With the potential of heavy rain in the forecast as a result of Tropical Depression Fred, Santa Rosa County does have sand available at several locations, including on the corner of Leisure Street and Citrus Drive in Navarre.

Sand is also available at Tiger Point Park in Gulf Breeze, Pace Fire and Rescue and on the corner of Pine Forest Road and Carroll Road in Milton.

Residents must bring their own shovels and sandbags.

No local impacts are expected through Saturday, but heavy rainfall and strong winds are possible in the area late Sunday and into early Monday. There is also an increased chance for rip currents through the weekend. Location for landfall is still uncertain.

Students returned to Santa Rosa Schools Tuesday mostly unmasked, although some educators erred on the side of caution. For the most part, everyone was ready to be there.

The Board of County Commissioners have received a litigation hold notice after a hotly debated discussion that ended in the commissioners voting to refuse amending the Navarre Beach lease agreement to allow construction of an RV Park.

The Santa Rosa County District Schools encourage the public to “stuff the bus” on July 22 to ensure that students in Santa Rosa County are equipped with the tools they need to succeed in the upcoming school year.

Santa Rosa County leaders joined officials from Leonardo Helicopters to cut the ribbon on a new maintenance facility at Peter Prince Airport where the company will begin local operations on Wednesday morning, July 14. Leonardo is an Italian aerospace company with North American headquarters and industrial operations in Philadelphia, PA that is expected to bring 50 new, high-paying jobs to the area.

Waste Pro Regional Vice President Ralph Mills presented Santa Rosa County with a $275,000 franchise fee Thursday. The fee is presented annually as part of the company’s collections agreement to have the ability to collect solid waste within the County.