Frustrations ignited over Commissioner Rob Williamson’s suspension of county funding for the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center at the July 8 south end tourist development committee (SETDC) meeting. At one point Santa Rosa County Tourist Development Director Julie Morgan stood up and threatened to walk out following comments made by attendee T.J. Goulet, a […]
Santa Rosa County Commissioners July 9 released the remainder of a $165,000 allocation toward the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center, following Commissioner Rob Williamson’s June 11 suspension of the group’s county funding. The reinstatement followed a July 3 apology issued by County Administrator Hunter Walker for county staff errors which resulted in financial issues related to […]
The on-going battle between Commissioner Rob Williamson and the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center turned ugly July 6, resulting in an impasse – so Commissioner Lane Lynchard stepped in to attempt a resolution by Thursday. Williamson made a surprise move June 11, suspending all county funding for the center until accounting and budget questions could […]
Santa Rosa County Commissioners today are expected to approve a $5,000 proposal from the Florida Association of County Managers (FACM) to help recruit a replacement for long-time County Administrator Hunter Walker. Walker announced in April that after serving in the position for two decades, he would retire at the end of the year. His salary […]
Legislators on Friday are expected to approve Florida’s budget, and Santa Rosa County is set to receive partial funding for some requests, including $2.75 million for Navarre Beach renourishment. District schools are also in line for an $8.2 million increase, according to a press release distributed Thursday evening by Senator Don Gaetz. Among other requests, Santa […]
Representatives from the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center on Monday will provide Santa Rosa County Commissioners with an update on the organization’s activities and finances. District 1 Commissioner Jayer Williamson requested the representatives be invited to make the presentation following the temporary suspension of its county funding initiated by District 4 Commissioner Rob Williamson, who said he wanted […]
After months of turmoil between county officials and the Tourist Development Council (TDC), Commissioner Rob Williamson wants to revisit the ordinance that established the TDC, and some members are concerned he’s trying to redefine their roles. Tension has been building since last year, when the county brought the tourism staff in-house and under the supervision […]
The wait is almost over for residents of the small community of Holley who have been anxiously awaiting the reopening of its only convenience store. The food mart and gas station will open Tuesday — under new management but with a familiar face. Connie Clark, whose great-grandparents for decades owned and operated Holley’s sole community store, the Jot ’em Down store, has been […]
Despite District 4 Commissioner Rob Williamson’s surprise move to suspend county funds for the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center, planned construction will continue. “We were surprised by Commissioner Rob Williamson’s sudden decision to suspend funding,” Cinnamon Holderman, board president, said. “Additionally, we’re taken aback by statements that claim we have been uncooperative.” Williamson, who […]
Lauren Wyatt West, 31, of the 8400 block of Gulf Boulevard, was arrested April 23 on a first-degree misdemeanor charge of battery after police responded to her Navarre Beach apartment in reference to a disturbance. According to the report, West and the male victim were involved in a verbal argument that became physical. When the […]
Santa Rosa County resident Boo Weekley is currently at the top of the leaderboard at the PGA Tour’s Zurich Classic of New Orleans. The tournament, which is held at TPC Louisiana in Avondale, kicked off today and runs through Sunday. The winning share of the $6.9 million purse is $1,242,000.
Graffiti has been popping up at various locations in Navarre, and it has Santa Rosa County tourism officials concerned. Sheriff Wendell Hall was asked to attend the April 15 Santa Rosa County Tourism Development Council (TDC) meeting to discuss the matter. “The graffiti is certainly an issue,” Hall said, but he assured TDC members it […]
Cops say a Louisiana man was arrested March 5 on a burglary charge after Santa Rosa County deputies responded to a home on Munson Highway in Milton. Police then discovered Dwayne Martin, 25, was wanted for a double homicide in New Orleans. According to law enforcement officials, Martin is the sole suspect in the March 3 murder of a mother […]
District 4 residents cited traffic safety and congestion as their number one concern according to a survey distributed by Santa Rosa County Commissioner Rob Williamson. More than 1,000 citizens participated in the survey, and Williamson will use the data to help him outline a plan for district improvements. “The people have spoken up,” Williamson said […]
Emergency response personnel from Hurlburt Field and the Okaloosa Sheriff’s Office responded Jan. 15 to Hurlburt Field following a bomb scare. Officials said a suspicious package was left near the base’s front gate at about noon, causing Hurlburt to take precautionary measures. A cordon was established around the suspicious package. The front gate and a portion of […]
The Munson teenager accused in the Dec. 26 shooting death of her 40-year-old stepfather, Aubrey Cooley, was arraigned by video this morning from Santa Rosa County Jail. Taylor Lynn Crongeyer, 18, is facing a charge of second-degree murder. She was originally arrested Dec. 26 on a felony count of premeditated murder after deputies said they […]
Many changes are underway at the Florida-Alabama Transportation Planning Organization (TPO). The 2014 elections forced transitions in membership, and a resulting reorganization named Santa Rosa County District 2 Commissioner Jayer Williamson as Vice-Chairman of the group, which makes regional transportation planning decisions. “It is extremely exciting to have the support of public officials throughout Northwest […]
A Navarre man sought by Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office in relation to a juvenile sex case was booked Dec. 8 on two counts of lewd and lascivious behavior involving a minor. Jace Kohl Taylor-Lockard, 18, of the 2000 block of Resort Street, was released Dec. 11 on a $40,000 bond. According to a report by […]
Although temperatures dropped below the threshold for the county’s only south Santa Rosa cold weather shelter to activate, the facility remained closed Dec. 8 and Dec. 9 due to a lack of male volunteers. Diane Revere, volunteer coordinator for the shelter, located at Navarre’s Community of Christ Church, said it’s unsafe to operate with only […]
Gulf Islands National Seashore Superintendent Dan Brown said a proposed plan to build booths and charge an admission to use J. Earle Bowden Way, the scenic route connecting Navarre and Pensacola beaches, will be scratched from further consideration, following a required six-week public comment period ending Jan. 2. Brown sent an email to Santa Rosa […]