Hurricane Center monitors second tropical disturbance
Hurricane Center monitors second tropical disturbance
The National Hurricane Center in its 2 a.m. update reported a second tropical disturbance has formed over the Gulf of Mexico. However, the forecast indicates high surface pressures in the area are not favorable for Disturbance 2 to development before it reaches Texas this weekend. There is only a 10 percent chance of development over … read more
Relocation of beach wastewater discharge makes RESTORE project list
Relocation of beach wastewater discharge makes RESTORE project list
Santa Rosa County Commissioners today approved a recommendation from the county grants departments to apply for roughly $12.3 million in RESTORE funding, specifically nominating five projects aimed for Santa Rosa Sound restoration. The allocation is one of several “pots” of money resulting from 2010 Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill recovery funds. And the approval process to … read more
Jones: Hill exemption complies with law
Jones: Hill exemption complies with law
Escambia County Property Appraiser Chris Jones has completed his investigation into whether a homestead tax exemption claim for property owned by Representative Mike Hill and Greta Hill and found it complies with Florida law. According to Jones, Representative Hill and his wife recently responded to requests for additional information to review an anonymous complaint regarding … read more
New chamber schedules first meeting
New chamber schedules first meeting
The newly formed Greater Navarre Chamber of Commerce has scheduled its first meeting as a public forum which will take place at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 13. at the Navarre Area Board of Realtors office, located at 1917 Navarre School Road. CEO Tony Alexander said the meeting will provide an overview of the organization, and membership applications … read more
County recycling to resume next month
County recycling to resume next month
After nearly nine months of throwing out recyclables along with trash, recycling service will resume in Santa Rosa County around the end of September. The service was on hold while awaiting construction of a $10.6 million Emerald Coast Utilities Authority recycling facility in Escambia County adjacent to the Perdido Landfill. A grand opening for that … read more
Burglary suspect arrested after foot chase
Burglary suspect arrested after foot chase
Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office deputies have captured a burglary suspect. The suspect was apprehended near Hampton Inn in Navarre following a foot pursuit. It has not been confirmed that this arrest is connected to a “soft” lock down which took place at nearby schools, including Holley-Navarre Primary, Intermediate and Middle Schools. However, Holley-Navarre Intermediate School confirms … read more
Beach leaseholders oppose renourishment assessment
Beach leaseholders oppose renourishment assessment
Dozens of Navarre Beach leaseholders have contacted Santa Rosa County Commissioners to oppose a potential $3.2 million special assessment for the recently completed beach renourishment project. According to Santa Rosa County Public Information Officer Brandi Whitehurst, the State of Florida reduced its allocation toward the project after it was completed under budget. So commissioners are … read more
Deadline possible for retroactive $250 beach lease fee cap
Deadline possible for retroactive $250 beach lease fee cap
Next week Santa Rosa County Commissioners could set a November 1 deadline for 400 beach leaseholders who have yet to amend their leases to take advantage of a retroactive $250 lease fee cap. Commissioners made the $250 cap retroactive to November 1, 2014, but so far only 1,000 of the 1,400 beach leases have been amended. County Attorney Roy Andrews … read more
Rep. Mike Hill under investigation for homestead exemption fraud
Rep. Mike Hill under investigation for homestead exemption fraud
Florida House District 2 Representative Mike Hill is under investigation for homestead exemption fraud. The Escambia County Property Apppraiser Chris Jones’ Office this morning confirmed an “active” investigation is underway following a complaint filed last week. “We have not finished that investigation,” said Jones, who was unable to immediately release his office’s correspondence with Hill … read more
Gulf Power pursues rate increase
Gulf Power pursues rate increase
Gulf Power is taking required steps toward increasing customer prices. In an August 16 press release the utility announced it notified the Florida Public Service Commission that it may seek a hike approval to raise the base rates for electricity. ““As we continue to secure future energy needs for our customers, we have to make … read more
