Opinion Archive

It’s getting tougher to play the recruiting game as a high school athlete.
Between the transfer portal, Name Image and Likeness deals and roster limits at the Division I level that all but eliminate walk-on opportunities, athletes in high school who dream of one playing a college sport are finding it tougher to find a home.

The acronym GOAT is frequently used in publications, but the first time I saw it used, I mistook it for a pejorative. “What despicable thing did this person do,” I wondered, “that this author would refer to him as a goat?” Reading further confused me even more because the author spoke of the person only in the most glowing terms. Then the lights came on and I realized that GOAT is an acronym for “greatest of all time.” Yes, it took me awhile.

The grand opening at Emerald Waterfront was awesome. I saw people I haven’t seen in 10 years or more and they recognized me – which is a good thing. Someone said they thought all of Navarre was there, but I know there were a few people I didn’t see at the event. I know there had to be at least a thousand in attendance and everyone looked like they were having a good time. I even had the opportunity to speak with the dining and outdoors writer for the Pensacola News Journal. She had a crocheted newspaper press pass badge holder which I thought was super cute. Danielle Hall of “Say I do” weddings coordinated the entire event, and she did a spectacular job – as usual. She had back-to-back events with the sold-out Navarre Krewe of Jesters party the night before. And, as usual, her husband Stevie Hall was quite the entertainer. He is very talented – singing, keyboards, and guitar. I had the opportunity to speak with the owner, Tommy, earlier today and I used to think I was the most positive and “bullish” regarding Navarre and our potential, but I think he has me beat. A long time ago, when we started seeing our second and third dollar stores coming in, I wrote in my column that Navarre was better than that, we needed to have at least $5 stores. I still feel the same way – but one $5 store and one dollar store is enough. However, that is a totally different subject.

Nothing says “peaceful transition of power” like barbed wire, barricades, and troops standing by. With no threats indicated, that is what the feds are doing with your tax dollars.

The fourth anniversary of “January Sixth” falls on January 6 this year. Who can forget the Biden Inauguration in 2021? Chief Justice John Roberts took the Bible to swear in Joe Biden and started the oath by raising his hand and saying, “I, Joe Biden.” Biden said, “No, I am Joe Biden!”

I’d like to think that I am an encourager, perhaps not the best, certainly not the worst. If someone does well, I will give a sincere, “Well done!” Even if someone does not do well, I look for something praiseworthy. As a pastor, I am often asked to give references and recommendations for others, and I lean toward graciousness in my assessments and remarks. But lately, my desire to encourage is being challenged by a browser I have used for years that is asking for my recommendation.

We want to wish Dora Zuses, who brought us Foxy Boutique, a very happy retirement! We will certainly miss her and the store, but we are proud to have had her as part of our small business community for 13 years. The store is moving to its new location in Fort Walton Beach with new owner Stephany Case. You can read more about Dora and Stephany on our Business page (A4).

Not that many years ago, the best way you could find out about businesses in town would be through your local newspaper. Your local newspaper is still a great source of advertising information, but if you’re looking for something, chances are you’re going to start by “Googling it.” Have you ever wondered why that’s become our go-to move? Well, a recent court ruling has shed some light on this, and it’s not a pretty picture.

The future of junior college athletics is on the brink of change after a court ruled in favor of Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia last month.
Pavia filed a lawsuit stating his NCAA eligibility time should not be impacted by his years at the junior college level. He’s now set to get an extra year of eligibility.

The words “new year” will take on greater significance for the congregation I serve as pastor. Though now a “church start-up,” this congregation anticipates gaining full-church status with the Evangelical Free Church early in the first quarter of the new year. Also, in January of 2025, we will be gathering for worship on Sundays in the chapel at Gulf Pointe Latin School on East Bay Blvd. The school’s chapel and campus are beautiful, and we thank God for the privilege of gathering there. Further, we have just inducted our first group of members. We are eager for this new year of faithful ministry.

Decades of time and millions of dollars lost, Milton is finally getting the wastewater treatment plant away from the Blackwater River and out of the wellfield protection area. It is worth it to secure the future of our drinking water and the river. The citizens of Milton owe a huge thank you to the Save our Blackwater River organization that has fought tooth and nail to get this accomplished.