A nurse shark that had apparently won a battle with a fisherman became snagged July 8 at the Navarre Beach Marine Sanctuary Gulf-side reef. Thanks to the quick response of two divers and a local swimmer, the shark was freed and able to go on its way.
The Florida Forest Service (FFS) has a new forester to help private landowners with forest land and urban trees in Escambia County. Cathy Hardin was the Gadsden County Forester for the past four years and is returning to her home county of Escambia to be the County Forester. Hardin joins Ian Stone in and Maria Wilson, who serve the remainder of the tri-county area.
A juvenile loggerhead sea turtle returned to the Gulf of Mexico July 9 after several months of rehabilitation at the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park in Fort Walton Beach. The turtle, named Captain Hook by Gulfarium staff members, was released 60 miles from Pensacola by a team of researchers from the University of Florida.
It can be difficult for Airmen to focus on the mission when they worry about their children. However, one very special preschool teacher can give parents peace of mind.
Two Security Forces Air Commandos raised money and spent time putting together a fallen defender memorial wall at the 1st Special Operations Security Forces Squadron at Hurlburt Field.
Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel met with pilots at Eglin Air Force Base before speaking to troops inside a hangar there July 10. Hagel said he was confident in the F-35 aircraft, which is currently grounded and under investigation after one of the aircraft caught fire on the runway June 23.
An increase in the number of liquid-nicotine-related child poisonings has prompted a Senate committee to file legislation to child-proof the product that is used in vapor devices including e-cigarettes.
A hearing will be held July 21 for the Gulf Breeze teen arrested for the Christmas Eve stabbing death of his mother, Sharon Aydelott, a Holley-Navarre Middle School teacher.
Santa Rosa County Commissioners approved pursuing more defense grant funding at their July 10 board meeting. County staff is preparing a $200,000 request to acquire more land around NAS Whiting Field. Additionally, a separate $73,630 request to fund the county military affairs consultant and provide for military-related economic and community activities is also being sought.
