FLSHMV: State DMV records hacked by cybercriminals
September 14, 2026
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLSHMV) is reporting a data breach of the state’s Driver and Vehicle Information Database, also known as DAVID.
The department learned of…
Inmate gets 15 years for choking cellmate to death in Santa Rosa prison
September 10, 2026
A Santa Rosa County jury found a state prison inmate guilty of manslaughter in connection of a 2022 incident where he strangled his cellmate to death, according to a news release from the State Attor…
Contractor Jesse LaCoste sentenced to 30 years, ordered to pay $2.1 million in restitution
September 3, 2026
Jesse LaCoste, a Northwest Florida contractor convicted of racketeering and organized fraud, has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for a scheme that affected dozens of homeowners.
LaCoste was sent…
Gulf Breeze man charged with battery, vehicle theft
August 17, 2026
A Gulf Breeze man was arrested after he allegedly stabbed a woman with scissors and took her vehicle without permission.
Eric Lee Welch, 40, is charged with battery with domestic violence and vehicle…
Navarre father, son face obscenity-related charges
July 29, 2026
A Navarre man was arrested after investigators found obscene material on his electronic devices depicting bestiality.
Jeffrey Mayer, 64, is charged with animal cruelty, using a two-way communication…
Santa Rosa woman sentenced in $1.2 million theft case
July 28, 2026
A Santa Rosa County woman was sentenced to 12 years in prison on July 27 after pleading guilty to multiple charges related to stealing more than $1 million from a local electrical company.
Marine arrested in alleged vehicle theft in Gulf Breeze
July 23, 2026
A Marine stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, was arrested in Santa Rosa County after allegedly stealing a vehicle.
Jhustin James Baker, 22, is charged with vehicle theft. Booked into Santa Ros…
Former Jay town manager nominee arrested on sex offender violation
July 20, 2026
Editor’s Note: This article has been updated to reflect current information.
The former nominee to be the Town of Jay’s next town manager is behind bars after what the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Of…
Navarre man indicted for child exploitation crimes
July 16, 2026
A Navarre man has been indicted in federal court after he allegedly possessed child pornography.
Christopher Mayer, 32, is facing one count of conspiracy to distribute, receive and possess visual dep…
Former Holley-Navarre Intermediate bookkeeper arrested again
July 10, 2026
Becky Jean Lynch, the former bookkeeper at Holley-Navarre Intermediate School alleged to have stolen school funds, was back in a Santa Rosa County courtroom. This time for a different case.











