Community Archive

Dean Light has worked in various roles throughout the years.

He served in the U.S. Air Force for 26 years, earning the rank of Senior Master Sergeant, worked as the Facilities and Maintenance Supervisor and later the Environmental, Health and Safety Specialist at Crane Electronics in Fort Walton Beach and currently serves as a helping hand at Pik-Itz Art & Antiques, which he and his wife own.

Now, Light is looking to add another job title to his resume: County Commissioner.

Santa Rosa County Animal Services will host a series of Community Cat Days throughout June, offering free spay and neuter services for eligible outdoor cats owned by no one and living in Santa Rosa County.

Santa Rosa County District Schools has announced the locations where families can get free breakfast and lunch this summer.

Through a partnership with Summer Break Spot, the school district is offering nutritious meals at a time when some families may be facing food insecurity.

Nicknamed “Flash,” Gulf Breeze resident Gordon Sprague, 88, has always had a penchant for adventure.

Not many people can say they’ve been a racecar driver, an assistant to the owner of the Kansas City Royals, an Air Force mechanic, a top selling international businessman, parks and recreation director for several major American cities and have their name on the Florida State University football coach’s office. But Sprague can.

Two teams of Navarre High School students competed in a national drone competition last month, with one team finishing first in one category.

The drone teams are part of the school’s experimental science course. According to Tami McConnell, who teaches the class, Navarre High was the only school in the nation to have two teams competing in the national competition.

A June 4 brush fire on Smallwood Drive in Holley by the Sea could have been much worse, according to Holley-Navarre Fire District Chief Kevin Lewis.

Midway Water System reported a water main break along Highway 98 Wednesday, June 3. As a result of the break, the system has issued a Precautionary Boil Water Notice.

Hurlburt Field will be conducting explosive demolition training between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m., June 3, 5, 9 and 11.

Pickleball’s overall popularity has skyrocketed in recent years. According to SFIA Topline Participation Report for 2025, at least 19.8 million Americans played the sport in 2024.

With the gaining popularity, churches are using it to reach people, both in their own congregations and throughout their communities. One church in Navarre, Gathering House, hosts pickleball nights on the last Friday of each month.

The Kiwanis Club of Navarre is launching a new program to bring American Flags to your yard.