The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles recently announced a change in policy regarding how driver license exams are proctored. Starting Friday, Feb. 6, all driver license knowledge and skills examinations will be administered exclusively in English. The state also mentioned in a press release that exams must be taken without an interpreter.

The City of Milton has appointed Jacob Hullett as the City’s new Planning Director. He will replace Tim Milstead. A lifelong Santa Rosa County resident, Hullett was born and raised in the Milton area and is a graduate of Milton High School.

In addition to Monday, Jan. 26, and Tuesday, Jan. 27, the cold weather shelter for the homeless and/or heatless will be open on the nights of Wednesday, Jan. 28, Thursday, Jan. 29, and Friday, Jan. 30 at Ferris Hill Baptist Church, 6848 Chaffin St. in Milton.

Customers of Bagdad-Garcon Point Water System along Dickerson City Road and in surrounding areas are under a precautionary boil water notice.

The Milton Police Department has arrested a suspect in connection with an animal cruelty investigation involving a dog at So Pawsh Dog Grooming in Milton located at 6056 Doctor’s Park Rd, Milton, FL 32570. Kerree J. Patterson, 37, is charged with animal cruelty.

An alleged burglary Friday, Jan. 16, led to the arrest of four people in Milton. The burglary plot was foiled by a neighbor, who noticed the alleged burglars in action and alerted the homeowner. Deputies from the Sheriff’s Office soon responded and the suspects were apprehended after initially attempting to flee.  

Due to network repairs, January utility bills for the City of Milton have not yet been issued. Additionally, some customers did not receive a mailed December utility bill; those charges are available in the billing system

A man has died in Jay following a hunting accident.

Santa Rosa Education Foundation has announced the three finalists selected from five semifinalists for Santa Rosa Teacher of the Year. Congratulations to Audra Hughes, Avalon Middle, Bayleigh Upton, Jay High, Dayna Hood, Milton High.

A Milton man is behind bars after allegedly shooting and killing another man. Cameron Rayshaun Keys, 22, is charged with manslaughter for the killing of Tyler James Caraway-Appleby, 21.