Beach Archive

Navarre residents and visitors flocked to Navarre Beach to catch a large scale fireworks display Friday night, July 4. The Independence Day celebration is put on by Navarre Beach Fishing Pier and Santa Rosa County. 

June was a busy month on Navarre Beach in more than one way. On top of the sugar-white sand, visitors play and lifeguards patrol. Beneath the sand, sea turtle eggs lay in nests across the beachfront, incubating.

Shane Reynolds, better known by his professional moniker, “Shane O,” has spent the past 25 years documenting the world through the lens of a video camera.

He has videotaped whale sharks up close, surfed waves in The Maldives and El Salvador, hiked through the jungles of Guyana, explored ancient relics in Egypt and stood mere feet from grizzlies in Alaska. To date, he has filmed in over 30 countries.

As a strong line of severe weather made its way through the Navarre area Monday evening, June 23, emergency crews from across south Santa Rosa County had their hands full. At approximately 6:30 p.m., there were at least five calls for service answered by first responders, namely Holley Navarre-Fire District and Navarre Beach Fire Rescue District. Midway Fire District also ran a call in HNFD’s district at the time.

Navarre Beach Fire Rescue District quickly acted June 21 to save a male kayaker during a near drowning off Navarre Beach.

Over 500 people were on hand to witness the return of eight sea turtles to the Gulf of America.

With the summer in full swing, Navarre Beach Lifeguards have invited a new crop of Junior Lifeguards to participate in their series of camps. At the camps, held during the week throughout June, adolescents ages 8 to 15 learn the ins and outs of lifeguarding, from water rescue skills to CPR and first aid. This is the fifth year Navarre Beach Lifeguards is hosting the program.

Santa Rosa County has a Navarre Beach lighting ordinance as part of its land development code which has been in place for several decades. The ordinance was extended across the entire island, not just the Gulf side, in 2021.

Four rough-toothed dolphins from Gulf World in Panama City were sent to Clearwater Marine Aquarium June 4.

The news came as a welcome relief for animal advocates and all those who care about dolphins. In the past several months, Gulf World has come under scrutiny and investigation for its alleged mistreatment of dolphins and other marine animals in its care. Since October 2024, at least five dolphins have died at the facility.

At the Pensacola Propeller Club’s annual meeting held May 22, Firefighter Justin Price of Navarre Beach Fire Rescue District was recognized as the Maritime First Responder of the Year for his exceptional dedication and service.