Vernon Compton stands on the edge of Clear Creek Nature Preserve, where Longleaf Alliance, a conservation organization he belongs to, is currently working to create trails for public recreation.

He said it’s an exciting time for conservation in Northwest Florida.

Despite being a well-known figure in Northwest Florida in his time, Jackson Morton’s name has fallen into obscurity.

Born in 1794 in Fredericksburg, Virginia, Morton moved to Milton in the 1820s and began a successful brickmaking enterprise, selling mainly to those building Pensacola’s Naval fortifications.

He later parlayed his business success into a political career, eventually serving a term in the U.S. Senate from 1849 to 1855. Years later, he served in the Confederacy’s version of the Senate.

Loxy, a red fox and longtime animal ambassador with Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge, passed away earlier this year.

Right around the start of 2026, Loxy was diagnosed with bone cancer. During that time, Loxy stopped eating and playing.

The City of Milton is preparing to welcome mobile food vendors to Carpenter’s Park in early May with the addition of a newly constructed food truck pad that officials say will improve safety, support local businesses and expand amenities for park visitors.

The Santa Rosa Board of County Commissioners voted 3-2 on Feb. 26 to deny a $147,078 contract for renovations to its boardroom, citing economic uncertainty and public concern over spending amid debates about property tax and a “tough” upcoming budget process.

As Friendship Baptist Church in Milton navigates leadership changes, one constant has been its youth minister, Logan Matthews, who said his primary focus remains guiding young church members while helping them build lasting spiritual foundations.

A Milton woman accused of killing her 6-year-old daughter stabbed the child more than 20 times inside their home before calling family members and making statements about evil spirits, according to an arrest report released by the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office.

A portion of the outside lane of the Pea Ridge Connector roundabout will be closed beginning Wednesday, Feb. 25, and continue through Friday, Feb. 27, according to Santa Rosa County officials.

A 37-year-old Pace woman was arrested on Feb. 16 after authorities say she stabbed her husband’s vehicle multiple times with a kitchen knife during a domestic disturbance at a residence on Tulip Hill Road.

Due to another round of cold weather that is forecasted to affect our area, Santa Rosa County officials have announced that Ferris Hill Baptist Church will be open on Feb. 22 and 23 for those in need.