A year after developer Bob Benaquis’ Town Center Project hit a roadblock at a zoning board meeting, forcing the project to go in a different direction and withdraw its rezoning application, his project has a new look.

Opened in 1960, Navarre Beach Bridge is one of Navarre’s most iconic landmarks. While the bridge’s age has made it a staple of life on Navarre Beach, the years have brought on issues of wear and tear. At a Santa Rosa County Commission meeting Thursday, Feb. 13, District 4 Commissioner Ray Eddington, who represents Navarre, informed the board he was interested in finding ways to pay for a new bridge, which is estimated to cost between $150 million and $300 million.

The Santa Rosa County School Board met Tuesday, Feb. 4 in Milton to inform the public about key developments and projects currently underway. As February progresses, the school district will turn its attention to school improvement projects and recognizing the hard work of the district’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) teachers.

Holley Navarre Fire District is expanding into Holley. A new fire station, which will be known as ‘Station 44,’ is currently under construction across from Holley Assembly of God.

Even with delays due to recent snowfall, the station’s construction is expected to be complete this April. According to HNFD Fire Chief Kevin Lewis, the station will feature an engine and equipment bay, storage, sleeping quarters, office space and a fire pole.

Around 30 students huddle into Mr. Lance Baker’s classroom as the fourth period bell rings at Navarre High School.

Upon first entering the room, you might assume it’s a basic computer lab, but here, students aren’t just working on assignments for class, they are helping shape the collective memory of their classmates’ high school experiences.

The question of which proxy votes will count in the Holley Navarre Water System annual meeting election was at the center of a special meeting held Monday, Feb. 10. The controversy began with reports that proxy forms not issued by the system were being handed out at places around Navarre. A proxy is a form which authorizes another member to vote on your behalf. Through HNWS, proxy forms are given out after membership in the system is verified. With a different proxy form, some members argued, there might be an opening for fraud or unethical practices related to obtaining votes on behalf of candidates.

Navarre Beach Leaseholders and Residents Association (NBLRA) are looking for a new lease on life for their neighbors and themselves. Although, lease might not be the most operative word.

The association met Jan. 18 to hear updates on various things affecting the beach community. One update is a plan to pursue residential ownership of beach properties through fee simple title, a long-held desire both on the beach and in Santa Rosa County government.

Potters gathered from across the Southeast in Holley Saturday, Feb. 8, for the 20th rendition of Woodstoke Pottery Festival. The annual event is held at Holley Hill Pottery and is organized by Gulf Coast Kiln Walk Society, a nonprofit promoting arts and culture in Santa Rosa County and throughout Northwest Florida.

Trying to start a new venture in life can be difficult. That’s why it helps to have a few friends.

Russell and Rachel Siemer are looking to plant an Assemblies of God church somewhere in the Fort Walton Beach area within the next year. The couple, who have been involved in ministry for 10 of the 12 years they’ve been married, recently moved from Tallahassee and wanted to get to know the Emerald Coast a bit better by serving at a local church.

Responding to emergency calls can be difficult when you have limited staff or resources. Fortunately for three Navarre area fire districts, they have each other to rely on.

Beginning five years ago, Holley Navarre Fire District, Navarre Beach Fire Rescue District and Midway Fire District formed the South Santa Rosa Fire Alliance to provide mutual aid and training for its firefighters.