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.
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.
During a press conference earlier this month, Santa Rosa County Sheriff Bob Johnson said it felt as though there had been more homicides than usual in 2025. His comments came on the heels of the discovery of Danika Troy, a 14-year-old girl who was found murdered in Pace.
The Santa Rosa Press Gazette has learned additional information about the two teens accused in the death of 14-year-old Danika Troy in Floridatown in early December.
The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office alleges that a Pace man failed to report the discovery of a body and instead stole a scooter belonging to the deceased, later identified as Danika Troy.
On Monday night, Dec. 8, a few hundred people braved cold temperatures to remember the life of Danika Troy. The 14-year-old was killed earlier this month in what has become a highly publicized murder.
Two juveniles have been arrested in connection with the homicide of Danika Troy, 14, who was reported as a runaway Monday, Dec. 1. Troy’s body was found the following day and Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office confirmed it was Troy Dec. 3.
Florida State Representative Nathan Boyles, who represents District 3 in the State House, has introduced a bill to bring greater transparency to Florida’s judicial system.
