The Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary Program announced they anticipate awarding $250,000 to help restore and protect local waterways. They also announced some changes to the PPBEP Community Grant Program.

Airmen and families gathered for a memorial run to honor the crew members of Ratchet 33 at Hurlburt Field, Feb. 13, 2025.

According to Santa Rosa County Economic Development, Santa Rosa County is the eighth fastest growing population in Florida with 203,752 current residents.

Of current residents, approximately 23.6% are between the ages of zero and 19. With rapid growth occurring in Santa Rosa the school district is forced to contend with ever evolving facility needs. To meet those needs, Santa Rosa County District Schools has invested in the K-8 school model, which combines elementary level students (K-5) with middle school students (6-8th grade) into one school environment.

Tuesday morning, Feb. 25, the Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Office executed a court order at Gulf Coast Guns in Milton to seize assets or “collateral” due on a “defaulted” loan. Photos and video were shown of deputies emptying the store of inventory. But throughout the day, supporters voiced their support for the store on social media. The Sheriff’s Office said they were following the orders of the court and had no other involvement in the civil case.

In an effort to address public concerns about the Citizen’s Land Development Code Task Force, Santa Rosa County commissioner Kerry Smith led the way for the rest of the commissioners to chart a new course for the task force.

The Milton City Council called for a special meeting on Feb. 20 to discuss attorney-client relationships regarding litigation and representation. Before they could begin their discussion a litany of legal questions arose.

The U.S. 90 westbound travel lanes over Simpson River Bridge will be shifted the week of Sunday, Feb. 23, to allow crews to complete bridge construction.

Signage will be in place to direct westbound drivers through the work zone. There are no changes to the eastbound bridge traffic pattern.

Jay High School celebrates Future Farmers of America (FFA) Week with agriculture fun.

Damian’s Ice Cream is building a new distribution center in Milton’s I-10 Industrial Park. And the incredibly missed frozen lemonade will be sold again for the first time in years. On Feb. 20, they held a groundbreaking event for the new site.

Night to Shine is a remarkable global celebration, centered on God’s love, with the mission to honor and value people with special needs. Local churches from all around the world host a prom on the same night for anyone living with disabilities, ages 14 and older. Started by the Tim Tebow Foundation, Night to Shine is free for all attendees, thanks to the generous donations of the community.