Half-penny tax for schools spending questioned
Half-penny tax for schools spending questioned
Critics point to purchases such as at least $4.25 million for computers and other technology upgrades since the 2014-2015 school year, a $390,000 press box for Pace High Stadium in 2013 and a $250,000 concession stand at Navarre High in 2016. The Santa Rosa County School board last week approved asking the county to reinstate … read more
Gulf Power plans shift to natural gas
Gulf Power plans shift to natural gas
The proposed shift to all natural gas would eliminate the need for burning coal at Plant Crist, which is located on Escambia River. NextEra Energy completed its $5.75 billion acquisition of Gulf Power from Southern Company in January, and a plan to convert the utility’s Pensacola plant from a coal-fired to a natural gas-fired facility … read more
New K-9 donated to help reduce stress in emergency dispatch center
New K-9 donated to help reduce stress in emergency dispatch center
The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office on Monday received a special donation — a new K-9 for its emergency dispatch center. Viber, a 6-year-old Belgian Malinois, will reside in the agency’s recently renovated Dispatch Communications Center, where she will “watch over” the dispatchers. “Viber is well versed in basic commands and in the process of … read more
Senator Broxson’s bill to cut fraudulent insurance lawsuits passes legislature
Senator Broxson’s bill to cut fraudulent insurance lawsuits passes legislature
The Florida Legislature today passed assignment of benefits reform legislation introduced by Senator Doug Broxson. The action is aimed to reduce related fraudulent insurance lawsuits which state officials say spiked from 19 in 2008 to around 36,000 in 2018. “We’re really very fortunate to be part of this solution,” said Broxson, chairman of the Senate … read more
ECUA terminates contract for hauling recyclables in Santa Rosa County
ECUA terminates contract for hauling recyclables in Santa Rosa County
Effective April 30, ECUA will terminate their contract with Santa Rosa County for the transportation and processing of recyclables. County officials say they are working with ECUA on a new contract for processing and seeking to replace the transportation services within the next few weeks. Recyclable material degrades if not sorted and stored … read more
Santa Rosa County Health Department urges residents and visitors to get measles vaccinations
Santa Rosa County Health Department urges residents and visitors to get measles vaccinations
With the increase in measles cases across the US, the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) in Santa Rosa County is urging Floridians and visitors who have not been immunized to get vaccinated. Although measles was thought to be eradicated in the United States in 2000, the disease has reappeared in recent months in the form … read more
Santa Rosa County receives $75K state improvement grant for Avalon area boat ramp
Santa Rosa County receives $75K state improvement grant for Avalon area boat ramp
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection has awarded Santa Rosa County with a $75,000 grant to fund coastal access and water quality improvements at the Archie Glover Boat Ramp in Milton. This grant is part of the department’s Coastal Partnership Initiative. “We are excited to provide this important funding … read more
Navarre woman booked for child sexual assault
Navarre woman booked for child sexual assault
Navarre resident Brandy Michelle Howard, 33, was booked April 18 into Santa Rosa County Jail on two counts of felony sexual assault on a victim under the age of 12. Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office on April 18, 2019 received a case from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in reference to possible … read more
Utility’s innovation yields cost-saving efficiency and boosts employee morale
Utility’s innovation yields cost-saving efficiency and boosts employee morale
Mark Turner two years ago took over running the electrical department for Holley-Navarre Water System, and he’s being praised for cost-saving innovations developed under his leadership. Danny Hawkins, who oversees the utility’s sewer department, said system improvements have reduced call outs and overtime, providing not only cost savings to members but also increasing employees’ morale … read more
Permits approved for $500K Madura Road-Soundside Drive connector path
Permits approved for $500K Madura Road-Soundside Drive connector path
Santa Rosa County Commissioners on Thursday are expected to approve soliciting bids for the Godwin Connector Project, a multiuse path connecting Madura Road and Soundside Drive, following the issuance of related state and federal permits. The Godwin Connector Project is planned to be a 1,150 foot long by 10 foot wide multiuse path with 880 … read more
