Proposed ordinance takes aim at Gulf Breeze vacant properties
Gulf Breeze officials hope a new proposed ordinance will help keep vacant lots looking clean and orderly.
Month: September 2014
Hatchlings walk red carpet on Navarre Beach
The sound of rainfall. That’s what the turtle whisperers listen for to determine when baby turtles are going to make their debut.
Water fountains in Navarre Beach
Water fountains in Navarre Beach Marine Park have been broken since last winter. They will probably stay that way according to Terry Wallace who oversees Navarre Beach utilities and functions.
Islanders discuss incorporation
Dozens of Navarre Beach residents attended a presentation on incorporation last weekend. Many islanders asked questions about the effort -- some expressing frustration with the current level of services provided by Santa Rosa County.
Hurlburt runs to honor POW/MIA
Hurlburt Field marked the official POW/MIA recognition day with a 24 hour vigil run that began at 3 p.m. on Sept. 18 and continued through 2:45 p.m. Sept. 19.
Navarre Fire Commissioners Allocate Funds
The Holley Navarre Fire District approved a $1,489,967 budget Sept. 22 at their monthly meeting. The budget will fund prevention initiatives, equipment purchases, training and, most notably, an Opticom Emergency Vehicle Preparation system.
New tourism director named
Julie Morgan, executive tourism director for Monroe County, Tennessee, has been tapped to lead Santa Rosa County’s tourism industry. Negotiations are presently underway for her $68,000 annual contract.
New construction boosts county budget
Santa Rosa County’s property tax base has grown 5.1 percent, boosting the fiscal year 2015 budget to $104 million. That’s more than a $2 million increase over the current fiscal year, which ends Sept. 30. Some of the additional funds will be used to increase pay for deputies by $1,000 each and provide merit raises for county employees who pass their annual evaluations.
July tourism revenues best on record
Thousands of visitors packed Navarre Beach this summer, booking up area hotels and condos. Coupled with a one-cent bed tax increase effective June 1, resulting revenues were the highest ever recorded during the month of July. More than $427,000 was collected.
Commission set to rehire state lobbyist
Commissioners are at odds over whether or not to rehire a state lobbyist. At Monday’s committee meeting the board was divided on the issue until Commissioner Bob Cole leaned in favor of the hire. The board will vote on the matter today.