News Archive

Santa Rosa County Commissioners have approved an $111,400 employment contract naming Assistant Public Works Director Stephen Furman as incoming Public Works director, effective July 1, 2015. Furman, a professionally licensed engineer, has worked for the county for more than two decades.

Santa Rosa County Commissioners voted Nov. 13 to delay the deadline for residential beach lease fee payments until March 31. The board is awaiting federal legislation which could effectively end leases by providing fee simple ownership. 

The statistics are shocking. Since 2006 there have been 110 accidents involving bicycles or pedestrians along the congested U.S. 98 corridor between Navarre and Gulf Breeze. Nineteen were fatal.

Outgoing Santa Rosa County Commission Chairman Jim Melvin not only left a mark for himself as a member of the board, but also he carried on a family legacy of public service. Upon leaving office, Melvin received appreciation from the board and praise from a local government watchdog.

Thelma Denise Lowery, the Milton day care owner accused in the death of 16-month-old Brodie Michael Kent, was indicted on a first-degree murder charge on Nov. 4.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott Nov. 17 announced $34.3 million in funding for nine Florida conservation projects related to the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, including one award specific to Santa Rosa County.

Three Santa Rosa County commissioners were sworn in for four-year terms Tuesday morning. Incumbent Robert “Bob” Cole is beginning his fourth term, and two commissioners with the same last name, Williamson, are now serving on the board.

At least six years ago a local Weimaraner  owner went through the effort of having his puppy micro chipped at the Wynn Haven Animal Hospital in Mary Esther. Unfortunately, that owner failed to register the information with the Bayer Health Services database, the company that manufactured the chip.

If you build it, they will come. That’s not exactly what Judd Smith had in mind when he put up volleyball nets at Lagerheads four months ago. But since then, local interest in beach volleyball has continued to grow.

Hundreds of Navarre residents turned out to participate in the Veteran’s Day ceremony held at Navarre Park Nov. 11. Those present spanned all ages and generations from the formation of Boy Scouts to the World War II veteran in attendance.