County libraries to reopen May 26 with limited service
County libraries to reopen May 26 with limited service
The Santa Rosa Library System is implementing a phased approach to reopening, starting Tuesday, May 26. Tues., May 26: Libraries will open for computer use only; however, patrons can order online and get curbside delivery Reservations must be made in advance; sessions are limited to one hour and will not be extended. Patrons may … read more
Boaters urged to boat safely during National Boating Safety Week
Boaters urged to boat safely during National Boating Safety Week
With National Safe Boating Week and the release of the 2019 Boating Accident Statistical Report, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) encourages boaters to focus on simple, effective steps that make boating safer. If you plan to enjoy our beautiful waterways, check out MyFWC.com/Boating for boating safety tips. Safety is never optional! “National Boating … read more
Coast Guard and local agencies rescues two girls struck by boat prop near Shell Island
Coast Guard and local agencies rescues two girls struck by boat prop near Shell Island
The Coast Guard and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission responded to two girls who were struck by a boat propeller and injured near Shell Island, Florida, Saturday. Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Mobile Alabama received a report of the accident at 4:40 p.m. from the girl’s mother. Coast Guard Station Panama City launched a … read more
County submits plan to reopen vacation rentals this week
County submits plan to reopen vacation rentals this week
View from Beach Colony Resort on Navarre Beach (South Santa Rosa News files photo) Santa Rosa County on Friday afternoon submitted to Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Secretary Halsey Beshears its plan for reopening short-term vacation rentals. “Navarre Beach is the primary economic driver for Santa Rosa County tourism revenue. Aside from a … read more
Nearly $2M Emergency Grant to Address Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders in Florida
Nearly $2M Emergency Grant to Address Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders in Florida
First Lady Casey DeSantis today announced that the Department of Children and Families (DCF) has received a $1.9 million emergency grant to address behavioral health disorders resulting from the current public health emergency. The funding, awarded by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), will … read more
USDA extends waivers to serve school meals through August 31
USDA extends waivers to serve school meals through August 31
The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Monday announced the extension of three nationwide waivers through August 31, 2020, giving child nutrition program operators including the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) the flexibility to continue feeding children during COVID-19. “Providing Florida’s children with reliable access to healthy, nutritious meals is critical to ensuring … read more
FBI unlocks NAS Pensacola terrorist’s iPhones, proves Al-Qaida connection
FBI unlocks NAS Pensacola terrorist’s iPhones, proves Al-Qaida connection
The Federal Bureau of Investigation after months of effort was able to unlock two iPhones belonging to Mohammed Alshamrani, who killed 3 sailors and injured 8 others during a December 6 terrorist attack at NAS Pensacola, proving he was sharing tactics and plans with Al-Qaida. U.S. Attorney General William Barr during a press conference this … read more
Rainfall “not enough” to extinguish local wildfires
Rainfall “not enough” to extinguish local wildfires
While most of Escambia and Santa Rosa counties received rainfall, it was not enough over the fire areas to truly extinguish either the Hurt Hammock or 5 Mile Swamp fires, according to the Florida Forestry Service. “The nearest weather station to Hurst Hammock is reporting 0.19 inches of rain this morning while the closest to … read more
505 CCW Airmen help Meals on Wheels continue meals to seniors during pandemic
505 CCW Airmen help Meals on Wheels continue meals to seniors during pandemic
Okaloosa County’s Meals on Wheels is an organization that depends on volunteers to prepare, package, and deliver food every day to individuals belonging to the program. The 505th Command and Control Wing’s (CCW) Airmen have proudly been involved with the program and delivering meals for over 15 years. Airman First Class Ishmael Ottman assigned … read more
Measures aimed to protect seniors
Measures aimed to protect seniors
Keith Kilpatrick, left, and his law partner, Isaac Newlin, pictured in front of their newly opened second assisted-living facility. Also pictured is Navarre Gardens Nursing Director Kelly Patton. Photo by Romi White. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on Wednesday announced additional precautions, including expanded COVID-19 testing, to protect residents of long-term care facilities, which so far … read more