News Archive

The start of the new year will coincide with the start of a new Legislative Session.

On Jan. 9, state lawmakers, from both the State House of Representatives and State Senate, will reconvene for the 2024 Legislative Session. With supermajority control over both chambers, something the GOP accomplished following the 2022 elections, Republicans once again can pass legislation without having to get Democratic votes.

Fire closes Rio Bravo

A Mexican restaurant in Tiger Point remains closed following a fire early morning, Wednesday, Nov. 27. The blaze began sometime before 12:35 a.m., Nov. 27, at Rio Bravo Mexican Grill, located at 3755 Gulf Breeze Parkway.

Commissioners approve lease amendment for beach RV Park

Late into the special zoning board meeting Thursday night, Santa Rosa County Commissioners voted 3-2 to approve an amendment to Santa Rosa Development’s lease to allow an RV Park on the beach. Commissioner Sam Parker, Colten Wright and James Calkins voted in favor of the amendment, and Commissioners Kerry Smith and Ray Eddington opposed.

Starting Monday, Jan. 1, consumers can purchase qualifying back to school supplies exempt from tax during the 2023-2024 Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday. Passed by the Florida Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis, the sales tax holiday has two exemption periods, with the first occurring in July and August and the second occurring in January.

It’s a boy!

The Gulf Breeze Zoo announced the birth of a baby reticulated giraffe. Staff were on hand monitoring as Kenya, a 14-year-old giraffe, gave birth to the 6’3” 160 lb. male on July 13 shortly before midnight. The baby giraffe has not been officially named yet. Both mother and baby are healthy and thriving.

Keeping pace with growth

To keep up with the population growth, Midway Fire District Chief Jonathan Kanzigg, announced plans to double the number of fire stations from two to four.

Santa Rosa County Commissioner Sam Parker is suing Chris Smith and his business, Gulf Coast Gun & Outdoor LLC, for using and profiting from Parker’s name and likeness without authorization.

Surprise retirement hike ‘squashes’ sheriff’s budget plans

An unexpected hike in the amount agencies pay into the Florida Retirement System wiped out plans to raise Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Office salaries, Chief Deputy Randy Tifft said last month.

Navarre’s Blue Angel

While the Blue Angels were flying over northwest Florida for their annual July show, not all Blue Angel pilots were in the skies. Bill Wheat, a Navarre resident, was watching from the comfort of a chair. At 91, Wheat is one of the oldest living Blue Angels. Wheat was the leader of the Navy’s flight demonstration squadron from 1967 to 1969 and has plenty of stories from his time with the Blue Angels and as a Vietnam veteran.

The cold weather shelter for the homeless and/or heatless will be open Thur., Dec. 28, Fri., Dec. 29 and Sat., Dec. 30 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.