Editorial Archive

“I can’t stand a bully,” said the bully

Military leaders in the Florida Panhandle are facing logistical challenges that directly impact their ability to maintain operational readiness. During the Military Bases Update hosted by the Santa Rosa County Economic Development Office last week, Air Force and Navy leadership shared insights into their missions and discussed areas where community partnerships could support their personnel and infrastructure.

Navarre voters overwhelmingly said “no” to Rob Williamson as District 4 County Commissioner in the August election. They used their votes to voice their displeasure with his representation, his decisions and his financial management of Navarre. Holley Navarre Water System has decided Williamson deserves a high-paying consolation prize with an offer to be their next CFO/CEO. Yes, sir – $100,000 per year for two years, platinum benefits as only the water company has and probably a company truck or SUV. In fact, they offered him the position without having a job description for the new position, qualifications or much else – probably because Williamson has zero qualifications for the job. He has no wastewater treatment experience, no water management experience, he has never directly managed a multi-million dollar budget nor the number of employees the water system has. What are they thinking. It is fairly obvious this has been their Plan B since he lost the election…or maybe before then.

Graduates, take a deep breath and soak in this moment. You’ve reached the culmination of years of effort, determination, and resilience. Today, as you stand on the cusp of your future, you are not just closing one chapter—you are stepping into a world filled with boundless possibilities, a world waiting for your imprint.

In Florida, zoning boards are statutorily required and used to ensure controlled land development. They review applications for variances, special uses and rezoning requests and send their decisions and recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners.  

In 1999, congress declared May would be National Military Appreciation Month so the citizens of our country could publicly thank everyone who puts on the uniform of their branch of service.

The Ibis Road and Makaira Ridge debacle in Milton has spotlighted deeper issues on our county commissioners board.

Emergency communication systems are critical for public safety, enabling swift coordination among first responders during crises. Over the years, technological advancements have made these systems more efficient, reliable, and secure. One such innovation is the P25 (Project 25) communication system—a suite of standards designed to ensure interoperability among various public safety agencies while prioritizing encrypted communication for enhanced security. While encryption undoubtedly bolsters the confidentiality of sensitive operations, it also raises significant concerns for journalists and advocates of government transparency.

For Christians around the world, Easter represents a time of renewal, and a time of remembrance of the death of Jesus and his resurrection. However you choose to celebrate Easter, whether it is in Church or in your backyard hunting for Easter eggs or both, we at Navarre Press wish you a day of renewal. Consider it perhaps a transfiguration of sorts; a shedding of whatever is old and stale and an embrace of new things, habits and ideas. We can all use that in our life, no matter your belief.

Santa Rosa County has an aptly named department for maintaining and repairing county roads and bridges – called ‘Roads and Bridges.’ They have a budget that includes among other things maintenance of county bridges.