The business page has the results of a $120,000 economic strategy plan for Santa Rosa County. We were found to have strong K-12 schools, a retired military population, available land, access to outdoor recreation and quality of place. Not surprisingly, we were found lacking in the infrastructure department as well as lacking in a “vibrant and walkable” downtown – and there is more – you can read all about it on our business page.  This week, we have two stories that are on the exact opposites of this spectrum. On one side we have Phil Babiak proposing what looks like to be a brilliant and well thought out alternative to what the FDOT proposes for Navarre’s downtown, and we have a county commissioner that is elected to uphold our planning and zoning except under extreme hardship – asking for a variance to put yet another set of storage units in the “Heart of Navarre.” This is certainly not the highest and best use for the land designated “Heart of Navarre.” However, our zoning board passed it unanimously, with Lynchard’s representative on the board abstaining – as he should have. The county commissioners still need to approve it before it is set into motion. The time of all of this is just a little too convenient to slip it in before the result of Navarre’s Master Plan is revealed. This is another study authorized by Commissioner Lynchard at the tune of $150,000   to tell us the highest and best use of the land we have left. I believe all variances in commercial districts should be put on hold in Navarre while the Master Plan is being finalized so as not to throw a monkey wrench in the entire plan. Please let your county commission know how you feel by emailing them at bocc@santarosa.fl.gov.