News Archive

Hurlburt Field – “There were bushfires and famine; people were dying of hunger—it was horrible.”

Growing up in Ghana, Staff Sgt. Barfi’s younger years were marked by conflict and adversity, but it was not the challenges that defined him rather, it was the kindness of strangers that shaped the course of his life.

The Holley Navarre Water System Board of Directors, as well as the System’s CEO and staff, met Friday afternoon, Dec. 6, to discuss the 2025 budget and potential rate increases the System’s membership could see. At the board’s next meeting, they will vote on whether to raise residential and commercial water system rates by 12%. The increase would apply to both water and wastewater services.

During the biannual local RESTORE council meeting on Dec.3 the county reviewed projects that have been successfully completed and funds awarded for projects to begin.

Tallahassee – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced record-breaking visitation numbers in 2023. Tourists to Florida were found to have spent a record $131 billion in the state—an increase of 5% over 2022—in addition to $36.9 billion in local, state, and federal tax revenue. Florida remains the premier travel destination of the nation and the world, the Governor’s Office said in a statement.

The rain stopped and the sun started to shine moments after a groundbreaking wrapped up on a stadium for the Pensacola State women’s soccer team.
It’s symbolic in that even brighter days are ahead for a program that has enjoyed a wealth of success in its first two years of existence.

The cold weather shelter for the homeless and/or heatless will open on Wednesday, Dec. 11 at Ferris Hill Baptist Church, 6848 Chaffin St. in Milton. Those who would like to stay at the shelter must arrive between 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. Only service animals (with verification of rabies vaccination) are permitted to stay with guests. No one will be admitted after 8:30 p.m. unless brought in by law enforcement. The shelter closes at 7 a.m. each morning.

The fields at the Navarre Youth Sports Association’s soccer complex have been on a decline in the last two years.

There are patches of sand and dirt, as well as uneven surfaces, particularly on the main game field. Not ideal for sure, but an effort is now being made to restore the fields.

Three local veterans groups were given generous donations on Dec.4.

At the Stonebrook Golf Club in Pace the Emerald Coast Veterans Alliance, Inc. made a combined donation of $36,000 to three local veterans groups. The Emerald Coast Veterans Alliance was formed in 2019 as an all-volunteer 501©(3) charitable organization to support veterans in need throughout Northwest Florida. One of the ways they raise funds is through an annual benefit golf tournament.

With the resignation of Matt Gaetz, there is a special election on the horizon to decide who will represent northwest Florida in the U.S. House of Representatives. As of Dec. 5, there are 13 candidates vying for the seat, including State Rep. Dr. Joel Rudman, Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis, and 2024 Democratic candidate for U.S. House district 1, Jennifer Gay Valimont.  On Monday, Dec. 9, citizens within the first Congressional district will get the opportunity to hear directly from the candidates at a campaign forum hosted by Republican Executive Committees of Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Okaloosa counties. The event will be held at Emerald Waterfront (formerly known as The Grillehouse) on Highway 98 in Navarre (8491 Navarre Parkway) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Santa Rosa County Public Safety urges residents to be prepared for the cold weather that will settle in late Thursday (Dec. 5) night through Friday (Dec. 6) morning by remembering the 5 P’s of cold weather safety.