City of Milton to hold public hearings on Circle K rezoning
A proposal to rezone two parcels along the Stewart Street corridor for a revamped Circle K convenience store and gas station cleared the city’s planning board unanimously and is now before the city council, which heard an initial presentation on the item on April 14.
Investigators ID body found beneath Garcon Point Bridge
The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office has identified the man whose body was found beneath the Garcon Point Bridge in March.
Avalon Middle student wins Amazing Shake competition
A seventh grader from Avalon Middle School took home the top prize in this year’s Amazing Shake competition, impressing a panel of community and corporate judges with his poise, professionalism and a business pitch; walking away with $250, a crystal trophy and a vision of his future.
NAS Whiting Field opens new air traffic control tower
Naval Air Station Whiting Field cut the ribbon on a new air traffic control tower at North Field on April 6, marking what installation leadership called a significant step forward in Naval aviation training infrastructure.
Ascension Sacred Heart Opens New ER in Pace
Ascension Sacred Heart on April 13 held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new freestanding emergency department in the Five Points area, bringing expanded emergency care services closer to north Santa Rosa County residents.
Colorado State forecasters predict below-average 2026 Atlantic hurricane season
Researchers at Colorado State University are predicting a quieter-than-normal Atlantic hurricane season in 2026, citing an expected shift to El Niño conditions as the primary driver of the subdued outlook.
Amber Alert issued for missing 15-year-old from Milton
An AMBER Alert has been issued for a 15-year-old girl last seen in Milton, authorities said.
District offers temporary bus solution for Soundside transition
The Santa Rosa County School District has devised a temporary, cost-neutral transportation plan to help families navigate the split grade-level transition to Soundside High School, Superintendent Karen Barber told the school board April 2.
School Board mulls ID card program for students, citing safety concerns
The Santa Rosa County School Board voted April 2 to table a proposed student ID card policy after members raised concerns about child safety, data security and the burden the cards could place on low-income families.
Maternity season starts April 16 for Florida’s bats
Florida’s native and beneficial bat species typically roost in trees, caves or other natural spaces, but are sometimes attracted to buildings and other human-made structures, including buildings still undergoing construction. With bat maternity season starting soon, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is reminding the public April 15 is the last day to legally exclude bats from buildings without a permit, until Aug. 15.



















