Regional News

School/religion ruling challenged

Katie Tammen, Florida Freedom Newspapers

PENSACOLA - Religion's place in Santa Rosa County schools is back under the microscope as one organization argues a recent court ruling that prohibits religious promotion in schools violates the constitutional rights of teachers and students. ... Full story

Sansom disciplinary committee to meet later this month

Tom McLaughlin, Florida Freedom Newspapers

The select House committee appointed to consider sanctions against state Rep. Ray Sansom won't meet until the end of July, its chairman said Wednesday.When the five-member committee does begin its work, it will conduct an investigation "very much... Full story

Mary Esther mayor: Annex Hurlburt

Andrew Gant, Florida Freedom Newspapers

MARY ESTHER - A proposal to annex a roughly 3-mile stretch of Hurlburt Field is Mayor Chuck Bolton's plan to make his city larger.The Air Force seems to be listening."The city of Mary Esther needs more citizens. We need them," Bolton said Wednesday.... Full story

A crowded corner: Homeless/panhandling debate at a crossroads

Dusty Ricketts, Florida Freedom Newspapers

FORT WALTON BEACH - The intersection of Perry Avenue and U.S. Highway 98 continues to be a front line in the homeless-panhandling debate.On one side, there are the vagrants with their signs saying "God bless" and seeking donations from motorists.... Full story

Crestview pair arrested after leaving children in sweltering car

Wendy Victora, Florida Freedom Newspapers

CRESTVIEW -- A man and woman were arrested June 20 after they admitted to leaving two young children unsupervised in a car without air conditioning for about 10 minutes while they moved furniture, according to their Crestview Police Department... Full story

Walton taxpayers group sets up hot line

Meanwhile, county works to trim its budget

Kimberly White, Florida Freedom Newspapers

DeFUNIAK SPRINGS - The Walton County Taxpayers Association has launched a hot line so residents can report suspected waste and fraud in local government. "Every citizen, employee and taxpayer of Walton County can now be involved in making sure... Full story

Okaloosa sheriff's budget cut

Robbyn Brooks, Florida Freedom Newspapers

Twelve positions, 11 people, 30 vehicles and other costs totaling more than $1 million have been trimmed from the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office. The cost-cutting measures are aimed to shape up the agency's budget for the next fiscal year. A... Full story

Pryor Middle School student charged with arson (with VIDEO)

Wendy Victora, Florida Freedom Newspapers

FORT WALTON BEACH -- A 13-year-old Pryor Middle School student has been charged with arson for the Sept. 25 fire in a mobile home at Pinecrest Mobile Home park. The boy was arrested June 25 and released to his mother. Watch a video of the mobile... Full story

Walton aims to conserve habitat

Kimberly White, Florida Freedom Newspapers

DeFUNIAK SPRINGS - Walton County officials are putting the final touches on the first draft of the county's habitat-conservation plan, which the federal government has required to mitigate damages caused by seawalls erected after Hurricane Dennis. Billy... Full story

The economy has taken some of the boom out of fireworks sales, one businessman says

Thomas J. Monigan, Florida Freedom Newspapers

Workers were still setting up displays in one of James Dabney's 10 tents last week when customers wanting to add a little sparkle to their Fourth of July started showing up. So what if the holiday wasn't for another 10 days? Even without the boom... Full story

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