Opinion Archive

The Tenth “Sunshine Week” ended about six months ago, on March 21.  This annual celebration of open government was created by the American Society of News Editors with a grant from the John L. and James S. Knight Foundation.  Now co-sponsored by ASNE and the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, Sunshine Week is intended to highlight the importance of open government around the country.  All indications pointed to the fact that this year’s Sunshine Week was one of the best yet.  In Washington, DC and throughout the country, people found new and innovative ways to make people think about transparency (my personal favorite was the brewing of “Sunshine Wheat” beer – the first beer of Sunshine Week).

This week is the official start to Beaches to Woodlands.  Organizer Karen Harrell works very hard at this monthlong event. She is talking about this being her last year – but I wish someone would talk her out of it.

I just returned from the Country on the Sound Concert (early I might add, after only being there for about 30-45 minutes) worst-organized concert ever.  First I had to walk 1/2 mile to get my ticket scrutinized and be reminded that there were to be no chairs, coolers, guns, grenades, alcohol or other foreign objects in the concert area. (This was strictly enforced by at least 25 of Santa Rosa’s finest). I would think that an outdoor concert would allow for such things as coolers and chairs.  If you wanted to disobey the law this would have been the night.

Dear Rep. Doug Broxson,

Our hearts are heavy as we heard and reported the events of the day – this day Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Deputy Bill Myers was shot and killed in the line of duty.  We heard the scanner traffic after the incident; perimeters being set up, a Comfort Inn being evacuated, command post being set up.  We waited for an update on the deputy’s condition.  He was listed as critical.  We prayed for Deputy Myers and his family.

Make sure to stop by Amy’s Attic this Saturday.  They will be having a Blowout Moving Sale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

I am writing this letter in response to the article in Navarre Press, September 17, 2015, titled “Ducks, Turtles Out.” I would like to tell the rest of the story!

It sounds like Santa Rosa County is on a track to remove the wildlife which calls Navarre Park home.  The county says the ducks and turtles in the pond at the park are creating a health hazard and the whole thing should be removed, making way for the installation of a stormwater treatment system to enhance the water quality of the Sound….to the tune of $759,000.  Oh, and by the way, it would also make room for a planned amphitheater.

It’s time for your business to join the Navarre Chamber of Commerce and get involved in the community.   When you join the chamber in the month of September, you’ll receive a $20 Gift Card to Cactus Flower Café.

Please allow me to respond to your editorial justifying your printing pictures and information about those on the sex offender registry.