Is Due Process Dead in Santa Rosa County Family Dependency Court?
Is Due Process Dead in Santa Rosa County Family Dependency Court?
Justice isn’t blind in dependency court in Santa Rosa County, Florida. She’s brazenly doing the bidding of the Florida Department of Children and Families, which needs to be investigated by a third party. The problems include: Children taken from their homes under armed police escort and sometimes kept by DCF without due process and placed … read more
UPDATE: Navarre Child Back in Santa Rosa County, DCF Workers Replaced
UPDATE: Navarre Child Back in Santa Rosa County, DCF Workers Replaced
A Navarre girl has reportedly been returned to Santa Rosa County after the Florida Department of Children and Families took her to a foster caregiver in Jacksonville nearly two years ago. The agency had also sought to terminate the parental rights of her mother, Joy Zuraff, over differing opinions regarding the child’s cystic fibrosis treatment. … read more
Santa Rosa Teachers “Win” Raise Despite Peden and Boston Opposition
Santa Rosa Teachers “Win” Raise Despite Peden and Boston Opposition
It’s a win for Santa Rosa County District Schools teachers, who will receive a 2% recurring salary increase for Fiscal Year 2025-2026, following an impasse. District 4 School Board Member Charles Elliott made the motion, seconded by District 2 Board Member Elizabeth Hewey. District 1 Board Member Linda Sanborn was the deciding vote for it. … read more
The Quiet Expansion of Surveillance: Why Flock Cameras Should Concern Us All
The Quiet Expansion of Surveillance: Why Flock Cameras Should Concern Us All
There’s a dangerous assumption taking hold across America: that if a technology helps solve crime, it must be worth the cost. On the surface, automated license plate reader systems—like those deployed by Flock Safety—seem like an obvious win. Cameras capture vehicles entering and leaving neighborhoods, alert law enforcement to stolen cars, and provide investigative leads. … read more
Candidates Must Qualify by Friday for Local Judicial Races
Candidates Must Qualify by Friday for Local Judicial Races
Several local judicial terms are expiring, creating an opportunity for challengers, who must qualify by 12 noon EDT on Friday, April 24. Filing is done via the Florida Division of Elections in Tallahassee. The deadline to file via petitions has passed; therefore, a qualifying fee is required. CIRCUIT JUDGES First Judicial Circuit Judge positions pay … read more
Santa Rosa Market Tightens as Inventory Drops and a $6.7M Record Sale Makes Headlines
Santa Rosa Market Tightens as Inventory Drops and a $6.7M Record Sale Makes Headlines
Homes are selling faster and for more money — and a $6.7M Gulf-front sale just set a new benchmark for the region. The Santa Rosa County housing market entered spring 2026 firmly in seller’s market territory, with the latest data from Realtors Property Resource painting a picture of tightening supply and renewed buyer urgency. Months … read more
New Tropical Smoothie Now Open in Pace, Future Cafe Planned for Milton
New Tropical Smoothie Now Open in Pace, Future Cafe Planned for Milton
On any given day in Pace, you might walk into Tropical Smoothie Cafe and think you are just grabbing a smoothie. But for Amanda and Jarrett Melvin, this café is something much deeper. It is personal. It is purposeful. And at the center of it all is their daughter, Aeris. Aeris is not just part … read more
Donalds Earns Another Key Endorsement in Florida Governor’s Race
Donalds Earns Another Key Endorsement in Florida Governor’s Race
The Associated Builders and Contractors of Florida (ABC) have endorsed Byron Donalds for Florida Governor, citing his strong commitment to supporting Florida’s construction industry, cutting red tape, and creating an environment where businesses can grow and workers can thrive. ABC is the largest commercial construction association in Florida, representing thousands of contractors and suppliers across … read more
Judge Removes Siblings from Foster Caregivers Over Concerns, Including Return of Kids’ Bibles
Judge Removes Siblings from Foster Caregivers Over Concerns, Including Return of Kids’ Bibles
First Judicial Circuit Judge Steven Warrick today ordered a change of placement for three Gulf Breeze siblings who had been placed in foster care in Crestview after concerns arose over the caregivers, who were accused of not allowing the children to keep Bibles and other religious items. Other issues included alleged contentiousness with the kids’ … read more
POSH Color Bar Celebrates Beloved Longtime Stylist
POSH Color Bar Celebrates Beloved Longtime Stylist
POSH Color Bar Owner Gigi Lund, Ms. Margaret Phillips and District 3 Commissioner Rhett Rowell. Photo by Allison Clark Photography. Margaret Reaves Phillips of Jay was honored for her 35 years of excellent service to the community during the April 9 launch of POSH Color Bar’s product line, POSH Color Care. POSH Owner Gigi Lund, … read more
