By Jamie Gentry on September 13, 2018
Artificial dive reef, artificial reef, BP oil spill, David Walter, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, gulf of mexico, Natural Resource Damage Assessment grant, Navarre Beach, Stewart Walter, Tropical Storm Gordon, Walter Marine
Beach, Local
Rough, high seas halted deployment of hundreds of reef modules along Navarre Beach, but the project is still on schedule according to representatives with deployment company Reef Maker, Walter Marine of Orange Beach, Alabama. Company founder David Walter said they are getting back to work after Tropical Storm Gordon put things on hold. Read the […]
By Jamie Gentry on September 8, 2018
Audubon Florida, Audubon Florida Panhandle, black skimmers, Caroline Stahala, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Least Terns, Navarre Beach, Navarre Beach Causeway, Navarre Beach Marine Park, Shorebird nesting, SpringHill Suites, Tropical Storm Cindy, Tropical Storm Colin, Whitesands Boulevard
Beach, Local
After two years of dwindling nest numbers, shorebirds along Navarre Beach produced nearly 100 chicks that reached fledgling status. Audubon Florida Panhandle Shorebird Program Manager Caroline Stahala said this has been a good year for black skimmers and least terns, both listed as threatened species by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Read […]
By Jamie Gentry on September 6, 2018
Artificial snorkel reef, cathy holmes, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, gulf of mexico, Lei Lei, loggerhead sea turtle, Margaret Lamont, National Marine Fisheries, Navarre Beach, navarre beach reef, Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center, Ralph Agnew, Sea Turtle, Sea turtle research, U.S. Geological Survey
Beach, Local
Lei Lei is much like any other loggerhead sea turtle. She cruises the waters of the Gulf of Mexico just off the coast of Navarre Beach, munching on shellfish. But there is something unusual about Lei Lei. Read the full article in the Sept. 6 issue of Navarre Press. Visit www.navarrepress.com/subscribe to view subscription options. […]
By Staff Reporters on September 3, 2018
cat happiness, Cat health, Cat toys, Cat treats, Inkie, Inkie Stinkie, Navarre, Navarre Press, Office cat, Spoiled cat, veterinarian, Water
Beach, Pets
Did you see the picture of the cat in the article about cat health last week? That feline looks scared to death – and I do too when I go to the vet. I don’t know where the thermometer is going to go next and I sure don’t like where they take my temperature. That’s […]
By Jamie Gentry on August 29, 2018
"Jaws", Angler, Blacktip sharks, fisherman, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, gulf of mexico, hammerhead shark, international union for conservation of nature, Navarre Beach, Navarre Beach Fishing Pier, Shawn Wilson, Toes-N-Sand
Beach, Local
In a case of situational irony, angler Shawn Wilson hooked a shark off Navarre Beach Aug. 15 as visitors were gathered to watch the classic killer shark film “Jaws” as part of the Toes in the Sand movie nights at the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier. Wilson lived in the Navarre area for several years before moving […]
By Jamie Gentry on August 23, 2018
Americans with Disabilities Act, Army Corp of Engineers, Artificial dive reef, boardwalks, Decks 'N Such Marine Inc., Florida Department of Environmental Protection, gulf of mexico, Kayak Launch, Labor Day, Mike Sandler, Natural Resource Damage Assessment grant, Navarre Beach, Navarre Beach Fishing Pier, Navarre Beach Gulfside Walkover Complex, Navarre Beach Marine Park, Navarre Beach Sanctuary, Parking facility, Pavilions, RBM Contracting Services LLC, Santa Rosa County, Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners, Santa Rosa Sound, Sea Oats, Sheila Fitzgerald, shorebirds, Sounside Coastal Access and Dune Restoration, Tourist Development Tax funds, Walter Marine
Beach, Local
Construction of additional picnic pavilions and parking facilities in the Navarre Beach Marine Park will get underway shortly after Labor Day, according to Santa Rosa County Grants and Special Programs Director Sheila Fitzgerald. The planned improvements are funded largely by a roughly $2 million Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) grant through the Florida Department of […]
