Citizens, who have grown frustrated with Santa Rosa County government, have planned a “Reclaim Santa Rosa” rally, which will take place August 27 at Southern Raceway in East Milton.
The free rally starts at 6:30 p.m. and is open to the public. The event will feature a lineup of guest speakers, including: Sunrise Santa Rosa Host Nick Stewart, Gulf Coast Gun Owner Chris Smith, District 3 County Commissioner James Calkins, Larry Hetu with Gulf Coast Patriots, and Chance Johnmeyer, founder of Recall Florida.
Stewart, who hosts a Facebook live show weekdays via Milton Post, said the
Reclaim Santa Rosa movement was created from an outcry of citizens who feel county government isn’t listening to their concerns.
“The commissioners push for taxes, dismissing citizens’ concerns,” Stewart said, suggesting the 7-10 hour commission meetings “are designed to wear down the attendees.”
Stewart said recent commission decisions, such as an “over-reaching noise ordinance, questionable no-bid contract for garbage pick up and continued abuse of power” sparked the effort.
“That doesn’t include the school board diminishing the concerns of citizens or some city mayors who publicly demean their constituents,” Stewart said. “The people of Santa Rosa want to be heard. This is more than a ‘few disgruntled citizens.’ These are people who feel their government no longer represents them but represents personal and money interests.”
Stewart said the rally is to display the “vast numbers” of Santa Rosa citizens who are concerned at the direction their county is headed.
Larry Hetu, who served as former U.S. President Donald J. Trump’s field campaign manager for Santa Rosa County and now heads up the legislative action committee for Gulf Coast Patriots, said he will be speaking to promote the club as a way for locals to engage in the local political scene ahead of the 2022 election.
“I think it’s going to be a very interesting election not only to re-elect Florida Governor Ron DeSantis but also to challenge some of the established representatives we have and bring some “much-needed change” to local political offices.
To top off the event, Southern Raceway Owner Tom Lowery is trying to organize a 9 p.m. demolition derby. Anyone who would like to donate a vehicle for the derby can text or call him via 850-390-6136.
Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. Southern Raceway is located at 9359 Nichols Lake Road in East Milton.
