The governor’s veto pen hit Santa Rosa County hard this year, striking down more than $2 million in requested funding for local projects. Among the casualties were the wetlands conservation of a 27.57-acre parcel, the expansion of the Whiting Field taxiway, and continued support for our Veterans Treatment Court. These aren’t frivolous expenses; they’re strategic investments in environmental protection, infrastructure, and justice for those who’ve served our country. The impact of these cuts is not just fiscal — it’s deeply personal for the communities depending on them.
It was a glorious morning. The sun was shining and the wind was from the Southeast. Up especially early, a tall bony, redheaded young Virginian found time to buy a new thermometer, for which he paid three pounds, fifteen shillings. He also bought gloves for Martha, his wife, who was ill at home.
We were privileged to contribute to the Navarre Centennial celebration Saturday night. Our very own Jonathan Crider, Ph.D., served as guest speaker and offered a wonderful perspective on the past century of the place we proudly call home. Jon knows this history better than anyone on our team, having researched and written the historical stories for Navarre Press years ago, back when he was part of our staff. We used to tease him that writing for the paper was his first glimpse into life as Sandi Kemp’s future son-in-law. He passed every test with flying colors and was warmly welcomed into both our family and the Kemp family.
That’s the question I’ve had to ask myself. My answer is a resounding “no,” but ultimately, what matters most is how others perceive me. If the general perception is that I sometimes come across that way, then I must acknowledge that. Public perception carries weight, more than I’d like to admit, even to myself.
We love watching the “kids” of Navarre grow up, graduate, go to college – and decide to come back home to establish themselves. In this case, I’m talking about Grady and Eliana Kelly. Grady played for the Navarre Raiders and is a superstar football player in his last year at Michigan State – he may even have a shot at the NFL. He and his wife (also an alum of Navarre High School) are expecting a baby in October and have come home to open a business. Brian Lester reached out to them to do a story (page 1B). They talk about their faith being a driving force and wanting to pour back into a community that means so much to them. We are glad to have them home and wish them great success!
It seems to be a tradition now for me to write about the comments made from people about a newspaper pay wall.
I get the frustration. People love free. And there seems to be this mindset that you shouldn’t have to pay for the news.
I have found that few people object to hearing me say, “I will pray for you.” Most thank me, even those I know who do not believe in God. They understand from my words that I care about them.
