It wasn’t that long ago that local Navarre resident Juliet Martinez was going to college to become an Emergency Medical Technician. One at-risk pregnancy later, she decided to pursue a different path: making jewelry.

A bill recently signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis will require teenagers earning their learner’s permit to complete a six-hour driver’s safety course, in addition to a driving rules knowledge test.

The current safety course, known as Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education, is four hours in length.

St. Paul United Methodist Church has entered its golden years.

In July, the church will celebrate the 70th anniversary of its founding. The church began in 1955 with a single building as its sanctuary. That building still stands but now serves as the church’s fellowship hall.

When the Holley-Navarre Fire District doesn’t have its hands full with calls, some of its firefighters can be found helping a new generation find its footing in the fire service.

Through its monthly cadet program, teens interested in firefighting come together once a month to train, familiarize themselves with equipment and learn more about what it takes to be a firefighter.

As a strong line of severe weather made its way through the Navarre area Monday evening, June 23, emergency crews from across south Santa Rosa County had their hands full.
At approximately 6:30 p.m., there were at least five calls for service answered by first responders, namely Holley Navarre-Fire District and Navarre Beach Fire Rescue District. Midway Fire District also ran a call in HNFD’s district at the time.

Navarre Beach is often thought of as a vacation destination, somewhere to put your feet up after a long journey. For Kyndal Ray Edwards, that journey has been longer than most.

The Gulf Breeze Zoo has announced the birth of Kahlani, a female reticulated giraffe calf.

Andrew Rowe, a commercial banker with Synovus Bank, was recently named a member of 850 Business Magazine’s “Thirty-Under-Thirty,” a list honoring the top 30 young business owners, entrepreneurs and professionals working in Northwest Florida.

“That pipe is corroded and obviously in danger of failing.”

Those were the words Holley-Navarre Water System CEO Jeff Crigler used when describing the condition of the primary influent force main at the system’s wastewater treatment plant, located on Pepper Drive in the Holley by the Sea neighborhood.

Earlier this month, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed House Bill (HB) 929 at the 81st annual Convention of the Florida Professional Firefighters, held in Palm Beach Gardens.

The bill, which becomes law July 1, updates the Florida Firefighters Occupational Safety and Health Act to include occupational diseases and suicide prevention. The new law will also direct the State Fire Marshal to adopt clear rules to mitigate health risks, including mental health impacts and toxic substance exposure.