A 64-year-old Milton man was arrested for allegedly trying to solicit a minor, but he was actually communicating with two undercover agents, according to a news release from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

Milton officials have begun reviewing the city’s zoning rules after the City Council rejected an ordinance that would have allowed a tattoo shop to open downtown.

Eight additional harvest days have been added to the 2026 Gulf private recreational red snapper season, allowing harvest to remain open continuously from Oct. 9 through Oct. 22.

These additional days will align recreational red snapper fishing opportunities across Florida’s Gulf and Atlantic coasts.

Another bear hunt is in the works for December.

Last year, a bear hunt was held in four specified hunting zones. The zones were within four of the seven Bear Management Units across the state. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), which approved and regulated the hunt, approximately 52 black bears were harvested, or killed.

One of the men vying to be the next governor of Florida stopped by Fort Walton Beach Wednesday, Sept. 30, to rally support and answer citizens’ questions.

Byron Donalds, the Republican Party of Florida’s nominee, spent most of the campaign event focusing on affordability.

Santa Rosa County is proposing to reformat its Land Development Code to make it easier to maintain and use, though county officials say no development regulations would be changed.

Santa Rosa County Animal Services will set pet adoption fees at just $10 for its Fall Fest Adoption Event on Saturday, Oct. 10, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the shelter in Milton, according to a news release from Santa Rosa County officials.

Santa Rosa County libraries will adjust their operating hours beginning Monday, Oct. 5. The change will affect all five libraries in the area, according to a news release from Santa Rosa County officials.

A pursuit involving a U-Haul pickup driver sent multiple deputies to the hospital and led to an arrest Tuesday, Sept. 29, in Midway.

Santa Rosa County commissioners on Sept. 22 approved a contract to install a new traffic signal on State Road 87, which is intended to control traffic as the industrial park in East Milton continues to grow.