ACLU sues to remove amendments 7 and 9 from Florida’s November ballot
A group of concerned organizations, including The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the ACLU of Florida, filed a lawsuit today in the Circuit Court of the Second Judicial Court in and for Leon County on behalf of a group of Floridians.

Stop trashing the climate: zero waste recycling could reduce warming
Legislators in Washington have another tool to confront the climate crisis, according to a new report released June 5 on United Nations World Environment Day.

Resident demands TEAM accountability
Santa Rosa Commissioners found themselves dodging questions about TEAM Santa Rosa accountability and transparency standards at last week’s county commission meeting.

Although no official agreement, ordinance or contract exists between the agency and Santa Rosa County government, officials often describe TEAM as the county’s ‘economic development’ arm. TEAM is tasked with attracting industry and jobs to the area.

State thrashes Escambia on Perdido building cap increases
In a sharply worded May 13 letter (click here), Florida’s Department of Community Affairs told Escambia commissioners their rationale for wanting to remove Peridido Key building caps is not supported by facts.

Viewpoint: Proposed voucher amendments threaten public schools
I know. As with you, my eyes tend to glaze over when the subject turns to constitutional amendments.

The phrase “school voucher” evokes the same response. But hold on, for we need to pay attention to at least two proposed amendments on Florida’s November ballot.

Beach titles could spur development ‘like in the rest of the state’
Despite opposition from some officials and residents…and the Chairman of the agency designated with administering beach land in the public interest, Escambia and Santa Rosa officials are moving forward with efforts to gain beach land title authority from the Federal government.

Cuts could leave mentally disabled jobless, homeless
State funding cuts could force mentally disabled people to choose between homes, jobs and community participation; and end up costing the government more in the long run, say local advocates for the developmentally disabled.

Potential jobs deal sparks Commission fuss
Despite contentions it could bring 50 new jobs, Santa Rosa Commissioners recently denied an Industrial Park property’s 180-day mortgage extension request – saying the $1 million balloon payment is needed now for land and infrastructure recommended by a TEAM Santa Rosa economic development Master Plan.

Coyote gets new dig permit over neighborhood objections
Over neighborhood objections, Santa Rosa Commissioners voted last month to allow the Coyote landfill company to excavate dirt from a nearby property.

McCain in Pensacola: increase military numbers
Presumptive Republican Presidential nominee John McCain called for an expansion in military troop levels during a Wednesday, April 2 visit to Pensacola Junior College.

Port of Pensacola looks to diversify
When a long-term tenant’s lease runs out this summer, the Port of Pensacola is poised to oversee a newly-vacant swath of land to redevelop. Officials say they’ll likely use the opportunity to begin diversifying Port commerce and industry, and tying it into the Downtown Pensacola area.

Preserving Perdido watershed could bolster tourism
A newly-formed advocacy group is hoping grassroots efforts to preserve Perdido area wetlands, waterways and trails will bolster tourism in the process.

The Perdido Watershed Ecotourism Project, headed up by Escambia County Soil and Water Conservation District Board member Anne Bennett, is guiding efforts to preserve and connect area trails and recreation attractions, and encourage low-impact ecotourism.

Dragonfly Gallery growing along with Santa Rosa
Three years after opening its doors, Milton’s Dragonfly Gallery showcases a vibrant mélange of painting, pottery, fabric and other objets d’art; and as the county grows, an expanding pool of local talent is continually adding to the display.

‘Sunrise through Pines’ acrylic painting
by Eleanor Williams, currently on display at
Milton’s Dragonfly Gallery

Santa Rosa ‘wish list’ includes Aviation Park, shelters
Santa Rosa officials presented a ‘wish list’ of funding priorities to state legislative delegates during last week’s annual Legislative Delegation visit. The list, pared down from recent years, includes three direct funding requests and three general statements of support.

More Santa Rosa revenue cuts looming
As local taxing authorities like Santa Rosa County move into this year’s budget season, lawmakers must decide how far to allow Florida’s recent Tax Reform Amendment to impact incoming revenues.

What’s the matter with East Milton?
“They keep finding excuses why it shouldn’t be in East Milton.”

That’s Pam Williams’ take on the question of where to build a proposed new county Judicial Center.

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