The U.S. Census Bureau says about 12.9 percent of Florida’s population in 2017 lacked health insurance, up from 12.5 percent in 2016, which is higher than the national average of 8.8 percent. Florida has the fifth-highest rate of uninsured residents in the nation, exceeded by Texas, Oklahoma, Alaska and Georgia. About 45 percent of people…… MORE
Category Archives: Uncategorized
NORTHWEST FLORIDA VOLUNTEERS READY TO ASSIST
Many volunteers from Northwest Florida volunteers are on the way to help ahead of Hurricane Florence’s landfall. Jerry Kindle, the executive director for the American Red Cross of Northwest Florida, said four emergency response vehicles and 75 people will be assisting and his teams are preparing for the worst. Gulf Power is sending 75 line…… MORE
NAVY AIRCRAFT EVACUATING
As Hurricane Florence approaches the east coast Navy aircraft are flying south to NAS Pensacola. NAS Pensacola Commanding Officer Chris Martin said over 60 aircraft from Pax River in Maryland, the Norfolk, Virginia Beach area and Beaufort, South Carolina will be evacuated. He said it’s crucial to move high value assets like aircraft out of…… MORE
SANTA ROSA COUNTY ARTIFICIAL REEFS
Santa Rosa County is spending 1.2 million dollars from oil spill funds to place new artificial reefs off Navarre Beach, and more are on the way. The structures are from 6 to 15 feet tall and more than 500 concrete and steel artificial reefs will be placed about a mile offshore. Not only will the…… MORE
SANTA ROSA PRISON INMATE SENTENCED
A Santa Rosa County prison inmate who threatened to bomb a courthouse and to kill someone with anthrax after claiming ties to ISIS, has been sentenced to an additional 8 years in federal prison. 30-year-old Craig Pope was serving a state prison sentence for crimes committed in Hillsborough County and sent two threatening letters from…… MORE
OKALOOSA SCHOOL INVESTIGATOR SENTENCED
The Northwest Florida Daily News is reporting that Okaloosa School District Investigator Arden Farley – arrested in 2017 for failing to report child abuse – has pleaded no contest to the charges after reaching a plea deal with prosecutors. In 2016, Farley was assigned to investigate allegations that Kenwood Elementary teacher Marlynn Stillions abused a…… MORE
CHILD PORNOGRAPHY ARREST
The Holmes County Sheriff’s Department says a 55-year-old Bonifay man has been arrested on 288 charges of possession and distribution of child pornography. Investigators say that has led to the dismantling of one of the largest online distribution hubs of child pornography in the area. Mark Ashcroft was arrested after a search warrant was served…… MORE
9-11 ANNIVERSARY
Today marks the 17th anniversary of the terrorist attack of 9-11 and Florida Governor Rick Scott ordered flags be flown at half-staff today in commemoration of the lives lost. United States and the State of Florida will be flown at half-staff at all local and state buildings, installations, and grounds throughout the State of Florida.…… MORE
SHOOTING DEATH JUSTIFIED
The shooting death of a Walnut Hill man last month has been ruled justified by the State Attorney’s Office and no charges will be filed. 55-year-old Mark Singleton, was shot in his neck on Juniper Street, then crashed his pickup truck about 10 miles away on Highway 97. He died from the gunshot wound later…… MORE
SHORE-BASED SHARK FISHING
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation is considering several options to better regulate shark-fishing from shore. Suggested rule changes include creating a special shore license for shore-based shark fishing, stricter requirements on handling sharks and possible restrictions on the type of fishing gear used. FWC said it’s just exploring options and getting feedback from the community…… MORE
