News Archive

The National Hurricane Center continues to watch an area of low pressure over the Florida Panhandle.

On July 4, President Donald Trump signed into law the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, an 870-page piece of legislation designed to make the tax provisions Trump enacted in 2017 with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act permanent.

Santa Rosa County may experience heavy rainfall resulting in flooding from Invest 93L. According to the U.S. National Weather Service Mobile Office, local impacts will be dependent on whether this system stays near the coastline or stays out over the Gulf and may include:

The popular beach restaurant Andy D’s has been temporarily shut down after an inspection stemming from a complaint made. The restaurant will remain closed until violations are corrected. In total, they were cited for three high priority violations, one intermediate and eight basic violations. Some of the high priority violations include: Live, small flying insects […]

The Soundside Conservation Project, a movement for Santa Rosa County to purchase a 27-acre plot of land in Gulf Breeze off Soundside Drive and designate it for conservation, has been approved by a unanimous vote of Santa Rosa County Commissioners July 10. The land encompasses 4 acres of uplands and 23 acres of “high quality wetlands” according to an appraisal of the property. The wetlands feed into a creek that empties into the Santa Rosa Sound. 

With the growth of Santa Rosa County’s human population comes an influx of pets, such as cats and dogs.

To keep pets, and their owners, in check, the county has leash laws enforced by Santa Rosa County Animal Services. The leash laws pertain to various areas of the county, namely in population centers such as Navarre, Midway, Gulf Breeze, Milton, Pace and Jay.  

First responders have a difficult job. They are often the difference between life and death, a stressful profession in which it’s necessary to keep yourself mentally healthy. For Santa Rosa County’s Lifeguard Ambulance Service, this is where therapy dog Langley comes in.

Oriole Beach Road will have resurfacing work begin on Monday, July 14. The work will be from Highway 98 to Bay Street and is anticipated to be complete by Friday, July 18, weather permitting. Flaggers will be in the area to direct traffic. Drivers should expect delays and use caution in the area.

With a population of 200,000 and growing, Santa Rosa County first responders must be as prepared as ever to meet the needs of the community. Add an influx of tourists each spring and summer and you have a serious need to be ready for disasters and incidents.

Spring and summer are the times of year when most wildlife in Northwest Florida are active. With greater activity means a greater chance they might need medical attention. That is when wildlife rescues, such as Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge in Navarre, save the day.