Community Archive

The Fenner Ride, a crucial Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida fundraiser, drew 275 registrants this year.

Over a century after welcoming its first visitors, the Jones House on Henry Street continues to thrive as a popular gathering place — both for the Panhandle Butterfly House, its current occupant, and, as some claim, the spirits of those who lived there long ago.

On Aug. 10, 2024, the Santa Rosa County racing community lost a beloved figure. That day, James Fox, 33, of DeFuniak Springs, suffered a medical emergency during a race at Southern Raceway in Milton. His car crashed into the concrete wall and fence that surrounded the track.

Over the weekend participants carried 138 pounds of weight for 138 miles with one goal in mind — to honor the fallen.

While it only lasted a few innings, before rain forced their game’s postponement, Miracle League of Santa Rosa County participants were having a blast playing baseball Thursday, Oct. 3.

Pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, play an important role in the lives of plants and, by extension, humans.

Mya Waitman was crowned homecoming queen at halftime of Milton’s football game against Mosley Monday night.

With animal shelters across the nation facing an overcrowding crisis, thousands of highly adoptable pets are waiting for their second chances. Santa Rosa County Animal Services (SRCAS) is proud to partner with BISSELL Pet Foundation, a national animal welfare organization dedicated to ending pet homelessness, for its Fall National “Empty the Shelters.” From October 1 – 15, BISSELL Pet Foundation will sponsor reduced adoption fees of $50 or less at more than 390 shelters in 44 states. All adoption fees at SRCAS will be just $10 for both cats and dogs, October 1 – 15. View adoptable pets online at www.santarosa.fl.gov/405/Search-Adoptable-Pets.

Last week, the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office Detention K9 Team placed fourth overall in the annual Manhunt Trials hosted by Escambia County Road Prison. The Detention K9 Unit, led by Sergeant Robert Lenzo, is comprised of five handlers and six canines. Their skills range from contraband detection, electronics detection and tracking.

It’s the end of September, meaning fall is finally here.

Break out the pumpkin spice, the decorations and get ready to enjoy all of the fun activities associated with the season. For many families, those activities may start with a trip to a local pumpkin patch, and there are several to choose from.