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.

This past Memorial Day, those at Navarre Park’s celebration were introduced to Ryan Blackwell, a Navy veteran and survivor of the 2019 NAS Pensacola terrorist attack, which took the lives of three Navy servicemembers. During the attack, Blackwell was shot six times. He managed to help others escape before finding his way to the hospital, something he was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for. He also received a Purple Heart.

Over Memorial Day weekend, Navarre High School NJROTC held a 5K race to raise funds for the program. It was the unit’s first 5K event and was called ‘Race the Rabbit.’

According to cadet Delynn Williams, the 5K generated $1,160, most of which will go toward the unit’s annual staff trip this summer. Staff trips consist of college and museum tours and are meant to help build comradery amongst the unit’s leadership for the upcoming year.