News Archive

New York (AP) – The baby recession may be at an end: After a five-year span in which the number of children born in the United States dropped each year, 2013 saw a minute increase.

The Florida Department of Health annually recognizes outstanding  Emergency Medical Services organizations and personnel who make a positive impact on local EMS throughout the state. Two men who provide service in Santa Rosa County are being honored this year.

More than 20 attorneys have applied for the contract to represent the Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners, including former TEAM Santa Rosa counsel Roy V. Andrews of Milton. Several of the applicants have experience in the government sector, including the Lee County Attorney and assistant county attorneys from Polk, Charlotte and Hillsborough Counties. 

About 75 people attended a judicial facility workshop held at the Tiger Point Community Center May 27. Commissioners heard from numerous citizens about proposed future courthouse sites. Ultimately they decided to add an offer of free property in East Milton to the ballot as a second site option with a parcel the board previously selected for purchase.

Work is expected to begin soon to repair a waterline break under East Bay. The line transports water from wells south of Interstate-10 to south Santa Rosa County and is used by Holley-Navarre Water System, Midway Water System and the City of Gulf Breeze.

Members of the Gulf Breeze City Council discussed May 28 the current emergency repair project underway at Highway 98 and Shoreline Drive, as well as a way to assist homeowners displaced by flooding in April.

A Mary Esther man charged with DUI manslaughter in connection with a fatal one car crash on Highway 98 is scheduled for trial July 7.

The West Florida Regional Planning Council (WFRPC) hosted the Second Annual Transportation Symposium May 29 and 30 at the Pensacola Beach Hilton. The event was targeted to bring together professionals and policymakers to openly discuss ways to adapt the area’s transportation system to economic and environmental realities.

A Milton man, who taught school in Santa Rosa and Escambia counties, was sentenced May 28 to six years in prison on federal charges related to the online receipt of child pornography.

All but one candidate vying to be Santa Rosa County Commissioner for District 2 or District 4 participated May 29 in a candidates forum hosted by Holley By the Sea. Forum moderator Bill Neal said he wasn’t surprised by the turnout based on the importance of the area to those seeking election.