Aug 28, 2014
Weather prompts busy weekend for firefighters
Last weekend’s extreme weather caused local fire departments to be busier than usual with responses to brush and structural fires.
Aug 28, 2014
$1 beach lease fees in the works
Navarre Beach leaseholders should see annual lease fees reduced to $1 soon. Commissioners plans to discuss the reduction Sept. 8. Additionally, federal legislation aimed to give Santa Rosa Island leaseholders fee simple ownership is gaining momentum.
Aug 28, 2014
Alcohol-involved shooting kills victim
20-year-old James “Hunter” Gates of Pace, Fl has been charged with homicide-negligent manslaughter after firing a shotgun while under the influence of alcohol.
Aug 28, 2014
Milton juvenile treatment center closed
The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) closed a treatment facility in Milton after they failed to implement corrective actions for deficiencies found. The center, closed as of Aug. 20, had operated a residential program called Santa Rosa Substance Abuse Treatment Center (SATC) as a low and moderate risk program operated by Youth Services International (YSI). The program provided gender-specific programs for adjudicated delinquent males 14 to 18 years old.
Aug 28, 2014
Heat scorches Northwest Florida
Last week Navarre saw some seriously scorching temperatures. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a warning for the weekend when temperatures and humidity soared. The NWS warned that most areas would see heat indices between 104 and 107 degrees while some locations were forecast to reach heat indices as high as 108-110.
Aug 28, 2014
All about the big yellow bus
The big yellow bus. It transports precious cargo. It battles aggravating traffic. It makes wide turns. Back to school season brought the school bus back into our lives and prompted many questions at the same time. Local parents have been concerned of heat and delays. They have also expressed thankfulness for the job the drivers do.
Aug 21, 2014
Low-cost spay, neuter program coming to Santa Rosa County
Santa Rosa County Animal Services received a $25,000 grant from Florida Animal Friend, Inc. to help launch a spay and neuter program. The grant was competitive with 26 programs being funded from a total of 37 applications.
Aug 21, 2014
Man sentenced for beating dog
A Fort Walton Beach man will spend nearly two years in prison for beating a dog with a piece of lumber and tampering with evidence related to the incident.
Aug 21, 2014
Realignment proposed for Fort Pickens Road
The Fort Pickens Area of Gulf Islands National Seashore is a popular spot for tourists and local residents, but according to Superintendent Dan Brown, a portion of the road leading to the fort is closed far too frequently due to high water and sand.
Aug 21, 2014
Local park part of $11 million makeover
Blackwater River State Park near Milton is one of 18 state parks and trails across Florida that has received an upgrade during the past 10 months. The project, to renovate restrooms and install a new pavilion roof, cost nearly $100,000.