Pointing to increased high school graduation rates, President Barack Obama said Monday he’s prepared to fight with Republicans for school funding and his education priorities rather than risk going backward.
This week has been a tough week for Navarre, Santa Rosa County, Florida and the nation. Navarre became the focal point of one of the deadliest domestic military training accidents in recent years. National news crews flew in to report to the country the search and rescue of our finest – which quickly turned to a painful recovery.
As a resident of Navarre, I knew there were many great people who lived and worked here. What I could not know was just how generous and magnanimous this community is. By now, everyone is aware of the loss of 11 brave service members when their Black Hawk crashed in the Sound between Navarre and Eglin Air Force Base. What you may not be aware of is the generosity of the residents and businesses of this great community.
Eleven U.S. Air Force airmen stood before the U.S. Special Operations Command memorial wall at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa Sunday morning, their heads bowed as a chaplain prayed.
When I heard the news early Wednesday morning of the UH-60 crashing into the Sound, I immediately thought of the families and I thought, “From this moment on, their lives will never be the same – Lord, be with them.” LCDR Mark Johnson, Lt. Bante, Lt. Roberto, Petty Officer Sean Saye, Petty Officer Wicks, ENS. Winters and LCDR O’Connor were my next thoughts; men who my husband and I knew, and so many others we knew who had died in service. Then I heard the words, “They gave their lives…” reverberating across the airwaves and the Internet. But think again, for they did not give their lives.
Santa Rosa County has extended the deadline to submit RESTORE project proposals to Friday, April 3, for inclusion in the county’s multi-year implementation plan. The complete request for proposals, project guidance and new resources are available at www.santarosa.fl.gov/bocc/restore.cfm. Approximately $4.3 million is available to Santa Rosa County in the first round of the direct component funding offered through the RESTORE Act.
While checking the news and scrolling through Facebook, Louisiana resident Gillian Howes Rabalais came across photos from last week’s vigil at the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier which honored the fallen in the March 10 helicopter crash.
Floodwaters can be swift, powerful and deadly. To encourage individuals, families and businesses to learn more about the many ways floods can occur, the hazards associated with floods, and what they can do to save life and property, the Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners will recognize March 15 through 21 as Flood Safety Awareness Week. Santa Rosa residents are encouraged to visit www.santarosa.fl.gov for daily flood safety facts and tips.