By Jamie Gentry on August 10, 2018
beach restoration, bed-tax funds, Dredge, dredging, Eglin Air Force Base, Erosion process, Gulf Islands National Seashore, gulf of mexico, Hurricane Opal, Navarre Beach, Roger Blaylock, Sand, Santa Rosa County, Santa Rosa Island, Tropical Storm Colin
Beach, Local
From the moment that the last grain of sand was piped from the last dredge onto Navarre Beach during the 2016 renourishment project, the shore has been shrinking. But County Engineer Roger Blaylock said there is no reason to worry. This is all just part of the process. Read the full article in the Aug. […]
By Staff Reporters on August 8, 2018
artificial reef, Deepwater Horizon oil spill, diving, Fishing, Natural Resource Damage Assessment, Navarre Beach, Navarre Beach Marine Sanctuary, snorkel reef, Walter Marine
Beach, Headlines
A project to deploy deep water “nearshore” artificial reefs has been tentatively scheduled to begin the week of Aug. 13. Orange Beach, Alabama contractor Walter Marine will install the reef modules. The contractor has also installed several artificial reef projects for the county in the past including the snorkel reef in the Navarre Beach Marine […]
By Jamie Gentry on August 2, 2018
"Leave no trace" ordinance, Beach chairs, Beach junk, cathy holmes, Cinnamon Holderman, Diane Hirth, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Gulf Islands National Seashore, Kelly Irick, Navarre, Navarre Beach, Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Patrol, Roger Blaylock, Santa Rosa County, Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office, sea turtle nesting season, sea turtles, Terry Wallace, Umbrellas
Beach, Local
Since sea turtle nesting season began May 1, Navarre Beach has only seen three turtle nests, a far cry from the nearly record-breaking 19 nests that were found last year. The nesting number is also lower than the average for the past decade. Read the full article in the Aug. 2 issue of Navarre Press. Click […]
By Jamie Gentry on July 26, 2018
beach renourishment, Beach safety, beachgoers, Charles Marek, Drownings, Lifeguard Tower 1, lifeguards, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, Navarre Beach, navarre beach snorkel reef, rip currents, swimmers, The Pearl of Navarre Beach, United States Lifesaving Association, University of Miami, water rescues
Beach, Local
Water rescues along Navarre Beach are on the rise and rip currents are the leading cause said head lifeguard Charles Marek. Marek, who has been a lifeguard on Navarre Beach for roughly six years, said the lifeguards are averaging about 25 rescues a day when yellow or red flags are flying. Read the full article […]
By Jamie Gentry on July 20, 2018
gulf of mexico, Junior Lifeguard Program, Navarre Beach, Navarre Beach Board of Fire Commissioners, Navarre Beach Fire Chief Danny Fureigh, Navarre Beach Fire Department, Navarre Beach Fire Rescue, Navarre Beach Fishing Pier, Navarre Beach lifeguards, Navarre Beach Marine Science Station, Open Water Lifeguard Agency Certification, Santa Rosa County, Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners, United States Lifesaving Association
Beach, Local
The Navarre Beach Board of Fire Commissioners voted to finalize a proposal for the Navarre Beach Fire Department to take over supervision, staffing and management of the lifeguard program along Navarre Beach. Currently the Navarre Beach Utility manages the program for Santa Rosa County. Read the full article in the July 19 issue of Navarre […]
By Jamie Gentry on July 19, 2018
cathy holmes, gulf of mexico, Gulfarium C.A.R.E. Center, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Navarre Beach, Navarre Beach Fishing Pier, Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center, Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Patrol, Ralph Agnew, Sea turtle rescue net, Thomas Mintz
Beach, Local
