A Milton woman sentenced to life seeks shorter sentence
May 15, 2025
Six years after being sentenced to life for second-degree murder, a Milton woman is now seeking to overturn the life sentence.
Melissa Blair Pocopanni was convicted of second-degree murder, two counts of attempted second-degree murder, and principal armed robbery in November 2018 and sentenced in January 2019.
Pace pharmacists busted for pill mill scheme
May 14, 2025
Pace Pharmacy pharmacists Stephen Allen Burklow and David Barron Winkles, and the pharmacy office manager Monique Burklow, were arrested on May 14. The three were charged with conspiring to traffic prescription drugs.
New name added to wall at 56th EOD memorial
May 14, 2025
Dressed in the bright whites, deep blues and dense blacks of their service uniforms, Airmen, Marines, Sailors and Soldiers returned this year to honor and remember their fallen explosive ordnance disposal brethren May 3.
Building Safety Awareness Month
May 14, 2025
The Board of County Commissioners proclaimed May as Building Safety Awareness Month and honored the county’s building officials and the work they do.
Commissioner Bobby Burkett read the proclamation and said he had been part of the Development Services team for several years. He said he will always feel like part of the team and knows what they are up against.
Leadership Santa Rosa Class 38 explores Naval Air Station Whiting Field
May 13, 2025
Leadership Santa Rosa Class 38 had the unique opportunity to experience Naval Air Station Whiting Field (NASWF) firsthand during their Military Day on April 17, 2025.
The day-long tour offered an in-depth look at the operations and training that take place at one of the Navy’s premier aviation training installations. The visit began with a tribute to the base’s namesake, Kenneth Whiting, followed by the ceremonial raising of the American flag as the National Anthem played across the installation.
Central High School teacher, Ken Maxwell, recognized by commissioners
May 12, 2025
On Monday, May 5, Central High School social science teacher Ken Maxwell was honored by the Board of County Commissioners.
Maxwell brought some of his students from Central High School, who stayed throughout the meeting for a firsthand look at how local government operates. Commissioner Rhett Rowell, who is also a history teacher at Jay High School, read a proclamation to honor Maxwell.
County Commissioners extend the Rural Protection Zone
May 8, 2025
The Board of County Commissioners extended the Rural Protection Zone (RPZ) with no objections on May 8.
Land Development Code Taskforce members disagree over edited video
May 8, 2025
Edited Facebook videos involving Land Development Code Taskforce (LDC) members were discussed at the Board of County Commissioners meeting on May 8.
Hurlburt Field Air Park to receive new upgrades
May 8, 2025
The Hurlburt Field Memorial Air Park is entering a new phase of development aimed at enhancing the visitor experience and highlighting the legacy of Air Commandos.
Santa Rosa County 4-H archers qualify for national competition
May 6, 2025
Santa Rosa County 4-H has two of its youth members, Fletcher Hill and Kali Marsh, qualified to represent Florida at the National 4-H Archery Competition this summer. Hill and Marsh will travel to Grand Island, Nebraska, where they will compete in the compound bow division alongside two other youth from Florida.