Aug 27, 2025
‘He’s a biggun’
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.
Aug 27, 2025
New beginnings and fresh faces: UWF president welcomes students on move-in day
The University of West Florida held their annual move-in day Aug. 21, helping fresh faces and returning students to their residence halls and dorm rooms in efficient, welcoming fashion.
Aug 25, 2025
Chumuckla Elementary among top schools in state for positive behavior
If you walk into your child’s school, there is a chance you might hear they belong to a “house” or have received a “feather.” Don’t be alarmed. They are partaking in their school’s PBIS program.
Aug 25, 2025
Stuff the Bus garnered $78K in school supplies, donations in 2025
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.
Aug 25, 2025
City of Milton receives nearly $17 million grant for wastewater treatment plant
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection awarded $150 million worth of grants to communities across the state on Thursday, Aug. 14. Nearly $17 million was donated to the City of Milton for the city to build its new wastewater treatment plant.
Aug 25, 2025
FWC seeking help from the public regarding bear found shot in Santa Rosa County
On July 25, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) responded to a report of a deceased bear found on Lovewood Drive in Navarre in Santa Rosa County. The bear had been killed by a gunshot wound to its side.
Aug 22, 2025
USDA plan for New World Screwworm prevention includes $750 million facility
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is taking the fight to the New World Screwworm, a pest known for its devastating effect on livestock.
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins’ announcement builds upon the five-pronged plan laid out by the department in June. According to the USDA, the plan’s implementation will require the coordinated efforts of federal, state, local and private partners.
Aug 22, 2025
20-acre borrow pit in the works for Chumuckla farmland
A 20-acre borrow pit is planned for a 165-acre lot just off of Rainbow Lane in Milton. While a development order hasn’t been issued, the owner of the land and engineers for the project have submitted a number of plans for the proposed site. With the influx of development in the county, it’s possible that the borrow pit will be used to provide materials to small subdivisions or building projects in the area. Materials from borrow pits can be used in large-scale infrastructure projects as well.
Aug 20, 2025
Scammers use public meeting agendas as a cash-grab
When clicking some items on the Santa Rosa County website, you’ll find that instead of just taking you to your requested page, a pop-up appears. It looks inconspicuous—a simple white box with black text, two options pictured at the bottom: DO NOT SHOW AGAIN or CLOSE.
Aug 20, 2025
Forging tomorrow’s leaders through STEM mentorship
What begins as curiosity in the classroom can become innovation in a lab – specifically when guided by the right mentors.
Eglin interns shared the results of their six-week Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics journey July 31 during a project showcase for 96th Test Wing senior leadership and community partners.