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Deaths of service members on 'Bloody 98' may spark traffic improvements in Navarre
For years some residents of Northwest Florida have referred to the stretch of highway running through the southern portion of the region's counties as Bloody 98. State Rep. Joel Rudman said he has used the term often enough at roundtable discussions convened to contemplate traffic solutions along the terminally congested and routinely deadly stretch of roadway that some among the Air Force brass in attendance adopted it as their own.
A 43-year-old bicyclist has died after being hit by two cars in a Santa Rosa County collision
SANTA ROSA COUNTY, Fla. – A tragic accident claimed the life of a 43-year-old bicyclist in Santa Rosa County on Thursday night. The incident occurred around 11:40 p.m. on State Road 87 near Hopewell Road in Milton. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the bicyclist from Jay was riding northbound in the travel lane.
July 4th fireworks: Shows planned in Pensacola, Pensacola Beach, Navarre Beach and Milton
Pensacola will celebrate America’s Independence Day with fireworks displays over the Santa Rosa Sound at Pensacola Beach and over Pensacola Bay in downtown Pensacola. Santa Rosa County will hold separate celebrations in Milton and Navarre Beach. Here’s how you can celebrate. Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce's Fourth of...
Write-in candidates are shaping Santa Rosa County politics and they're not even on ballot
*Editor's note: This story had been updated to correctly identify write-in candidate Sandra Maddox. Sandra Maddox chuckled when informed that people had taken notice of the James Calkins for county commission campaign signs staked out in frFont of her Milton area home. ...
Fourth of July events on the Gulf Coast
MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) — Independence Day is on Thursday, and there are festivities all along the Gulf Coast. Here are some events scheduled for the Fourth of July across the WKRG News 5 viewing area. We will update this list as we learn about more events. Mobile The City of Mobile’s Independence Day Extravaganza starts […]
“Significant” Hurdles Remain for U.S. 98 Bypass
Connecting the proposed Florosa Collector Road with a future Navarre Community Access Road to create a U.S. 98 “bypass” still has “significant” hurdles yet to overcome, according to local leaders. After years of discussions, local military leaders are finally open to exploring “any and all options”...
Plans progress to tackle Highway 98 traffic for military and community relief in Florida
NAVARRE, Fla. -- Plans are in the works to alleviate traffic on Highway 98 across Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties. District Three representative Joel Rudman made the announcement Monday. He says discussions have been going on for nearly a year between lawmakers and military leaders on plans to not only...
Man found guilty of aggravated battery from 2021 incident in Santa Rosa County: Reports
SANTA ROSA COUNTY, Fla. (WKRG) — A man is awaiting sentencing after he was found guilty of aggravated battery, according to the Office of the State Attorney First Judicial Circuit of Florida. State Attorney for the First Judicial Circuit of Florida Ginger Bowden Madden announced the conviction after a jury trial on June 28 found […]
Santa Rosa County Library System awarded $100,000 for digital literacy program
SANTA ROSA COUNTY, Fla. (WKRG) — The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity awarded the Santa Rosa County Library System with a $100,000 grant that will be used for a digital literacy program. The Florida DEO Office of Broadband under the Digital Connectivity Program’s grant will be used for the library system to purchase laptops and […]
Gulf Coast Fourth of July closures (List)
MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) — As Independence Day approaches, many city offices and programs are closing. WKRG News 5 is keeping a running list of closures within the coverage area. We will update this list as we receive more information from cities and towns. Alabama Gulf Shores: According to a press release, the following facilities in […]
4 Northwest Florida groups receive more than $12 million after Gov. Ron DeSantis visit
PENSACOLA, Fla. (WKRG) — Northwest Florida groups are receiving more than $12 million following a visit from Gov. Ron DeSantis. According to a press release, the over $12 million in funds comes in the form of workforce development and infrastructure improvements through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund and the Defense Infrastructure grant. The following […]
DeSantis allocates funds for workforce development and infrastructure
PENSACOLA, Fla. (CBS12) — Governor Ron DeSantis announced on Monday the recipients of funds from the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund and the Defense Infrastructure Grant. The awards will benefit Pensacola State College, the city of DeFuniak Springs, Santa Rosa County, and Jackson County. "Today’s awards will help bring...
Jay firefighter remembered as friend and colleague
When news broke of the death of a Jay Volunteer Fire Department firefighter in an off-duty motor vehicle crash, there was outpouring of grief and condolences from the firefighting community in Santa Rosa County and beyond.
Growth, growth and more growth
Development in Santa Rosa County is certainly a hot-button issue, and I understand why. Once a quaint county where you could take Highway 90 for miles without running into a stop light – or so I’ve been told – there are now new homes, restaurants and stores popping up all over the place.
Governor DeSantis announces $12 Million for workforce and infrastructure in Northwest Florida
DEFUNIAK SPRINGS, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Governor Ron DeSantis announced more than $12 million in funding through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to support workforce development and infrastructure improvements in Northwest Florida. The announcement was made Monday morning at Pensacola State College. The funds will be distributed to entities across...
From student achievement to teacher retention, Santa Rosa Schools are celebrating success
As we find ourselves halfway through the summer, I am filled with pride and gratitude for the incredible strides our district has made. This season is not only a time for rest and rejuvenation, but also an opportunity to reflect on our accomplishments and prepare for the promising year ahead. One of our most significant achievements this summer has been the success of our summer feeding sites. These sites have been a lifeline for students and families,...
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