Latest news with #SantaRosaCounty
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
Early voting underway in District 3 state House special election
Early voting has gotten underway and the countdown to the June 10 general election to fill the District 3 state House seat vacated last year by Navarre physician Joel Rudman has begun. Voters were given the green light to cast ballots on Saturday and vote early in both Okaloosa and Santa Rosa counties between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. every day through June 7. Holt resident and former Okaloosa County Commissioner Nathan Boyles, running as the GOP candidate in an overwhelmingly Republican district that encompasses most of Santa Rosa County and a large section of rural Okaloosa County, is a heavy favorite to win the seat. Boyles said that in a special election, held as the Summer season heats up, turnout will be crucial to helping guarantee his success. "We're excited and hoping one more time to earn the support of the folks in District 3," he said. "We're just asking folks to turn out one more time and go vote." Boyles is opposed by Dondre Wise, a Democrat who moved from Escambia County to Navarre a month ago and hopes to pull off a monumental upset. "I know it's an uphill battle, but it's a closer race than people think," he said. In early April Boyles defeated Jay Mayor Shon Owens and a field of six others to secure the GOP nomination. With voter turn out at about 28% in both counties Boyles secured 8,232 total votes to 7,765 for Owens. Wise did not field competition on the Democratic side of the ticket. District 3 is comprised of all of Santa Rosa County except the southwestern tip that includes the city of Gulf Breeze, the Midway communities and Navarre Beach. State Rep. Alex Andrade represents that portion of the county. Rudman announced in November of 2024 that he was resigning his state House seat to which he had just been elected for a second term. He stepped down to run for the congressional seat left vacant by the departure of Matt Gaetz. Gaetz had resigned to pursue an appointment to the United States Attorney General's job, a position President Donald Trump had nominated him to fill. His nomination was later withdrawn. Jimmy Patronis, who was serving as Florida's Chief Financial Officer when Gaetz's first congressional district seat came open, won the special election to replace the outgoing U.S. House member. Boyles, whose company, Adams Sanitation, serves as the garbage service provider for thousands in Santa Rosa County and employs 75 county residents, campaigned on the message that even as a resident of Okaloosa County he would be better positioned than anyone in the District 3 race to serve as the representative. "Santa Rosa County's success is very important to me. Just as important as Okaloosa County is to me," he said. Wise said whether he wins or loses June 10, he's happy he has made the move to Santa Rosa County and he believes he's opened some eyes to the message he jumped into the statehouse race to communicate. "I most wanted to make people aware of the election process and advocate for voter registration. I want real change and I believe this community does too," he said. "Regardless of the election outcome, I think people are starting to understand." The winner of the special election general election will not be afforded the opportunity to participate in the 2025 legislative session, which was extended into the week of June 2 to resolve disputes between the House, Senate and Governor's Office and pass a balanced budget. Gov. Ron DeSantis waited until Jan. 21 to schedule special elections to replace Rudman and outgoing state Sen. Randy Fine. At that time he issued executive orders setting special primary elections on April 1 and special general elections for June 10. This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: District 3 Florida race: Nathan Boyles and Dondre Wise face off
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Northwest Florida Defense Coalition hosting congressional, military leaders
SANTA ROSA COUNTY, Fla. (WKRG) — The Santa Rosa County Economic Development Office is hosting the 2025 Military Base Update this week. Bay Minette police search for 'armed' suspect after deadly shooting at house party This event will be at the Santa Rosa County Auditorium. Doors open at 7:30 a.m., and the program runs from 8 a.m. to noon. The forum will bring together senior military officials and congressional leaders to discuss military impact in the region and future plans, according to a news release from the Northwest Florida Defense Coalition. The release said mission updates from NAS Pensacola, NAS Whiting Field, Hurlburt Field and Eglin Air Force Base will be presented. Lawmakers responsible for military policies and appropriations will also participate including Texas U.S. Representatives John Carter and Tony Gonzales, according to the release. Severe T-Storm Watch Cancelled, More Severe Storms Possible Tuesday Carter is the chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs. Gonzales is a member of the House Appropriations Committee and a Navy veteran who served in Pensacola at Corry Station. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Is Publix open on Memorial Day? See Pensacola stores Memorial Day hours 2025
