Unofficial: Milton Republican

06/11/2026

06/11/2026

538 pm: The road is partially opened, and traffic is starting to flow
Thursday, June 11, 5 p.m. - All eastbound lanes of Interstate 10 at Mile Marker 21 (just east of Exit 22 at Avalon Boulevard) are closed due to an accident. The lane will be closed for an undetermined amount of time.

Drivers should use caution in the area and expect delays. Traffic updates can be found online at https://fl511.com/

06/11/2026

🕰️ A Brief History of Hobbs Middle School (Home of the Jaguars – Milton, FL)

1893 – Raymond Bruitt Hobbs is born in Santa Rosa County. He would go on to become a lifelong educator and leader in local schools.
Early 1900s–1940s – Raymond B. Hobbs serves as a teacher, principal (including as the first principal of Berryhill School), principal of Milton High School, and eventually Superintendent of Santa Rosa County Schools.
1959 – Raymond B. Hobbs passes away, leaving a lasting legacy in local education.

In 1968, to honor Mr. Hobbs, the new school was named Hobbs Middle School, the first middle school in Santa Rosa County. This school represented cutting-edge education at the time. The concept of middle school was introduced in 1963 by Dr. William Alexander, often referred to as the "father of the middle school." He proposed the term "middle school" at a conference, advocating for a new educational model that focused on the unique developmental needs of students aged approximately 10 to 14 years, typically spanning grades 5 or 6 through 8.

1960s–1970s – Education teams from other schools visit the “Raymond Hobbs Unit” to study its innovative transition model (see the classic Pensacola News-Journal photo below).
2017–Present – Brandon Koger serves as Principal.
Today – Serving over 700 students in grades 6–8 with a continued focus on academics, electives, arts, athletics, and supporting healthy individualism during these critical years.

For over 55 years, Hobbs Middle has been a cornerstone of education in the Milton community.
What are your memories of Hobbs Middle School?
Teachers, alumni, parents — drop your stories, favorite teachers, or old photos below 👇

06/11/2026

Colonel Willard Norris, namesake of Willard Norris Road – U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Hero

Honoring a True Santa Rosa County Hero: Colonel Willard Norris
Born on August 6, 1913, right here in Santa Rosa County, Florida, Colonel Willard Norris rose through the ranks to become a distinguished officer in the United States Army Corps of Engineers. He proudly served our nation across three major conflicts — World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
In this rare photo, Colonel Norris stands beside heavy engineering equipment, a fitting image for a man whose career focused on critical infrastructure and construction in support of our troops. During the Korean War, he was involved in major bridge-building operations, including work across the challenging Imjin River with engineer construction units.
Colonel Norris passed away on November 27, 1974, and rests at Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola. His legacy lives on locally with Willard Norris Road in the Milton area bearing his name.
Today, we remember and thank Santa Rosa County’s own Colonel Willard Norris for his lifetime of service and dedication to our country.
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06/11/2026

📸 Throwback Thursday: The Kiley Brothers & Motocross Madness in East Milton! 🏍️
The Kiley family owned Kiley's store for many years right here in East Milton — a true local landmark. And the Kiley boys? They were absolute legends on the dirt tracks!
John Kiley (left) and his brother Ed grew up loving motocross. John competed in the amateur class while Ed raced professionally. From jumping bikes as kids to tearing up the local tracks, these brothers lived and breathed the sport until the physical demands finally caught up with them.

Who remembers Kiley's store or watching the Kiley brothers fly over those jumps? Drop your memories below! 👇

06/11/2026

06/11/2026

💥Newcomer Erin Nisewonger Fires Back in District 2 Race!
Fresh face in Santa Rosa County politics, Erin Nisewonger, just stepped up and unloaded a strong rebuttal to Colton Wright’s recent comments at the BOCC meeting — where he took shots at candidates who dare to speak during public meetings.
No shrinking violet here. Nisewonger is showing early fight and a willingness to push back.
Stay tuned — District 2 is heating up.
What else will Colton Wright do to protect his friend, District Two Commissioner Kerry Allen Smith? Whatever it is, I have a feeling he will face scrutiny for it.
What do you think, Santa Rosa? Should candidates have a voice at the meetings, or should they stay silent? Drop your thoughts below.

06/11/2026

06/10/2026

🎖️ Remembering CPT Humbert "Rocky" Versace — A True American Hero of Unbreakable Spirit. 🇺🇸
Captain Humbert Versace was executed by the Viet Cong on September 26, 1965. Captured after a fierce battle, he endured brutal captivity but never broke. His tenacious resistance and firm adherence to the U.S. Military Code of Conduct inspired his fellow POWs and defied his captors until the very end.
For his extraordinary courage, CPT Versace was awarded a posthumous Purple Heart on July 2, 1966, and a posthumous Silver Star on May 19, 1971.
True heroes like Rocky Versace remind us what duty, honor, and sacrifice truly mean. We must never forget their stand for freedom.

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Video taken from memorial to honor Cpt. Versace