News Archive

As a strong line of severe weather made its way through the Navarre area Monday evening, June 23, emergency crews from across south Santa Rosa County had their hands full. At approximately 6:30 p.m., there were at least five calls for service answered by first responders, namely Holley Navarre-Fire District and Navarre Beach Fire Rescue District. Midway Fire District also ran a call in HNFD’s district at the time.

Santa Rosa County Animal Services (SRCAS) is proudly joining forces with Petco Love, a national non-profit working to lead and inspire change for animals, and animal welfare groups across the state of Florida on a shared mission to find homes for 2,000 dogs and cats in shelters. The Petco Love Florida MEGA Pet Adoption Event will take place June 27-29 in Petco pet care centers and local animal shelters.

Navarre Beach is often thought of as a vacation destination, somewhere to put your feet up after a long journey. For Kyndal Ray Edwards, that journey has been longer than most.

Florida Power and Light has been working throughout Santa Rosa County to harden the power grid ahead of hurricane season.

“We are planning for storm season year-round,” vice president and general manager of FPL’s Northwest Florida region, JT Young, told the Gazette. “Year-round, we’re in the process of either preparing for the storm by strengthening our grid…or we’re responding to storms, which can occur outside storm season as well.”

June 23, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier joined the U.S. Marshal for the Central District of Florida William Berger to announce the rescue of 60 children as part of Operation Dragon Eye in the Tampa Bay Area. As a result of the multiagency operation, eight defendants were arrested, including one on charges of human trafficking.

Navarre Beach Fire Rescue District quickly acted June 21 to save a male kayaker during a near drowning off Navarre Beach.

“That pipe is corroded and obviously in danger of failing.”

Those were the words Holley-Navarre Water System CEO Jeff Crigler used when describing the condition of the primary influent force main at the system’s wastewater treatment plant, located on Pepper Drive in the Holley by the Sea neighborhood.

The Santa Rosa County Republican Club’s awarded their annual Constitution Essay Contest winners: Lucas Cannon 9th grade – $1,000 (not present), Sydney F. Maygarden 8th grade – $500, Lauren Kalb 8th grade – $350 and Olivia Kaiser 8th grade – $200.

Over 500 people were on hand to witness the return of eight sea turtles to the Gulf of America.

Earlier this month, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed House Bill (HB) 929 at the 81st annual Convention of the Florida Professional Firefighters, held in Palm Beach Gardens.

The bill, which becomes law July 1, updates the Florida Firefighters Occupational Safety and Health Act to include occupational diseases and suicide prevention. The new law will also direct the State Fire Marshal to adopt clear rules to mitigate health risks, including mental health impacts and toxic substance exposure.