The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office recently said good-bye to one long-time employee and then honored another one with a promotion.

Jeffrey “Bruce” Richards, 63, of Milton, was arrested on Dec. 11 on federal charges of distribution, receipt and possession of child pornography.

A woman was sent to the hospital and fuel was spilled into a ditch following a wreck in Navarre last Thursday.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) announced its proposed five-year work plan for District 3 earlier this month.  The district, which represents 16 counties in the Florida Panhandle, is set to receive an additional $300 million in infrastructure projects.

Leading up to the 2014 legislative session, three state lawmakers held a hearing seeking public input on Dec. 17 in Milton.  Approximately 50 people representing Santa Rosa County government, business and other entities attended — and about a dozen speakers discussed a variety of issues ranging from government spending to bear control and storm water mitigation. 

There are significant differences in the current pier management contract and the new agreement, which goes into effect Jan. 1.  Most notable are tighter financial controls and security measures, including pre-employment background screening in the aftermath of a Navarre Press investigation which prompted the firing of a registered sex offender who was hired to work at the pier.