Beach Archive

A research team with the University of Florida and the University of Maryland is looking to create a predictive model for flesh-eating bacteria in the Gulf of America, potentially giving scientists and health officials new insights into how and when the bacteria appear in waterways.

Flesh-eating bacteria, also known as Vibrio vulnificus, are typically found in warm coastal waters and can be exacerbated by flooding and agricultural and stormwater runoff.

Several county projects could bring changes to Navarre Beach in the coming years.

Multiple plans are in the works to add a parking lot and restrooms to the south side of Gulf Boulevard, a boardwalk and visitors center with retail and event space just north of the dune line and bathroom upgrades for the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier.

Navarre Beach lifeguards is sending nine of their members to a national competition after recently competing at a regional lifesaving event in Gulf Shores, Alabama. The 2026 USLA James Mac McCarthy Memorial Surf Lifesaving Championships featured lifeguards from across the Southeast.

The Santa Rosa County Commission voted not to allow a coffee shop to conduct business at the entrance of Bahia Drive on Navarre Beach.

Espresso Lane owner Susan Bradshaw went before the board Thursday, July 23, to request that a vacant commercial property be rezoned to remove a single-use restriction on the property. Thomas Greene owns the parcel, which is listed as vacant commercial property.

In a message to leaseholders from Navarre Beach Fire Rescue District Chief Jonathan Kanzigg, the newly confirmed permanent chief, outlined the financial crisis the department is in.

“Unfortunately, I must share difficult news,” Kanzigg said in the message. He said the former chief, Danny Fureigh, was not forthcoming about the department’s financial condition. Kanzigg told leaseholders the reserve funds were moved to cover recurring expenses. The board learned of the emergency last week.

Navarre Beach isn’t the normal stomping grounds of Pine Terrace Baptist Church, but it was the site of the church’s recent student beach worship night.

The Milton church brought more than 30 youth members to the beach Wednesday, July 15, for an event filled with fellowship and summer fun.

A crowd of a few dozen people brought their paddleboards, surfboards and love for John Starrett to Navarre Beach for a memorial paddle out Sunday, July 19.

While “Jaws” might have scared people away from the beach, sharks drew people to the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center on Tuesday, July 14.

The center held a Shark Awareness Day event highlighting a predator found just off the Emerald Coast.

Navarre Beach Fire Rescue District will not be pursuing a plan to reclassify Transient Public Lodging Establishments as non-residential properties. TPLEs include Airbnb, VRBO and other rental properties.

Tuesday, July 14, the Navarre Beach Fire Commission discussed the future of the proposal, which had been tabled since a contentious April meeting.

Navarre Beach is nearly three months into sea turtle nesting season and already has more than a dozen nests.

According to Cinnamon Tyler, a member of the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Patrol, the beach has seen 14 nests. Currently, 13 of those nests remain.