Monday, May 26, is Memorial Day, a national holiday that honors those in the U.S. armed forces who have died in service. Escambia County and Santa Rosa County hosted various ceremonies and services this holiday weekend, honoring fallen members of the military. The long holiday weekend is also viewed as the unofficial start of summer, usually filled with beach days, barbecues and special deals. Due to the federal holiday, banks, schools and nonessential government offices will be closed May 26. But just because banks and federal institutions are closed, are stores not open for business, too? Luckily, if you need to grab something last-minute, here are the grocery stores that will be open Monday on Memorial Day and their holiday hours. Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday in May. In 2025, Memorial Day is on Monday, May 26. Memorial Day 2025: Escambia and Santa Rosa County activities, ceremonies to honor fallen military Yes, Memorial Day is one of 12 federal holidays. Here are 2025 federal holidays: Jan. 1: New Year's Day Jan. 20: Inauguration Day and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Feb. 17: Washington's Birthday. Many state and local governments designation it as Presidents Day. May 26: Memorial Day June 19: Juneteenth July 4: Independence Day Sept. 1: Labor Day Oct. 13: Columbus Day Nov. 11: Veterans Day Nov. 27: Thanksgiving Day Dec. 25: Christmas Day Yes. Memorial Day also is a paid holiday in Florida. The Florida Department of Management Services lists the following days observed as paid holidays by state agencies: Jan. 1, Wednesday: New Year's Day Jan. 20, Monday: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day May 26, Monday: Memorial Day July 4, Friday: Independence Day Sept. 1, Monday: Labor Day Nov. 11, Tuesday: Veterans Day Nov. 27, Thursday: Thanksgiving Nov. 28: Friday after Thanksgiving Dec. 25, Thursday: Christmas Day ➤ See list of 2025 Florida, federal holidays, including new one for Sunshine State Publix will be open on Memorial Day. However, pharmacies will be closed, the company told USA TODAY. Publix is closed for three holidays during the year: Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Aldi stores will be open but will have limited hours. See store hours using the store locator. Aldi is closed on four holidays: New Year's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Most Whole Foods stores will be open on Memorial Day, the company said on its website. Whole Foods is closed on Christmas and many stores have modified hours on: Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. ➤ Check your store's hours. All Winn-Dixie grocery and liquor stores will be open regular business hours on Memorial Day. Trader Joe's stores will be open regular hours on Memorial Day, a company spokesperson confirmed to USA TODAY. Yes, all Fresh Market locations will be open on Memorial Day. A spokesperson said Fresh Market will continue in 2025 offering 10% off for veterans on Memorial Day. Sprouts will be open on Memorial Day. The grocery store's website shows it is closed only on Christmas Day, but has shortened hours for a few other days. Walmart stores will be open during its regular hours on Memorial Day, a company spokesperson confirmed to USA TODAY. Store hours are typically 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. ➤ Shop top Walmart Memorial Day deals on outdoor furniture, appliances No, Ever'Man will not open on Memorial Day, according to its official website. Yes, Target will be open on Memorial Day. Store hours vary by location, so check with your local store on its holiday hours. Sam's Club will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. for Plus members and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for Club members on Memorial Day, according to the company's website. Costco will be closed on Memorial Day. It is one of seven days the warehouse stores are closed, according to its website. Originally known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day can trace its origins back to the years after the Civil War when people began to decorate the graves and say prayers to those killed during the war. In 1868, Gen. John Logan called for a nationwide day of remembrance, according to The observance was called Decoration Day, and it was observed on May 30, 1868, as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers. The date was chosen because it wasn't the anniversary of any Civil War battle, said. Originally honoring only those who died during the Civil War, Decoration Day expanded to recognize the sacrifices of others after World War I. "The holiday evolved to commemorate American military personnel who died in all wars, including World War II, The Vietnam War, The Korean War and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan," according to the U.S. Army Airborne and Special Operations Museum. Memorial Day became an official federal holiday in 1971 and changed from May 30 to the last Monday in May under the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. Fast facts: 10 historical facts about Memorial Day Contributor: Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Are grocery stores open on Memorial Day? 2025 holiday store hours
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Crash blocks Milton intersection — delays expected
SANTA ROSA COUNTY, Fla. (WKRG) — A motor vehicle accident has blocked the intersection of Dogwood Drive and Stewart Street in Milton, has learned. LOCATION: Officials have closed the road for an undetermined amount of time. Drivers should use caution in the area and expect delays, according to the announcement. Officials recommend that motorists seek an alternative route until the intersection reopens. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
