Out and About Archive

Navarre is 100 years old this year, 2025, and Navarre Press turns 25 years old in May of this year. We wish we had been here to record the entire 100 years or more of history. However, we have the next best thing. When we purchased the Santa Rosa Press Gazette, we also acquired the archives of the Milton Gazette which has been around since 1910.  That is a lot of history. A huge part of our job is to preserve local history. Each issue is a snapshot into the life of our community. Today’s news is tomorrow’s history. We record celebrations, challenges, and the everyday events that shape our collective identity.

I think it is awesome that DOGE is looking into waste, fraud and abuse of our federal dollars. It is way past time that someone is doing this. Technically, it should have been the media looking into waste, fraud or abuse. If they had, that is the kind of work that should win Pulitzers, not writing fake stories about fake hoaxes. The IRS has always had the ability to look into our bank accounts and had no issue whatsoever asking for receipts. I think it is about time that there is someone looking into how our federal government is spending our hard-earned money we have to pay as “income tax.” As one newscaster said the other evening, “It is about time the government is having a cavity check.” With all the spending that has been going on, especially since COVID, there is no way it would be sustainable. And I’m sure our president is looking for every way possible to not have to raise our taxes – as much as it is probably needed. I really don’t think there is any way around it – but at least if we can save a few billion dollars here or there, we won’t have as much of a tax increase. Every time the federal government came up with a new program during COVID – I always said out loud to the TV, “Who is going to pay for that?” And every time we gave billions of dollars to Ukraine, I would say the same and add, “Who is making sure they are spending the money on what they said they would spend it on?”   

As far back as I can remember, I have always loved Valentine’s Day. I send my children gifts on Valentine’s, where they use to be waiting for them at the breakfast table. I give gifts to my team members at the office, one year I gave them all dinner and a movie. This year, spoiler alert to whomever is proofing my column, I have a few options, and I’m not saying.  Ha ha.  I guess I’ve always loved love. And, I’m not talking about romantic love…I’m talking about the best love of all – Agape or Phileo LOVE…but I’m not going to get into the Greek words – right now.

Senator Don Gaetz gave us a little scare last week during the Broxson Parkway dedication. Thankfully, according to his son Matt, he is out of the hospital and in Tallahassee this week. I believe I will be in Tallahassee in a few weeks and I’m going to stop in and say hello.

I am not a fan of snow. I have occasionally purposefully travelled to areas where I know there is a good possibility I will encounter snow, and I am OK with that because I know it is very temporary. I’m also prepared mentally, and I bring proper attire and equipment.

We are working on finishing up all three of our newspapers on Monday while wondering if the driver is going to be able to bring them to us from Jackson, Mississippi, on Tuesday evening like he normally does. We attempted to print earlier to get ahead of the storm, but the company that owns the press prioritizes their own papers first – of course – and no can do. They were really nice about it – but the facts are the facts.  And we would do the same if we owned the printing press. There is a good chance you are reading this – at best on Thursday, but probably on Friday.

The grand opening at Emerald Waterfront was awesome. I saw people I haven’t seen in 10 years or more and they recognized me – which is a good thing. Someone said they thought all of Navarre was there, but I know there were a few people I didn’t see at the event. I know there had to be at least a thousand in attendance and everyone looked like they were having a good time. I even had the opportunity to speak with the dining and outdoors writer for the Pensacola News Journal. She had a crocheted newspaper press pass badge holder which I thought was super cute. Danielle Hall of “Say I do” weddings coordinated the entire event, and she did a spectacular job – as usual. She had back-to-back events with the sold-out Navarre Krewe of Jesters party the night before. And, as usual, her husband Stevie Hall was quite the entertainer. He is very talented – singing, keyboards, and guitar. I had the opportunity to speak with the owner, Tommy, earlier today and I used to think I was the most positive and “bullish” regarding Navarre and our potential, but I think he has me beat. A long time ago, when we started seeing our second and third dollar stores coming in, I wrote in my column that Navarre was better than that, we needed to have at least $5 stores. I still feel the same way – but one $5 store and one dollar store is enough. However, that is a totally different subject.

We want to wish Dora Zuses, who brought us Foxy Boutique, a very happy retirement! We will certainly miss her and the store, but we are proud to have had her as part of our small business community for 13 years. The store is moving to its new location in Fort Walton Beach with new owner Stephany Case. You can read more about Dora and Stephany on our Business page (A4).

Happy New Year!

Personally, I don’t make resolutions because if I’m resolved to do something – I am going to start making changes right away and not wait for the new year. True confessions: I weighed myself for the first time in a long time today, and my suspicions were confirmed. I’m up about eight pounds. I was avoiding the truth or the facts because I didn’t want to deal with them until after the holiday.

This is a repeat from last year – but it has been a year, so perhaps you don’t remember. However, the content of this column is worth remembering. This column is inspired from a sermon from my home church, First Baptist Orlando. I love Christmas for many reasons, but first and foremost because we are celebrating and recognizing the significance of the birth of Jesus. How does the world celebrate Christmas? By giving gifts and acts of kindness to one another to demonstrate our love for others.