Emerald Coast Daily

• Key safety rule: If you hear thunder, head indoors immediately—lightning can strike 10-15 miles from storms.
• Sunday outlook: Highs near 90 with...

Commuters around Gulf Breeze and Navarre face overnight disruptions from the Brooks Bridge replacement project.

• Brooks Bridge: Intermittent lane...

State Law Changes

• Permit Fee Waivers: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis approved a bill eliminating local building permit fees for some residential...

Recent rains improved drought levels in parts of the western Panhandle and Jackson County, yet wildfire risks stay high, water conservation rules...

Navarre Park hosts the Memorial Day Ceremony on May 25 starting at 11 AM, giving local residents a direct way to participate in community remembrance.

Navarre's 14th Annual Flag Day 5K features a fast, flat out-and-back course through residential neighborhoods, open to all ages including baby joggers and wheelchairs. Participants can refuel at the post-race pancake breakfast.

Local readers can catch live music, parades and festivals across Escambia and Santa Rosa this week.

• Memorial Day Weekend Music Festival runs...

Milton Police Chief Jennifer Frank represented every municipal police chief in Florida at National Police Week in Washington D.C., an annual event...

Gulf Coast residents including Navarre and surrounding Florida communities must know their hurricane risk now, as warm waters can fuel rapid storm...

• High rip current risk is posted for parts of Florida alongside moderate risk across much of the Atlantic Coast
• Statements already in effect for...

The Teddy Bridgewater Act now permits Florida high school coaches to use personal funds for players' meals, rides, and equipment, reversing rules that suspended Bridgewater for aiding underprivileged athletes. The change impacts every team statewide.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the Teddy Bridgewater Act Friday, letting high school coaches use personal funds for players' food, transportation,...

• June 5 donation drive runs 6am-6pm at Lowe's stores including Gulf Breeze (Hwy 98) and Pace (Hwy 90) for new ACs, fans, and funds.
• Extreme heat...

Santa Rosa County deputies responded to a 911 call about a deceased person at the former Mugshots restaurant on Highway 90.

• The May 22 call led to...

The 70th Billy Bowlegs Torchlight Parade marched down Eglin Parkway on May 18, continuing the beloved pirate invasion tradition that has drawn...

Federal officials have rapidly stripped endangered species safeguards for the Rice’s whale, whose roughly 50 remaining individuals inhabit deeper...

Two government actions are altering building and development dynamics across the Panhandle.

• Palafox Street project wraps with 300,000 new pavers...

This weekend brings the usual Florida pattern—afternoon sea-breeze storms after mostly dry mornings—while a much larger threat builds for next Friday....

Health and Travel Advisories

• The Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County has lifted the health advisory for Santa Rosa Sound near A-21...

Governor DeSantis labeled a federal judge's halt on the extended Atlantic red snapper season a bad decision, criticizing the Washington DC ruling just...