Feb 18, 2026
Free CERT course promises to bolster community emergency response
Santa Rosa County’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is holding a four-part event across two weekends to train county residents how to be prepared for emergencies and help their neighbors out when disaster strikes.
The basic CERT course will serve as an overview of emergency response. The first part of the course will be held Friday, Feb. 20, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Additional dates are Feb. 21 (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.), Feb 27 (6 p.m. to 8 p.m.) and Feb. 28 (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.).
Feb 17, 2026
WWII vet Duane Brewton recognized by Sen. Ashley Moody
Duane Brewton Jr. has lived a long life. From fighting in World War II to providing for his family to helping found Pensacola’s Brownsville Assembly of God, Brewton has done many things across his 109 years.
Despite his lifetime achievements, he had not been read into the Congressional Record until Feb. 12.
Feb 13, 2026
Local brothers acquire Southern Raceway ahead of racing season
When Southern Raceway in East Milton went up for sale, some in the local racing community feared the property would be sold to a developer and that days at the dirt track would be a thing of the past.
That was also the fear of the Joiner brothers, Jonathan, Joseph and Joshua. As Joshua puts it, the brothers were practically raised at the track.
Feb 11, 2026
County installs new signs to keep large trucks off Bagdad bridges
Sit on a front porch facing Forsyth Street long enough and you’ll see the traffic.
Large trucks breezing by, people speeding and the twice-a-day congregation of cars coming and going from Bagdad Elementary School are fixtures on the main drag through this otherwise sleepy community.
Feb 11, 2026
Ash Wednesday begins Lenten season at St. Rose of Lima in Milton
Wednesday, Feb. 18, marks the annual tradition of Ash Wednesday in the Christian faith.
Ash Wednesday is a time of reflection and renewed focus on Christ, his teachings and each person’s faith journey. The day will also mark the beginning of the Lenten period, a season of prayer and fasting which lasts for 40 days until Easter Sunday.
Feb 11, 2026
Sidewalk closure at West Spencer Field/South Spencer Field roads
The sidewalks at the intersection of West Spencer Field and South Spencer Field Roads are now closed to all pedestrian traffic for the construction of a roundabout. This is only for the portion of the sidewalks within the project area. Sidewalks past these points remain open for use.
Feb 6, 2026
Milton High grad part of flyover at NFL’s biggest game
Caleb Champion is headed to the Super Bowl.
Not as a player, but as a pilot. The Milton High alum is set to be part of a flyover for the NFL’s biggest game Sunday night at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif.
Not as a player, but as a pilot. The Milton High alum is set to be part of a flyover for the NFL’s biggest game Sunday night at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif.
Feb 4, 2026
Worship event planned for Covington Mercantile in Milton
Come all ye faithful!
Covington Mercantile & Coffee Co. will host a special evening of acoustic worship music Friday, Feb. 27, at its 5675 Highway 90 location in Milton.
Feb 2, 2026
Santa Rosa County Library System marks 20 years in 2026
The Santa Rosa County Library System will mark its 20th anniversary in 2026, with celebrations planned throughout the year.
Feb 2, 2026
Sea turtle center volunteer also an artist, author, white water rafter
Maggie Benham is involved with many things.
From volunteering at the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center (NBSTCC) to instructing people on whitewater rafting to creating art, Benham is a sort of “jack-of-all-trades.” Or rather, a “Jill of all trades.”















