Florida’s black bear population is ballooning back from a population estimated at just 300 in the 1970s.  The thriving population has since exploded tenfold to roughly 3,000- prompting removal from state’s list of threatened species in August of 2012.  As a result, the number of incidents involving bears throughout the state is escalating and spreading into populated areas. 

Longtime Navarre residents and business owners Betty and Greg Fountain are realizing a five-years-in-the-making dream come true. Their land off of Highway 98, west of Joybrook Road is being cleared for a 250 unit “Class A” luxury apartment complex on 16 acres that they have owned for eight years.

The holidays are often a busy time. That is especially true this year for members of the Tourist Development Council (TDC).  After successfully advocating a bed tax increase, the council is set to review marketing services proposals and an important request from the Navarre Beach Turtle Center.