was dispatched to a reported structure fire in the 3000 block of Tiffany Lane. A nearby resident called 911 after hearing explosions and spotting flames coming from a neighboring residence. The caller also expressed concern that the home’s occupant may have been trapped inside.

As smoke engulfed a home’s garage on Holley Court in Navarre May 28, firefighters pulled a rottweiler out from the haze.

Thanks to a specialized mask on board Holley Navarre Fire District Engine 41, the animal was given oxygen, hauled off in an ambulance and able to be given treatment. The dog, named “Sydney,” has reportedly left St. Francis Animal Hospital after a multi-day stay.

Four rough-toothed dolphins from Gulf World in Panama City were sent to Clearwater Marine Aquarium June 4.

The news came as a welcome relief for animal advocates and all those who care about dolphins. In the past several months, Gulf World has come under scrutiny and investigation for its alleged mistreatment of dolphins and other marine animals in its care. Since October 2024, at least five dolphins have died at the facility.

Since breaking ground in 2023, Soundside High School has been ahead of schedule. The newest high school in Santa Rosa County is set to begin class in fall 2026 and assistant superintendent Joey Harrell, who oversees facilities for Santa Rosa County District Schools, said they anticipate it to be complete by January 2026.

The Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners will meet Monday, June 9 in Milton to discuss several issues, including a graffiti ordinance and an update to MSBU fire districts, and recognize the achievements of local 4-H archers. Here is what you need to know about the upcoming meeting.

Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners approved plans for the expansion of Twelve Oaks Recovery Center with some minor caveats based on community input. With the expansion, Twelve Oaks will increase their patient capacity by 26 beds and add a 7,500 square foot facility for therapy meeting rooms and dining. Additionally, the recovery center is adding or updating the fencing surrounding its property to better accommodate a neighboring subdivision’s residents. A parking lot with 50 to 60 spaces is also being added to meet the facility’s needs.

Perfect Blend, which moved into Harvest Village in 2021, has a new location.

Starting June 4, the coffee shop will be in Suite 29 in Harvest Village, just four doors down from their old location. Monday, June 2, Perfect Blend held its final day of business in the old location.