News Archive

Opened in 1960, Navarre Beach Bridge is one of Navarre’s most iconic landmarks. While the bridge’s age has made it a staple of life on Navarre Beach, the years have brought on issues of wear and tear. At a Santa Rosa County Commission meeting Thursday, Feb. 13, District 4 Commissioner Ray Eddington, who represents Navarre, informed the board he was interested in finding ways to pay for a new bridge, which is estimated to cost between $150 million and $300 million.

On Feb. 11, Gulf Breeze Police officers responded to the 100 block of Highpoint Drive in reference to a welfare check. The response led to the discovery of two individuals, both deceased, inside the residence.

This story has been updated 2/14/25: Just days ahead of the Holley Navarre Water System annual meeting and election of directors, slated for Feb. 18, two directors have filed a complaint with the board stemming from a special-called meeting held Feb. 10. Daryl Lynchard and David Crumbley have confirmed to Navarre Press they filed complaints. Lynchard filed against the directors who ‘voted for violating the bylaws and Florida law.” Crumbley filed against Lynchard for the same reason.

A new traffic signal at the intersection of U.S. 98 (Gulf Breeze Parkway) and Soundside Drive was placed in flash mode beginning Tuesday, Feb. 4 to acquaint motorists with the new location. Full activation is now expected to commence on Tuesday, Feb. 18 and drivers are urged to use caution when approaching the intersection.

Shortly after sunrise Thursday, Feb. 13, a shot rang out near Whataburger in Navarre. An officer involved shooting had just occurred. Now, with information still pouring in and an investigation by Florida Department of Law Enforcement underway, the Navarre community is looking for answers.

A Navarre area woman found herself behind bars following an altercation involving a Stanley cup at a popular bar in Navarre.

Holley Navarre Fire District is expanding into Holley. A new fire station, which will be known as ‘Station 44,’ is currently under construction across from Holley Assembly of God.

Even with delays due to recent snowfall, the station’s construction is expected to be complete this April. According to HNFD Fire Chief Kevin Lewis, the station will feature an engine and equipment bay, storage, sleeping quarters, office space and a fire pole.

The question of which proxy votes will count in the Holley Navarre Water System annual meeting election was at the center of a special meeting held Monday, Feb. 10. The controversy began with reports that proxy forms not issued by the system were being handed out at places around Navarre. A proxy is a form which authorizes another member to vote on your behalf. Through HNWS, proxy forms are given out after membership in the system is verified. With a different proxy form, some members argued, there might be an opening for fraud or unethical practices related to obtaining votes on behalf of candidates.

Navarre Beach Leaseholders and Residents Association (NBLRA) are looking for a new lease on life for their neighbors and themselves. Although, lease might not be the most operative word.

The association met Jan. 18 to hear updates on various things affecting the beach community. One update is a plan to pursue residential ownership of beach properties through fee simple title, a long-held desire both on the beach and in Santa Rosa County government.

Potters gathered from across the Southeast in Holley Saturday, Feb. 8, for the 20th rendition of Woodstoke Pottery Festival. The annual event is held at Holley Hill Pottery and is organized by Gulf Coast Kiln Walk Society, a nonprofit promoting arts and culture in Santa Rosa County and throughout Northwest Florida.