The Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Office pursued a felony arrest warrant for a Navarre businessman, who allegedly refused to comply with a state law requiring scrap metal recyclers to electronically submit customer information to law enforcement. Randy Mayne, owner of AWCA Auto Salvage & Recycling, turned himself in May 19 and was issued a $5,000 bond.
Gov. Rick Scott announced May 15 that tourism in Florida reached a record high with approximately 26.7 million visitors coming to the state between January and March. The new record was 2 percent better than the previous mark set during the first quarter of 2013.
The second annual Navarre Beach Songwriters Festival was held Friday through Sunday at multiple restaurant locations in Navarre. More than 30 singer-songwriters performed during the event, which received support from the Santa Rosa County Tourist Development Council (TDC).
All area counties saw a decline in their unemployment rates from March to April, according to data released May 16 by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.
As the Emerald Coast prepares for the peak of tourist season, Pensacola International Airport will have 13 percent more seats available for passengers than last year. Airport Manager Greg Donavon said the increase means 5,700 seats will be available each day starting in June.
Businesses impacted by flooding may apply for short-term, interest-free loans to help meet the demands of their businesses. Gov. Rick Scott announced May 8 the activation of the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program as the request of State Rep. Clay Ingram of Pensacola.
Many residents and businesses in south Santa Rosa County were directly impacted by floodwaters, while others were flooded with customers needing to purchase products or services to recover from the flood.
In an effort to help businesses impacted by flooding, the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at UWF is utilizing a mobile unit in some of the most hard-hit areas including downtown Pensacola. Additionally, the SBDC is working with local chambers of commerce to secure space for one-on-one counseling appointments with business owners.
