Navarre Beach Fishing Pier Management Coverage 2013

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Lady Raiders 2013 Health & senior night Business Expo Guide

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NAVARRE PRESS THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2013

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NEWS & INFORMATION

‘Down and Derby’

Photos by Amanda Creel

Nick Meyer, 7, celebrates his car, ‘Four Stroke’s’ first place finish in a heat at the Pack 104 Pinewood Derby at St. Sylvester Catholic Church. Navarre Cub Scouts in pack 104 and 105 spent Jan. 19 cheering at the packs’ Pinewood Derbies. After weeks of perfecting the looks and skills of their racing machines, the Cubs got to race to the finish in style surrounded by friends and family. Once the heats were done the racing times were averaged and the Pinewood Derby top three for each category were named. The top three finishers in each category will advance to the Feb. 2 Pensacola Bay District Pinewood Derby Championship. See story on page 1B.

Parents accuse soccer club of misrepresentation

By Yvonne C. Harper Navarre Press The Navarre United Futbol Club, under the auspice of Navarre Youth Sports Association, has been served a McDonald demand letter requesting $936 be refunded for misrepresentation.

Daryl and Mildred Seward of Navarre allege that NUFC misrepresented Coach Ken McDonald’s credentials and that NUFC failed to operate in accordance with the NUFC bylaws in the Jan. 2 letter.

See NYSA 11A

Contract extension given to pier management

By Jessi Stone Navarre Press Santa Rosa County Commissioners plan to give The Pier, Inc., managers of the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier, a five-month contract extension to ensure a Slye management transition doesn’t occur at the peak of tourism season.

County Administrator Hunter Walker presented a draft contract for pier management during a Jan. 22 commissioner meeting for the board’s consideration before the county puts the contract out to bid. He said specific language still needed to be added about issues that have occurred during the three-year lease with Pier, Inc., including noise complaints and the power bill.

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See PIER 11A

Johnson announces 2016 sheriff candidacy

By Yvonne C. Harper Navarre Press Lt. Bob Johnson plans to run for Santa Rosa County sheriff in 2016 and is taking advantage of a recent transfer to the main office Johnson in Milton to gain experience.

After serving as the District 2 supervisor in Navarre for two and

a half years, Johnson has been assigned to an administrative position in the main office in Milton.

“I do need administrative experience to make me a wellrounded candidate for sheriff in 2016,”said Johnson.

Sheriff Wendell Hall said he is rotating his lieutenants to work in administrative positions in Milton.

“We’ve got some divisions that will need to be filled in the next couple of years because of

retirements,”said Hall.“So I’m rotating lieutenants in and out of positions to see who is best suited for the position(s) in a captain’s capacity.”

Lt. PatVega is currently serving as District 2 supervisor. Hall said he is rotating each lieutenant every six weeks. Lt. Chris Watson is tentatively scheduled to replace Vega, but that could change said Hall.

See JOHNSON 12A

By Jessi Stone Navarre Press

Photo by Yvonne C. Harper

Howie Rounsaville, Holley-Navarre Fire District battalion chief, receives a Heroes with Heart award at the Trauma Intervention Program of Northwest Florida awards dinner on Jan. 19 at The Soundside at Hurlburt Field.

Navarre loses valued volunteer to cancer

By Yvonne C. Harper Navarre Press The year began on a somber note for Keith Elwood of Navarre when he lost his wife and friend of 14 years on Jan. 5 in Elwood Pennsylvania.

Peggy Elwood, who was an avid volunteer in the community, lost her battle with cancer during one last trip over the

Navarre Area Board of Realtors and the Navarre Garden Club were unable to compromise on sharing space in the Navarre Community Center as requested last month by Santa Rosa County Commissioners.

County to consider beach hotel rezoning

By Yvonne C. Harper Navarre Press

See HEROES 10A

By Jessi Stone Navarre Press

See COMMUNITY CENTER 12A

‘Heroes with heart’ Two of Navarre’s first responders were awarded the 2012 Heroes with Heart award by the Trauma Intervention Program of Northwest Florida during the TIP Jan. 19 awards ceremony.

Santa Rosa County Deputy Jimmy Vaughn and HolleyNavarre Fire District Battalion Chief Howie Rounsaville were recognized for their dedication

Navarre Realtors asked to share community center

holidays to her home state to visit her son and daughter.

“We left on Christmas Day to Pennsylvania to visit her son.

