Childcare availability and affordability are growing concerns for parents and soon-to-be parents across the United States. According to Care.com, an online marketplace for families searching for childcare, senior care, and other forms of care, the annual cost of childcare can range from $18,000 to $36,000 a year.

Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. — Col. Christopher Hagemeyer assumed command of the 96th Mission Support Group from Col. Tassika Davis at a change of command ceremony Aug.1, at Eglin.

The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) issued a warning to drivers with Florida license plates that have been airbrushed, vinyl-wrapped, or customized. Such alterations violate the legal tag requirements under Florida law for reflectivity and safety enhancements and can potentially impact the yellow validation stickers. Driving on a public roadway with these altered plates is against the law and violates Section 320.061 in the Florida statutes, which prohibits the unlawful altering of a Florida license plate.

The Santa Rosa County School District is “A” rated, which shows success throughout all of its elementary, middle and high schools.

W.H. Rhodes Elementary School in Milton made one of the biggest leaps of all Santa Rosa County schools in 2024, going from a “C” rated school to “B” rated.

Santa Rosa County is cracking down on boaters who tie their vessels to a county dock for extended periods of time, beyond the purpose of loading and unloading.

Badcock Home Furniture & More announced recently that it will be closing of its all store locations, leaving local store owners scrambling.  

Election day is Aug. 20, but voters may also cast a ballot by mail or participate in early voting Vote-by-Mail

Where voters cast their ballot on election day is decided by the address on their voter registration. Voters must go to their registered voting precinct to cast their ballot on election day. If you are unsure of your voting precinct, go to votesantarosa.com/Where-Do-I-Vote. Type your street name into the search box slowly, then select it from the list provided. Here is a list of voting precinct locations for Santa Rosa County:

Angie Straughn has lived in Santa Rosa County for 33 years. She is a consultant and project manager with Registry Partners Inc. Q: School safety is always a hot button issue for parents. Are there additional safety measures you are in support of if you’re elected? A: Ensuring a sufficient number of trained school resource […]

On Thursday, Aug. 8, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced a historic partnership between the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and Feeding Florida to increase the amount of fresh, protein-rich, Florida products provided to food banks across the state.