Body washes ashore on Navarre Beach
Body washes ashore on Navarre Beach
Chief Mike Howard of Navarre Beach Fire Rescue has confirmed that a body washed up on the shore of the Gulf of Mexico this evening. Howard was unable to say whether or not it was that of a local swimmer who was reported missing Tuesday evening. But Howard did say the identification process was underway. … read more
Should Santa Rosa require bear-resistant trash cans?
Should Santa Rosa require bear-resistant trash cans?
Whether Santa Rosa County should require residents to use bear-resistant garbage cans – and potential state money associated with that requirement – was once again on the County Commission’s agenda on Monday. State Rep. Doug Broxson, R-Gulf Breeze, urged the commission to consider a bear ordinance. “The governor and Legislature allocated $500,000 (this year) … … read more
Santa Rosa considers bed tax deal with Airbnb
Santa Rosa considers bed tax deal with Airbnb
Santa Rosa County leaders have inked a deal that will dictate how the online rental booking company Airbnb will pay bed taxes for units rented through its services. “The online vacation rental industry has continued to evolve during recent years and Airbnb is a major vendor in this market,” County Administrator Tony Gomillion wrote in … read more
Navarre Paramedic charged after taking “selfie” with patients
Navarre Paramedic charged after taking “selfie” with patients
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a former Okaloosa County EMS paramedic and issued active warrants for another in connection with an investigation that revealed they used their cell phones to take selfies and videos with patients inside ambulances for their own amusement as part of a “selfie war” competition. Many patients were incubated, … read more
Proposed development in park nixed from agenda
Proposed development in park nixed from agenda
DEVELOPING STORY A lease modification request to develop a 134-unit condominium development inside Navarre Beach Marine Park has been removed from next week’s county commission agenda at the request of developer Ron Ward. More information will be posted as it becomes available.
Chamber crumbling
Chamber crumbling
The Navarre Beach Area Chamber of Commerce removed two directors at a July 20 meeting, and a third director resigned afterwards, leaving four vacancies on the troubled board. Navarre businessman James Dabney, owner of East River Smokehouse, and Cindy Stephens, branch manager of Beach Community Bank in Navarre, were voted off the board. Stephens was … read more
Historical Society seeks “old timers”
Historical Society seeks “old timers”
Do you or your relatives have stories, photographs or memories of our area from days gone by? Well, the Holley-Navarre Historical Society wants to hear from you. The society is seeking volunteers to help interview long-time residents for a planned future book of local history. The group also hopes to one day start a museum … read more
Acclaimed Navarre teacher wins prestigious award
Acclaimed Navarre teacher wins prestigious award
After nearly two decades as an educator, award-winning Navarre marine science teacher Charlene Mauro, is still fired up about helping students learn and receiving recognition for blazing new trails in the field. “As I approach twenty years in teaching, I still love it as much as I did in the beginning,” Mauro said. The National Marine Educator’s Association recently … read more
Pro-sales tax group urges creation of citizens panel to oversee tax issues
Pro-sales tax group urges creation of citizens panel to oversee tax issues
A new citizens group that wants Santa Rosa County voters to support an increase in the sales tax to fund a new courthouse and other projects is asking the County Commission to make the process as transparent as possible. Ed Carson, Pace resident and chairman of a political committee called Moving Santa Rosa Forward, urged … read more
Extend pier contract or seek new proposals?
Extend pier contract or seek new proposals?
Santa Rosa County Commissioners could decide this month whether to extend the current contractor’s right to operate the Navarre Beach Gulf Pier or seek new proposals from other companies. Coastal Concessions has held the contract to operate the pier and adjoining store/restaurant since Jan. 1, 2014. That contract expires on Dec. 31, 2016. “The contract … read more
