Santa Rosa County has a Navarre Beach lighting ordinance as part of its land development code which has been in place for several decades. The ordinance was extended across the entire island, not just the Gulf side, in 2021.

Audiobooks are the fastest growing format in publishing and sales for audiobooks have risen year over year for the past few years.

According to the Audio Publishers Association’s annual survey, 2024 saw $2.2 billion in sales, a 13% increase from the year before. In 2023, sales were at $2 billion, a 9% increase from the previous year.

Youth can play an important role in the growth of a church, not only in terms of numbers but also spiritually. Pastor Anthony “AJ” Rice of Gathering House, a congregation which meets at West Navarre Primary School, knows this very well.

Santa Rosa County Board of Commissioners approved plans for the expansion of Twelve Oaks Recovery Center with some minor caveats based on community input.

As smoke engulfed a home’s garage on Holley Court in Navarre May 28, firefighters pulled a rottweiler out from the haze.

Thanks to a specialized mask on board Holley Navarre Fire District Engine 41, the animal was given oxygen, hauled off in an ambulance and able to be given treatment. The dog, named “Sydney,” has reportedly left St. Francis Animal Hospital after a multi-day stay.

Four rough-toothed dolphins from Gulf World in Panama City were sent to Clearwater Marine Aquarium June 4.

The news came as a welcome relief for animal advocates and all those who care about dolphins. In the past several months, Gulf World has come under scrutiny and investigation for its alleged mistreatment of dolphins and other marine animals in its care. Since October 2024, at least five dolphins have died at the facility.

Since breaking ground in 2023, Soundside High School has been ahead of schedule. The newest high school in Santa Rosa County is set to begin class in fall 2026 and assistant superintendent Joey Harrell, who oversees facilities for Santa Rosa County District Schools, said they anticipate it to be complete by January 2026.

Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners approved plans for the expansion of Twelve Oaks Recovery Center with some minor caveats based on community input. With the expansion, Twelve Oaks will increase their patient capacity by 26 beds and add a 7,500 square foot facility for therapy meeting rooms and dining. Additionally, the recovery center is adding or updating the fencing surrounding its property to better accommodate a neighboring subdivision’s residents. A parking lot with 50 to 60 spaces is also being added to meet the facility’s needs.

Perfect Blend, which moved into Harvest Village in 2021, has a new location.

Starting June 4, the coffee shop will be in Suite 29 in Harvest Village, just four doors down from their old location. Monday, June 2, Perfect Blend held its final day of business in the old location.

A crash on Navarre Beach Causeway over Memorial Day weekend left one person seriously injured and another person in handcuffs.

Saturday, May 24, at 9:50 p.m., a pickup truck was traveling in the southbound lane on Navarre Beach Causeway, directly off the bridge. At the same time, a Dodge Nitro SUV was traveling in the northbound lane.