Navarre Press | Your Source for News in Santa Rosa

Kerry Smith, who has served as a county commissioner since 2022, is running for reelection. He recently missed a ballot qualification deadline and will now have to pay over $5,400 to appear on the ballot.

News

Kerry Smith fails to garner enough petitions, will pay $5400 fee to remain on ballot

Incumbent County Commissioner Kerry Smith didn’t qualify for the 2026 ballot based on petitions and now must pay $5,460.06 to stay in the race for Commission District 2.
Smith, along with fellow District 2 candidates Michael Rinaldi and Shawn Kay, failed to garner the required number of petitions by the May 11 deadline.

Demolition training planned for Hurlburt Field

Hurlburt Field will be conducting explosive demolition training between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m., June 3, 5, 9 and 11.

What homeowners need to know about termite swarming season

This May brought the first days of summer heat. It also brought termites.

In Florida, termites generally swarm between April and July. Florida is inside Termite Infestation Probability Zone 1, the highest-risk category for termites in the United States.

Stage Crafters mourns loss of beloved stage manager Pamela Strecker

Before every performance, Pamela Strecker made one final walk.
She moved through the backstage area from one side to the other, checking on every actor, calling out final cues, making sure nothing had been missed. Then, just before heading up to the booth, she would turn around, look out at the cast and raise a hand in the air.
“Be brilliant.”
It caught on. Cast members started saying it to each other.
Strecker,61, who served as stage manager and eight-year president of Stage Crafters Community Theater in Fort Walton Beach, died earlier this month after a battle with cancer. She had been part of the organization for more than two decades, arriving as a shy backstage helper in 1999 and becoming the heartbeat of one of Northwest Florida’s most beloved volunteer arts organizations.

Local military officials discuss issues in Northwest Florida

Local base commanders and Rep. Jimmy Patronis (R-FL1) made the case on May 27 that the area’s congested roadways are not just a quality-of-life problem, it is also a threat to national security.

More News Coverage

Sports

Raider youth basketball camp puts fun in fundamentals

Beach

Iron Guard races showcases skills, competitive spirit in lifeguards

Advertorial

Half-priced appetizers and Happy Hour at Emerald Waterfront

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!

Give a shoutout to someone who went above and beyond for you or our community!

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News

Property Tax Overhaul Headed To Ballot

Lawmakers on Tuesday approved a sweeping tax cut for homestead property owners pushed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, sending it to the November ballot.

The measure increases the existing $50,000 exemption for homestead properties to $150,000 starting in 2027, and it increases to $250,000 in 2028. The exemption, though, doesn’t apply to school taxes, after lawmakers changed DeSantis’ plan Monday to protect districts from drastic cuts.