AMBER PATINO
Staff Report
Skyla Carter
GARETT VALCOURT
ANDREA WATERS
Holmes County to host candidate forums in Bonifay
Holmes County residents will have two opportunities next week to meet local candidates and hear their plans for the community. Both the Bonifay Woman’s Club and the Holmes County Chamber…
Local News
Ellenburg announces candidacy for Holmes County Commission District 2 seat
Holmes County Commissioner Wade Ellenburg has officially announced his candidacy for election as Holmes County Commissioner for District 2. A lifelong resident of Holmes County, Ellenburg and his wife have…
Cunningham announces candidacy for Holmes County Commission District 4 seat
David Cunningham, a Holmes County resident and local business owner, has announced his candidacy for the District 4 seat on the Holmes County Board of County Commissioners. Cunningham, a lifelong Florida resident, farms and grows timber…
Crime
Traffic stop leads to drug arrest, child neglect charges
On Sunday, July 5, a Holmes County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) deputy conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling on Highway 79 for traffic violations, leading to the arrest of…
Wanted suspect found hiding in air conditioning vent after pursuit; Five people face charges
A vehicle pursuit in Holmes County on Friday ended with the arrest of multiple individuals, including a wanted suspect who authorities say was found hiding inside an air conditioning return…
Holmes County man arrested on sexual battery, human trafficking charges
Dustin Collins was arrested by the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) on charges of sexual battery on a child and human trafficking following an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct…
State News
Desantis veto blocks raises for correctional officers
Correctional officers at Holmes Correctional Institution and Northwest Florida Reception Center will not receive a proposed pay increase after Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed legislation that…
Florida rewrites the rules for AI data centers as rural communities weigh growth against local concerns
As artificial intelligence continues driving unprecedented demand for large-scale data centers across the United States, Florida lawmakers have dramatically reshaped how the state regulates the…
HCOA shares information on EHEAP transition
Florida’s Emergency Home Energy Assistance for the Elderly Program (EHEAP) is undergoing a statewide administrative transition that will change how seniors access energy‑bill assistance, but…
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Community & Faith
Holmes County Sheriff’s Office announces funding for jail expansion and emergency equipment
The Holmes County Sheriff’s Office announced that Holmes County is slated to receive $1.25 million in the 2026-27 Florida state budget for the Holmes County…
Esto Fire Department marks America’s 250th with annual fireworks show
The Esto Volunteer Fire Department marked Independence Day with its annual Fourth of July Fireworks Show at John Clark Park, celebrating America’s 250th birthday with a night…
PDL’s Ford Motley signs to play baseball at Baptist University of Florida
Ponce de Leon High School graduate Ford Motley has officially signed to play baseball at the Baptist University of Florida. Motley, a left-handed pitcher and…
