Opinion Archive

We saw a lot of discussion of last week’s editorial on Facebook but we do not have any letters to the editor regarding their discussions. People do not realize that Facebook isn’t real. People say things they wouldn’t say otherwise and assessing your worth or your opinion’s worth by how many likes someone gives you is superficial at best and at worse – a psychosis. What is said on Facebook – does not count. I’ve gone up to people and asked them to repeat to me what they have said on Facebook and they can’t – or won’t. Some are very brave behind their keyboards, but not in person. We stand behind what we write. We did get one item regrettably wrong in the editorial. Tony Alexander was fired in 2015 not 2014. We will be sure to make the official correction. We already corrected our online versions which will last – a lot longer than Facebook.

The Navarre Press had 10 articles attacking Tough Mudder this year.  The Navarre Press had 0 articles attacking Tough Mudder last year.

Running for office is not always an easy task and your decision to run to serve the public is much appreciated by many in the community.

Never a dull moment in Navarre. I leave town on a Wednesday and on Thursday there is a coup attempt at the Navarre Chamber – by starting another chamber – in Navarre? Funny, I heard about this three months ago and thought it was a stupid juvenile move by a former Chamber employee.

It is as juvenile and immature as what you would see on a playground with children, only most of the children on a playground are better behaved than this.  The two Tony’s (Alexander and Hughes) seem to be taking their frustration out on the Navarre Beach Area Chamber of Commerce.  Alexander was fired in 2014 and threatened a wrongful termination lawsuit that never happened.  Hughes, president of Beach Community Bank withdrew himself as the Chamber representative for his business.  He filed an individual  membership application and he says he was “expelled” from the Chamber.  And now, lo and behold, they want to start their own chamber while touting the need for unity.

This weekend is tax-free weekend in the state of Florida to assist with back-to-school needs. You will find all of the back-to-school supply lists, information on orientations and more in this issue. School begins a week from Monday – believe it or not. My experience lately has been that a lot of people felt that back to school snuck up on them. I’ve heard of businesses like hair cutters, eye doctors and orthodontists have been a little slow until this past week – when the panic sets in.

Numerous articles in Navarre Press over the past year and few months have highlighted the pains endured and discord with the Board of County Commissioners that continues to plague the all-volunteer advisory Tourist Development Council.  The Legislature-mandated council is made up of tourism stake-holders as required by Florida Statute 125.0104.  While the statute allows for a minimum of quarterly meetings by the council, the Santa Rosa Tourist Development Council has met monthly in the past.  But recently the TDC and Board of County Commissioners have been at odds.  Even in June 2015, Commissioner Rob Williamson wanted to revisit the ordinance that established the TDC, making some members wonder if he were trying to redefine their roles. 

Do black lives matter or do all lives matter? The divisive rhetoric coming from our president and his administration is having a terrible effect on our country. This dishonesty has driven some to resort to terrorist activities and murder. The man that was supposed to reconcile our differences has fostered division. I long for those that want us to live in peace and love our neighbors as ourselves.

We have a new retail store in Navarre at Palm Harbour Plaza across from Publix – Wave Outfitters.    They are a family owned company that has been open about a month.   Their grand opening is this Saturday from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. with food and prizes. Wave Outfitters carry a lot of brands that you would normally have to drive 30 or more miles down the road to find.   One brand I like is TASC because it is made from Cellulose bamboo fibers. I’m not sure how – but it is a great-feeling fabric. Outfitters also have Pelagic, Southern Marsh, Southern Tide, Kavu and more. They also have SUP boards.  See the story about the family’s move from Georgia and more on Page A3.

Where there is light, there is nowhere to hide.  Only the shadows and darkness can hold the secrets.  Where there is a window, you can see through to the other side to observe what is happening there.  The same is true in business and government.  When you shine a light on the issues, the corrupt have no place to hide so they run to darkness lest they be exposed.  They pull down the shades and close the blinds so that there is no looking in.  Why?  There must be a lot to hide.