New rule to protect Florida deer populations
New rule to protect Florida deer populations
At its February meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved rule changes that prohibit importing or possessing whole carcasses or high-risk parts of deer, elk, moose, caribou and all other species of the deer family originating from any place outside of Florida. These rule changes continue the FWC’s work to protect Florida’s … read more
State Changes Rules for 16 Non-native, Invasive Reptiles
State Changes Rules for 16 Non-native, Invasive Reptiles
At its February 2021 meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved staff recommendations to create new rules to address the importation, breeding and possession of high-risk invasive reptiles. The approved rule changes to Chapter 68-5, F.A.C. specifically address Burmese pythons, Argentine black and white tegus, green iguanas and 13 other high-risk nonnative snakes and … read more
Destin – Fort Walton Beach Airport Welcomes a New Airline
Destin – Fort Walton Beach Airport Welcomes a New Airline
The Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) announced today a new air service carrier, Southwest Airlines. The flexibility and value of Southwest Airlines now benefit both visitors and hometown travelers booking late spring and summer travel to Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS). Southwest service begins May 2021. The carrier’s initial flight schedule for the region is now … read more
Calkins Pulls Plug on Water Alternative Plan, Supports Regional Reuse Efforts
Calkins Pulls Plug on Water Alternative Plan, Supports Regional Reuse Efforts
Santa Rosa County Commissioners have reversed course on proposed changes to reduce protections in the county’s well field protection area (WFPA), which supplies potable water for all of South Santa Rosa County. The board on December 10 had voted to pursue changing the county’s comprehensive plan to allow the expansion of borrow pits within the … read more
Santa Rosa County Flags at Half Staff for 500,000 COVID-19 Victims
Santa Rosa County Flags at Half Staff for 500,000 COVID-19 Victims
The U.S. Flag at the U.S. Post Office in Navarre pictured Wednesday at half staff. Photo by Romi White. Santa Rosa County follows Okaloosa County in lowering flags to half staff in honor of 500,000 American victims of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a recent release by The White House, as of this week, more … read more
Awards Increased for Tips in Florida Murder Cases as Homicides Increase
Awards Increased for Tips in Florida Murder Cases as Homicides Increase
Attorney General Ashley Moody today announced a near-doubling of award money for anonymous tips in murder cases that lead to an arrest. Attorney General Moody made the announcement today during a series of roundtable meetings in Orlando and Tampa to discuss the challenges facing homicide investigators as homicide crimes increase in many parts of the … read more
Gulf Power/FPL Starts Construction on Two More Solar Energy Centers
Gulf Power/FPL Starts Construction on Two More Solar Energy Centers
As part of Florida Power & Light Company (FPL), Gulf Power announced the start of construction of two new solar energy centers that will begin powering customers with clean, zero-emissions energy by the end of the year. At around 500 acres each, these new sites will bring an additional 600,000 solar panels to Northwest Florida … read more
Navarre’s Kradle kicks off strong season at Southern
Navarre’s Kradle kicks off strong season at Southern
Jim Kradel of Navarre. Photo by Phil Frye, Southern Raceway. Navarre’s Jim Kradle had a very strong two-day performance in the USCS Mini Sprint Season Opener at Southern Raceway. On Sunday, Kradel started the day by finishing fourth in the Hoosier Tire Mini Dash for Cash behind Bobby Zaiontz, Cody Adams, and Mike Hall, but … read more
Representative Williamson Recaps Florida Legislature Committee Weeks
Representative Williamson Recaps Florida Legislature Committee Weeks
The five committee weeks leading up to the 2021 Legislative Session, which begins on March 2, were incredibly efficient and ultimately very productive. During these meetings, important bills that protect our health care heroes, promote home-based businesses and protect responsible businesses passed committees. The most notable pieces of legislation include the following: CS/HB7: Civil Liability … read more
County Tourism Director Suggests “Bold” Changes for Navarre Beach
County Tourism Director Suggests “Bold” Changes for Navarre Beach
Santa Rosa County Commissioners during Tuesday’s budget & planning workshop faced impending grim realities related to catching up on long-neglected infrastructure needs. But the workshop news wasn’t all gloom and doom, and the board lit up with excitement over ideas coming out of the county’s tourism office. Despite hurricanes and the on-going COVID-19 pandemic, Santa … read more
