Big Brothers Big Sisters of NW FL Announces 2025 Michael Robideaux Hero Award Winner
Big Brothers Big Sisters of NW FL Announces 2025 Michael Robideaux Hero Award Winner
BBBS of NW FL Match Specialist Christy Myers with Big Sister Jo and Little Sister Alishia at the surprise announcement Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida is honored to recognize Jo Krasch as the recipient of the 2025 Michael Robideaux Hero Award. This honor celebrates a mentor whose remarkable courage, selflessness, and unwavering commitment … read more
Windjammers on the Pier Center Stage for Fireworks and Summertime Fun
Windjammers on the Pier Center Stage for Fireworks and Summertime Fun
Most locals know Navarre Beach Pier as the place to be for Santa Rosa County’s official Fourth of July fireworks display. But Windjammers on the Pier also has lots of family fun activities planned all month long, including their popular free weekly summer concert series, Jams in the Sand. Celebrate Independence Day all day long … read more
Grocery possible as part of new development at former Moors Golf Course
Grocery possible as part of new development at former Moors Golf Course
A 7.5-acre property is eyed for a proposed rezoning to allow development of commercial and retail uses, including a possible grocery store, as part of the “Lakes of Avalon,” a mixed-use community under development on the former Moors Golf Course site, located at 3220 Avalon Boulevard. Applicant SNS Avalon, LLC is seeking the rezoning to … read more
Applications Open July 1 for Florida Nonprofit Autism Service Providers
Applications Open July 1 for Florida Nonprofit Autism Service Providers
Nonprofit organizations across the state of Florida are invited to apply for funding July 1-31 through the Autism License Plate Fund and the Autism Services Grant Council. This grant opportunity is open to nonprofits that deliver direct services to individuals with autism and related disabilities, helping to enhance programs and expand access to critical support … read more
HUMAN TRAFFICKING CONSPIRACY SPANNING FLORIDA PANHANDLE AND SOUTHERN ALABAMA DISMANTLED
HUMAN TRAFFICKING CONSPIRACY SPANNING FLORIDA PANHANDLE AND SOUTHERN ALABAMA DISMANTLED
Kimberly Robinson Gandy, 47, of Gulfport, Mississippi, was found guilty on Wednesday afternoon, June 18, 2025, by a federal jury, of: Conspiracy to Commit Sex Trafficking by Force, Fraud, or Coercion; Sex Trafficking by Force, Fraud, or Coercion; and Money Laundering. Her codefendant, Chad Cornelius Seymore, 49, of Dothan, Alabama, pled as charged, on Monday, … read more
Three deported illegals indicted for illegal re-entry after being located in Santa Rosa County
Three deported illegals indicted for illegal re-entry after being located in Santa Rosa County
United States Attorney John P. Heekin announced today that 16 previously deported aliens have been indicted separately by a federal grand jury for illegal reentry into the United States. Jose Victor Aguilar-Zelaya, 40, of Honduras, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Fort Walton Beach in March 2025, after previously being deported … read more
Trio of Commissioners Shut Down Effort to Increase Property Tax Bills
Trio of Commissioners Shut Down Effort to Increase Property Tax Bills
A trio of Santa Rosa County Commissioners this morning shot down two motions by Chairman Kerry Smith to move forward two Municipal Service Taxing Units (MSTUs), which could have appeared on the August ad valorem bills of property owners. Commissioners Bobby Burkett, Ray Eddington and Rhett Rowell stood up against pressure from Smith and … read more
Santa Rosa County Proposes New Property Taxes
Santa Rosa County Proposes New Property Taxes
Santa Rosa County property owners in mid-August could see multiple new taxes on their annual property tax bills if county commissioners move forward with two Municipal Service Taxing Units (MSTUs). The board is also considering a Municipal Services Benefit Unit (MSBU), which would be levied on property owners in 27 neighborhoods. The effort to implement … read more
Commissioners Fight Over Kerry Smith’s Effort to Remove Another County Appointee
Commissioners Fight Over Kerry Smith’s Effort to Remove Another County Appointee
Commissioner Kerry Smith is once again trying to remove a volunteer appointee from a county advisory board. However, Smith so far has failed to pursuade another commissioner to second to his motion. But he voiced intent to try again Thursday. In 2023 Smith attracted much criticism over his removal of Pasco Gibson, who was serving … read more
In Loving Memoriam – Becky Sharon
In Loving Memoriam – Becky Sharon
Beatrice “Becky” Sharon, 81, of Holley, died Saturday, May 31st at Baptist Hospital in Pensacola, Florida with her family and loved ones by her side. Becky was born July 16, 1943 in Tallahassee, Florida to Joe and Buelah Bryant. She grew up with two brothers and three sisters that she loved dearly. She was known … read more
