The Florida Department of Health and Students Working Against Tobacco, support the banning of not just cigarettes at public parks, but all tobacco use. At the county commission meeting Feb. 10, they shared why.

Carl O’Neal has long been a resolute educator. This year marks his 59th year teaching and he was named one of five finalists for 2024 Teacher of the Year in Santa Rosa County.

On Jan. 9 at the Santa Rosa County Legislative Delegation meeting, Rep. Alex Andrade and Sen. Don Gaetz discussed the funding of various projects. The state has worked with a surplus in its budget over the past few years, but now Florida is trending toward a deficit of more than $6 billion.

At the Board of County Commissioners meeting on Dec. 12 they announced that a developer whose construction has caused runoff into Mulat Bayou was heavily fined.

During the biannual local RESTORE council meeting on Dec.3 the county reviewed projects that have been successfully completed and funds awarded for projects to begin.

The Santa Rosa County School District announced East Bay K-8 Principal as the Innovative Principal of the Year.

Three local veterans groups were given generous donations on Dec.4.

At the Stonebrook Golf Club in Pace the Emerald Coast Veterans Alliance, Inc. made a combined donation of $36,000 to three local veterans groups. The Emerald Coast Veterans Alliance was formed in 2019 as an all-volunteer 501©(3) charitable organization to support veterans in need throughout Northwest Florida. One of the ways they raise funds is through an annual benefit golf tournament.

The 2024 annual awards ceremony for the Lifeguard Ambulance Service of Santa Rosa County honored local lifeguards and emergency medical technicians (EMT) for their outstanding accomplishments. One local EMT was named the EMT of the Year for the state of Florida.

The Fenner Ride, a crucial Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida fundraiser, drew 275 registrants this year.

The War Horse Project of the Gulf Coast is a nonprofit that began as an equine therapy farm for veterans. Now, everyone is encouraged to enjoy the benefits of working with horses.

But the project is also now asking for the public’s help to feed the animals on the farm.