There is a full story on 1A, but to give you an idea, concerns were expressed about Waste Pro’s working environment, processes and communication. However, as the adage goes, if you go looking for problems, you will find them every time. No one and certainly companies made up of imperfect people will be found to be perfect when put under a microscope. We are not saying that is an excuse; it is just reality. We also have our second to last meeting regarding the re-write of the Land Development Code. A lot of people have worked very hard for nearly a year to upgrade, add to and take away from our ..read more

During a June meeting, the zoning board voted 6-1 to recommend moving the 15-foot wetland buffer to 50 feet, and recommended, 6-1, residential subdivision development maintain 25% of a lot’s natural condition. However, during Tuesday’s discussion on the LDC, Mullins took exception to the commissioners not taking the zoning board’s recommendations previously voted on in June. “I’m not going to be on a zoning board that has commissioners that continuously go against recommendations that are 8-0, 9-0, 10-0!” Mullins said from the podium just before the vote was taken. “So, I am resigning now.” Th ..read more

Cadet commanding officer Donovyn Ray is among the leaders from the battalion helping out at the camp and said it was off to a good start. “It’s really enjoyable. We didn’t get this experience last year because of COVID-19. Bringing these cadets in, it gives them a chance to learn a lot.” In the past, spots have been tough to come by as there are normally around 80 incoming cadets taking part in a camp that serves as an intro to JROTC. This year, there are just 57. Factors stemming from the pandemic played a part in that, according to Captain Michael Fisher, who heads up the program. “We couldn ..read more

Reading was one of Skye’s favorite things to do. It seemed only fitting to create a library dedicated to her. “Skye was a huge reader and a straight A student. She flew through school. I thought it would be a good thing, and it just took off,” Martinez said. She started the library sixth months after Skye’s death. It was built by her husband and features two shelves stocked with a variety of books. There are paintings on it as well, including a butterfly and a beach, two of Skye’s favorite things. The words Fly High Skye are above the door of the library. Martinez bought the first set of books ..read more

A flat day on Navarre Beach is a calming sight to see. Today's Photo of the Day was taken by Vera Meacham at the beginning of April ..read more

“It has been my honor and pleasure to serve the board, the citizens and dedicated staff of Santa Rosa County as their administrator,” said Schebler. “I appreciate the trust and confidence the board gave me and am truly humbled to have had the opportunity to work with so many dedicated public servants, engaged citizens and community groups that are committed to excellence in service to our country.” Brad Baker, current Santa Rosa County Public Safety Director, has been named the acting assistant county administrator effective Monday, July 19. “Brad is an exceptional public servant and a valued ..read more

Even as Democrats and Republicans continue their negotiations, there is one aspect of infrastructure that still continues to enjoy broad support — and it also happens to be the most important part of the plan: billions of dollars in broadband infrastructure. This investment would ensure every single American has access to high-speed internet. For the sake of our country’s economic well-being, leaders in Washington must make broadband expansion a priority. Doing so will change millions of lives for the better. Expanding internet may feel secondary to funding improvements for roads, bridges, and ..read more

Residents and passing motorists may have noticed water being pumped out of Well #3 on Whispering Pines Boulevard. That process should be completed Thursday if the water samples “have displayed the appropriate level of quality elements and constituents, and the system is cleared,” according to an email from HNWS staff. “The pump replacement process includes flushing of the well and collecting samples to to ensure the water quality in the system,” the email said. “HNWS Water Operations team members are working diligently to resolve this matter and restore the quality production of Well #3 on Whi ..read more

It was a cloudy but beautiful morning as the Gulfarium C.A.R.E. Center released its recent sea turtle patients consisting of three different species of turtle, including four Loggerhead sea turtles, three Green sea turtles, and two Kemps Ridley sea turtles. It was the second public-invited release in over a year due to COVID-19, “We had a large group of rehabilitated sea turtles going out this morning. Although the release site, Inlet Beach, was a bit farther away from our home base than the last release, we still had a good crowd of spectators. Sharing these ..read more

“The Santa Rosa County District School and the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office continue to research the Guardian Program,” Barber’s section of the release said. “Both agencies have determined that the sheriff’s office has been and continues to be capable of ensuring safety in Santa Rosa County schools.” She added that resource officers also provide additionally needed services such as fostering positive relationships and serving as a deterrent for illegal activity. “Santa Rosa County schools are safe,” Johnson’s section of the release said. “The sheriff’s office will continue to provide the ..read more