Here's a look back at our top stories of the week

Here's a roundup of our top stories from the past week that are available only to our subscribers.

With a subscription to the Pensacola News Journal, you will receive full access to the work done by our journalists and photographers as they head out every day to help inform and explain the important issues affecting your community.

'That man has to be stopped': Dr. Ben Brown patients allege horror stories

Jane Hawkins first consulted with plastic surgeon Dr. Ben Brown to discuss removing her breast implants and to have what’s called a mini-mommy makeover, including a tummy tuck and using fat from her body to rebuild her breasts.

Hawkins underwent a six-hour surgery in November 2022. She awoke to find Brown had completed the procedures she consented to and one procedure she said she had not wanted. Hawkins said Brown put about five pounds of fat in her backside.

Soon, the sutures in her stomach became loose. The wound, by the time she went to the emergency room was nine-inches-wide by four-inches-across, according to another doctor.

The horror story that unfolded was similar to that of several woman who shared their stories with the Pensacola News Journal.

Full story: 'That man has to be stopped': Dr. Ben Brown patients trusted surgeon - and regretted it

Who knew Milton would be hotspot for international speed skaters? Here's how it happened.

When you think of the top places for inline speed skating in the United States, you'll likely have to dig deep because most Americans aren't emotionally invested in the sport.

But little old Milton, Florida, is gaining a reputation as among the best places in the country for competitive inline speed skaters seeking national and international success. Weber's Skate World on Stewart Street debuted its outdoor 200-meter parabolic track this past week for the 10th annual Emerald Coast Inline Challenge, a six-day event that attracted more than 400 national and international competitors.

With its 100-meter inside track - the same rink that recreational skaters mosey around on with pop music blasting during non-training hours - and now its outdoor track, Weber's Skate World has become a destination for those training for future greatness.

Just ask renowned French speed skating coach Christophe Audoire, who has served as coach for the national teams of China, Germany, India and Thailand and who also coached the French junior team. He's now, temporarily, coaching local skaters.

Full story: Who knew Milton would be hotspot for international speed skaters? Here's how it happened.

'New witnesses:' Ethics committee ramps up investigation into Matt Gaetz sex allegations

A House of Representatives ethics probe into U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz is reportedly active again including interviewing new witnesses, ABC News reported on Tuesday.

Gaetz has been under investigation by the House Ethics Committee since 2021, when sex trafficking allegations emerged about the congressman.

ABC News reported that the Republican-led House Ethics Committee has contacted "multiple new witnesses" and that committee members have begun conducting interviews. The USA TODAY Network has not independently verified the report.

Full story: 'New witnesses:' Ethics committee ramps up investigation into Matt Gaetz sex allegations

Pensacola's food truck A Rustyc Spoon is a restaurant now. What to try on the new menu

The tree-filled, winding driveway to Marcus Pointe Gulf Club, away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Pensacola, now leads to two new dining concepts: A Rustyc Spoon on the Green and Common Labor.

The chicken fingers once served to the lunch crowd has been replaced with blackened Caribbean grouper sandwiches since chef Rusty Strain moved into the space. He gained a following through his food truck stationed outside Emerald Republic Brewing, before moving into the dining facility at Marcus Pointe last fall. The picturesque dining room with glass windows, white tablecloths and an open kitchen have all contributed to the space becoming a community dining hotspot. But this isn't the first time the location has had success, as it was where fine dining Restaurant IRON got its start.

Marcus Pointe manager Randy Bensley turned to Strain for his culinary vision and leadership to bring the dining space back to life for foodies and golfers alike.

Full story: Pensacola's food truck A Rustyc Spoon is a restaurant now. What to try on the new menu

Could DeSantis amend Florida constitution to run in 2026? Not without a lot of help

One of the more interesting claims after Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended his presidential campaign was that DeSantis might amend the Florida Constitution and enable himself to run for a third term as governor in 2026.

Some states hold lifetime term limits for governors, but Florida isn’t one of them. Governors can serve any number of terms, so long as they don’t serve for more than two consecutive terms.

However, whether out of jest or simply out of touch, comments continued to insinuate that DeSantis could merely make up a new law to change all of that, with many pointing to an amendment passed in 2023 that “allowed” him to run for president while maintaining his seat as governor – despite the state’s resign-to-run law author stating the amendment was unnecessary.

So, what are the chances that DeSantis could amend the Florida Constitution and allow himself to run for governor again in 2026? Microscopic.

Full story: Could DeSantis amend Florida constitution to run in 2026? Not without a lot of help

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Pensacola top news stories: Jan.22-26