The number of new COVID0-19 cases in Santa Rosa County increased slightly from 811 cases the week before to 827 this past week. The number of new vaccinations dropped by nearly 300 in the same time frame, down to 721 from 1,088.

The Coast Guard and partner agencies are searching for a 9-year-old boy who went missing while swimming near Panama City, Florida Saturday.

The boy was last seen wearing green shorts.

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.

A small stretch of privately owned road in the Gulf Breeze area has been closed until full repairs can be made. But it’s not clear who will fund these repairs.