News Archive

Kip McKendrie Walker, 53, of Gulf Breeze was arrested March 4, 2025, on a first degree misdemeanor charge of Conservation – Environment for his role in the pollution and illicit discharge into Mulat Bayou. The charge is for failing to obtain a DEP permit to comply with the law.

Falls Church, Va. – Thirty-five Air National Guard and 10 Reserve component Airmen executed a surge initiative to address severe backlogs at military entrance processing stations across the United States throughout 2024. This effort, characterized by its rapid implementation and innovative solutions, underscores the vital role the Guard and Reserve play in recruiting the next generation of service members.

In a show of unity and cooperation, the Santa Rosa County board of commissioners came together without objection or heated discussion to put together an 11-member Land Development Code Task Force.

At the last meeting on the issue, the public expressed their discontent telling commissioners the task force was builder heavy and citizen shy. It led to disagreements between commissioners as to how the committee should be built and the number of members on the task force.

Santa Rosa County District Schools food service provider, Chartwells K12, won second place at the Santa Rosa Kids’ House Chili Cook-Off Feb. 22.

The ninth annual Chili, Cars, & Kids chili cook-off at the Douglas A. Dillon Administrative Complex in Milton. Contestants competed in the community chili cook-off while classic cars were on display. Proceeds from the event benefit the Santa Rosa Kids’ House, which works to protect and advocate for abused and neglected children.

Santa Rosa County residents have the opportunity to provide input on key topics related to the county’s Land Development Code (LDC) as part of the review by the LDC Task Force.

At the Board of County Commissioners meeting on Feb. 27, two local groups and neighbors were recognized for cleaning up 25,000 dead mullet after Winter Storm Enzo.

The record-breaking snowfall in Santa Rosa County starting Jan. 21, 2025, brought prolonged cold temperatures to shallow waters of the Wright basin and Blackwater River, resulting in a massive mullet kill off.

Santa Rosa Animal Services is launching its third annual kennel sponsorship. The sponsorships raise funds for outsourced medical care.

The funds will also go toward foster support, microchip and rabies clinics, spay/neuter programs, and community outreach. All of it is incorporated into their Partners for Pets program that they utilize for medical cases.

A Navarre woman’s 2022 death has reentered the spotlight as her ex-boyfriend and the father of her child was set to go on trial April 28 for allegedly kidnapping her, which resulted in her death. The federal trial of Marcus Spanevelo, who is alleged to have transported Navarre resident Cassie Carli’s body to Alabama and buried it in a shallow grave in Springville, a 40-minute drive from Birmingham, is being examined by a capital review committee to see if he could possibly face the death penalty.

The Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary Program announced they anticipate awarding $250,000 to help restore and protect local waterways. They also announced some changes to the PPBEP Community Grant Program.

Airmen and families gathered for a memorial run to honor the crew members of Ratchet 33 at Hurlburt Field, Feb. 13, 2025.