Opinion Archive

Through life, sometimes we experience struggles, it’s my hope and prayer you entered the New Year leaving troubles behind and you have a bright outlook on 2015. Caring and Sharing of South Santa Rosa County this past year supported more than 800 individuals, which included some 280 children, 120 teens and 45 infants. The nonprofit’s Thanksgiving and Christmas food and toy distribution 2014 came and went with great joy and giving to more than 200 families. 

The Enlightenment’s legacy of free speech has transformed the world. Ideas exchanged freely without fear have promoted freedom, justice, science and the arts, leading to an explosion of wealth, the lengthening of lifespans and the growing empowerment of women and minorities, while undermining totalitarian states that benefit elites through brutality.

In light of County Commissioner Rob Williamson’s idea to develop an improvement plan for District 4,  we asked our Facebook community to share their ideas to improve Navarre.

Congrats to our Pigskin Pickin’ and Prognosticatin’ panel winner – and newcomer – Brian Brinsfield. Navarre Press would like to thank all the entire 2014-15 Pigskin Pickin’ and Prognosticatin’ panel for their good sportsmanship and their dedication throughout the season.

Following the deaths of two law enforcement officials last year – Charles Kondek of Tarpon Springs, and Christopher Smith of Leon County, who were both killed in the line of duty – Gov. Rick Scott declared Jan. 5 through 9 First Responder Appreciation Week.

Next week we are producing our “Year in Review” issue that sums up of all of the important events that happened in and around Navarre in 2014.

While reading the Navarre Press this past week, I was surprised to find Mark Conte’s comments in the guest opinion; I mean no one knew about the Inc. Navarre vote? Really? It was all over the papers, signage and gossip tables!

In a non-binding straw poll that very few people knew anything about, close to 5,000 Navarre residents voted for incorporation, showing a need to put the issue on the 2016 ballot for a binding vote.

Last-minute holiday gift givers – we have the solution. If you can find someone without a subscription to Navarre Press – buy them one. We have a three-year deal that can be split up into three different subscriptions – or just give yourself two more years – and a friend one year. We will send them the bill next year – unless you tell us otherwise.

Increasing taxes seems to be the go-to response for many politicians, including Santa Rosa County Commission Chairman Don Salter, who’s been discussing a hike in the local gas tax to fund transportation projects.