Stories by Madison DeVito
Stories by Madison DeVito
Santa Rosa County resident holds vigil for Charlie Kirk
October 3, 2025
On Sept. 10, the assassination of political activist Charlie Kirk shocked the nation. Outpourings of concern spread across social media, met equally with vitriol and celebration from other users. In the wake of the tragedy, Santa Rosa County resident Heather McIsaac hosted a vigil for Charlie Kirk on Sept. 13, honoring his memory and actions.
Leonardo opens first-ever Florida support center facility in Milton
October 3, 2025
Leonardo Helicopters US opened its first Florida facility, the Leonardo Florida Support Center, on Sept. 18, located just off NAS Whiting Field.
Fee increases coming to Santa Rosa County
October 3, 2025
At the Sept. 8 Board of County Commissioners meeting, commissioners discussed raising fees across Santa Rosa County—including on boats, parks and facility rental fees. Consensus across these discussions made it clear, such fee costs in the county would be going up. During the Sept. 11 commissioner meeting, the new fees were approved.
Opinions vs. lives: argument continues to take deadly turns
October 3, 2025
On Sept. 10, at 12:23 MT, right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, 31, was shot in the neck and killed in front of roughly 3,000 people on the Utah Valley University campus. The assassination has raised concern about political violence and prompted action across the country, including public forum statements made to Santa Rosa County Commissioners and statements from the commissioners themselves.
Flight, fun, futures
October 3, 2025
NAS Pensacola is nicknamed the “Cradle of Naval Aviation.”
In the military, it’s recognized as the birthplace of naval aviation—the home of the first formal naval aviation school, established on base in 1914. The base is also home to the National Naval Aviation Museum, which was established in 1962 and displays the rich history of the very profession it’s named for. In the last few years, the museum has hosted an annual event for Girls in Aviation Day on Nov. 1 to teach young women about the profession, cultivate a love for it, and encourage young women to pursue aerospace careers.
Leadership Santa Rosa begins a new chapter
October 3, 2025
On Sept. 9, after 41 years as a program of the Santa Rosa County Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Santa Rosa announced it is beginning a new chapter as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Higher fire assessments spark talks at county delegation meeting
October 3, 2025
Higher fire assessments were a hot topic at the Santa Rosa County delegation meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 23. Multiple attendees spoke their mind at the podium, with some stating they experienced hundreds of dollars’ worth of tax increases.
Plans indicate Santa Rosa County aquatic center in the cards
October 3, 2025
At the Sept. 22 Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners meeting, engineering, surveying, planning and design firm Baskerville-Donovan Inc. presented findings regarding plans for a Santa Rosa County pool.
Navarre Beach Boardwalk plans raise eyebrows
October 3, 2025
Plans for the Navarre Beach Boardwalk have been controversial since the project began. At the July 21 Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners Meeting, STOA Architects presented their boardwalk concept. This sparked concern among residents, and Navarre Beach Pier Manager Tamara Fountain spoke out at multiple meetings regarding the issue, stating that the county was wasting money, being careless and destroying Navarre.
Little hearts, big impact: S.S. Dixon primary raises $26K for American Heart Association
September 22, 2025
This past school year, S.S. Dixon Primary School raised $26,075 for the American Heart Association as part of the annual Kids Heart Challenge.