Up until this month, when a sea turtle larger than two feet wide got hooked off the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier, there was virtually no way to safely rescue the animal. Cathy Holmes, Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Patrol member and founder of the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center (NBSTCC), explained that rescuers were limited […]
By Jamie Gentry on July 12, 2018
Brenda Stokes, Fire Chief Dan Fureigh, gulf of mexico, lifeguard, Lifesaving Award, Navarre Beach, Navarre Beach Board of Fire Commissioners, Navarre Beach Fire Department, Navarre Beach Leaseholders and Residents Association, Navarre Beach Utility, rip current, Sean Hughes, Surfer, Terry Wallace
Beach, Local
Local surfer Brenda Stokes will be honored with the Lifesaving Award later this month after she successfully pulled a man caught in a rip current safely to shore aboard her surf board in late June. Stokes said she was on the beach that morning training a visitor to the county how to surf, but when […]
By Brian Lester on July 7, 2018
first aid, first responders, gulf of mexico, Jeremy Johnson, Navarre Beach, Navarre Beach lifeguards, santa rosa county sheriffs deputies, Sgt. Rich Aloy, ShandsCair
Beach, Local
Training for an emergency was the top priority for lifeguards and Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s deputies Friday morning on Navarre Beach. First responders had a chance to familiarize themselves with a helicopter from ShandsCair that will be on hand if emergency transport is needed. Read the full article in the July 5 issue of Navarre […]
By Jamie Gentry on June 29, 2018
Ed DeCoste, Jerry Smith, Larry Hoffman, Lt. Jason Erlemann, Municipal service benefit unit, Navarre Beach, Navarre Beach Leaseholders and Residents Association, Navarre Beach Neighborhood Watch, Neighborhood Watch, Peter Birckhead, Robin Otto, White Sands Boulevard
Beach, Local
Navarre Beach residents are working with their recently formed Neighborhood Watch group and law enforcement in an effort to make the area safer for pedestrians and bicyclists. A meeting last week was spurred by multiple complaints of speeding on White Sands Boulevard and by a March incident in which beach resident Larry Hoffman was seriously […]
By Jamie Gentry on June 28, 2018
Anna Dole, Dave Barker, Katie Boole, Navarre Beach, Navarre Beach Amabassadors, Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center, Santa Rosa County, Santa Rosa County Tourist Development Office, University of Florida, volunteers
Beach, Local
In partnership with the Santa Rosa County Tourist Development Office, the UF/IFAS Extension Office has launched the Navarre Beach Ambassador program. Volunteers were trained and sent out last Monday onto the beach for their first day of interacting with guests, sharing information and conducting surveys for the tourism office. Read the full article in the […]
By Jamie Gentry on June 23, 2018
Alli Ammons, Clear bottom kayak tours, Dana Taylor, gulf of mexico, Michelle Whikehart, Navarre Beach, Navarre Beach Artificial Reef, Navarre Beach Marine Sanctuary, Steve Ammons
Beach, Local
Locals and visitors alike got a view of the Navarre Beach Snorkel Reef from above Saturday during the first of the summer’s Navarre Beach Marine Sanctuary Clear Bottom Kayak tours. Local volunteers Dana Taylor and Michelle Whikehart spotted dolphins and large sea turtles through the glass-like bottom of their kayak. As seen in the June […]
By Jamie Gentry on June 21, 2018
Fire Chief Danny Fureigh, gulf of mexico, Lifeguard tower, lifeguards, Michael Robidoux, Navarre Beach, Navarre Beach Fire Department, Navarre Beach Fishing Pier, Navarre Beach lifeguards, Navarre Beach Utilities, rip currents, Santa Rosa County, Terry Wallace, Tourist Season
Beach, Local
Lifeguards on Navarre Beach are surveying the waters later into the day and farther along the beach. Since June 4, the lifeguards have been staying on the beach until 6 p.m. Previously, lifeguards were on the beach until only 5 p.m. each day during the late spring, summer and fall. Read the full article in […]
By Jamie Gentry on June 14, 2018
