Southwest Drives Record September Traffic at Santa Rosa Airport

Santa Rosa County's airport saw its busiest September on record, driven largely by strong performance from Southwest Airlines, according to reporting by The Press Democrat.

The airport's traffic surge reflects broader travel demand during the month, with Southwest capitalizing on the market. The carrier's performance stands in contrast to Alaska Airlines, which has expanded its flight schedule at the airport but is currently operating with lower load factors — meaning more empty seats relative to a year ago.

The mixed results highlight shifting dynamics in regional air service, with some carriers gaining ground while others adjust to demand patterns. Santa Rosa County's airport continues to serve as a key transportation hub for the region.

DeSantis to Hold Media Gaggle in Jay This Afternoon

Governor Ron DeSantis is scheduled to hold a media gaggle in Jay this afternoon at 4:30 p.m. Central Time, according to a press advisory from the Governor's Office.

The event will take place at the Jay Community Center, 5259 Booker Lane, with media arrival beginning at 4 p.m. CT. Also scheduled to appear is Jared Perdue, executive director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management.

Credentialed media interested in covering the event are asked to RSVP to Gabriela.Alvarado@eog.myflorida.com. The Governor's Office has not yet disclosed the specific topics or announcements expected at the gaggle.

Santa Rosa County Estimates 1.7 Million Cubic Yards of Hurricane Debris

MILTON, Fla. — Santa Rosa County faces an enormous cleanup operation following Hurricane Isaias, with officials estimating the storm left behind approximately 1.7 million cubic yards of vegetative debris.

About 1.3 million cubic yards — more than three-quarters of the countywide total — is north of Interstate 10.

Storm debris collection along publicly maintained roads is scheduled to begin Wednesday.

Residents should separate vegetative debris, such as trees and limbs, from construction and demolition material.

Storm debris should not be bagged or mixed with ordinary household garbage.

Piles should be placed along the public right-of-way without blocking roads, drainage areas, fire hydrants, mailboxes or utility equipment.

Contractors will make multiple passes through affected neighborhoods, meaning residents should not assume their property has been missed if debris isn't removed during the first pass.

County Administrator Brad Baker said Tuesday that despite the enormous amount of debris, approximately 99% of Santa Rosa County roads are now passable.

The City of Pensacola began its separate hurricane debris collection operation Tuesday. Unincorporated Escambia County is also scheduled to begin collection Wednesday.