Opinion Archive

Gov. Rick Scott’s executive order affirms that the state of Florida is serious about prison reform. And his signature should just be the beginning of what must be done to eliminate the well-documented and flagrant brutality that has been allowed to fester behind prison walls.

Next Thursday, May 21, kicks off the free summer concerts at Navarre Park sponsored by the Navarre Chamber and Navarre Press. The concert starts at 6 p.m. and ends at 8 p.m. Not Quite Fab will perform and Dirt Road Cookers will serve concessions.  See the Navarre Beach Chamber’s ad for all the details and schedule. May 21 is also Navarre Press’s last paper of our 15th year – and we will be there celebrating. 

During Monday’s meeting, county commissioners briefly discussed the possibility of merging the annual Sand-Sculpting Festival with the chamber’s Fun Fest, an idea we support 100 percent.

Don’t forget Mother’s Day is this weekend. Edible Arrangements in FWB has plenty of sweet treats for Mom this year. Also, Mirror Mirror Hair Studio in Navarre is offering a Mother’s Day Special. See their coupon on page A3. 

This week (May 6 through 12), the Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System honors the dedicated men and women we in the Department of Veterans Affairs consider to be the backbone of the veterans’ health care system – nurses.

It’s no secret that the BP grant money that funds the annual Navarre Beach Sand Sculpting Festival wouldn’t be available this year. Before last year’s event even took place, members of the county’s Tourist Development Council’s South End Committee were already brainstorming ways to fund the 2015 festival.

I was surprised to see what was chosen to be the Photo of the Week in a recent Navarre Press. A rival high school high jumper was shown in an “awkward position,” with a very unsportsmanlike comment below it. Rivalry and comments between sports teams is understood but insinuating remarks by the local newspaper is uncalled for.

The Navarre High School baseball team won districts and is playing tonight (Thursday) at 6 p.m. at home against Tallahassee Lincoln. It would be great if there was a good-sized hometown crowd for these young men who have worked very hard this season.

This weekend is the extremely fun Navarre Fun Fest.  Friday evening kicks off the event with live entertainment, a children’s area, and many vendor booths.  Saturday is the 5K run followed by a full day of Fun Fest.  Please see the Fun Fest Guide “on” this paper – which you can’t miss because it is wrapping this week’s edition of the Navarre Press.

Our freshman county commissioner, Rob Williamson, flew to Washington, D.C., April 13 and returned April 16 with $2,745.11 in receipts.