Florida’s Republican-controlled Legislature, dealing with the fallout of a sharply critical decision by the state’s highest court, will hold a nearly two-week special session in August to draw up new congressional districts.

It’s been 50 years since a pass connected the Santa Rosa Sound to the Gulf of Mexico. And with it, 50 years of hoping for a second chance.

The recent award of a Santa Rosa County contract for military affairs consulting to a company that had been administratively dissolved by the Florida Division of Corporations raises questions about how such applicants are vetted, said Commissioner Bob Cole.

Gov. Rick Scott Monday directed the flags of the United States and the State of Florida to be flown at half-staff in honor of the five service members who were murdered at recruiting centers in Chattanooga, Tenn., last week. The order is effective immediately throughout the state until sunset on the day of the final military member’s date of interment. 

The rezoning board is expected to discuss a conditional use to allow development of 19.2 acres adjacent to Baptist Medical Park on Navarre Parkway and Ortega Street for a senior living community.

For the first time in his nearly 20-year tenure, Santa Rosa County Administrator Hunter Walker suggested raising property taxes, and commissioners July 21 approved advertising a possible increase of up to 6.4 percent.

Santa Rosa County Commissioners Monday withheld support for a redesigned, less costly Navarre pedestrian overpass, citing issues such as a lack of public parking in the proposed area of U.S. 98 at Presidio Street.