Senator Broxson’s bill to cut fraudulent insurance lawsuits passes legislature
Senator Broxson’s bill to cut fraudulent insurance lawsuits passes legislature
The Florida Legislature today passed assignment of benefits reform legislation introduced by Senator Doug Broxson. The action is aimed to reduce related fraudulent insurance lawsuits which state officials say spiked from 19 in 2008 to around 36,000 in 2018. “We’re really very fortunate to be part of this solution,” said Broxson, chairman of the Senate … read more
ECUA terminates contract for hauling recyclables in Santa Rosa County
ECUA terminates contract for hauling recyclables in Santa Rosa County
Effective April 30, ECUA will terminate their contract with Santa Rosa County for the transportation and processing of recyclables. County officials say they are working with ECUA on a new contract for processing and seeking to replace the transportation services within the next few weeks. Recyclable material degrades if not sorted and stored … read more
Santa Rosa County Health Department urges residents and visitors to get measles vaccinations
Santa Rosa County Health Department urges residents and visitors to get measles vaccinations
With the increase in measles cases across the US, the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) in Santa Rosa County is urging Floridians and visitors who have not been immunized to get vaccinated. Although measles was thought to be eradicated in the United States in 2000, the disease has reappeared in recent months in the form … read more
Santa Rosa County receives $75K state improvement grant for Avalon area boat ramp
Santa Rosa County receives $75K state improvement grant for Avalon area boat ramp
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection has awarded Santa Rosa County with a $75,000 grant to fund coastal access and water quality improvements at the Archie Glover Boat Ramp in Milton. This grant is part of the department’s Coastal Partnership Initiative. “We are excited to provide this important funding … read more
Navarre woman booked for child sexual assault
Navarre woman booked for child sexual assault
Navarre resident Brandy Michelle Howard, 33, was booked April 18 into Santa Rosa County Jail on two counts of felony sexual assault on a victim under the age of 12. Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office on April 18, 2019 received a case from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in reference to possible … read more
Utility’s innovation yields cost-saving efficiency and boosts employee morale
Utility’s innovation yields cost-saving efficiency and boosts employee morale
Mark Turner two years ago took over running the electrical department for Holley-Navarre Water System, and he’s being praised for cost-saving innovations developed under his leadership. Danny Hawkins, who oversees the utility’s sewer department, said system improvements have reduced call outs and overtime, providing not only cost savings to members but also increasing employees’ morale … read more
Permits approved for $500K Madura Road-Soundside Drive connector path
Permits approved for $500K Madura Road-Soundside Drive connector path
Santa Rosa County Commissioners on Thursday are expected to approve soliciting bids for the Godwin Connector Project, a multiuse path connecting Madura Road and Soundside Drive, following the issuance of related state and federal permits. The Godwin Connector Project is planned to be a 1,150 foot long by 10 foot wide multiuse path with 880 … read more
Eglin receives 2019 Secretary of Defense Environmental Award
Eglin receives 2019 Secretary of Defense Environmental Award
The Department of Defense yesterday announced the winners of the 2019 Secretary of Defense Environmental Awards Winners, including Eglin Air Force Base for Natural Resources Conservation for efforts to save the Gopher Tortoise and restore the habitat and expand the population of the reticulated flatwoods salamander. Eglin during 2017-2018 relocated 1,030 gopher tortoises to avoid … read more
DeSantis requests increased federal cost share following Hurricane Michael upgrade
DeSantis requests increased federal cost share following Hurricane Michael upgrade
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on April 19 sent a letter to President Donald Trump requesting an increase in the federal cost share from 75 percent to 90 percent for the remainder of Hurricane Michael recovery. This request follows the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s announcement that Hurricane Michael has been upgraded to a Category 5 … read more
Search continues for missing snorkeler
Search continues for missing snorkeler
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit this morning continued the search for a snorkeler who disappeared Sunday evening off the Destin east jetty. Friends say the 28-year old tourist was with a group of snorkelers when they noticed he was missing during a head count around 6:30 p.m. The OCSO Dive Team searched for … read more
