Navarre Press | Your Source for News in Santa Rosa

Ricki DeSantis survived the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in New York City. 25 years on, he is still dealing with health issues stemming from that day.

News

25 years later, 9/11 takes toll on Navarre survivor

Although it’s been 25 years since 9/11, Ricki DeSantis is still dealing with the ramifications of the tragedy.

DeSantis, a Navarre resident, was working in finance in New York City at the time of the attacks. While entering one of the towers, he was blown backward about 20 feet as one of the planes hit. Downtown during the towers’ collapse, DeSantis was also exposed to carcinogenic asbestos, alkaline dust from pulverized concrete, gypsum, cellulose, heavy metals, hydrocarbons and dioxins, just to name a few.

25 years later, 9/11 takes toll on Navarre survivor

Although it’s been 25 years since 9/11, Ricki DeSantis is still dealing with the ramifications of the tragedy.

St. Sylvester Catholic Church holds 9/11 ceremony

On Sunday, Sept. 6, a crowd of more than 100 people gathered outside St. Sylvester Catholic Church to honor the lives lost during the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

The attacks, collectively known as 9/11, killed almost 3,000 people and have changed the U.S. in myriad ways, including the emergence of the Department of Homeland Security, tighter airport security and the launch of the war on terror.

Santa Rosa Schools renew online safety program for families

Santa Rosa County parents can attend a free virtual workshop later this month on how students use artificial intelligence, part of a series of online safety sessions the school district is offering families.

The session, “AI for Student Success: Unlocking Cutting-Edge Tools & Skills to Prepare Students for Their Future,” will take place at 6 p.m. Sept. 22. District officials will cover the basics of AI, how the technology can support student learning and related safety measures.

Recreational harvest of Snook runs through Nov. 30

The recreational harvest season for snook opened Sept. 1 in all East Coast management regions and most Gulf Coast regions, including the Panhandle.

The season opened in the Southeast, Indian River Lagoon and Northeast regions on the East Coast and the Panhandle, Big Bend, Tampa Bay and Sarasota Bay regions on the Gulf Coast.

More News Coverage

Sports

Raider Game Day! Navarre hits the road to play Niceville

Beach

Navarre Beach Fishing Pier to close to anglers morning of Sept. 13

Advertorial

Drivers bring fresh direction to Graze Craze

Spectrum brand, pricing and packaging to launch in all Cox markets in mid-September

Business

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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Crime, Milton, News

Inmate gets 15 years for choking cellmate to death in Santa Rosa prison

A Santa Rosa County jury found a state prison inmate guilty of manslaughter in connection of a 2022 incident where he strangled his cellmate to death, according to a news release from the State Attorney Ginger Bowden Madden’s office.

Jurors found Tavis Williams guilty on Sept. 1 and was sentenced by Circuity Judge Clifton Drake.