Feb 7, 2023
Brian Out Loud
Haason Reddick leads the NFL in sacks. He’s having a postseason to remember.
And on Sunday he’ll play in the Super Bowl with the NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles.
Jan 31, 2023
For God’s Sake: The “water” Jesus offers is eternal life
The little girl’s face wrinkled up with incredulity and mild horror. “You drink sink water?!” she gasped.
My wife was drawing water from the tap at the kitchen sink, “Yes, don’t you?” “No!” the girl replied as if being asked if she drank from a toilet bowl.
Jan 31, 2023
Dusting Off
In the 20-plus years I have been a journalist, I have covered hundreds of events, written thousands of stories. However, the story that had probably the biggest impact on my life wasn’t even a story that I wrote.
In October 2016, I was the editor of two different weekly newspapers, one that sadly isn’t around any longer and the other is not the paper that it used to be because of budget cuts, which is just as sad. That was when we found out that Alaqua Animal Refuge had rescued dozens of Great Danes.
Jan 31, 2023
Let’s rethink Black History Month
It’s time for the United States to rethink Black History Month. And not just Black History Month.
We need to reconsider every “set-aside” day, week and month. Why? Notice, we didn’t say “abolish” Black History Month. Instead, we should ask whether such set-asides accomplish what they could, or should? We’re not so sure.
Jan 24, 2023
WWTP debate proves civil discourse is possible in SRC
Three weeks ago, we used this space to call out Santa Rosa County’s political community; it’s only fair to use it today to say we’ve noticed positive change.
During the calendar year just passed, city council and county commission meetings too often devolved into chaos, with residents addressing the boards, elected officials – even staff – at times resorting to angry accusations, rebuttals and personal attacks.
Jan 24, 2023
DeSantis going after Disney still doesn’t sit right
It still surprises me that one of the biggest stories of last year in Florida was Gov. Ron DeSantis vs. Disney and that DeSantis not only won, but he crushed them.
Earlier this month, we got our first look at what the changes to the Reedy Creek Improvement District, the special district created in 1967 and signed into law by then Gov. Claude Kirk Jr.
Jan 24, 2023
For God’s Sake: We are shaped by trials of many kinds
My wife and I have a few reality TV series that we like to watch.
Over a year, we binge-watched the cooking show “MasterChef Australia” relying heavily on closed captioning to comprehend the Aussie accent.
Jan 24, 2023
Brian Out Loud
A total of 258 picks. Only 48 selected.
You do the math. The odds of being a women’s pro soccer player aren’t quite slim to none, but they are only a few houses down the street in the neighborhood.
Jan 17, 2023
Some things aren’t easier with time
It’s hard for me to believe, but I have lived in Northwest Florida for more than 20 years now.
I moved down here from Indiana back in November 2002. At the time, my best friend and his girlfriend, now his wife, moved to Okaloosa Island to take jobs at some local newspapers.
Jan 17, 2023
MLK’s dream is not over
Over the long holiday weekend, communities around Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties and the nation came together to celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.
It is a legacy that everyone would do well to not only remember, but to take to heart.