Navarre man gets 25-year prison sentence for child molestation
Navarre man gets 25-year prison sentence for child molestation
State Attorney Bill Eddins announced that on March 1 a Santa Rosa County jury found Derrick Christopher Smith, age 25, of Navarre, guilty of Lewd or Lascivious Molestation upon a victim less than 12 years of age. Smith committed the offense on June 12, 2016 at the home he shared with the victim and her … read more
18th Annual Seagrass Awareness Celebration
18th Annual Seagrass Awareness Celebration
Learn about seagrasses, the marine creatures that live there, and how to protect them at the 18th annual Seagrass Awareness Celebration. The free event will take place from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., Saturday, March 24 at Shoreline Park South in Gulf Breeze. Family-focused activities include: live marine life in touch tanks, “eat … read more
Marketing funds available for Santa Rosa County events
Marketing funds available for Santa Rosa County events
Need funding to promote your local event? The Santa Rosa County Tourist Development Office (TDO) local marketing funding program opens March 5. The intent of the grant program is to provide funding assistance for events that affect overnight visitors to Santa Rosa County impacting commercial lodging industry, hotels, campgrounds, condominiums, as well as restaurants, retail establishments … read more
Help nesting sea turtles by keeping beaches dark and free of obstacles at night
Help nesting sea turtles by keeping beaches dark and free of obstacles at night
Keeping beaches dark at night and free of obstacles will help sea turtles during their nesting season, which begins in Florida on March 1 and lasts through the end of October. Bright artificial lighting can misdirect and disturb nesting sea turtles and their hatchlings, so beachgoers should avoid using flashlights or cellphones at night. Turning … read more
Garcon Point Bridge legislation underway
Garcon Point Bridge legislation underway
Two state legislators continue to work on bills which would allow state purchase of the privately owned Garcon Point Bridge from bondholders. The effort would not only be aimed to increase average daily traffic on the 3.5-mile span by reducing the current $3.75 toll charged each way but also the legislation could potentially save the … read more
Juana’s seeks $30K in tourism tax money for Spring Jam
Juana’s seeks $30K in tourism tax money for Spring Jam
The Santa Rosa County Tourist Development Council this morning will discuss a $30,000 request from Kevin Rudzki, owner of Juana’s Inc. on Navarre Beach. Rudzki is seeking county tourism tax dollars to offset expenses related to a March 25 concert planned for the property, which he leases from Santa Rosa County. The one-day concert will … read more
Gulf Breeze High School Senior Receives West Point Appointment
Gulf Breeze High School Senior Receives West Point Appointment
Matthew Hawkins, 17, has been selected for an appointment to The United States Military Academy West Point. Hawkins received a nomination from Congressman Matt Gaetz in January, and made it through the final selection process to receive a coveted spot in the academy. Hawkins, a senior at Gulf Breeze High School, comes from a family … read more
The struggle to keep local schools safe
The struggle to keep local schools safe
School Resource Officers Art Austin and Matt Robinson are two of only six SROs currently in Santa Rosa County School District’s 38 schools, according to Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office Spokesman Sgt. Rich Aloy. Florida Governor Rick Scott at a press conference this afternoon in Walton County promoted his $500 million school safety plan. However, … read more
BBB Alert: Scammers posing as Bail Bondsman
BBB Alert: Scammers posing as Bail Bondsman
The local Better Business Bureau has received reports on Scam Tracker of a current scam in the Pensacola Area. “Someone is calling residents claiming to be from ‘Any Hour Bail Bonds’ informing them that a family member is in jail and they need to purchase green dot money cards and meet them at a certain … read more
Rotary Club of Navarre Announces 22nd Annual 8th Grade Essay Contest Winners
Rotary Club of Navarre Announces 22nd Annual 8th Grade Essay Contest Winners
Pictured left to right: Rotary Club of Navarre President TJ Goulet, Hunter Wallace, Cassidy McWatters, Carly Russ, Olivia Smith and Club Youth Program Coordinator Les Rushing. Rotary Club of Navarre is pleased to announce the winners of this year’s 8th Grade Essay Contest: Cassidy McWatters, first place; Olivia Smith, second place; Hunter Wallace, third place; and … read more
