Letters to the Editor Archive

When I heard the news early Wednesday morning of the UH-60 crashing into the Sound, I immediately thought of the families and I thought, “From this moment on, their lives will never be the same – Lord, be with them.” LCDR Mark Johnson, Lt. Bante, Lt. Roberto, Petty Officer Sean Saye, Petty Officer Wicks, ENS. Winters and LCDR O’Connor were my next thoughts; men who my husband and I knew, and so many others we knew who had died in service. Then I heard the words, “They gave their lives…” reverberating across the airwaves and the Internet. But think again, for they did not give their lives.

In response to Mark Conte’s “growth for Navarre,” maybe he lives in the wrong area. Navarre is a residential beach area. We moved here in 2008 because of the beautiful beaches, parks, and mom-and-pop stores. If we wanted big box stores, chain department stores and shopping malls we would have moved to Destin, Fort Walton or maybe Pensacola. Navarre is a nice community where you can enjoy a walk on the beach, snorkeling and fishing, music in the park, the turtles, and great small boutique shopping.

As a certified playground safety inspector and a Santa Rosa County taxpayer, I am deeply concerned about the safety of the proposed playground. According to www.ziplinerider.com, ziplines are dangerous and should only be used in expertly supervised environments. Riders should be provided with an array of safety gear and receive specific instruction on use.

If you live in Navarre and need to buy a new suit, you have to drive to Pensacola or Fort Walton Beach. Most Navarre residents prefer Pensacola because there are more choices there. If you need furniture of any kind, you’ll have to drive to Pensacola. Shoes? Pensacola. Maternity wear? Pensacola. Baby clothes? Pensacola.

After the heavy rains in the summer of 2013, I met my newest neighbor Mr. Betty; I had to wear fishing waders to get to his house due to flooding. I introduced myself to Mr. Betty and asked if he needed any help recovering from the 2 inches of water that had invaded his house. He had already started to tear apart the soaked dry wall, and he paused just long enough to say “not unless you know how to work drywall.” I told him I have two hands and am willing to help. We went to work. Since that initial flooding in the summer of 2013, that same house flooded three more times. The last flood brought in more than 4 feet of water.

Flo Assiminas was the first elected treasurer of the Navarre Garden Club when it was organized in 1975. She was a charter member and active in the club for 40 years. Flo was an inspiration to many until she passed away in January.

Congratulations to James Dabney, who was honored with the Spirit of Navarre Award at the annual chamber of commerce gala Friday night.

Through life, sometimes we experience struggles, it’s my hope and prayer you entered the New Year leaving troubles behind and you have a bright outlook on 2015. Caring and Sharing of South Santa Rosa County this past year supported more than 800 individuals, which included some 280 children, 120 teens and 45 infants. The nonprofit’s Thanksgiving and Christmas food and toy distribution 2014 came and went with great joy and giving to more than 200 families. 

Following the deaths of two law enforcement officials last year – Charles Kondek of Tarpon Springs, and Christopher Smith of Leon County, who were both killed in the line of duty – Gov. Rick Scott declared Jan. 5 through 9 First Responder Appreciation Week.

While reading the Navarre Press this past week, I was surprised to find Mark Conte’s comments in the guest opinion; I mean no one knew about the Inc. Navarre vote? Really? It was all over the papers, signage and gossip tables!