May 8, 2023
‘Sam Parker Parkway’ has a nice ring to it
For years now, a loud subset of Santa Rosa County residents has blasted the Board of County Commissioners – rightfully, we think – for its lack of foresight, especially its failure to ensure infrastructure is sufficient to meet the needs of new development.
May 8, 2023
Brian Out Loud
I’ll never pretend to be an expert when it comes to movie reviews.
But if you haven’t seen “Air” yet, it’s worth the price of admission.
May 8, 2023
For God’s Sake: Concert serves as cultural kaleidoscope
Recently, I had a rich experience that was pure joy for me. I was invited to play in a band assembled for a one-time concert of soul music.
The concert was part of a weekend event designed to raise funds for an inner-city ministry in New Orleans whose goal is to create a safe neighborhood where kids can ride their bikes safely.
May 2, 2023
Happy Star Wars Day
“It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” is a terrific Christmas song written in 1963 by Edward Pola and George Wyle. But if I were to rewrite the song today, my version would be centered around May the Fourth.
I’m a life-long Star Wars fan. I don’t really need an excuse to celebrate the franchise.
May 2, 2023
Out and About
It is almost time for high school seniors to graduate and we are taking “Grad Ads” for the paper.
This is a good time to congratulate all seniors, or for a business to congratulate seniors that work for you, or churches to congratulate their seniors, etc.
May 2, 2023
Never too soon: Commissioners need bridge funding plan
When Santa Rosa County accepted ownership of Navarre Beach Bridge in 2004, it expected to replace the bridge in as few as 10 years. Almost 20 years later, we’re still using the 63-year-old bridge.
Not to worry; Florida Department of Transportation bridge inspectors tell us the span is structurally sound.
May 1, 2023
For God’s Sake: In this life, there will be sin, death, and fire ants
“Go to the ant, thou sluggard, and consider her ways, and be wise,” says Proverbs 6:6.
I was doing that very thing yesterday afternoon as I did yard work. My hedges desperately needed a haircut. It was my day off, so I spent the morning doing something that I love, playing my guitar. I got to the trimming around 2 p.m. I am a guitar player, not a sluggard.
May 1, 2023
Brian Out Loud
Five wins. That’s what Navarre finished the year with in 2022.
The Raiders were at eight wins going into the final week of the regular season, and based on that alone, you have to say there has been improvement.
Apr 25, 2023
Hurricane season always brings a level of dread
Despite a recent cold streak, it feels like winter is over.
Finally.
In my younger days growing up in a small town in Indiana, I used to love winter.
Apr 25, 2023
Let’s stop playing around with parks and recreation
Santa Rosa County seems ready to change how it manages parks and recreation.
Commission Chairman Colten Wright recently introduced plans to partner with the City of Gulf Breeze to study building a competition-grade aquatic facility and talks about parks and recreation as “quality of life” infrastructure investments; Commissioner Kerry Smith is negotiating a new agreement with the Emerald Coast Sports Association to ensure a successful revival of recreational sports at East Milton Park; and an economic development strategist has advised the county to investigate sports tourism opportunities.