News Archive

Between June and July, Holley-Navarre Fire Department responded to 11 separate gas leaks – each caused by fiber optic boring activity. The fiber lines, most owned by Live Oak Fiber, inadvertently struck underground gas lines maintained by Okaloosa Gas District, prompting repeated shelter-in-place orders for local residents.

Tourism is an important part of Santa Rosa County’s economy, as members of Leadership Santa Rosa Class 38 found out in July.

Leadership Santa Rosa Class 38 visited various locations across the Navarre area July 17 for “Tourism Day: A Wild Ride Through Santa Rosa County,” which offered a firsthand look at hospitality and attractions in the tourism industry.

The Navarre Beach Lifeguards went to Daytona Beach this past month to compete in the United States Lifesaving Association’s Lifesaving Regional Championships and returned as second place finishers.

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.