News Archive

In January 2017, Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office received an over-$12,000 donation to purchase a new K-9 unit. The unit’s police dog, Ziggy, worked with the county until 2022, when he retired with his handler. Now, after three years of retirement, Ziggy has been diagnosed with two different types of cancer: carcinoma in his front nasal cavity, and a transitional-cell carcinoma on his bladder.

The Florida Department of Health in Santa Rosa County (DOH-Santa Rosa) is lifting the advisory for high bacterial levels the following location: Navarre Beach at public access 37A and 40B. 

Jimmy Forrest Robinson III was indicted July 29 for First Degree Murder by Illegal Distribution of Controlled Substances by State Attorney Ginger Bowden Madden’s Office.

Gulf Breeze High School teacher Molly Mersereau was arrested July 29 following the Gulf Breeze Police Department’s investigation of a Crime Stoppers tip.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is investigating the death of Florida Black Bear in Navarre. The bear’s death was reportedly caused by a gunshot wound.

Navarre Beach, like any coastal beach, has its share of hazards and dangers. From rough surf to jellyfish, Navarre Beach visitors must be aware of their surroundings and educated on how to stay safe while still having a good time.

That’s where the Navarre Beach Lifeguards come in. Austin Turnbull, Navarre Beach Safety Division Chief, has overseen the lifeguards since 2018. According to Turnbull, one of the major dangers on the beach is something you may not even notice.

This fall, the University of West Florida’s Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering will launch a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering degree. The program will be housed within the newly established Department of Civil Engineering and Construction Management and is designed to provide students with a hands-on education that prepares them for leadership in the civil engineering field.

The University of West Florida College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities announces “After Hours with the Artist: Sunken Series,” a compelling cross-disciplinary collaboration between the Florida Public Archaeology Network and The Art Gallery at UWF that blends art, archaeology and public engagement in a novel way. This after-hours event highlights the work of artist Jenna Zydlo, whose Sunken Series exhibit reimagines maritime archaeology through intricately crafted ceramics inspired by a fictional 17th – 18th century Spanish shipwreck.

STOA Architects, Inc. shared updates on the Navarre Beach Boardwalk Project and new Navarre Beach welcome center with the Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners during their biweekly commission committee meeting July 21. The project and plans presented to the board feature an elevated beach walkway, a main boardwalk complex with spaces for around eight vendors or local artisans, a food truck plaza and an open pavilion.

A Navarre man has died following a crash with a tractor trailer on Interstate 10 in Jackson County, Florida, Friday, July 25. The incident occurred at mile marker 155 at 6:50 a.m.