Hundreds Sign Petition Against Navarre Connector Road
Hundreds Sign Petition Against Navarre Connector Road
A proposed 6.5-mile connector road aimed to alleviate traffic congestion on U.S. 98 is being opposed by some Holley By The Sea residents. Nearly 400 people have signed a petition against the effort. Santa Rosa County officials have been working on the project for more than a decade, avoiding use of the term “bypass” to … read more
OPINION: Political Newcomers Sign up for 2024 Local Races
OPINION: Political Newcomers Sign up for 2024 Local Races
Some newbies to the local political field have tossed their hats into the ring for the 2024 election cycle. We wish them luck. It’s always encouraging to see someone who wants to be a public servant. The Primary Election is scheduled for August 20, and the General Election will take place November 5, 2024. REGISTERED … read more
Rudman Files Bill Aimed to Restore Three-Day Max Wait to Buy Certain Firearms
Rudman Files Bill Aimed to Restore Three-Day Max Wait to Buy Certain Firearms
Last year political newcomer Florida House District 3 Representative Joel Rudman saw two of seven bills he sponsored signed into law. Ahead of the 2024 legislative session, he’s already filed three new bills, including one which could face strong opposition from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and others. During his 2022 campaign, Rudman promised … read more
Multiple Code Violations Threaten Navarre Beach Lease
Multiple Code Violations Threaten Navarre Beach Lease
Pina Coca is one of multiple vendors operating in the parking lot of 8649 Gulf Boulevard, which is leased by Palms of Navarre, LLC, a company based in Alabama. South Santa Rosa News photo. A Navarre Beach leaseholder is facing possible termination of its lease by Santa Rosa County after multiple code violations have not … read more
Councilwoman called out over “misleading” letter
Councilwoman called out over “misleading” letter
Milton City Councilwoman Marilyn Farrow apologized August 10 after realizing she had incorrectly described proposed changes to the city’s development code in a June 14 letter mailed to property owners within the historic district. “It’s disappointing that citizens have been misled regarding the efforts of the Historic Preservation Board,” said John David Ellis, a volunteer … read more
Santa Rosa Man Gets Life in Prison for Sexual Battery of Juvenile
Santa Rosa Man Gets Life in Prison for Sexual Battery of Juvenile
On July 21, 2023, Circuit Court Judge Clifton Drake sentenced Michael George Rasmussen of Jay to life in Florida’s Department of Corrections for Sexual Battery (Victim less than 12 Years, Defendant over 18 years). On the January 23, 2020, law enforcement took a report of Sexual Battery on a juvenile. The 8-year-old victim was left … read more
Commission to Establish New Bid Selection Policy After Recent Award Fiasco
Commission to Establish New Bid Selection Policy After Recent Award Fiasco
Santa Rosa County Commissioners plan to codify their bid selection process, following allegations of wrongdoing after the board’s July 27 decision to change its July 13 ranking in which Clemons Rutherford & Associates was chosen for a county contract. Multiple issues have arisen since the July 27 revisiting of the award, including an accusation of … read more
Termination Recommended after More Misconduct Alleged Against Milton City Clerk
Termination Recommended after More Misconduct Alleged Against Milton City Clerk
Additional allegations of misconduct have surfaced against Milton City Clerk Dawn Molinero, whose contract was one vote away from being terminated July 31. The next day a co-worker filed a grievance, accusing Molinero of releasing Social Security Numbers, violating City regulations, defamation of character, and creating a hostile working environment. An internal investigation report shows … read more
Ethics Commission Dismisses Democrat-led Complaints Against Calkins
Ethics Commission Dismisses Democrat-led Complaints Against Calkins
Calkins, a staunch Republican, is known for pro-life and 2A advocacy The Santa Rosa County Democratic Executive Committee had encouraged citizens to file complaints against Santa Rosa County District 3 Commissioner James Calkins over comments he made against replacing a Republican with a Democrat on a county advisory committee. However, the Florida Ethics Commission on … read more
Milton City Clerk’s Contract Nearly Terminated
Milton City Clerk’s Contract Nearly Terminated
During a special meeting tonight Councilman Jeff Snow made a motion to terminate the contract of appointed Milton City Clerk Dawn Molinero. The vote ended in a tie, which enable the Mayor to break the tie in opposition, saving Molinero’s job. Councilman Casey Powell had seconded Snow’s motion, which was supported by Councilwoman Roxanne Meiss … read more
