Jury acquits man on charges of sexual battery on children
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Jury acquits man on charges of sexual battery on children

A 24-year-old Panama City man, on trial last week for sexual battery offenses against two youth that could have put him behind bars for life, has been acquitted of all charges. The four-man, two woman took just under two hours Friday morning to find Brandon Austin James not guilty of two counts of sexual battery…

Robby Hogan named Carrabelle police chief
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Robby Hogan named Carrabelle police chief

Carrabelle Deputy Chief Robby Hogan was sworn in this afternoon as the city’s new police chief, following a unanimous vote by the city commission. Following a motion by Mayor Brenda La Paz, and seconded by Tony Millender, the commission voted 4-0 to approve Hogan’s hire. Sebrina Brown, who was absent from the special meeting, had…

Early announcements launch 2024 campaign
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Early announcements launch 2024 campaign

In an unusual departure from the traditional start of the election season, two candidates have thrown their hats in the ring about a year ahead of schedule. In an official filing Jan. 6 with the supervisor of election’s office, Terry Tipton, Jr. has announced his intent to run for property appraiser in 2024. A Republican,…

Shoaf bill would allow for killing bears if threatened
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Shoaf bill would allow for killing bears if threatened

State Rep. Jason Shoaf wants to pass legislation that will give Floridians the right to kill a bear if they feel either themselves or their property are being threatened. Referred to as the Self Defense Act, House Bill 1587, which was filed Monday, would justify the use of lethal force to take a bear without…

Traffic issue roils Eastpoint’s Serenity project
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Traffic issue roils Eastpoint’s Serenity project

A high-profile mixed-use development in Eastpoint, approved by the county in July 2019, has met with a wrinkle. The hitch came at the county commission’s Feb. 21 meeting when commissioners were asked to reckon with changes to the terms of the planned unit development that will govern the proposed 56-acre Serenity Seaside Resort.  The resort…