Florida leaders discuss big issues facing state
Expanding health care coverage, solving water problems, improving education and handling issues like legalizing medical marijuana and gambling were among the topics Florida leaders discussed during a summit Dec. 5.
High court rejects BP appeal of spill settlement
The Supreme Court is leaving in place BP’s multibillion-dollar settlement with lawyers for businesses and residents over the 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
Bridge authority chairman resigns
Morgan Lamb, chairman of the Santa Rosa Bay Bridge Authority, which oversees the Garcon Point Bridge, announced his resignation last week.
County seeks proposals for $4.3 million in local RESTORE funding
Millions of dollars are about to start flowing from monetary penalties associated with the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Santa Rosa County plans to announce Dec. 16 the availability of roughly $4.3 million for local projects. It’s the first of several phases of RESTORE funding directly allocated to the county.
Quinn earns lifetime achievement award
The Zoological Association of America Nov. 13 presented Pat Quinn, founder of Gulf Breeze Zoo, with a Lifetime Achievement Award during its annual conference held at Pensacola Beach. The award recognizes Quinn’s decades of dedication and countless contributions to the zoological industry.
Teacher salary negotiations stalled
Despite holding nine negotiation sessions since September, representatives from Santa Rosa Professional Educators (SRPE), the county’s teachers’ union, and Santa Rosa County District Schools officials have yet to agree upon teacher salaries.
County hires lobbyist
The Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners voted Dec. 3 to hire the Tallahassee-based lobbying firm of Johnson & Blanton. The county will contract the firm to lobby local interests at the state level for $60,000 per year.
Former teacher gets probation on DUI charge
A former Santa Rosa County teacher arrested April 18 on a DUI charge made an early plea deal, receiving one year’s probation. Additionally, a third-degree felony count for cruelty against a child was dropped by prosecutors.
Day care owner assigned Walton County judge
Thelma Denise Lowery, the Milton day care owner charged with first-degree murder in the Nov. 10 death of a 16-month-old toddler in her care, has been assigned a Walton County judge.
Veteran aided by service dog now returns the favor
SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Former Sgt. William Cole’s 29 months as a special operations soldier in Iraq and Afghanistan took its toll, leaving him with a traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder and memories of a lost buddy he befriended in Ranger school.