ECUA Executive Director Jason Yarborough Resigns; Bruce Woody Named Acting Director

The Emerald Coast Utilities Authority board accepted Executive Director Jason Yarborough's resignation during a special meeting Friday, according to a statement from ECUA's Public Information Office.

Bruce Woody, former ECUA executive director, will step into the role of acting executive director while the authority conducts a search for a permanent replacement, ECUA said.

No details were provided about the circumstances of Yarborough's departure or a timeline for the executive director search.

DeSantis Appoints Naples Building Official to State Construction Board

Governor Ron DeSantis announced Friday the appointment of Stephen Beckman to the Construction Industry Licensing Board. Beckman currently serves as director of Building Services for the City of Naples and holds multiple certifications including General Contractor, Building Code Administrator, and Plans Examiner through the Florida Department of Business Regulation.

Beckman is active in professional organizations, including the Building Officials Association of Florida and the Association of State Floodplain Managers. He earned his bachelor's degree from Concordia College.

The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate, according to the Governor's Press Office.

Milton prioritizes school bus stops for debris removal ahead of reopening

The City of Milton is focusing storm debris removal efforts around school bus stops and campuses as Santa Rosa County schools prepare to reopen next week following Hurricane Isaias, according to a city news release issued Friday.

Crew began collection operations Tuesday, October 13, and are working daily through November to clear an estimated 400,000 cubic yards of storm debris plus another 35,000 cubic yards of construction and demolition material. Residents may notice debris trucks in neighborhoods collecting some piles while leaving others — the city says crews are prioritizing school-related access first and will return for additional collection as operations progress.

Parents and guardians should keep children closely supervised near bus stops and debris work zones. The city warns of active heavy equipment, utility crews, and recovery activities in neighborhoods. The debris processing site is located about three blocks from Rhodes Elementary School at Byrom and James Streets, where motorists and pedestrians should exercise caution.

Preliminary damage assessments show about 60% of Milton structures sustained some storm damage, with roughly 5% deemed uninhabitable. The city asked residents to remain patient as recovery continues.