NAS Whiting Field opens new air traffic control tower
Naval Air Station Whiting Field cut the ribbon on a new air traffic control tower at North Field on April 6, marking what installation leadership called a significant step forward in Naval aviation training infrastructure.
Ascension Sacred Heart Opens New ER in Pace
Ascension Sacred Heart on April 13 held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new freestanding emergency department in the Five Points area, bringing expanded emergency care services closer to north Santa Rosa County residents.
Milton mayor, residents call for US 90 improvements
Residents packed a public forum Tuesday evening to push for faster action on a long-stalled highway widening project they say has left the area dangerously unprepared for growth and storm evacuations.
Colorado State forecasters predict below-average 2026 Atlantic hurricane season
Researchers at Colorado State University are predicting a quieter-than-normal Atlantic hurricane season in 2026, citing an expected shift to El Niño conditions as the primary driver of the subdued outlook.
Amber Alert issued for missing 15-year-old from Milton
An AMBER Alert has been issued for a 15-year-old girl last seen in Milton, authorities said.
District offers temporary bus solution for Soundside transition
The Santa Rosa County School District has devised a temporary, cost-neutral transportation plan to help families navigate the split grade-level transition to Soundside High School, Superintendent Karen Barber told the school board April 2.
Santa Rosa County breaks ground on $30M wastewater plant in East Milton
Santa Rosa County broke ground April 8 on a new wastewater treatment plant at Milton Interchange Park, launching a $30.2 million infrastructure project officials say will unlock years of stalled economic growth in the East Milton area.
School Board mulls ID card program for students, citing safety concerns
The Santa Rosa County School Board voted April 2 to table a proposed student ID card policy after members raised concerns about child safety, data security and the burden the cards could place on low-income families.
Maternity season starts April 16 for Florida’s bats
Florida’s native and beneficial bat species typically roost in trees, caves or other natural spaces, but are sometimes attracted to buildings and other human-made structures, including buildings still undergoing construction. With bat maternity season starting soon, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is reminding the public April 15 is the last day to legally exclude bats from buildings without a permit, until Aug. 15.
Northwest Florida State College Nursing Director resigns after review finds drugs in unlocked campus closets
A new internal report by Northwest Florida State College obtained by the Crestview News Bulletin says the college improperly stored more than 170 pounds of live medications, including controlled substances such as morphine, fentanyl and a paralytic drug, in its School of Nursing building for an unknown period.














