A former Santa Rosa County principal, who was removed following a December 2012 incident which took place away from school, has filed a lawsuit against the Santa Rosa Professional Educators (SRPE), a labor union representing teachers, and Rhonda Chavers, SRPE president, citing slander and libel. For more, read the May 16 issue of Navarre Press or subscribe online.

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There is currently a wildfire in the Gulf Breeze area. The fire covers approximately 80
acres and is located southwest of the Garcon Point Bridge.

Motorist may encounter smoke throughout the night in the areas of SR281, I-10, US Hwy 98 in the Gulf Breeze, Navarre and Milton areas.

Motorists are urged to use caution when traveling in the area. Visibility may deteriorate quickly if fog and smoke combine, especially at night and in the early morning hours. Motorist should also use caution in the area for forestry vehicles fighting the fire.

Copies of what is described by Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office as a “suspicious” letter were dropped off by a white male May 8 at more than one Santa Rosa School District facility, prompting Superintendent Tim Wyrosdick to contact law enforcement and issue what some parents have described as a vague, confusing message on May 10. For more, read the May 16 Navarre Press or subscribe online.

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MILTON — The person who severely beat two men in a Navarre home in 2011 was sentenced to life on Wednesday in Milton. Timothy Donald Helton was sentenced to life in state prison by Judge David Rimmer as a habitual felony offender and a prison release re-offender. For more, read the May 16 issue of the Navarre Press, or subscribe online.

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Last Thursday, The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by the Santa Rosa School District regarding a suspicious letter received by a school member on May 8.

According to police reports, a white male hand-delivered a letter to a school staff member encouraging schools to be sure that students were safe. The letter did not indicate specific threats to the school, students or staff, and did not reference any school functions.

The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office has assigned additional deputies to the case as well as additional patrols of the schools as a precaution.

Anyone with knowledge of this incident is urged to call the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office or Crime Stoppers at 437-STOP.

This incident is under currently investigation. More information will b posted as it becomes available.

Santa Rosa County deputies reported to a Navarre Beach residence to investigate a disturbance call on May 2, and left having busted up a meth lab operation.