Florida’s unemployment rate reaches historic low
Florida’s unemployment rate reaches historic low
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on December 20 announced Florida’s unemployment rate dropped to 3.1 percent, a historic low, recorded only twice in more than 40 years and for the first time since March 2006. During the past year 1,500 new private-sector jobs have been added in the Pensacola area. The local area’s unemployment rate for … read more
Navarre Rotarian to serve as District Governor
Navarre Rotarian to serve as District Governor
Rotary Club of Navarre has announced that Navarre Rotarian and Past President Dan Sulger has been nominated and has accepted the invitation to serve as District Governor of Rotary International District 6940 in Rotary Year 2022-23. District 6940 consists of 50 Rotary Clubs throughout northwest and northern Florida from Perdido Key to Lake City. Since … read more
A hot time for charity
A hot time for charity
When it comes to charitable fundraisers, the sky is usually the limit as far as types of events. But one being held at Broussards on Navarre Beach will be a first for many as a local man spins fire to raise money for the Wounded Warriors Project. Shayne Julson explained how he turned “something fun” … read more
Stripes to host fundraiser for local Gold Star Families Memorial Monument
Stripes to host fundraiser for local Gold Star Families Memorial Monument
Stripes Pub & Grill in Navarre on Friday, December 20 will host the organizers of the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument along with special guest speaker Hershel “Woody” Williams, a 96 year old WWII USMC Veteran who is also the recipient of an Iwo Jima Medal of Honor and a Purple Heart. The Hershel Woody … read more
Governor orders half-staff flags to honor the public service of John Ray Broxson
Governor orders half-staff flags to honor the public service of John Ray Broxson
On Monday, December 9, 2019, former legislator John Broxson passed away. Broxson was appointed to Sheriff of Santa Rosa County in 1957. He served in the Florida House of Representatives from 1962 until 1964. Broxson was then elected to the Florida Senate in 1966 and served until 1972. He served as Santa Rosa County Commissioner for District … read more
State offices to be closed on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve
State offices to be closed on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis today announced that state offices will be closed on December 24th and December 31st. “In 2019, we secured historic achievements on behalf of the people of Florida and our dedicated state employees played a critical role in these accomplishments,” said Governor DeSantis. “I am proud to recognize our state employees for their hard work … read more
Milton man accused of stealing car from mall and crashing it into fences
Milton man accused of stealing car from mall and crashing it into fences
A Milton man captured Monday after stealing a car from Santa Rosa Mall, leading deputies on a low speed pursuit, and crashing into a yard faces nine separate charges. 58 year old Lewis Van Hudson, no known address, is charged with leaving the scene of an accident involving property damage, fleeing and eluding, grand theft … read more
Insufficiencies exposed during Santa Rosa County’s performance audit
Insufficiencies exposed during Santa Rosa County’s performance audit
It was revealed during the December 3 Santa Rosa County Local Option Sales Tax Committee meeting that a performance audit was conducted back in July, and those findings showed multiple deficiencies with county operations. The August 5 audit report by Texas-based McConnell & Jones, LLP states the county’s process for assessing legal compliance “needs to … read more
Okaloosa teacher charged with inappropriate relationship with 13-year-old student
Okaloosa teacher charged with inappropriate relationship with 13-year-old student
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office has charged a Meigs Middle School teacher with two felonies after an investigation which began on December 11, 2019. Joseph Michael Sparks, 48, was arrested for Failure to Report Suspected Child Neglect and Unlawful Relationships between Teachers and Students after an attentive parent discovered Sparks was involved in sending/receiving inappropriate … read more
FWC bear management plan updated without hunting proposal
FWC bear management plan updated without hunting proposal
Florida Fish & Wildlife Conversation Commission Commissioners during their December meeting approved the updated Bear Management Plan, which reflects a comprehensive, science-based approach. FWC staff will continue to focus on reducing human-bear conflicts by promoting the use of bear-resistant trash cans and removing bears that pose a safety threat. There was no proposal to hunt, … read more
