Beach Archive

If you have driven over Navarre Beach Bridge at any point since November, you may have noticed an ongoing construction project at the causeway seawall.

According to assistant county engineer John Studstill, the project is an emergency repair to reinforce the seawall on the causeway.

The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park is welcoming two new arrivals. The aquarium, located on Okaloosa Island, recently announced that two rescued manatees were brought to the newly renovated manatee habitat. Their names are Lil Joe and Inigo.

The manatees coming to Northwest Florida is the culmination of a three-year vision that began in 2022, when Patrick Berry, CEO of the Gulfarium, first spoke with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service about creating a haven dedicated to nurturing manatees in need of long-term care.

On Jan. 18, 2018, the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Center was chosen to be the forever home of a sea turtle survivor. Coming to the center at just 16 lbs., Sweet Pea, a juvenile green sea turtle, had survived being tangled in fishing gear, which damaged her arm and paralyzed a back flipper. Some of the fishing gear was found inside her body as well.

With increasing crowds each year, Mardi Gras on Navarre Beach can be hectic. To maintain order and safety, the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office is enforcing an ordinance which bans overnight parking of vehicles unless that area is designated for it.

The sound side restrooms at the Navarre Beach Marine Park are closed starting Saturday, Jan. 18 due to incoming severe cold weather.

The Navarre Beach Restoration Project continues to make steady progress along the beach. The project began on Monday, Dec. 23 on the west end of Navarre Beach. Phase 1 is expected to be completed by the weekend and Phase 2 is already complete. Restoration is expected to begin within Phase 3 of the project by late this week, from Beach Access #39A west to Beach Access #38B.

Northwest Florida is largely known for its white sandy beaches and emerald waters, but its also a hub for military veterans and Active-Duty personnel. The area is home to five major military installations, which includes NAS Pensacola, NAS Whiting Field, Hurlburt Field, Eglin Air Force Base, and Tyndall Air Force Base.

Crews began replenishing sand within the first phase of Navarre Beach on Mon., Dec. 23 from near 7631 Gulf Blvd. to the west end of Navarre Beach. Due to mechanical issues, the west end of Phase 1 will be completed at a later date. Crews began working in Phase 2 of the project and have completed this portion, which is east of 7361 Gulf Blvd. to the Sundunes Condos, 7979 Gulf Blvd. Once the Glenn Edwards returns from port at the end of the week, crews will finish the remaining portion of Phase 1, west to the Gulf Islands National Seashore boundary.

Navarre Beach rang in the New Year with a couple of polar plunges, with the Pirate Plunge being held on the Gulf Of Mexico and the Penguin Plunge’n Paddle being held on Santa Rosa Sound. Both events raise money for charity. This year’s festivities saw hundreds brave the cold water.

The Navarre Beach Lifeguards recently announced they are the recipients of the Florida Beach Patrol of the Year recognition. Voted on by other Lifeguard chiefs from across the Sunshine State, the annual recognition honors excellence in ocean rescue, innovation, and dedication to public safety.