Opinion Archive

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.

Several months ago, I submitted a Letter to the Editor (concerning) the conduct of various officials and members of the public at county meetings.

On Saturdays, you will usually find me in the pool, swimming, hanging out or teaching someone else’s child to swim. It’s become a passion of mine, and not just because I have written too many stories about children drowning.

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.”

As Navarre running back coach and head track coach Tony Carter always says, you have to expect greatness.

And that was the expectation I took into the Florida Press Association’s awards luncheon two weeks ago in Sarasota.

Having attended several BOCC meetings and following the news media, I have come to the conclusion the BOCC acts consistently in support of developers.