Opinion Archive

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?

NYSA would like all the parents that have children participating with NYSA – that their Board of Director Election is October 15 from 5 – 7:30 p.m. at the Soccer Complex and at their main complex.  Anyone who is interested in running for one of the eight spots can email nysa@bellsouth.net. 

My dad was a World War II veteran, who I’m sure had a lot of harrowing and exciting stories to tell of his time overseas.  He never told them although I wish he had.  When I asked him one day about why he never shared his experiences with us, he said it was because he didn’t do anything that anyone else “over there” didn’t do.  He said that he was honored to serve a great country like ours.  In my adult life, I met other men and women who served in that war and they always told their stories quietly, never in a bragging way, and were humbled by the mention of their actions or even surprised when presented with recognition.  In their heart, it was never a matter of our country being lucky to have them, but one of them being lucky to have been given the opportunity to serve.

In December, we adopted a 9 month old girl, Beagle puppy from the Pensacola Humane Society. We were told that she was very afraid of people and they thought she had probably endured some hard times where she had been previously. We only had her about 2 days when she escaped from our enclosure which we had inspected as safe for her. We were heartbroken, as we already loved her in that short time.

To promote Breast Cancer Awareness, Navarre Press is wrapping itself in PINK for the issues of October 9th and 16th.   In Okaloosa County, the Board of Commissioners declared a certain day in October as “Wear Pink Day”, and we think it’s such a good idea that we are borrowing it!  Everybody in Navarre should wear PINK on October 9th and look for our PINK wrap issue that will have good information on prevention and care. 

Bill Engvall is famous for his signature “Here’s your sign” routine that features anecdotes about stupid questions with obvious answers. Navarre residents can better relate to that routine now with the addition of the “Welcome to Navarre” sign installed Sept. 30 on Highway 87 near the abandoned Pure gas station.