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
Can we clone Greg Brown?
Can we clone Greg Brown?
EDITORIAL Santa Rosa County property owners recently received a mailout from the office of Property Appraiser Greg Brown, alerting them about three companies he said “offer you a copy of your deed and property assessment profiles for an exorbitant price.” Brown informed property owners that these businesses gather public information and charge $83 or $89 … read more
Sales tax workshop proposed for April 11
Sales tax workshop proposed for April 11
The Santa Rosa County Commission wants to hear what taxpayers think about funding a new judicial facility that could cost nearly $50 million with a sales tax increase. Commissioners will conduct a public workshop on April 11 at 6 p.m. to discuss a Local Option Sales Tax – or LOST – to fund the courthouse … read more
Sheriff Hall may reconsider bid for re-election
Sheriff Hall may reconsider bid for re-election
Rumors that Florida Senator Greg Evers may enter the race for Santa Rosa County Sheriff are running rampant. Now longtime Sheriff Wendell Hall, who had endorsed his own Chief Deputy as his replacement, said he might reconsider seeking another term. The issue was fueled by a phone poll conducted about two weeks ago, asking Santa Rosa County voters … read more
Are 10 years of beach beautification ending?
Are 10 years of beach beautification ending?
Photo caption: The committee erected a solar-powered welcome sign at the west entrance to Navarre Beach on Gulf Boulevard. Members of the Navarre Beach Beautification Committee made a presentation to Santa Rosa County Commissioners at Monday’s board meeting. And they’re ready to toss in the towel. John Lewis, chairman of the committee, outlined more than a decade worth of projects … read more
Commissioners to discuss details of another sales tax referendum
Commissioners to discuss details of another sales tax referendum
The Santa Rosa County Commission is set to discuss the details of a referendum asking citizens — once again — to increase the county’s sales tax to fund local projects. In November 2014, voters rejected a 1 percent percent sales tax increase by 52 to 48 percent. That money would have been used to fund … read more
