Garrison Gets Nod as Next House Speaker
This story originally appeared on News Service of Florida’s website and is written by Jim Turner.
House Republicans on Thursday formally designated Rep. Sam Garrison to succeed House Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami, after the 2026 elections.
Septic-to-sewer conversion ordinance fails as board meeting takes a turn
A controversial public hearing at the Santa Rosa County Commission’s Oct. 9 meeting drew a standing-room-only crowd that filled the boardroom. The key agenda item up for debate focused on adoption of an ordinance for connecting septic tanks and systems to central sewage systems.
Thrills, chills to be found at Navarre’s Nightmare on Newport
Forget looking under your bed or in your closet—this Halloween, the monsters are due on Newport Street.
School board names Schmitt as NHS principal, responds to community criticism
Jennifer Schmitt is the new principal of Navarre High School.
The current Navarre High assistant principal will take over as head of the school Jan. 5, 2026, when Kasie Windfelder leaves for the same position at Soundside High School.
School board approves land sale of Gulf Breeze property
The Santa Rosa County School Board approved the sale of surplus land in Gulf Breeze.
The land is part of a board-owned property north of the Gulf Breeze Elementary School bus ramp and playground area.
Navarre Beach Bridge toll stopped in its tracks
The proposed Navarre Beach Bridge toll died not with a bang, but with a whimper, at the Oct. 9 Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners meeting.
HNFD contends with Oct. 9 brush fire
A 150-feet-by-50-feet brush fire along the Santa Rosa Sound caught the attention of people living nearby, and soon after the Holley-Navarre Fire District, Thursday, Oct. 9.
Vault thrift store looks to move to new Highway 98 location
The Vault, a Gulf Breeze thrift store, has proposed moving to a new location along Gulf Breeze Parkway.
Navarre resident chronicles Turkey’s biblical heritage in book
Relics of the Bible and the early Christian Church aren’t just to be found in Israel, Egypt and Jordan, but Turkey as well.
Turkey’s biblical points of interest are the subject of Navarre resident Rachel Coggin’s new book, “Exploring Turkey’s Biblical Heritage: An Inspirational and Historical Travel Guide.”
School safety director charged with battery after investigation
A Santa Rosa County District Schools employee was arrested for battery after he allegedly rubbed another employee’s shoulder against her will.
Daniel Hahn, 59, was booked into Santa Rosa County Jail Tuesday, Oct. 7, around noon.