Brad Baker, Commerical properties, Commissioner Lane Lynchard, Commissioner Rob Williamson, Commissioner Sam Parker, Fire Chief Danny Fureigh, Government Services Group Inc., Municipal service benefit unit, Navarre Beach, Navarre Beach Fire Department, Navarre Beach Leaseholders and Residents Association, Sandi Walker, Santa Rosa County, Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners, Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office, SpringHill Suites hotel
Beach, Local
The numbers are in, and Navarre Beach Fire Department annual funding needs far exceed their initial increase request by $313,687, according to a study by Government Services Group Inc (GSG). The department in February had requested that the Board of County Commissioners approve a $109,000 increase, split between the Municipal Service Benefit Unit (MSBU) rates […]
By Gail Acosta on June 7, 2018
"Cig" the sea turtle, Brynna Beaty, Gabby Matuzek, Holley Navarre Middle School, Jennifer Butera, Jianna Lash, Johnny Key, Juana's Pagodas, Junior Audubon Society, Navarre, Navarre Beach, Pensacola Beach, Plastic straws, Skip the giant straw, Stripes Pub and Grill, The Beach House, The Slippery Mermaid, Trevor Stephens, wildlife conservation, Windjammers
Beach, Middle School
He is six feet tall, brightly colored, made completely of garbage and he is coming to a restaurant near you. Skip the Straw is a sculpture created by Holley Navarre Middle School students in the Junior Audubon Society. Skip’s purpose is a simple one: Teach people to skip single-use plastic straws that endanger local wildlife. […]
By Jamie Gentry on June 6, 2018
cathy holmes, Chef Johnny Key, Commissioner Bob Cole, Commissioner Rob Williamson, Commissioner Sam Parker, Growing Santa Rosa Enterprises, Julie Morgan, Ken Fountain, Navarre Beach, Navarre Beach Fishing Pier, Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center, Responsible Pier Initiative, Santa Rosa County, Windjammers, Windjammers on the Gulf
Beach, Headlines
It has been roughly six months since the previous operators of “the longest pier in the Gulf of Mexico” walked out early on their contract with Santa Rosa County, leaving the 2017 bid winner, Growing Santa Rosa Enterprises (GSRE), to jump in early. In those first few weeks, the operators faced quite a few challenges […]
By Staff Reporters on June 4, 2018
Cherie Velez, Fishing, Kingfish, Mahi Mahi, Navarre Beach, Navarre Beach Fishing Pier, redfish, Ricky Wilkerson, SandDollars Gift Shop
Beach, Local
Local angler Ricky Wilkerson had to have a little help bringing in a more than 3-foot-long redfish May 23 on the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier. Wilkerson had to release the fish because it exceeded the allowable length for the species. SandDollars Manager Cherie Velez said redfish, mahi mahi and kingfish have been common catches on […]
By Staff Reporters on May 31, 2018
Gulfarium, Gulfarium C.A.R.E., Jim Holmes, Navarre Beach, Navarre Beach Fishing Pier, Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Patrol, Sea turtle rescues, sea turtles
Beach, Local
Jim Holmes, Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Patrol permitted personnel, assisted in the rescue of three turtles hooked from the Navarre Beach fishing pier Monday, May 28. In all, four were rescued that day. All four were transferred to the Gulfarium C.A.R.E. center for medical care. As seen in the May 31 issue of Navarre Press. Click […]
By Jamie Gentry on May 30, 2018
Cherie Velez, fishermen, Fishing, Navarre Beach, Navarre Beach Fishing Pier, Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Patrol, Pier fishing, Pier Guys, Ralph Agnew, Sand Dollars Gift Shop, Sea turtle rescues, sea turtles, Thomas Mintz, Todd Carroll, Windjammers, Windjammers on the Pier
Beach, Local
Zipping along in golf carts, talking with schoolchildren, teaching tourists how to cast a line or even rescuing endangered sea turtles, Navarre Beach Fishing Pier has a few new “pier guys” on the payroll. Self-titled Lead Pier Guy Thomas Mintz heads up the new team. He started in the position in March and said he […]
By Jamie Gentry on May 25, 2018
Artificial lights, Brad Palmer, cathy holmes, endangered species, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Gulf Boulevard, gulf of mexico, Kemp's ridley, Leatherback sea turtle, loggerheads, marine life, Navarre Beach, Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Patrol, Santa Rosa County, Sea turtle friendly lights, sea turtle nesting season, sea turtles, Summerwinds Condominiums
