The 2024 annual awards ceremony for the Lifeguard Ambulance Service of Santa Rosa County honored local lifeguards and emergency medical technicians (EMT) for their outstanding accomplishments. One local EMT was named the EMT of the Year for the state of Florida.

The following Santa Rosa County offices will be closed Thursday, Nov. 28 and Friday, Nov. 29 for Thanksgiving:

UF/IFAS West Florida Research and Education Center (WFREC), Feeding the Gulf Coast, and Waterfront Rescue Mission will feed 500 families in Santa Rosa County and 500 families in Escambia County this Thanksgiving holiday. This event is first come, first served with up to two families per vehicle.

Matt Gaetz will not be the next U.S. Attorney General. The former Congressman, who recently resigned his post as District 1’s representative to prepare for eventual Senate confirmation hearings, has announced that he will withdraw his name from consideration for Attorney General.

State Rep. Dr. Joel Rudman announced his candidacy for U.S House District 1 Wednesday, Nov. 20. The incumbent State Representative, who recently won reelection, said he is Matt Gaetz’ “natural successor.” 

District 3 Commissioner Rhett Rowell and District 1 Commissioner Bobby Burkett drew a large crowd at the clerk of courts on Nov. 19 for their swearing in ceremony.

On Tuesday, Nov. 19, the Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners held their annual reorganization meeting in conjunction with the oath of office ceremony for districts 1, 3 and 5. During the meeting, the board selected new leadership. Commissioner Kerry Smith, District 2, was unanimously selected to serve as the board chairman.

The Santa Rosa County Firefighters’ Association and the Friends of Santa Rosa County Animal Shelter have partnered up to equip fire departments with pet microchip readers.

Before you do your holiday shopping you might want to review these tips that were just released by Attorney General Ashley Moody.

Moody gave a press release on Monday Nov. 18 highlighting the dangers of fraudulent charities, porch piracy, and online shopping scams.

The Veterans Day Parade was cancelled due to rain, but veterans were still honored with a ceremony held at the Clyde L. Gracey Community Center.