After more than four decades in the newspaper business, Tim Smolarick is bringing his experience and passion for local journalism to Sandpaper Publishing as group publisher.

Milton Police Chief Jennifer Frank told members of the Santa Rosa County Chamber of Commerce Sept. 16 that parents worried about their children online are usually asking the wrong questions.

The Milton City Council adopted a $72.4 million budget for the upcoming fiscal year on Sept. 15, up $10.2 million.

An online petition urging a proposed YMCA in Pace to include a community pool is being aimed at Santa Rosa County officials, but the county’s planning director said the design decision rests with the nonprofit, which has not yet bought the land.

Santa Rosa County will hold a Board of County Commissioners meeting on Sept. 22 at 8:30 a.m. at the Santa Rosa County Administrative Building in Milton. The county calendar confirms the regular meeting for that date and time.

Shari Sebastiao seeks a Milton City Council seat this November, saying her past experience and continued involvement make her the better candidate.

A 46-year-old Milton man was arrested Sept. 12 on domestic violence and firearm charges after the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office served an arrest and search warrant, according to reports.

Escambia and Santa Rosa counties have partnered to deploy hundreds of new reefs in the Gulf to further enhance marine ecosystems and fishing opportunities for locals and tourists combined.

The Milton Fire Department has been awarded $25,195 in grant funding for new rescue equipment, according to a news release from the city of Milton on Sept. 16.

The grant finalists for IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area’s annual meeting have been announced.

The philanthropic women’s organization has selected 20 nonprofit organizations for 2026. According to IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area, 13 of the 20 finalists will receive a grant of $101,000 during the annual meeting. The meeting will be held Oct. 11.