National Park Service announces Opal Beach and beach road reopenings on Wednesday
National Park Service announces Opal Beach and beach road reopenings on Wednesday
Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Gulf Islands National Seashore is increasing recreational access in Florida. The National Park Service (NPS) is working servicewide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach … read more
Coast Guard searching for missing kayaker near Pensacola, Florida
Coast Guard searching for missing kayaker near Pensacola, Florida
The Coast Guard and partner agencies are searching for an overdue kayaker in Pensacola, Florida. Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Mobile received a notification at approximately 10 p.m. from friends of Tosh Mutdho, the missing kayaker, who departed Pensacola Beach Pier in a green kayak at around 5:40 p.m. and did not return when expected. … read more
Speed to be reduced and enforced when road connecting Navarre and Pensacola Beach reopens
Speed to be reduced and enforced when road connecting Navarre and Pensacola Beach reopens
When Highway 399 reopens this week, Gulf Islands National Seashore will implement its annual effort to protect nesting shorebirds. Efforts will include lowering speed limits to 25 mph on Hwy. 399, installing radar speed signs and speed humps, and increasing speed limit enforcement patrols. All measures are meant to provide nesting shorebirds and their chicks … read more
Firefighters continue to work on Five Mile Swamp Fire near I-10
Firefighters continue to work on Five Mile Swamp Fire near I-10
Firefighters from the Florida Forest Service’s Blackwater Forestry Center are back on the scene of the Five Mile Swamp Fire to work on improving fire lines and increasing containment. The fire is estimated at 150 acres and is 40% contained. The fire is north of Interstate 10, east of Avalon Boulevard and the former Moors … read more
Feeding the Gulf Coast has served over 100K meals since schools closed
Feeding the Gulf Coast has served over 100K meals since schools closed
When schools closed early in March, kids in need would have missed much-needed meals along the Central Gulf Coast. However, Feeding the Gulf Coast quickly sprang into action to organize and start their Summer Meals Program, a process that typically takes several months. With only three days to plan this year, Feeding the Gulf Coast … read more
Report highlights financial struggles of 180K area households
Report highlights financial struggles of 180K area households
United Way of Florida, the statewide association of United Way chapters, in conjunction with United For ALICE, has unveiled the latest ALICE report, ALICE In Florida: A Financial Hardship Study. The study identifies county-by-county and town-level challenges and realties facing the ALICE population – households that identify as Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. These households represent individuals and families working … read more
Baptist Health Care to resume elective surgeries May 4
Baptist Health Care to resume elective surgeries May 4
Following Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Phase I: Safe. Smart. Step‐by‐Step Plan for Florida’s Recovery Executive Order, Baptist Health Care will resume elective surgeries beginning May 4. With a continued diligent watch over COVID‐19 developments, Baptist is reopening these services in a phased and structured approach to ensure the highest level of safety and care. Baptist will … read more
State extends support to Floridians participating in SNAP and TANF
State extends support to Floridians participating in SNAP and TANF
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and the Department of Children and Families (DCF) on Thursday announced the extension of good cause for the month of May and the submission of a federal waiver, to assist Floridians participating in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) during the current public health emergency. … read more
Island Authority welcomes beachgoers and issues reminder that Sea Turtle nesting season starts tomorrow
Island Authority welcomes beachgoers and issues reminder that Sea Turtle nesting season starts tomorrow
With the recent announcement that Pensacola Beach will reopen to the public starting Friday, May 1, the Santa Rosa Island Authority (SRIA) welcomes the public back to the beaches. All beachgoers are reminded to observe the required social distancing guidelines. Additionally, the public is reminded that May 1 starts sea turtle nesting season. “It’s vital … read more
South Santa Rosa could get drive-thru Coronavirus testing sites late next week
South Santa Rosa could get drive-thru Coronavirus testing sites late next week
When Santa Rosa County announced COVID-19 drive-thru testing sites for non-symptomatic individuals earlier this week there were no sites included for the south end of the county. “A lot of people have been concerned about that,” said Santa Rosa County Public Information Officer Brandi Bates, pointing out that testing has been available in Gulf Breeze … read more
