With so many of our country’s vital military personnel working and living inside of our local area, citizens in Santa Rosa County have long been involved in programs dedicated to giving back to our local veterans. The families and friends of these American servicemen and servicewomen have in fact been some of the most active participants in veteran-focused activities. As a community, citizens of Santa Rosa County have shown an extensive record of heartfelt pride and support for all of our veterans and military personnel.
The I-10 corridor flows through Santa Rosa County, and unfortunately, that means illegal drugs may as well. The proximity of the corridor and other criteria led to Santa Rosa County being added to the Gulf Coast High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program. There are 32 such programs across the United States, including Hawaii, and in the case of Santa Rosa County, the Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Office requested to be part of it.
The University of West Florida received the largest gift from a living donor in its history on Jan. 19. Longtime supporter Harold E. ‘Hal’ Marcus allocated $5 million to the College of Science and Engineering. The college will be named the Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering in his honor, marking it the university’s first named college.
The real estate management company that operates Santa Rosa Mall is planning an exterior facelift, new restaurants, redesigned retail space and the addition of residential development on a 10-acre parcel within the property’s footprint.
Brandi Whitehurst was approved to be the new public information officer for the county at the Jan. 14 Santa Rosa County Board of Commissioners’ meeting. The PIO is responsible for promoting awareness of the county’s mission, programs, policies and initiatives to residents of the county and the media. Whitehurst’s employment began Jan. 19.
The Navarre Beach Leaseholders approved an increase in the amount of commercial property taxes for fire protection at their monthly meeting Saturday. The current commercial rate is $900 for up to 10,000 square feet and $3,600 for more than 10,000 square feet. The new rate for commercial is $900 for the first 10,000 square feet and .14 cents for every square foot over 10,000 square feet.
On Jan. 15, despite the cold temperatures, the Navarre Garden Club donated several trees to the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office District 2, Navarre substation on High School Boulevard in honor of Arbor Day. The trees were donated and planted to show appreciation to the Sheriff’s Office.
With the Presidential Preference Primary election coming up March 15, those not registered as Republicans or Democrats will be unable to vote in that type election which occurs every four years. This is because Florida is considered a closed-primary state said Tappie Villane, Santa Rosa County Supervisor of Elections.
