Community Archive

Each New Year’s Day, people flock to Navarre Beach to brave the (sometimes) cold temps and jump into the Gulf or Sound to usher in the new year. For the past few years, there have been a couple of ‘plunges’ on Navarre Beach.

Dave Barker, an avid kayaker and community volunteer in Navarre, passed away Saturday, Dec. 23, after a battle with cancer.

The Pirates on the Panhandle Social Club, a 501c3 nonprofit group, will be hosting their annual ‘Pirate Plunge’ event Monday, Jan. 1 (New Year’s Day), at Andy D’s Beachside Restaurant starting at 11 a.m. with Rowdies Rock Band playing on the back deck.

Although Florida’s winters aren’t nearly as cold as other parts of the United States, the Sunshine State is not without its cold season, especially in the northern part of the state.

Following the grisly attacks of Oct. 7 on Israeli citizens, which claimed 1,200 lives, and the subsequent Israel-Hamas War, the world’s attention has been focused on Israel and Palestine.

With shovels in hand and hardhats on their heads, members from Santa Rosa County school board ushered in the beginning of a new era for education on the south end of the county Wednesday, Dec. 6. They were at 5760 Gulf Breeze Parkway, the new home of a new high school, for a groundbreaking ceremony to kick off construction on the three story, 74 classroom Southend high school.

The world was in shock after the attack on Israel that took place in October. Now, uniting to demonstrate their support for the nation of Israel and its peoples, local faith leaders are joining together to present “A Night to Honor Israel” that will provide the community with a unique opportunity to stand together against antisemitism.

Santa Rosa County Animal Services (SRCAS) is joining the BISSELL Pet Foundation, a national animal welfare organization dedicated to ending pet homelessness, in bringing hope to shelter pets this holiday season with the “Empty the Shelters – Holiday Hope” adoption event. SRCAS, 4451 Pine Forest Road in Milton, is participating Dec. 1 to 17 with reduced adoption fees of just $5 per cat or dog at SRCAS. View available animals online at www.santarosa.fl.gov/Animals. 

On Saturday, Dec. 9, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center (NBSTCC) will hold its 2023 Sea Turtle Soiree. Proceeds from the event go toward NBSTCC programs and operations, which include educating visitors about marine ecosystems and helping injured or distressed sea turtles in Santa Rosa County.

The heavy rain forecasted for Saturday has led organizers of a few Christmas events to cancel or reschedule. Here is what we know so far:

Hurlburt Field’s Annual Winter Wonderland and Tree Lighting is RESCHEDULED for Thursday, Dec. 7 from 4-7 p.m. at Memorial Air Park.