Navarre Press | Your Source for News in Santa Rosa

Wendell Hall was sheriff of Santa Rosa County during 9/11.

News

Ret. Sheriff Wendell Hall reflects on terrorist attacks 25 years later

Wendell Hall had been sheriff of Santa Rosa County for about eight months when he walked out of a hotel breakfast in Ocala and found a crowd of Florida sheriffs standing around a television.

A jet had hit one of the World Trade Center towers, someone told him. Nobody knew if it was an accident. Hall was still watching when the second plane hit.

Former U.S. Marshal recalls tragic day, lives saved on 9/11

On Sept. 11, 2001, former U.S. Marshal Dominic Guadagnoli was in a morning briefing a few blocks from the World Trade Center when the first plane hit.

At that moment, an ordinary September day would be etched forever into Guadagnoli’s memory — and America’s.

Inmate gets 15 years for choking cellmate to death in Santa Rosa prison

A Santa Rosa County jury found a state prison inmate guilty of manslaughter in connection of a 2022 incident where he strangled his cellmate to death, according to a news release from the State Attorney Ginger Bowden Madden’s office.

Jurors found Tavis Williams guilty on Sept. 1 and was sentenced by Circuity Judge Clifton Drake.

25 years later, 9/11 takes toll on Navarre survivor

Although it’s been 25 years since 9/11, Ricki DeSantis is still dealing with the ramifications of the tragedy.

DeSantis, a Navarre resident, was working in finance in New York City at the time of the attacks. While entering one of the towers, he was blown backward about 20 feet as one of the planes hit. Downtown during the towers’ collapse, DeSantis was also exposed to carcinogenic asbestos, alkaline dust from pulverized concrete, gypsum, cellulose, heavy metals, hydrocarbons and dioxins, just to name a few.

St. Sylvester Catholic Church holds 9/11 ceremony

On Sunday, Sept. 6, a crowd of more than 100 people gathered outside St. Sylvester Catholic Church to honor the lives lost during the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

The attacks, collectively known as 9/11, killed almost 3,000 people and have changed the U.S. in myriad ways, including the emergence of the Department of Homeland Security, tighter airport security and the launch of the war on terror.

More News Coverage

Sports

Checking in with girls golf teams at Pace, Navarre and Milton

Beach

Navarre Beach Fishing Pier to close to anglers morning of Sept. 13

Advertorial

Drivers bring fresh direction to Graze Craze

Spectrum brand, pricing and packaging to launch in all Cox markets in mid-September

Business

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!

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News

Holley-Navarre Water board moving forward with golf course bridge design

Holley-Navarre Water System is looking to build a new bridge at Hole 3 at the Club at Hidden Creek golf course.

In April, the HNWS Board of Directors approved an engineering proposal for the bridge for $105,000. Under the proposal, Southern Site and Utility Design would provide design services related to the replacement of the bridge.