Beach, Local
Sea turtle nesting season on Navarre Beach began this month, with the first mother turtles expected to arrive by the start of June. Turtle Patroller Cathy Holmes said there are some easy ways for beachgoers to help protect the threatened and endangered species that make their way onto the beach each year to lay eggs. […]
By Jamie Gentry on May 16, 2018
Crossovers, David Forte, escambia county, Gulf Boulevard, Navarre, Navarre Beach, Navarre Beach Boat Ramp, Navarre Beach Leaseholders and Residents Association, Pedestrians, Pensacola Beach, Pensacola Beach Boulevard, Peter Birckhead, Santa Rosa County, Santa Rosa Island, Stephen Furman, U.S. Department of Transportation
Beach, Headlines
Santa Rosa County Public Works has spruced up the crosswalk on Gulf Boulevard connecting the Navarre Beach Boat Ramp to the parking area of the fishing pier, and Navarre Beach Leaseholders and Residents Association (NBLRA) President Peter Birckhead is not happy about it. It is not that Birckhead dislikes the added flashers atop pedestrian warning […]
By Jamie Gentry on May 12, 2018
BAiley Holladay, Chandler Herson, Fire Chief Danny Fureigh, firefighters, first responders, gulf of mexico, Lifeguard training, lifeguards, Michael Robidoux, Navarre, Navarre Beach, Navarre Beach lifeguards, Navarre Beach Utilities, rip current, Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners, Surf conditions, swimmers, Xtreme H2O Water Sports
Beach, Local
On the evening of March 24, Navarre Beach firefighters were called to Tower 3 for multiple distressed swimmers, including children, caught in a rip current. Local military retiree Michael Robidoux entered the water to save the children. Read the full article in the May 10 issue of Navarre Press. Visit www.navarrepress.com/subscribe to view subscription […]
By Jamie Gentry on May 10, 2018
burglary, Crime, Ed De Coste, Florida Highway Patrol, Larry Hoffman, Navarre Beach, Navarre Beach Fishing Pier, Navarre Beach Leaseholders and Residents Association, Neighborhood Watch Program, Pedestrian Crosswalks, Peter Birckhead, Santa Rosa County, Santa Rosa Sheriff's Office, speeding, White Sands Boulevard
Beach, Local
Navarre Beach resident Larry Hoffman did not know what hit him. He went for his daily run on the morning of March 3 along White Sands Boulevard. Less than a block from his home, while Hoffman was jogging about a foot off the shoulder of the road, a sport utility (SUV) vehicle hit him from […]
By Jamie Gentry on May 4, 2018
Alexis Patel, Alyssa Shule, Autism OdysSea, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Discovery Depot, Dylan Robas, Gabriel Johnson, Maylin Mitchell, Navarre, Navarre Beach, Navarre Beach Marine Science Station
Beach, Events & Festivals, Local
Navarre Beach Marine Science Station students and staff partnered with local nonprofit groups to host the annual Autism OdysSea event Saturday on Navarre Beach. The event allowed children with autism spectrum disorder and their families to participate in activities and hands-on lessons centered around marine conservation education. Navarre, NRead the full article in the May […]
By Gail Acosta on May 3, 2018
Aden Burkhardt, Adylen Lewter, Christopher McChesney, Emma Bucey, Emma Snow, Garrett Edwards, Genna Edwards, Greenpeace, Gulf Breeze High School, Katelyn Joyner, Katie Bray, Matthew Rodgerson, Michelina Dolan, Navarre, Navarre Beach Marine Science Station, Navarre High School, Ocean Conservation, Ocean Hour, Ocean Hour Youth Video Contest, Plastic, Plastic bags, Public service announcement, Riley Hart, Santa Rosa County, Sarafina Mowe, Sharon Gincauskas, Siena Mowe, Thomas Moore
Beach, Education
Of the 260 million tons of plastic produced each year, 10 percent of it will end up in the world’s oceans, according to a study by the environmental group Greenpeace. A group of Navarre High school students created a video titled “#BeTheSealution” for raising awareness of the issue of trash in the ocean and won […]
