Opinion Archive

We all see it and have seen it for well over a year.

The Santa Rosa County BOCC 5 ring circus. We see a concerted effort by THAT commissioner and his not so merry band to literally suppress and deny citizens First Amendment right to free speech.

“Neither Rain, Nor Sleet, Nor Dark Of Night Shall Stay These Couriers From The Swift Completion Of Their Appointed Rounds.”

In case you don’t recognize that, you have just read what many of us think of as the postman’s oath.

Over the 21-plus years Navarre Press has been covering Santa Rosa County, there have been many challenging times. We have reported on damaging hurricanes, a recession and legal battles that have divided elected officials and residents.

But it seemed we were on a good path heading into 2021. The Board of County Commissioners had a mix of experience and new perspectives, the staff had a strong leader in County Administrator Dan Schebler and county growth was encouraging.

More than seven hours from home on a Monday night in early May, I’m in Port Orange covering a regional championship flag football game.

Navarre is on the brink of school history and makes it happen in a thrilling 19-13 come-from-behind win over Spruce Creek to punch a ticket to state for the first time.

I have great neighbors. What makes my neighbors so great?

Well, for one, mine are willing to take the time to talk. A book I read on building community within a church congregation noted how the garage door is closer to the street than is the front door.

Until relatively recently, traveling any distance was an arduous and difficult process. The problems compounded if there was a large baggage load.

Initially, there were two obvious options for coastal residents. A cart or wagon pulled, hopefully by a beast of burden, as the first choice and a boat or ship as the second option.

The ongoing business of Santa Rosa County continues to engage, infuriate and inspire residents, sometimes all at the same time.

In a move that maddens some and pleases others, commissioners agreed last week to put a time limit on their meetings, which means putting a time limit on public forum.

I have a pet peeve. I get rankled when I see in print “apostrophe-s” to indicate possession in nouns ending in “s.”

Allow me to illustrate: writing “Jesus’s disciples,” as opposed to “Jesus’ disciples.” The former requires an awkward pronunciation, something like “Jesusses.”