A line of thunderstorms Friday packing winds estimated at 60 mph or more damaged Santa Rosa County facilities on Navarre Beach leaving lifeguards with only one usable lifeguard stand from which to monitor the beach and swimmers in the Gulf of Mexico.
Organizers expect the 3rd Annual Navarre Beach Surf Warriors event will send four or five participants to the East Coast Surfing Championship in August to compete in the wounded warrior division. CJ Stein said she expects 15 wounded warriors to participate this year in the six lesson program that begins May 3.
Comparing water quality to neighboring beaches in Escambia and Okaloosa counties, Navarre area beaches scored best according to the most recent Department of Health results.
If county commissioners approve funding, an underwater camera streaming live video of marine life at the Navarre Beach Marine Sanctuary’s Gulfside reef could go online soon.
The deck of the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier was buzzing with activity March 15 in spite of chilly, windy weather. Locals and tourists mingled, enjoying live music at the re-opening of the pier’s outdoor bar, which has been named Lagerheads.
Navarre Beach Leaseholders and Residents Association (NBLRA) President Linda Coley asked Santa Rosa County Commissioner Bob Cole to address some questions and concerns at the March 22 NBLRA meeting. Leaseholders submitted questions to Coley prior to the meeting.
The Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center may be closed for expansion, but announced last week that they are preparing to host their first-ever fundraising event, “The Amazing Race for Survival” at Navarre Beach Park April 5. The funds raised by this event will support the NBSTCC’s future growth and sea turtle conservation efforts.
The Navarre Beach property owner who was seeking an amendment to the county’s land development code to provide for construction of a 240-unit development has requested the item be removed from March 13 zoning board meeting agenda. Santa Rosa County Planning and Zoning Director Beckie Cato said March 10 Steve Hering requested the request be delayed until April to provide time for him to meet with members of the Navarre Beach Leaseholders and Residents Association (NBLRA).
Many area residents noticed increased traffic on Highway 98 the past few days likely in part to college spring breakers who are looking for fun in the sun on Gulf coast beaches. According to Tripsmart.com, this week and next week have the highest numbers of college students on spring break with more than 2.7 million students out of class this week and nearly 1.5 million next week.
The Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center (NBSTCC) closed its doors Saturday in preparation for construction of a new pool and observation deck and improvements to the interpretative portion of the center. Volunteers completed inventory and locked the doors shortly after 2 p.m.
