Navarre Press | Your Source for News in Santa Rosa

Mark and Kylie Thompson with their 15-month-old son, Navarre. The family is from Portsmouth, England, but visits Navarre, Florida, annually.

News

English couple who named son Navarre visit again

It isn’t every day you meet someone named after your hometown, but on Wednesday, Sept. 30, that’s what happened at the Navarre Press office.

Navarre Mark Thompson, a curious, spry child of 15 months, recently visited Navarre, Florida, for just the second time. He was 2 months old during his prior visit.

Holley-Navarre Fire Marshal Joe Early retires after 16 years

The Holley-Navarre Fire District’s fire marshal, Joe Early, called it a career Friday, Sept. 25, marking 16 years as a member of the district’s staff.

Prior to his time with HNFD, Early served as a firefighter with Okaloosa Island Fire Department, working his way up from firefighter to assistant chief. A Fort Walton Beach native, Early spent 29 years with Okaloosa Island.

Duran found not guilty in shooting death of Hurlburt airman

It took less than two hours of deliberation for a Fort Walton Beach jury to find former Okaloosa County sheriff’s deputy Eddie Duran not guilty in connection with the 2024 shooting death of Senior Airman Roger Fortson.

Byron Donalds talks affordability at FWB campaign event

One of the men vying to be the next governor of Florida stopped by Fort Walton Beach Wednesday, Sept. 30, to rally support and answer citizens’ questions.

Byron Donalds, the Republican Party of Florida’s nominee, spent most of the campaign event focusing on affordability.

Bear hunt scheduled for December won’t include Santa Rosa County

Another bear hunt is in the works for December.

Last year, a bear hunt was held in four specified hunting zones. The zones were within four of the seven Bear Management Units across the state. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), which approved and regulated the hunt, approximately 52 black bears were harvested, or killed.

More News Coverage

Sports

It was another successful year of baseball for Michael Sandle

Beach

County takes ownership of Turner house

Advertorial

Florida Department of Health Partners with Santa Rosa County Schools to Expand Opioid and Substance Use Prevention Efforts

Shoutout to the ladies at The Boardwalk Shop

These ladies are the kindest. We stopped for batteries and they didn’t have any to sell. But the kind lady went to the back office and gave us 2 batteries that she had. They also gave us shell finding tips and clues to find the Mermaid Mailbox! These ladies are a fine example of the Navarre community and one of the reasons we love traveling from Pittsburgh, PA to this beautiful place!

Shoutout to Autism Pensacola 2025 Connecting The Pieces Gala

Autism Pensacola’s 19th Annual Connecting the Pieces Gala is Thursday, April 10, 2025, at Sanders Beach-Corrine Jones Community Center. The event features a silent auction, music by the Dharma Beats, a walkabout menu-tasting provided by local chefs and restaurants, signature cocktails and a brief program. All proceeds of the Connecting the Pieces Gala support Autism Pensacola’s outreach efforts to serve children and families affected by autism in the local community.

Shoutout to Deb’s Coffee

Big shoutout to Deb’s Coffee, a fantastic small business with delicious coffee and passionate staff. My husband and I appreciate y’all so much, and the community wouldn’t be the same without you!

Shoutout to Momentum Church Pastor Steven Mendez

Momentum church. Pastor Steven mendez. Our barbershop was blessed by him this past summer! He actually blessed just about every place here in navarre, We love Steven at the Navarre beach barbershop, were blessed to have him as one of our supporters.

Shoutout to Lisa

Lisa helped numerous families in the Navarre area with Christmas, including my own children. I’m a single mom working 2 jobs and doing my best. She helped me put on a decent Christmas. Thankful for her.

Shoutout to Volunteers

Jovana C. wants to express their heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated individual ( man ) who volunteers to cleans the roadsides along 399. Although I don’t know your name, I notice you every morning after my shift, diligently collecting litter with a trash bag. Your efforts truly make a positive impact on our community. Thank you!

Shoutout to Espresso Lane and kind-hearted folks

Espresso Lane, our beloved local coffee spot, goes above and beyond to make Navarre a brighter, friendlier place. For those enjoying the walking and running paths, Espresso Lane provides free, refreshing filtered ice water to keep everyone hydrated, and they even have a water station for our furry friends!

They have also set up a Free Little Library for anyone wanting to grab a book on their stroll.

It’s these small, thoughtful acts that make Navarre such a special community.

A huge thank you to Espresso Lane and the kind-hearted folks who make our town feel like home!

Shoutout to Juana’s Management

Shout out to the management of Juana’s for having a Bands for Bands concert that will help out musicians affected by the recent hurricanes.

Shoutout to the Navarre Community!

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News

Sand available at four locations ahead of weekend storms

Santa Rosa County may experience heavy rainfall resulting in flash flooding, as multiple rounds of showers and storms are expected to impact the area through the weekend. According to the U.S. National Weather Service Mobile Office, our area is under a marginal risk for flash flooding today, Friday, Oct. 2, and a slight risk for flash flooding Saturday and Sunday, October 3 and 4.