Three Candidates Enter Race for District 2 Commission Seat
Three Candidates Enter Race for District 2 Commission Seat
PICTURED LEFT TO RIGHT: Jeff Ates, Brian Hosterman, Jeff Snow and incumbent Kerry Smith, who has not yet pre-filed for re-election next year Santa Rosa County District 2 Commissioner Kerry Smith hasn’t yet pre-filed for re-election to his $94,046 job, which expires next year, but so far three Republican challengers have entered the race and … read more
Reports of Mold in Vacant County-Owned Buildings in Downtown Milton
Reports of Mold in Vacant County-Owned Buildings in Downtown Milton
Santa Rosa County owns several unoccupied buildings in historic downtown Milton, frustrating some community members, who feel commissioners are being neglectful in their stewardship, enabling mold growth and negatively impacting downtown business, which has struggled since the former county courthouse was vacated nearly three years ago. “Elected officials and government employees have a duty to … read more
OPINION: Problematic Arrests Plague Area Police Agencies
OPINION: Problematic Arrests Plague Area Police Agencies
Exonerated citizens: Damien Graves, Jerry Land, Josh Huston and Jessica Walker Questions abound amidst criminal cases thrown out by judges, financial payouts to settle civil rights violations cases, and disturbing footage and photos of autistic and elderly citizens detained or arrested: How many incidents will it take before changes are made at Santa Rosa County … read more
Sims Middle School Dean Quits After Investigation
Sims Middle School Dean Quits After Investigation
Sims Middle School’s Dean of Students, Joshua Parm, was placed on non-disciplinary paid administrative leave effective Sept. 11, 2025, pending the outcome of an investigation. He submitted his resignation on Nov. 17. That letter states: I would like to use my last 6 days of personal leave and tender my resignation as of December … read more
Elderly Gulf Breeze Woman Arrested After Calling 9-1-1 Multiple Times
Elderly Gulf Breeze Woman Arrested After Calling 9-1-1 Multiple Times
Santa Rosa Jail’s mugshot of Susan Holmes, 79, of Gulf Breeze Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Josh McGee arrested 79-year-old Susan Holmes of Gulf Breeze on Nov. 30, 2025, charging her with a misdemeanor count of misusing 9-1-1 services. McGee’s report states that around 7:19 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 30, Holmes called SRSO’s non-emergency … read more
U.S. Veteran Wins Financial Settlement Against Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office
U.S. Veteran Wins Financial Settlement Against Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office
Justice is finally served after a former Navarre couple accepted a financial settlement in their lawsuit against Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office. The amount of the settlement has not been disclosed. Veteran Damien Graves, and his former wife, Jessica, filed the lawsuit, alleging false arrest, negligence, negligent training, negligent supervision, violation of civil rights and … read more
EXONERATED: Charge Dismissed Against East Milton Little League Coach
EXONERATED: Charge Dismissed Against East Milton Little League Coach
Santa Rosa County Judge Robert Hilliard on Monday granted a motion to dismiss a charge against Jerry Land, a longtime volunteer little league coach, who says he will never coach again after Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office sought his arrest, following an April 2025 argument with an umpire at a Pace ballpark which escalated into … read more
Celebrate the season at the Gulf Breeze Zoo’s Christmas ZOObilee
Celebrate the season at the Gulf Breeze Zoo’s Christmas ZOObilee
A Gulf Coast holiday tradition continues as the Gulf Breeze Zoo hosts its 7th Annual Christmas ZOObilee on Dec. 6, 7, 13 and 14. Guests of all ages are invited to celebrate the season with festive activities, live entertainment and holiday-themed fun throughout the park. Christmas ZOObilee features a winter-themed bounce station, face painting, live … read more
MILTON FELON PLEADS GUILTY TO UNLAWFULLY POSSESSING FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION
MILTON FELON PLEADS GUILTY TO UNLAWFULLY POSSESSING FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION
Willie Curtis Slack Jr., 49, of Milton, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to two counts of possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Thanks to the excellent work of the Santa … read more
State Representative Boyles Files HB 421, the JET Act
State Representative Boyles Files HB 421, the JET Act
Florida House District 3 Representative Nathan Boyles has filed HB 421, the Judicial Efficiency and Transparency (JET) Act, legislation that creates a new statewide reporting standard for the performance of Florida’s circuit and county court judges. The bill establishes section 28.51, Florida Statutes, requiring each Clerk of Court to prepare and publicly publish an annual … read more
