Santa Rosa County announced the completion of a $1 million living shoreline project at Floridatown Park with a ribbon-cutting ceremony June 16, completing a project that officials say will protect nearly 1,000 feet of bayfront from coastal erosion that has steadily damaged it since hurricanes Ivan and Sally.

R.C. Pittman described his decision to run for Santa Rosa County Commission as less of a political move and more of a divine directive, and is one of six qualified candidates on the District 2 ballot.

 A TORNADO WATCH is in effect for our area until 5 p.m. today as post-tropical cyclone Arthur is now a trough across SE Texas extending into SW Louisiana, according to the National Hurricane Center.

With a flash flood watch in effect until late Friday, Santa Rosa County’s public works department is making sand available at four locations on a first-come, first-served basis as the effects of Tropical Storm Arthur head our way.

Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins launched what he called his “Come and Take It” tour on June 16 during a campaign stop at Gray Man Armory in Milton, saying that he will push to repeal Florida’s red flag laws, lift a bump stock ban lower the age for firearm purchases to 18-to-20-year-olds.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is investigating three people for their alleged roles in the death of an alligator in Milton.

The three people allegedly trapped, transported and killed an 8.5-foot alligator.

A proposed constitutional amendment expanding Florida’s homestead property tax exemption could leave nearly all of the homesteaded property owners in Milton exempt from city property taxes within two years.

Several Santa Rosa County residents urged the Santa Rosa County Commission on June 9 to take a public stand against bringing artificial intelligence data centers to the area, warning that the facilities could strain the region’s electricity, water and natural resources.

No serious injuries were reported after a Florida Highway Patrol trooper rear-ended another vehicle on Interstate 10 in Santa Rosa County, according to a news release from the Florida Highway Patrol.

As Gov. Ron DeSantis’s push for property tax cuts heads to the November ballot, local leaders across Okaloosa County are preparing for tightened budgets over the next several years as Rep. Nathan Boyles defends his no vote on the house floor.