Opinion Archive

After watching Florida’s role in the 2000 presidential election, we had hoped such nonsense was behind us.

I am writing concerning the election in our area for School Board member in District 3 of SRC. I have known one of the candidates for close to 15 years and am writing because I’ve often wished for a bit of personal insight when an important election was upcoming – and in this case, I very much wish that others could know this candidate as I do.  

Start you kids’ trick-or-treating right here at Navarre Press on Halloween. We will have candy and giveaways from 2 to 5 p.m. We’ll be taking photos and you might just end up being featured in our next issue.

We never understand why certain politicians refuse to deal with the press. Do they believe their “No comment” will prevent the story from running? It won’t. Or do they think that ignoring us will teach us some kind of lesson? It won’t.

I made a mistake last week regarding voting for the courthouse. Like I said last week, we definitely need a new courthouse. We needed it 10 years ago and we need it even more now. Where I messed up was on the non-binding referendum for the courthouse locations. The non-binding referendum that gets the most votes for the courthouse location will be the courthouse location. You can vote for all three locations – not advisable – or you can vote for just two of the locations if you are unsure. You can also vote no for the courthouse – not advisable – and still pick a location. Very confusing – I know. My No. 1 vote is to keep it in Downtown Milton. My second choice is east Milton. Regardless, we need the courthouse. We have more information in this issue on the vote for the courthouse.

Navarre was bustling with activity last weekend – car buffs showed off their rides at the Navarre Beach Car, Truck & Bike Show at the high school, audience members worshipped during Joyfest at Navarre Park, and foodies competed at the chili cook-off at Juana’s Pagoda. And that’s only a sampling of events in our area.

There are a few subjects that have been talked about in Navarre and in Santa Rosa County for the entire 14.5 years that this news organization has been in existence and one of those subjects is the need for a new courthouse. The county courthouse should be the pride and joy of any county. There are many life events handled through your courthouse, including life, death, marriages, taxes – if you don’t pay them – lawsuits, business partnerships, and of course – the good ole’ fashion court case where citizens stand before a judge and/or a jury of their peers.

Within my first two weeks of being named the new Santa Rosa County Commissioner for District 1, I held a town hall meeting specifically on the new judicial center. It was a spirited town hall with support and opposition of the 1-cent sales tax and different sites around Santa Rosa County. Of course, there were complaints, but what a beautiful country we live in that allows us to publicly express disagreements with our government without persecution.

As sheriff of Santa Rosa County, it is my responsibility to provide security not only for the judges, but also to everyone who comes to the courthouse. In the past 16 months, 161,934 citizens have used the Santa Rosa County Courthouse; 157,790 individuals were screened through the front door; 4,144 inmates were transported from our jail to the courthouse.

What do you care most about in life?