2026 will serve as an opportunity for many Floridians to elect new leaders or reaffirm their satisfaction with those already representing them in local, state and federal offices.
In Santa Rosa County, primary elections are set for Aug. 18, with early voting from Aug. 3 to Aug. 15. The general election will be held Nov. 3, with early voting from Oct. 19 to Oct. 31.
A man connected with the Danika Troy crime scene has pleaded not guilty to charges he stole from the scene and failed to report her death. Troy, 14, was murdered last month and her body was found in the woods off Kimberly Road in Floridatown.
The intersection of West Spencer Field Road, South Spencer Field Road, and Giddens Lane will be closed beginning Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, for the construction of a roundabout. Weather permitting, work is expected to be completed by early August 2026.
16-year-old Gabriel Williams’ and 14-year-old Kimahri Blevins’ court files regarding the Danika Troy murder case have been made available to the public. This suggests the minors will be tried as adults.
The Krewe of Airship Pirates took toy drives to a new level this year, hosting a toy drive and a celebration on the drive’s final day that featured circus performers, chili dogs, hot chocolate and Santa Claus arriving in style by helicopter.
Motorists would no longer have to peel and place yellow vehicle registration stickers on their license plates, under a measure filed Friday for the 2026 regular session that begins Jan. 13.
Thomas L. Sims Middle School Dean of Students Joshua Parm resigned Nov. 17 while under investigation by Santa Rosa County District Schools. At the time of his resignation and the district’s statement confirming his departure, the reason for the investigation was not disclosed.
