$50 million courthouse projected
The numbers are in, and the proposed Santa Rosa County courthouse will cost about $50 million, regardless of which of three locations is selected. Commissioners Thursday, Aug. 14 will hold a public hearing to discuss related ballot language, leading up to the general election.
Turtles hooked, saved at pier
Folks on the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier (NBFP) jumped into action Aug. 12 as two sea turtle were rescued after being accidentally hooked.
Woman accused of killing newborn indicted
A Fort Walton Beach woman accused of killing her newborn child by putting her inside a plastic bag and placing her outside in a garbage can in February has been indicted on charges of First Degree Premeditated Murder and/or First Degree Felony Murder and Aggravated Child Abuse.
Santa Rosa legal staff costs top $275,000
Local attorney Roy V. Andrews officially became counselor for Santa Rosa County commissioners Aug. 4, following the resignation of former County Attorney Angie Jones, who had a $136,000 annual contract. Andrews’ negotiated $145,000 per year, plus a $400 monthly travel stipend.
2 local residents arrested after high-speed pursuit
The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office reported Aug. 11 that one person apprehended Friday night in Atmore, Alabama, following a high-speed pursuit had been arrested earlier the same week in Santa Rosa County and accused of narcotics-related crimes.
Candidates invited from far and wide for Gulf Breeze forum
The Gulf Breeze Area Chamber of Commerce and United Peninsula Association (UPA) hosted a candidate forum Aug. 11 that included invites to all statewide candidates, as well as candidates for Congress, the Florida House of Representatives, Circuit Judge and Santa Rosa County Commission and School Board.
Gulf Breeze stormwater rates may increase
The last time stormwater rates went up in the City of Gulf Breeze was 2012 when the monthly cost increased from $4.25 to $4.50. The city council Aug. 7 reviewed the stormwater fund’s projected budget for next year, which showed it would need an infusion of general fund revenue to be balanced.
Soundside Drive rezoning tops Zoning Board agenda
The Santa Rosa County Zoning Board is meeting in south Santa Rosa County Thursday evening and will consider a rezoning request for about 185 acres on Soundside Drive that is proposed for a new single family development. The request would change the property’s zoning from R1 to R1A, which provides for smaller lot sizes.
Traffic stop nets 3 on narcotics charges
Three Santa Rosa County residents, including one from Gulf Breeze, face narcotics charges after being arrested following a routine traffic stop.
US 98 projects: 2 on track, 1 delayed
What is more than 24 miles long and costs more than $47 million? Three construction projects along Highway 98 between the Hurlburt Main Gate at Cody Avenue in Okaloosa County and the Pensacola Bay Bridge in Gulf Breeze.














