Community Archive

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.

Lori Riddles has only been on the job as the manager of the Navarre Library for a little more than a week.

Earner Harris is no stranger to being recognized as the Holley-Navarre Fireman of the Year. This year marks the third time he has received the award. He also earned the honor in 2002 and 2005.

The discord between District 4 County Commissioner Rob Williamson and some hospitality industry veterans has surfaced for the fourth time since November and made him a sometimes churlish minority of one on the Santa Rosa County Tourism Development Council.

In the midst of the controversy swirling around Holley-Navarre Water System, an annual meeting and election of board of directors is scheduled for Jan. 19.  Four seats are open on the board; three from expiring terms and one from the resignation of Will Goulet.  The meeting will commence at 7 a.m. at the Board of Directors meeting room at HNWS with the announcement of the final slate of candidates running for election.  It will then recess for voting to commence until 7 p.m. when the meeting will be called back to session to discuss business, present the annual report and deliver the results of the election. 

Major Bob Johnson of the Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Office has been promoted to Chief Deputy with the organization.  Johnson is the first to serve as Chief Deputy since Sheriff Wendell Hall was sworn into office in the year 2000. 

Amy Bridge made a difference in the community during the holiday season.