County announces Fourth of July fireworks display, safety tips and holiday closure info
County announces Fourth of July fireworks display, safety tips and holiday closure info
The Santa Rosa County Tourist Development Office will present an Independence Day fireworks show at 9 p.m. on Saturday, July 4, at the end of the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier. The pyrotechnic demonstration will take place rain or shine. Residents and guests are reminded to allow plenty of time to find parking and remember to … read more
Governor opposes mandatory masks for COVID-19
Governor opposes mandatory masks for COVID-19
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis during a press conference Tuesday restated that he does not believe wearing masks should be mandatory to prevent the spread of COVID-19 despite State Surgeon General Dr. Scott A. Rivkees on June 20 encouraging residents and visitors to do so. Santa Rosa County Health Department on Tuesday reiterated Rivkees’ suggestion, noting … read more
UWF students, staff and visitors will be required to wear face masks this fall
UWF students, staff and visitors will be required to wear face masks this fall
The Florida Board of Governors approved the University of West Florida’s Fall 2020 Reopening Plan during its meeting on Tuesday, June 23, 2020. The plan, which requires all individuals on campus to wear a face covering except for in certain situations, was approved June 19 by UWF’s Board of Trustees. “We look forward to welcoming … read more
Trump Administration moves to suspend foreign worker visas amid COVID-19 recovery
Trump Administration moves to suspend foreign worker visas amid COVID-19 recovery
South Santa Rosa News file photo The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced it will begin implementing a Trump Administration proclamation to protect American workers in the wake of unprecedented unemployment caused by COVID-19. “The President is taking decisive action to put American families and workers first in the reopening of the economy … read more
Two drownings in Destin blamed on strong currents
Two drownings in Destin blamed on strong currents
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office is now investigating a second drowning that just took place off the east side of Crab Island near Destin. Deputies were told the victim had jumped off a boat and began struggling in the outgoing tide’s strong current. The call for the distressed swimmer came in at 1:09 p.m. this … read more
Coronavirus quarantine delays Navarre incorporation effort
Coronavirus quarantine delays Navarre incorporation effort
Navarre Area United, the political action committee aimed to incorporate Navarre, will miss its goal of placing the issue on the August primary election ballot, following difficulties getting required signatures and funding for the related study amid the Coronavirus pandemic and quarantine. “We’re not stopping. It’s just a setback,” said Jonathan Cole, PAC spokesman. “We’re … read more
Stacy Bryan seeks County Commission District 1 seat
Stacy Bryan seeks County Commission District 1 seat
Paid advertisement by Stacy Bryan for Santa Rosa County Commissioner District 1 Hello Santa Rosa County Florida Voters. I am excited to introduce myself and family to you as a candidate for the District 1 County Commission Seat. I have spent most of my life in North Santa Rosa County. My mother’s family, Diamond, is … read more
U.S. Interior Secretary Visits Fort Pickens
U.S. Interior Secretary Visits Fort Pickens
U.S. Secretary of the Interior David L. Bernhardt traveled Wednesday along the Gulf Coast where he conducted several site inspections of National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service units, met with staff, participated in a prescribed burn and visited with local outdoor recreation businesses. Secretary Bernhardt inspected the Gulf Islands National Seashore, arriving … read more
NAS Pensacola Holds Awards Ceremony for Responders to Dec. 6 Attack
NAS Pensacola Holds Awards Ceremony for Responders to Dec. 6 Attack
Capt. Tim Kinsella, commanding officer, Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, presents Charles D. Hogue with the Secretary of Defense (SECDEF) Medal of Freedom and Secretary of the Navy Distinguished Civilian Medal for Valor (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Timothy Schumaker) Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola held an awards ceremony at the … read more
Commissioners discuss $7.7M budget shortfall
Commissioners discuss $7.7M budget shortfall
Santa Rosa County Commissioners today discussed outsourcing staff as a possible way to address anticipated fiscal year 2020-2021 budget shortfalls despite a projected 7.3-percent increase in ad valorem revenues. Santa Rosa County Property Appraiser Greg Brown recently advised commissioners of the anticipated $4.4 million increase in property tax revenues for FYE 2021. Accordingly, if Santa … read more