In the latest issue of Editor & Publisher Magazine, they tackle the issue of Freedom of the Press and some of the perils that come with it. Leonard Woolsey, a respected publisher of the Daily News in Galveston, Texas, and the 2025 president of Southern Newspapers, had a lot to say about the perils of reporting the truth. The following is a portion of what was published in the February 2025 issue, with Gretchen A. Peck reporting.
Bullying is a widespread issue that lurks in the hallways and classrooms of schools across Northwest Florida. While the silence of it can be deafening, it will leave invisible scars that can last a lifetime. Despite school districts trying to implement increased awareness and initiatives aimed at combating bullying, its effects continue to ripple through our educational system, creating an environment of fear and insecurity for many of our young students.
The Navarre Press recently reported on efforts by Navarre Beach Leaseholders and Residents Association (NBLRA) leaders Gary Buroker and Drew Ruthrauff to pursue fee simple title for beach properties. While resolving issues such as double taxation is an understandable goal, we, as concerned residents, believe it is essential to carefully consider the potential long-term impacts of such a fundamental shift in land ownership on our community.
Commissioner Kerry Smith said he went out of town over the weekend and came back to read our editorial in the Feb. 20 issue. At first, he said he was angry, but he read it a second time and said we were right. We are not celebrating over being right – we are celebrating because change has been made. And one commissioner had the guts to direct the change.
I’m very honored to be on the board of Main Street Crestview Association (MSCA) as their Vice President, and together we have accomplished a lot of positive changes. However, the board has never seen the kind of “trouble” that tends to follow me. Luckily, they are very astute and have seen this as an opportunity to learn what slander and libel looks like and how to address very negative social media posts – that are patently untrue. Also, they have learned how to resist the urge to address every accusation on social media. Crestview isn’t used to having a real newspaper that reports the news, no matter who might be the subject.
I’ve never been one to complain about athletes transferring. I don’t care if coaches jump from one job to another.
Sure, you hate to see it, but it’s part of sports in 2025. The days of staying in one place are long gone in college athletics.
If you have ever watched the myriad TV shows about antiques, you know that haylofts in unused barns can yield some surprising treasures. Someone in the past places a valuable, unused item in a place that is secure from the elements and out of the way, then forgets it is there. My father-in-law in Indiana had just such a barn.
