Navarre Press | Your Source for News in Santa Rosa

Lilliana Boczar, 11, has two rare genetic disorders which make special needs equipment a necessary part of her family’s life. Recently, the Navarre community came together to help her pay for a new bed.

News

Navarre rallies for 11 year old with genetic disorders

The popular saying “you can’t understand someone until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes” encourages empathy and understanding. For the family of Lilliana Boczar, an 11-year-old Navarre resident with two rare genetic disorders, they found out just how empathetic their community can be when a child is in need. Over the past few weeks Lilliana’s church, Ignite – A free Methodist Community, organized a shoe and donation drive to get Lilliana a new bed. At a cost of roughly $16,000, the Cubby Bed is designed for people with special needs and includes a protective mesh and a seizure monitoring system. Mari, Lilliana’s mom, said the bed will ensure that Lilliana is safe and secure throughout the night.

UPDATE: East Bay Boulevard Project Closures

East Bay Boulevard in Navarre is closed near Edgewood Drive as of Wednesday morning, April 23. The road is now expected to be closed for two weeks to install two crossings in the area.

Bethel Community Worship Center proposes new building in west Navarre

Plans have been submitted to Santa Rosa County for a new church building at 7484 Autumn Trace Blvd., near Harvest Village in Navarre. The church, Bethel Community Worship Center, has been around in its current form since 2018, meeting at Betty J. Pullum YMCA for services. The 0.674-acre Autumn Trace property has been in the church’s possession since 2020, but it is currently vacant.

Drowning victim near Navarre Beach Bridge identified

On the evening of Easter Sunday, April 20, a teenage boy was swimming with family members out in the Santa Rosa Sound east of Navarre Beach Bridge. At some point during the evening, the teen’s family lost track of him, leading to a missing person report and a search and rescue effort which lasted until the next morning. Shortly after 6 a.m. April 21, the teen’s body was discovered in the Sound near Navarre Beach Marine Park’s Pelican and Black Skimmer pavilions.

Santa Rosa County District School students use art as therapy through grant-funded project

Thanks to a $1,000 grant from the Santa Rosa Education Foundation (SREF), 18 students recently participated in an art project in partnership with the Milton Juvenile Probation Office and the Santa Rosa County District Schools Student Intervention Specialists, Paula Lowrimore and Kimi Gillis.

More News Coverage

Sports

Raider Girls 400 Relay: ‘We are a really fast group’

Beach

Navarre, Gulf Breeze fishermen among world’s best anglers according to FishingBooker

Advertorial

LOCAL LAWN EXPERT AUTHORS BOOK ON LAWN CARE

Happy Joe’s Pizza and Ice Cream to open doors April 28

Business

Santa Rosa County District School students use art as therapy through grant-funded project

Education

Two local gymnasts gearing up for trip to nationals

Sports

Bethel Community Worship Center proposes new building in west Navarre

Faith

Shoutout to Autism Pensacola 2025 Connecting The Pieces Gala

Autism Pensacola’s 19th Annual Connecting the Pieces Gala is Thursday, April 10, 2025, at Sanders Beach-Corrine Jones Community Center. The event features a silent auction, music by the Dharma Beats, a walkabout menu-tasting provided by local chefs and restaurants, signature cocktails and a brief program. All proceeds of the Connecting the Pieces Gala support Autism Pensacola’s outreach efforts to serve children and families affected by autism in the local community.

Shoutout to Deb’s Coffee

Big shoutout to Deb’s Coffee, a fantastic small business with delicious coffee and passionate staff. My husband and I appreciate y’all so much, and the community wouldn’t be the same without you!

Shoutout to Momentum Church Pastor Steven Mendez

Momentum church. Pastor Steven mendez. Our barbershop was blessed by him this past summer! He actually blessed just about every place here in navarre, We love Steven at the Navarre beach barbershop, were blessed to have him as one of our supporters.

Shoutout to Lisa

Lisa helped numerous families in the Navarre area with Christmas, including my own children. I’m a single mom working 2 jobs and doing my best. She helped me put on a decent Christmas. Thankful for her.

Shoutout to Volunteers

Jovana C. wants to express their heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated individual ( man ) who volunteers to cleans the roadsides along 399. Although I don’t know your name, I notice you every morning after my shift, diligently collecting litter with a trash bag. Your efforts truly make a positive impact on our community. Thank you!

Shoutout to Espresso Lane and kind-hearted folks

Espresso Lane, our beloved local coffee spot, goes above and beyond to make Navarre a brighter, friendlier place. For those enjoying the walking and running paths, Espresso Lane provides free, refreshing filtered ice water to keep everyone hydrated, and they even have a water station for our furry friends!

They have also set up a Free Little Library for anyone wanting to grab a book on their stroll.

It’s these small, thoughtful acts that make Navarre such a special community.

A huge thank you to Espresso Lane and the kind-hearted folks who make our town feel like home!

Shoutout to Juana’s Management

Shout out to the management of Juana’s for having a Bands for Bands concert that will help out musicians affected by the recent hurricanes.

Shoutout to the Navarre Community!

Give a shoutout to someone who went above and beyond for you or our community!

Have a Shoutout to share?

Click the button below to submit your shoutout!

Share a Shoutout

Community, News

Santa Rosa County Animal Services to host Community Cats Day on Tuesday, April 29

Santa Rosa County Animal Services is hosting a Community Cats Day for Santa Rosa County residents on Tuesday, April 29 at the Santa Rosa County Animal Shelter, 4451 Pine Forest Road in Milton. 30 stray/feral cats will be accepted for free spaying and neutering.