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.

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.

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.

Skip Orth, author of the book What Every Home Owner On The Emerald Coast Needs To Know About Lawn Care and owner of Father and Son Pest and Lawn Solutions will be holding a lawn workshop for home owners or anyone else desiring to increase their knowledge on how to keep grass healthy.

I was raised in a devout Roman Catholic family and have fond memories of the tactile “smells and bells” of the mass, the priest lifting the censer, rocking it back and forth, the pungent scent of incense, the jangle of bells. But there was one tactile experience I dreaded every year – the application of ashes on Ash Wednesday.

I think it is awesome that DOGE is looking into waste, fraud and abuse of our federal dollars. It is way past time that someone is doing this. Technically, it should have been the media looking into waste, fraud or abuse. If they had, that is the kind of work that should win Pulitzers, not writing fake stories about fake hoaxes. The IRS has always had the ability to look into our bank accounts and had no issue whatsoever asking for receipts. I think it is about time that there is someone looking into how our federal government is spending our hard-earned money we have to pay as “income tax.” As one newscaster said the other evening, “It is about time the government is having a cavity check.” With all the spending that has been going on, especially since COVID, there is no way it would be sustainable. And I’m sure our president is looking for every way possible to not have to raise our taxes – as much as it is probably needed. I really don’t think there is any way around it – but at least if we can save a few billion dollars here or there, we won’t have as much of a tax increase. Every time the federal government came up with a new program during COVID – I always said out loud to the TV, “Who is going to pay for that?” And every time we gave billions of dollars to Ukraine, I would say the same and add, “Who is making sure they are spending the money on what they said they would spend it on?”   

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Amnesty Day will be held Saturday, March 8, 2025, from 8 a.m. to noon at the South Santa Rosa Service Center, 5841 Gulf Breeze Pkwy. in Gulf Breeze. This event allows residents to dispose of HHW at no charge without having to drive to the Central Landfill in Milton.

The overcast weather did not stop the rain of colorful beads, sweet treats, and toys for every boy and girl thrown at this year’s Mardi Gras Parade.

The 2025 Milton Mardi Gras Parade hosted by the Krewe of Airship Pirates brought smiles to adults and children alike on Feb. 15.