Editorial Archive

Money and centralized power have deeply infected our politics.

Numerous studies have proven that special interest groups dominate the landscape.

Trash wars continue in the south end of the county – at least in the court of public opinion.

Adams Sanitation, which provides service in the north end of the county, has been dialing up south end residents about their right to receive Adams service here and promising to start that Oct. 1, with or without county permission.

The last decade of American politics coupled with the free flow of information online has been an eye opener to most of the American people about how our government works and who really calls the shots.

If you are one of those citizens that is looking around thinking, “How did we get here and what can I do going forward to affect change,” you are not alone.

Depending on who you ask, change may be good, but it isn’t cheap.

This week, the Santa Rosa Board of County Commissioners will be discussing how to replace the legal firm that has been in place since the county attorney was fired last December.

As a citizen of Okaloosa County, residing in the extreme southwest corner of the county, I conduct most of my life’s activities in Santa Rosa County (SRC) due to proximity.

I shop in Navarre & Gulf Breeze and attend church & frequent the beaches in Navarre.

Over the 21-plus years Navarre Press has been covering Santa Rosa County, there have been many challenging times. We have reported on damaging hurricanes, a recession and legal battles that have divided elected officials and residents.

But it seemed we were on a good path heading into 2021. The Board of County Commissioners had a mix of experience and new perspectives, the staff had a strong leader in County Administrator Dan Schebler and county growth was encouraging.

In recent months, Santa Rosa County has developed a reputation for public meetings marked by outbursts, arguing and, as a result, increased law enforcement presence.

The Santa Rosa County School District responded by strictly enforcing rules of conduct and having deputies remove audience members who defy those rules in any way.

A Navarre Press reader was shopping at a dollar store recently. Her purchase was put in a bag along with a flier letting her know the store is hiring.

Everyone is hiring these days, it seems.