Jan 12, 2026
Santa Rosa sheriff pushes back, calls accuser a “liar”
Santa Rosa County Sheriff Bob Johnson delivered a forceful rebuttal Thursday after county commissioners invited him to address allegations raised at their Dec. 11 meeting.
“After hearing Rickie Cotton come up here and spew lies, it really got to me,” Johnson said from the podium. “Rickie Cotton is a liar.”
Jan 12, 2026
Milton man arrested after alleged shooting on Galahad Trail
A Milton man is behind bars after allegedly shooting and killing another man.
Cameron Rayshaun Keys, 22, is charged with manslaughter for the killing of Tyler James Caraway-Appleby, 21.
Jan 9, 2026
NAS Whiting Field named Best Small Base in the Navy, nominated for other award
Commander, Navy Installations Command, Vice Adm. Scott Gray, announced in a message Jan.1 that Naval Air Station Whiting Field was the Navy’s top pick in the small installation category for the CNIC 2026 Installation Excellence Award program.
Jan 9, 2026
Cold weather shelter to open Jan. 11 and 12
The cold weather shelter for the homeless and/or heatless will be open on the night of Sunday, Jan. 11, and Monday, Jan. 12 at Ferris Hill Baptist Church, 6848 Chaffin St. in Milton.
Jan 7, 2026
Military, social media issues key for Patronis in 2026
As the U.S. House of Representatives and the rest of the nation wrapped up 2025, Santa Rosa Press Gazette spoke with Jimmy Patronis, the Republican representative of Florida’s 1st Congressional District, about his expectations and legislative priorities for 2026.
Jan 6, 2026
FWC: 52 bears killed during 2025 bear hunt
The 2025 bear hunt, approved by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission after months of meetings and a comment period, has concluded. In total, 52 black bears were harvested.
Jan 6, 2026
With 2026 elections later this year, candidates file in
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.
Jan 5, 2026
Man who allegedly stole from Danika Troy crime scene pleads not guilty
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.
Jan 2, 2026
Prescribed burns in north Santa Rosa County Jan. 2
On Friday, Jan. 2, a contractor is planning to conduct two prescribed burns on private lands that could be visible to passing motorists.
Dec 30, 2025
Intersection of West Spencer Field/South Spencer Field Roads, Giddens Lane to close
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.















