Navarre Press | Your Source for News in Santa Rosa

Matthew Bell, a debris removal worker who was seriously injured on Navarre Beach, is recovering after multiple surgeries.

News

Georgia man recovering after fall from debris removal vehicle on Navarre Beach

A 28-year-old man wound up in the hospital following an incident Tuesday, Oct. 27, in which he fell from a debris removal tractor trailer and was subsequently run over.

According to emergency dispatch, the man was riding in a boom operator’s seat on top of the moving vehicle when he was clipped by a low-hanging power line. He fell down and was run over by the trailer and a passenger vehicle near 8082 Gulf Blvd.

Men arrested for killing alligator in March sign pre-trial diversion contract

The men at the center of the controversial killing of a Milton-area alligator in March have entered into a pretrial diversion (PTD) contract. If the men complete the court-ordered tasks, their charges could be dismissed.

Kevin Lacz, Richard Reder and Jason Griffin are accused of illegally removing an 8.5-foot alligator from a retention pond in Milton and bringing the live alligator to a residence, where it was killed with a power drill. Lacz had previously been a SNAP trapper.

Local officials say cleanup costs estimated to reach $51.5 million

As Santa Rosa County is past the two-week mark of Hurricane Isaias’ landfall, the county is now working on the months-long chore of cleanup, a task that local officials say could cost them at least $50 million combined.

That task involves clearing roads, both public and private, along with clearing debris from the Town of Jay, which was approved by the Board of County Commissioners Oct. 20.

Legendary fighter takes final flight, Air Force Reserve delivers F-117A to Smithsonian

(By Staff Sgt. Alexis Morris) Nearly two decades after the U.S. Air Force retired the airframe from combat, one F-117A Nighthawk had the rare opportunity to take to the skies once more: this time, in the cargo hold of a C-5M Super Galaxy. The historic stealth aircraft, bound for the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, would soon join the institution’s permanent collection.

Hurricane Isaias exposed flaws in Santa Rosa’s 911 infrastructure

Hurricane Isaias knocked out both generators at Santa Rosa County’s Emergency Operations Center as it made landfall Oct. 9, forcing the county to relocate 911 dispatchers mid-storm, said County Administrator Brad Baker at a Board of County Commissioners meeting on Oct. 20.

More News Coverage

Sports

A look at the area’s state qualifiers in swimming

Beach

Georgia man recovering after fall from debris removal vehicle on Navarre Beach

Advertorial

Own a piece of paradise at Beachview

Sow Wisely Lawn Care

This family owned business was out after the hurricane helping folks clear their yards. They saw me cutting and hauling a tree in my front yard, stopped and helped me finish stacking the debris. Small, family owned businesses like these are the backbone of any community, and I am thankful for the help. I will definitely call them for future lawn care needs and recommend you do the same!

Shoutout to the ladies at The Boardwalk Shop

These ladies are the kindest. We stopped for batteries and they didn’t have any to sell. But the kind lady went to the back office and gave us 2 batteries that she had. They also gave us shell finding tips and clues to find the Mermaid Mailbox! These ladies are a fine example of the Navarre community and one of the reasons we love traveling from Pittsburgh, PA to this beautiful place!

Shoutout to Autism Pensacola 2025 Connecting The Pieces Gala

Autism Pensacola’s 19th Annual Connecting the Pieces Gala is Thursday, April 10, 2025, at Sanders Beach-Corrine Jones Community Center. The event features a silent auction, music by the Dharma Beats, a walkabout menu-tasting provided by local chefs and restaurants, signature cocktails and a brief program. All proceeds of the Connecting the Pieces Gala support Autism Pensacola’s outreach efforts to serve children and families affected by autism in the local community.

Shoutout to Deb’s Coffee

Big shoutout to Deb’s Coffee, a fantastic small business with delicious coffee and passionate staff. My husband and I appreciate y’all so much, and the community wouldn’t be the same without you!

Shoutout to Momentum Church Pastor Steven Mendez

Momentum church. Pastor Steven mendez. Our barbershop was blessed by him this past summer! He actually blessed just about every place here in navarre, We love Steven at the Navarre beach barbershop, were blessed to have him as one of our supporters.

Shoutout to Lisa

Lisa helped numerous families in the Navarre area with Christmas, including my own children. I’m a single mom working 2 jobs and doing my best. She helped me put on a decent Christmas. Thankful for her.

Shoutout to Volunteers

Jovana C. wants to express their heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated individual ( man ) who volunteers to cleans the roadsides along 399. Although I don’t know your name, I notice you every morning after my shift, diligently collecting litter with a trash bag. Your efforts truly make a positive impact on our community. Thank you!

Shoutout to Espresso Lane and kind-hearted folks

Espresso Lane, our beloved local coffee spot, goes above and beyond to make Navarre a brighter, friendlier place. For those enjoying the walking and running paths, Espresso Lane provides free, refreshing filtered ice water to keep everyone hydrated, and they even have a water station for our furry friends!

They have also set up a Free Little Library for anyone wanting to grab a book on their stroll.

It’s these small, thoughtful acts that make Navarre such a special community.

A huge thank you to Espresso Lane and the kind-hearted folks who make our town feel like home!

Shoutout to Juana’s Management

Shout out to the management of Juana’s for having a Bands for Bands concert that will help out musicians affected by the recent hurricanes.

Shoutout to the Navarre Community!

Give a shoutout to someone who went above and beyond for you or our community!

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Community, News, Photos

Gearheads roll in for 26th annual Navarre Beach Car Show

From old-school hot rods to the latest high-performance sports cars, the 26th annual Navarre Beach Car, Truck & Bike Show featured a plethora of vehicles for car enthusiasts. In all, 75 vehicles participated during the Oct. 31 event.

The event is organized by the Pirates on the Panhandle, a philanthropic social club based in Navarre. Since its founding in 2009, the organization has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars and donated those funds to nonprofits and schools throughout Northwest Florida.