The Navarre Paddle Classic is back, bringing paddlers, spectators and outdoor enthusiasts together for a weekend of competition and community connection. The fifth annual event will return to Navarre Beach Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17. Start times for the event are 8:45 a.m. to 9 a.m. each day.
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Jeff Ates IV running on infrastructure in District 2 commission race
Four years after narrowly losing to Kerry Smith for the District 2 Santa Rosa County Commission seat, Jeff Ates IV is back. This go round, he is facing seven other candidates, including Smith.
Ates is a lifelong East Milton resident and ran a dirt pit in the area for around 25 years. The pit has supplied dirt and other earthworks for projects across Santa Rosa County. He also managed hunting land in the 1980s and 1990s and currently consults for North American IPS, LLC.
A look inside: Soundside High prepared for next school year
While most Santa Rosa County schools are focused on finishing the 2025-26 school year, Kasie Windfelder is already planning for the opening of Soundside High School in 2026-27.
Windfelder is the principal of Soundside High School, the new high school on the south end of Santa Rosa County. Located in Midway across from the Gulf Breeze Zoo, the school is nearing completion. Construction cost around $115 million.
On May 1, Windfelder gave Navarre Press reporter Hansen Hasenberg a tour of the new school.
Navarre brain cancer survivor thanks God for saving her life
Jan. 1, 2026, was anything but fun for Monica McBrien, who works for Santa Rosa County Tourism Development Office. While many were ringing in the new year with fireworks, she suffered a seizure.
After coming to, she couldn’t recognize her family’s faces. She knew something was wrong. Shortly after, an MRI unveiled a diagnosis no one wants to hear: “you have brain cancer.”
Judge denies travel request for deputy charged in Fortson shooting
An Okaloosa County judge on May 11 denied a request from a former Okaloosa County sheriff’s deputy charged in the 2024 shooting death of Senior Airman Roger Fortson to travel outside the bounds of his pretrial release, after Fortson’s mother delivered an emotional plea asking the court to keep him in the area.
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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Gulf Breeze man arrested on kidnapping charge

A Gulf Breeze man was arrested in Foley, Alabama, after authorities said he held a 71-year-old man at gunpoint and forced him to drive to a bank and withdraw money.
Grant Barrett, 42, is charged with kidnapping an adult for ransom and battery.
Florida Now
Congrats to our Athlete and Student of the Week!


A look inside: Soundside High prepared for next school year
While most Santa Rosa County schools are focused on finishing the 2025-26 school year, Kasie Windfelder is already planning for the opening of Soundside High School in 2026-27.
Windfelder is the principal of Soundside High School, the new high school on the south end of Santa Rosa County. Located in Midway across from the Gulf Breeze Zoo, the school is nearing completion. Construction cost around $115 million.
On May 1, Windfelder gave Navarre Press reporter Hansen Hasenberg a tour of the new school.
Navarre Paddle Classic returns with expanded two-day event
The Navarre Paddle Classic is back, bringing paddlers, spectators and outdoor enthusiasts together for a weekend of competition and community connection. The fifth annual event will return to Navarre Beach Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17. Start times for the event are 8:45 a.m. to 9 a.m. each day.
A look inside: Soundside High prepared for next school year
While most Santa Rosa County schools are focused on finishing the 2025-26 school year, Kasie Windfelder is already planning for the opening of Soundside High School in 2026-27.
Windfelder is the principal of Soundside High School, the new high school on the south end of Santa Rosa County. Located in Midway across from the Gulf Breeze Zoo, the school is nearing completion. Construction cost around $115 million.
On May 1, Windfelder gave Navarre Press reporter Hansen Hasenberg a tour of the new school.
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