The University of West Florida received the largest gift from a living donor in its history on Jan. 19. Longtime supporter Harold E. ‘Hal’ Marcus allocated $5 million to the College of Science and Engineering. The college will be named the Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering in his honor, marking it the university’s first named college.
The real estate management company that operates Santa Rosa Mall is planning an exterior facelift, new restaurants, redesigned retail space and the addition of residential development on a 10-acre parcel within the property’s footprint.
Brandi Whitehurst was approved to be the new public information officer for the county at the Jan. 14 Santa Rosa County Board of Commissioners’ meeting. The PIO is responsible for promoting awareness of the county’s mission, programs, policies and initiatives to residents of the county and the media. Whitehurst’s employment began Jan. 19.
The Navarre Beach Leaseholders approved an increase in the amount of commercial property taxes for fire protection at their monthly meeting Saturday. The current commercial rate is $900 for up to 10,000 square feet and $3,600 for more than 10,000 square feet. The new rate for commercial is $900 for the first 10,000 square feet and .14 cents for every square foot over 10,000 square feet.
On Jan. 15, despite the cold temperatures, the Navarre Garden Club donated several trees to the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office District 2, Navarre substation on High School Boulevard in honor of Arbor Day. The trees were donated and planted to show appreciation to the Sheriff’s Office.
On Jan. 15, the Navarre Beach Area Chamber of Commerce held its annual Awards and Installation Banquet at the Soundside at Hurlburt Field to honor outstanding members and install a new board of directors. The new Chamber President and CEO, Judy Morehead was the evening’s emcee.
The state grant funding sought by Santa Rosa County to promote Tough Mudder Inc.’s military-style endurance event in April will be limited to about one-third of the requested $30,000.
Gigi Naggatz was affectionately known as “The Turtle Lady” on Navarre Beach and she was a leading volunteer and conservationist who worked tirelessly for the sea turtles. She passed away Jan. 5 after a years-long battle with cancer. While she will be greatly missed by many, her spirit will live on through the many volunteers that carry on her mission on Navarre Beach.
On Jan. 5, a tearful-eyed President Obama set out a call to action for the American people in a public speech outlining his new executive order on limiting gun violence.
Santa Rosa County continues to have discussions with Emerald Coast Utilities Authority, to identify an alternative for recycling. ECUA was contracted to accept all recyclables in Santa Rosa County and transport them to a center in Montgomery, Ala. This center abruptly closed in October 2015. ECUA then began transporting recyclables to Tarpon Paper Company in Loxley, Ala. Because it was cost prohibitive, ECUA stopped transporting recyclables to Tarpon in December when they began charging a $12.50 per-ton tipping fee. ECUA is currently in the process of establishing a new processing facility in Escambia County. Santa Rosa County discussions with ECUA concern future agreements as well as looking for all available long-term alternatives.
