17-story hotel in works for Navarre Beach
17-story hotel in works for Navarre Beach
Santa Rosa County officials have confirmed that planning and zoning staff held a pre-application meeting this week to discuss a planned 17-story Gulf-front hotel on Navarre Beach. The 1.06-acre parcel eyed for development is located at 8459 Gulf Boulevard, just west of Carribbean Resort and near the construction site of a 7-story Springhill Suites by … read more
Two candidates quit Sheriff’s race
Two candidates quit Sheriff’s race
The race to win the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s seat may have become a bit easier for the agency’s Chief Deputy Bob Johnson. Former longtime Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Hank Shirah, presently the Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police for Pensacola State College, told South Santa Rosa News yesterday that he is … read more
Destin dentist driving wrong way on Hwy. 98 gets DUI
Destin dentist driving wrong way on Hwy. 98 gets DUI
A Destin dentist who was reportedly so intoxicated she was driving westbound in the eastbound lanes of U.S. Highway 98 last Saturday night was slapped with DUI charges after a Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s deputy caught up with the woman near Lighthouse Pointe in Navarre. The driver, Elena Kopko, 42, of Turkey Oak Drive in … read more
“Large grocery” planned for U.S. 98 near West Navarre Primary
“Large grocery” planned for U.S. 98 near West Navarre Primary
A large grocery store and gas station is planned for 18 acres on the north side of U.S. 98 near West Navarre Primary School. And the proposed development could eventually warrant a new traffic signal at Joybrook Road. David Hightower, representing property owner Titan Venture Management, LLC, told South Santa Rosa News he signed a … read more
Navarre Beach Pier operators say the county owes them money
Navarre Beach Pier operators say the county owes them money
Santa Rosa County and the contractor that runs the Navarre Beach Pier are at odds over who owes whom money. The county maintains that the Coastal Concessions owes taxpayers $45,653.95 in unpaid pier admission collections, fines and other fees. While Coastal Concessions says the county owes it more than $143,000 in unexpected start-up costs. On … read more
Wanted suspect who eluded LEO’s nabbed in Jacksonville
Wanted suspect who eluded LEO’s nabbed in Jacksonville
A man who led law enforcement officers on a high speed chase through most of Santa Rosa County and collided head on with a Navarre woman on East Bay Boulevard is sitting behind bars at Jacksonville Jail. The suspect, Mark Anthony Tusa, has been sitting in the jail since Jan. 4. He was arrested for … read more
‘It’s like working out in a sauna’
‘It’s like working out in a sauna’
It’s always like clockwork. Almost 99 percent of the time when someone is given the option to trek up a flight of stairs or take the elevator, they take the latter. But firefighters with Navarre Beach Fire Department on Captain Sean Hughes’ watch have no choice. They get the hard end of the stick and … read more
Dangerous turn lane finally getting the ax
Dangerous turn lane finally getting the ax
A controversial and dangerous turn lane is finally getting a makeover after the Florida Department of Transportation confirmed with South Santa Rosa News last week that it plans to tear it up and close it off for good. That turn lane is in the heart of the City of Gulf Breeze and used to … read more
Blackhawk tribute next week
Blackhawk tribute next week
Nearly one year ago, 11 servicemen perished in a CH-60 Blackhawk Helicopter training exercise when the helicopter crashed into the Santa Rosa Sound in Navarre. Since then, locals have garnered support to not only build a memorial for the seven Marines and four National Guardsmen, but a separate group plans to host a personal memorial … read more
$300 million oil spill fund in peril
$300 million oil spill fund in peril
This year, the Florida Panhandle was anticipating $300 million in Oil Spill Economic Recovery Act funding. However, there is a move underway in the Florida legislature to not only stall the payout, but possibly reallocate those funds. Around $1.5 billion was designated for Triumph Gulf Coast, a nonprofit created to manage the recovery funds for … read more
