TOP NEWS
Local Counties Join Effort to Protect Gulf Testing Range from Dec. 10 Big Beautiful Gulf Lease Sale
U.S. Congressman Jimmy Patronis led a group of Congressmen who appealed directly to President Donald Trump, who hand-picked Patronis to run to represent Northwest Florida. The two are pictured in the Rose Garden at the White House back in September. Back on Nov. 18, Okaloosa County voted to send a letter seeking to remove the … read more
Three Candidates Enter Race for District 2 Commission Seat
PICTURED LEFT TO RIGHT: Jeff Ates, Brian Hosterman, Jeff Snow and incumbent Kerry Smith, who has not yet pre-filed for re-election next year Santa Rosa County District 2 Commissioner Kerry Smith hasn’t yet pre-filed for re-election to his $94,046 job, which expires next year, but so far three Republican challengers have entered the race and … read more
Reports of Mold in Vacant County-Owned Buildings in Downtown Milton
Santa Rosa County owns several unoccupied buildings in historic downtown Milton, frustrating some community members, who feel commissioners are being neglectful in their stewardship, enabling mold growth and negatively impacting downtown business, which has struggled since the former county courthouse was vacated nearly three years ago. “Elected officials and government employees have a duty to … read more
OPINION: Problematic Arrests Plague Area Police Agencies
Exonerated citizens: Damien Graves, Jerry Land, Josh Huston and Jessica Walker Questions abound amidst criminal cases thrown out by judges, financial payouts to settle civil rights violations cases, and disturbing footage and photos of autistic and elderly citizens detained or arrested: How many incidents will it take before changes are made at Santa Rosa County … read more
Sims Middle School Dean Quits After Investigation
Sims Middle School’s Dean of Students, Joshua Parm, was placed on non-disciplinary paid administrative leave effective Sept. 11, 2025, pending the outcome of an investigation. He submitted his resignation on Nov. 17. That letter states: I would like to use my last 6 days of personal leave and tender my resignation as of December … read more
Elderly Gulf Breeze Woman Arrested After Calling 9-1-1 Multiple Times
Santa Rosa Jail’s mugshot of Susan Holmes, 79, of Gulf Breeze Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Josh McGee arrested 79-year-old Susan Holmes of Gulf Breeze on Nov. 30, 2025, charging her with a misdemeanor count of misusing 9-1-1 services. McGee’s report states that around 7:19 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 30, Holmes called SRSO’s non-emergency … read more
U.S. Veteran Wins Financial Settlement Against Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office
Justice is finally served after a former Navarre couple accepted a financial settlement in their lawsuit against Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office. The amount of the settlement has not been disclosed. Veteran Damien Graves, and his former wife, Jessica, filed the lawsuit, alleging false arrest, negligence, negligent training, negligent supervision, violation of civil rights and … read more
