Navarre Press | Your Source for News in Santa Rosa

David Jacob of FWC’s Bear Management Unit talks about bear populations in the Florida Panhandle at a Navarre Library FWC event on Feb. 19.

News

FWC holds meeting as bear depredations on rise in Northwest Florida

Recently, a string of bear depredations has raised concerns among some Navarre residents.

A depredation is the act of attacking or plundering in a destructive assault. The term is used when bears attack livestock, crops, beehives or other property.

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, there were 63 depredations in the agency’s West Panhandle Bear Management Unit in 2025, an increase from 29 reported in 2024 and 21 reported in 2023. Other statistics for the region indicate an increase in bear-human interactions, which could signal a growing bear population.

Emerald Coast Writers launches youth poet laureate program

Emerald Coast Writers is launching the Emerald Coast Youth Poet Laureate program. Poets ages 13 to 19 may apply.

This opportunity is open to teens who reside in South Alabama and Northwest Florida, specifically Escambia (Florida and Alabama), Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Fort Walton, Bay, Baldwin and Mobile counties.

Construction Career Days celebrates largest year yet, with nearly 1,400 students

Northwest Florida Construction Career Days celebrated a record-breaking sixth year in 2026.

The annual construction and transportation career fair drew more than 1,400 students and chaperones from schools across seven Northwest Florida counties. Counties involved in this year’s event included Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Holmes, Jackson and Washington counties.

Bagdad’s Love’s Travel Stop adding RV pads for overnight parking

The Love’s Travel Stop at I-10 Exit 26 near Bagdad is adding a place for RV owners to park their vehicles overnight. The truck stop and gas station is located at 3840 Garcon Point Road.

According to plans submitted to Santa Rosa County Development Services, Love’s corporate is looking to add four designated RV sites, which will include an expansion of 6,000 square feet of additional asphalt.

Milton family returns to Sacred Heart to thank staff who saved child

Every Valentine’s Day, while many families exchange cards and candy, 11-year-old Zeph Hay and his mom, Liz Knight, of Milton, return to the place where love once meant the fight to survive.

Their annual visit to Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola marks the anniversary of the day Zeph nearly died.

More News Coverage

Sports

Milestones reached in latest win for Raider girls lacrosse team

Beach

Navarre Beach boardwalk plan update to be completed by March

Advertorial

Nightly food specials 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

Holley Navarre Water board strategic planning strategy leads to debate

Holley Navarre Water System board of directors met Feb. 17 to discuss, among other things, strategic planning options.

Earlier this year, the board told HNWS staff of its desire to create a five-year strategic plan. The plan would lay out a series of goals for the system and how the board could reach them with respect to budget constraints.