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Stories by Ben Johnson

Stories by Ben Johnson

Commissioners approve Rescue Plan expenditure categories; prioritize infrastructure

October 3, 2021

More money is coming to Santa Rosa County, and the county commissioners tentatively decided where the money should be spent.

During the Sept. 28 commission meeting, Grants and Special Programs Director Lani Birchett presented the commissioners with potential expenditure categories for American Rescue Plan Act funding that Santa Rosa will receive after May 19, 2022.

Preserve Navarre survey demonstrates incorporation possibility

October 2, 2021
Preserve Navarre Director Wes Siler provided a study to the Board of County Commissioners last week illustrating that Navarre citizens may be open to incorporation.

Approved county strategic plan leaves commissioners with mixed emotions

September 29, 2021

The Board of County Commissioners tasked Matrix Design Group to enhance and complete a strategic plan for Santa Rosa County.

However, when Matrix presented the Santa Rosa Strategic Plan 2035 during Tuesday’s commission meeting, the commissioners were not unified in their feelings toward the final product.

Commissioners approve budget after property tax discussion

September 23, 2021
Although the county commissioners have not increased the county millage rate in over 30 years, citizens were worried about a “sneaky tax” as the commissioners approved the fiscal year 2022 budget Sept. 22.

Commissioners approve industrial park sale, will house Fortune 500 company

September 23, 2021
The Board of County Commissioners voted to accept a bid to purchase 50 acres of the Northwest Florida Industrial Park at I-10 from Santa Rosa County.

Commissioner provides updates on Boulevard, waste hauling and environmental fines

September 20, 2021

In case you missed District 4 Commissioner Dave Piech’s monthly Zoom meeting on Monday, here are the top discussion points:

  • Santa Rosa County asked Triumph Gulf Coast Inc., a nonprofit corporation that allocates funds for economic damages from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, for $15 million to buy nearly 200 acres of land near the Northwest Florida Industrial Park at I-10 to spur economic development. County staff have completed the first of three phases for approval.

Commissioners vote to support governor’s vaccination policy

September 19, 2021

The Board of County Commissioners voted to support Gov. Ron DeSantis’ stance that COVID-19 vaccinations for government employees should be optional.

District 2 Commissioner Bob Cole told the commissioners that he felt Santa Rosa County should not support mandatory vaccinations for county employees, labeling it as a freedom to choose.

Florida judge appointed as new Santa Rosa County attorney

September 15, 2021
After nine months using interim attorneys, the Board of County Commissioners voted to appoint a new county attorney to serve Santa Rosa.

2022 budget balanced ahead of final hearing

September 14, 2021
After many meetings and moving money around, Santa Rosa County has tentatively balanced the budget for fiscal year 2022.

Property tax rate to remain unchanged

September 10, 2021
The Santa Rosa millage rate, also known as property taxes, will remain the same for at least the twelfth consecutive year.
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