State Sen. Don Gaetz said he will file legislation overhauling the Florida Department of Children and Families in the next legislative session, outlining 10 provisions at a news conference at the Santa Rosa County Courthouse on Sept. 4.
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New Pea Ridge principal sets sights on ‘A’ grade
The new principal of Pea Ridge Elementary School has set a clear goal for her first year: Move the school from a “B” to an “A.”
Man who found Danika Troy’s body, took scooter sentenced to prison
The man who first found Danika Troy’s body in the woods off Kimberly Road in Floridatown has been sentenced to prison.
The chaplain who helps others on their worst day
For 26 years, when someone in Santa Rosa County has faced one of the worst days of their life, Bill Wright has often been the man walking in behind first responders.
Applications open for Leadership Santa Rosa Class 40
Applications are open for the 40th class of Leadership Santa Rosa, with a deadline of midnight Sept. 15.

Shoutout to Milton High School
I want to give a shout-out to the staff at Milton High School! It is obvious how deeply the staff cares about the kids and how hard they work every day to ensure every student’s needs are met. While no school is perfect, their genuine concern and dedication truly make all the difference.
Shoutout to unnamed very caring individuals
My husband and I were waiting outside a local restaurant to meet friends for dinner. We observed a woman holding the arm of a man with a cane. He was having great difficulty stepping down from the curb to get to his vehicle. It appeared that he might have been recovering from a stroke. My husband walked over to assist them. The three were quickly joined by other adults, young and old. After awhile, the group was able, with care and patience, to help him step off the curb and to his vehicle.
Shoutout to Co-Workers
Priscilla W. is giving a shoutout to BURNS and MCRAE. You guys are awesome to work with. I love working with you guys. We work great as a team!!!
Shoutout to the Milton Community!
Give a shoutout to someone who went above and beyond for you or our community!
Have a Shoutout to share?
Click the button below to submit your shoutout!
Milton man arrested for November hit-and-run involving one death

A Milton man was arrested Sept. 2 in connection with a hit-and-run crash that killed a pedestrian on Old Bagdad Highway last November, according to a news release from the Florida Highway Patrol.
Florida Now
Sports

New era begins for Pensacola State’s women’s soccer team
Pensacola State women’s soccer coach Mark Yepshin remembers when his Pensacola State women’s soccer team only had a practice field and had to play its home games at the Ashton Brosnaham Complex.
Congrats to our Athletes and Students of the Week!
More than a name: Family, friends recount former Santa Rosa superintendent’s life
Benny Russell is a name many in the community may be familiar with. Football stadiums, sports fields, a park, an elementary school and a section of highway bear his name.
The chaplain who helps others on their worst day
For 26 years, when someone in Santa Rosa County has faced one of the worst days of their life, Bill Wright has often been the man walking in behind first responders.
Volunteer riders quietly represent the Santa Rosa sheriff’s office
For more than 20 years, a group of volunteers on horseback has represented the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office at parades, school visits and law enforcement memorials, with many residents not knowing such a group exists.
















