Though the atmosphere was decidedly optimistic, one thing missing from last week's town hall forum were the policy-makers themselves.

Around 30 people gathered at Navarre Presbyterian Church last week to discuss pressing community issues like transportation, a lack of affordable housing in Santa Rosa County and vocational education opportunities, among other things.

However, noticeably absent were the key figures invited to aid in addressing what Pastor Joan Wooten described as "the felt needs" of the Navarre community.

"We would have liked to have heard what our commissioners had to say," said resident David Dick, citing what he said was a lack of "cohesiveness" in the community as a chief concern. "We are concerned about longevity in this community, and the serious need for some direction."

For more on this story, see the Aug. 5 issue of the Navarre Press or subscribe online.