TOP NEWS
Man initially denied U.S. entry accused of repeatedly raping a Santa Rosa student
Jose “Brandon” Prado Garnica, 21, according to law enforcement, was initially denied entry into the United States but eventually arrived in late 2017 and reportedly started raping a 12-year-old girl until she fled for California in May 2019. The suspect was booked June 13 into Santa Rosa County Jail, where he is being held without … read more
Portion of Venetian Way to be temporarily closed
Venetian Way from Gondolier Boulevard to Coronado Drive in Gulf Breeze will be closed to through traffic, beginning Thursday, June 20 for drainage improvements as part of a Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HBGP) project, per Santa Rosa County. Construction on the estimated three-month project will be weather dependent, stated a county news release. … read more
Gulf Breeze Council discusses $850K in projects and favors new fire station to serve Elkhart Drive school
Gulf Breeze’s City Council during Monday night’s council meeting discussed the proposed budgets for some major projects, favored a suggestion for a new fire station in Midway and approved a measure which will restrict personal open burnings, among other issues. During the meeting the council convened as the Community Redevelopment Agency Board of Directors to … read more
Ribbon-cutting ceremony planned for new $1.9 million boardwalks and pavilions
The new Blue Heron Pavilion has 12 picnic tables (with ADA accessible seating) and eight grills. Photo courtesy Santa Rosa County Public Information Office. New ADA-friendly pavilions, restroom facilities with showers, parking spaces and other much-anticipated enhancements in Navarre Beach Marine Park are complete. The Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners along with representatives … read more
Book available June 25 honors Medal of Honor Recipient John Chapman
Alone at Dawn, the true account of Medal of Honor Recipient John Chapman, who died alone fighting Al Qaeda forces, will be available for purchase June 25. The book details Chapman’s heroic sacrifice and how during a 2002 battle he saved fellow SEAL team mates and a rescue squad. According to author Dan Schilling, who … read more
United Way of Escambia to become United Way of West Florida
Previously known as the Community Chest, the United Fund, and United Way of Escambia County, the organization will now operate as United Way of West Florida (UWWF). On June 12, the organization received notice from the Florida Department of State that the name change amendment had been processed. In April, United Way of West Florida … read more
OPINION: Hill’s vocal about protecting life – unless you’re gay
Florida House District 1 Representative Mike Hill says he’s a pro-life advocate, but that only applies if you’re not gay. Hill’s silence in response to homophobic remarks or proposed legislation to execute gay Floridians has been deafening and disappointing. The husbands of two staffers who work for Hill seem to be desperately tossing red herrings … read more
