Community Archive

An approved background check is now required for Eglin Recreation Permitholders who hike on any of the more than 60 miles of the Florida Trail that cross the Eglin Air Force Base reservation, as well as for permitholders who explore other parts of the reservation’s nearly 255,000 acres that are open to conditional public access.

With the start of the new fiscal year came the first federal government shutdown since the 35-day shutdown in late 2018 and early 2019.

Walmart has found a new home on Berryhill Road in Pace. Last Wednesday, Sept. 17, hundreds of area residents enjoyed taking part in the Pace Walmart Neighborhood Market’s grand opening festivities. The store is an addition to a rapidly growing community, with convenience being a major factor welcomed by residents.

The Emerald Coast will have to wait an extra week for the Blue Angels’ return this November.

Fifteen nonprofit organizations from Escambia and Santa Rosa counties were named finalists for the 2025 IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area’s grants.
Over the years, IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area, a women’s philanthropic organization, has awarded 165 grants worth $17,492,000 to local nonprofits.

Twenty-four years ago, Sept. 11 became an infamous date in the annals of American history.
Four planes were hijacked, with three crashing into major American buildings, such as the Pentagon and Twin Towers of the World Trade Center. Nearly 3,000 people died, including hundreds of first responders.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is seeking community support for their Trail Town program and related efforts to pave the US-90 Trail Corridor that runs through Mil-ton—a designated “trail town.” Without secured funding, nearly two-thirds of the corridor remains unpaved in Santa Rosa County.

Facing a decade in prison, Milton father Sean Hollonbeck went to trial Tuesday, Aug. 25, in Santa Rosa County. Hollonbeck was ultimately acquitted on charges of false imprisonment and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
The charges were related to a 2024 incident in which Hollonbeck held an Uber driver at gun-point. Throughout his time facing the charges, Hollonbeck maintained he acted as any parent would under the circumstances.

Alligator hunting season in Florida began Aug. 15 at midnight. Within just a few hours, what will likely be one of the biggest gators of the season was caught on the Yellow River in Santa Rosa County.

This July, Stuff the Bus, the annual donations drive organized by United Way of West Florida, brought together Escambia and Santa Rosa County residents to support local schools and students for the 2025-26 school year.