While some Santa Rosa County facilities suffered water damage in late April, you won’t find one that suffered more or has had more of a community impact than the Florida Department of Health in Santa Rosa County Midway Clinic. The facility along the north side of Highway 98 was filled with about 18 inches of water and has yet to reopen. It is the only county facility damaged by floodwaters that is not functional.
Research indicates that breastfeeding is beneficial for both mother and infant. Not only is breast milk easier to digest than formula, babies who are exclusively breastfed for at least the first 6 months have fewer ear and respiratory infections than those who are bottle fed and are less likely to become overweight or obese. Antibodies passed from mother to baby while nursing help protect the baby from communicable diseases for the first few months of life. Mothers who breastfeed have less risk of breast and ovarian cancer, less risk of osteoporosis, and lose the weight they gained during pregnancy faster than mothers who do not breastfeed. There are also economic benefits. Families save money because they do not have to buy formula and bottles. Working mothers who breastfeed may miss fewer days from work caring for a sick baby and spend less on doctor visits and medicine.
A development company has decided not to pursue rezoning of about 185 acres on Soundside Drive based on concerns shared by local residents at an informational meeting hosted July 31.
U.S. Senator Bill Nelson met with local leaders Aug. 6 in Pensacola, pushing for release of hundreds of millions of dollars intended to help Florida’s coastal communities recover from the April 2010 Deepwater Horizon explosion, which resulted in the largest oil spill U.S. history.
The numbers are in, and the proposed Santa Rosa County courthouse will cost about $50 million, regardless of which of three locations is selected. Commissioners Thursday, Aug. 14 will hold a public hearing to discuss related ballot language, leading up to the general election.
A Fort Walton Beach woman accused of killing her newborn child by putting her inside a plastic bag and placing her outside in a garbage can in February has been indicted on charges of First Degree Premeditated Murder and/or First Degree Felony Murder and Aggravated Child Abuse.
Local attorney Roy V. Andrews officially became counselor for Santa Rosa County commissioners Aug. 4, following the resignation of former County Attorney Angie Jones, who had a $136,000 annual contract. Andrews’ negotiated $145,000 per year, plus a $400 monthly travel stipend.
The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office reported Aug. 11 that one person apprehended Friday night in Atmore, Alabama, following a high-speed pursuit had been arrested earlier the same week in Santa Rosa County and accused of narcotics-related crimes.
The Gulf Breeze Area Chamber of Commerce and United Peninsula Association (UPA) hosted a candidate forum Aug. 11 that included invites to all statewide candidates, as well as candidates for Congress, the Florida House of Representatives, Circuit Judge and Santa Rosa County Commission and School Board.