She was fine until the day we were to come back (Jan. 3),”said Keith.“We took her to the ER and they thought she had pneumonia but when they X-rayed her, they discovered her upper body was full of cancer.”

Her organs began to shut down one by one, and she passed away two days later.

“She definitely wanted to

go… she might’ve known she didn’t have much time,”said Keith.

Peggy and Keith met during a Navy reunion in Wisconsin where they discovered and Peggy’s first husband and Keith had been stationed together on the U.S.S. Putnam decades earlier.

“We didn’t know each other until we went to the reunion but they knew each other,”said Peggy in an earlier interview.

See ELWOOD 11A

Navarre Beach residents told Santa Rosa County Commission- Coley ers on Jan. 22 that they were concerned the potential rezoning of the former Holidome Hotel property would result in unwanted development on the beach.

See REZONING 12A

County narrowly approves covered arena

By Jessi Stone Navarre Press Santa Rosa County Commissioners narrowly approved Commission Chairman Bob Cole’s covered arena project in East Milton during a Jan. 22 meeting with a 3-2 vote.

Commissioners Jim Melvin and Jim Williamson were

See COUNTY 12A

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2013

NAVARRE PRESS / 11A

Election slightly alters water board

By Yvonne C. Harper Navarre Press Steve Gardner, Bien May, Sheldon Hutchins and William Goulet were elected during Holley-Navarre Goulet Water System’s Jan. 15 annu- Gardner al election.

Goulet and Hutchins were I’ve seen through the years I re-elected and Gardner and might be able to adapt here.”

May will begin their first term.

Gardner is the owner of HNWS board members Dirt Road Cookers in Navarre. set policy for the operation May said that at this time of the company; they carry he does not have any set out the bylaws of the corpo- goals. ration, approve expenditures “Right not, I’m still getting and set water fees. They also my bearings and learning oversee The Club at Hidden about the issues we’ll be Creek since purchasing it in addressing,”he said.“The November. main reason I did this is I As a new board member, wanted to serve my comGardner said that he has munity in order to give worked for municipalities back… I hope to bring my from Washington, D.C., to skill set to the table and offer Houston, Texas, to Augusta, my services.”

Ga., and“some of the things May is a clinical engineer

Hutchins

May

in the medical maintenance department at Eglin Air Force Base Hospital.

Returning member Hutchins said he would like to see some form of rebates given to the customers this year. “I’d like to try to take some of the net income and give back rebates to the members,” said Hutchins, active duty Air Force member.“We spent money on equipment (in 2012) and (I) don’t foresee having to buy more so there should be funds to give rebates in November or December.”

On a similar note, Goulet, owner of Navarre Auto Repair, would like to keep rates affordable for members. He also wants to maintain the direction HNWS has been going.

“I’d like to try to keep (going) in the same direction of the last few years, a positive direction,”he said.“And maintain (the) high quality and high standard of water that we currently possess.”

Ken Walker, HNWS general manager, said that 602 ballots were cast but 11 were invalid because there were either five names selected or they were blank. There were 570 proxy ballots.Troy Bossier cast 34 proxies, Charlie Enghauser cast 290 proxies, Goulet had 115 proxies, Hutchins had 77 proxies, Jim White had 47, James Dabney had four and Gardner and May both had two proxies.

The annual meeting was held after the voting ended, and board members were selected for board positions.

Goulet will remain as the board president, White was selected to be vice-president and Hutchins was selected to fill the treasurer and secretary positions.

Goulet garnered 579 votes, Gardner had 498 votes, May was next with 493 votes, followed by Hutchins with 466 votes. Dabney received 100 votes.

HNWS board members meet the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the HNWS board room. A special meeting is held at 6 p.m. when discussion is held about what the board members will vote on at the 7 p.m. meeting. HNWS members (customers) are invited to attend both meetings.

Peggy Elwood goes home Elwood

Continued from page 1A

“We both had long and happy marriages and then we found each other in Wisconsin.”

They married Dec. 12, 1998 and spent their honeymoon in Pensacola. They began a life together in their Holley by the Sea home. Throughout the community, they were known for their Christmas decorations that became more elaborate with each tree they planted. The trees bear the names of shows they enjoyed, places they’d visited, neighbors and of each other.

“We always had a lot of fun together,”said Keith.

Both were ambassadors for the Navarre Beach Area Chamber of Commerce for many years, and were active in the Chamber’s annual Christmas in the Park.

