Out and About Archive

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.

Navarre and the surrounding communities had a fantastic weekend ushering in the Christmas holidays. I think every community had their parade last Saturday, some during the day and a few at night. There was not a shortage of things to do last weekend. We saw event goers and floats in more than one parade across the area. In this week’s issue you will find some great photos of all the events – and ALL the photos at yourcommunityphotos.com. You should check out our photo galleries for events we have covered, sports photos, pictures included in our paper, and so much more. We can also make your special photo a work of art. It’s a great Christmas present!

Our Navarre community is filled with talented, creative and smart people. Two weeks ago, we had a feature on one of our “famous” local photographers, John Starrett, whose remarkable eye and timing makes him one of the best in Northwest Florida and beyond. Another such photographer we are so blessed to have here in Navarre is Jeff Waldorff. You can find him on the front page of this issue. His photos adorn many homes and businesses in Navarre and all over the country. Two of his photos were selected recently for the Sea Turtle Conservancy’s 2025 Sea Turtle Calendar. We congratulate him on the selection. Both photographers are awe-some and we are so grateful for their talent.

Sometimes we focus on what we don’t have, or situations we aren’t in, and we lose sight of what we do have and where we are. I know I have a lot to be thankful for – at all times – even when I’m wrapped up in the day-to-day busy-ness of life. I gathered these versus to remind me of what true thanksgiving is and what my gratitude should be focused on. I hope you enjoy them during this time that we take a break from our routines and focus on being thankful for all of our many blessings – or as we set out to purposefully be a blessing to others.

We have some information on the candidates running for the Holley Navarre Water System board of directors – and how to vote. There are quite a few candidates vying for three seats on the board. Two of those on the list are incumbents; Joe Campbell and Daryl Lynchard, and you will probably recognize a few more names in the running. You can read about the candidates on page 5A. Their election day and annual meeting date is Jan. 21, 2025.