The U.S. Construction industry, like many other skilled trade job sectors, is facing an “acute crisis,” according to Ed Brady, CEO of the Home Builders Institute.

In 2026, the construction industry is projected to need approximately 350,000 jobs. A surge in infrastructure projects, AI data facilities and manufacturing construction has driven the demand.

The sidewalks at the intersection of West Spencer Field and South Spencer Field Roads are now closed to all pedestrian traffic for the construction of a roundabout. This is only for the portion of the sidewalks within the project area. Sidewalks past these points remain open for use.

A Jay man has been charged with 10 counts of aggravated animal cruelty and five counts of animal cruelty after several animals were seized from his property.

A Navarre man was arrested Feb. 3 during a targeted narcotics operation in Milton.

Damorian Joseph McCarty, 19, is charged with drug possession, burglary, larceny and damaging property with criminal mischief.

Little Red School House, a classroom supply depot, opened Jan. 26 to teachers across Santa Rosa County.

Filled with nearly 20,000 classroom supplies, including pens, pencils, markers, paper, folders and paper towels, the Little Red School House was able to serve 350 educators during this recent opening.

UPDATE: The precautionary boil water notice has been rescinded. Original: Bagdad-Garcon Point Water System has announced a precautionary boil water notice for its customers along the 6500 and 6600 blocks of Old Bagdad Highway.

The Santa Rosa County Library System will mark its 20th anniversary in 2026, with celebrations planned throughout the year.

Maggie Benham is involved with many things.

From volunteering at the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center (NBSTCC) to instructing people on whitewater rafting to creating art, Benham is a sort of “jack-of-all-trades.” Or rather, a “Jill of all trades.”

It was March 6, 2024, when Joy Zuraff returned home from the park with her 5-year-old daughter, Kenlee. The afternoon had been ordinary — swings, sunshine, a brief escape from the medical stress that had shadowed their lives. Then Zuraff’s phone rang. A friend told her the Department of Children and Families planned to stop by, take a quick look at Kenlee and close the case.

What happened next would upend her family’s life.

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.