“I knew her for years,” said Chanda Ryan, Chamber director of membership and marketing.“They were very involved with the Christmas in the Park committee. They always decorated their house in HBTS and invited people to walk through their yard.

They really enjoyed decorating for Christmas, so when they got involved in

NYSA

Continued from page 1A

“If the Sewards had been told the truth and had been made aware that they would not have a Class A licensed coach and that NUFC did not intend to operate in accordance with its own By-Laws, they would not have enrolled their (children) in your program and would not have incurred the costs associated with their participation,” the letter stated.

According to Daryl, McDonald was selected as the coach for the U12 team with no input from the parents as required by the NUFC bylaws. Section 13 under team responsibilities and rights state the “team parents/guardians select by vote a coach for each season, subject to approval by the NUFC Board.”

“He (McDonald) was represented to us as having an A license. He wore a U.S. Soccer coach’s uniform that bears the U.S. Soccer emblem. Amy Corlew, team manager and

Navarre Press file photos

Peggy and Keith Elwood always went all out to decorate their Holley by the Sea home for Christmas.

June Meredith also became friends with Peggy and Keith through their involvement with the Chamber.

“They were extremely hard workers,”she said.“I take both of them to be very dear friends. It’s just a great loss to me.”

Nancy Sandler, Chamber member, described Peggy as somebody she Submitted photo enjoyed spending time Keith and Peggy Elwood during with.“She was always very their Dec. 12, 1998 wedding. pleasant to talk to,” said the Chamber, that just car- Sandler.“I really liked her ried over. She was so a lot.”

Linda Fusco, local busisweet.”

NUFC board secretary, stated she had a copy of the license,” said Daryl.

U.S. Soccer issues Class E through A licenses upon completion of the respective programs, with a Class A license being the highest level. U.S. Soccer is the only organization in the U.S. that issues coaching licenses. The National Soccer Coaches Association of America issues diplomas and according to U.S. Soccer, no NSCAA diploma is equivalent to a U.S. Soccer license.

McDonald holds a NSCAA advanced national diploma.

In a July 5 email to the parents of the U12 team in question, Corlew wrote “I was wondering if all of you would like to have a meeting with Ken before practices start.”

Daryl said that no meeting was held to discuss hiring McDonald as the coach, but the terms of his contract state he was to be paid $650 until December, at which time his coaching fee would increase to $900 in January.

“In the Spring, Coach Ken’s fees will go up. According to the NUFC Coach’s Fees Guild line, Coach Ken

can ask for a monthly fee as high as $900. As of now, Coach Ken said he would like to prove himself and is only requesting a fee of $650 per month for the Fall Season,” wrote Corlew to the team in a July 28 email.

When Larry Dixon, NYSA board president, was asked if McDonald presented himself as having a Class-A license, he replied,“I’m not going to answer that.”

Before coming to NYSA, McDonald was a coach with the Bayside Dynamo FC (soccer club) in Gulf Breeze.

Scott Stikeleather, Bayside board of directors’president, said that McDonald presented himself as having a U.S. Soccer Class-A license.

After coaching at the club for a few years, McDonald applied for the director of coaching position, according to Stikeleather. It was then that he learned McDonald did not hold a Class-A license, but rather a NSCAA Advanced National diploma.

According to U.S. Soccer, an advanced national diploma is not equivalent to a Class-A license.

“We require a Class-A

ness owner and Chamber member, said Peggy was very active in the Chamber, ensuring they were present during new-business ribbon cuttings and inviting businesses to join the Chamber.

“I thought she was a wonderful lady and they were very happy together. Whenever I needed something done, they would offer to do it,”said Fusco.“She will surely be missed.”

For Keith, he will simply miss the woman that he watched old movies

with, worked in the garden with, laughed with and loved.

“I loved most just the way she was,”said Keith.

“She was a very sweet loving person.”

While Peggy’s absence will leave a void in many people’s lives, Little Peggy and Little Keith, palm trees firmly rooted sideby-side in their yard that reach toward the sky, stand in testament to their love and devotion to each other.

Peggy was buried in her hometown of Bellefonte, Penn.

license to fill the position of coaching director,”said Stikeleather.“After he did not get hired, he left and went to Navarre.”

McDonald has since been hired as the coaching director for soccer at NYSA, a position that pays about $50,000 a year, according to the Aug. 8 NUFC board meeting minutes.

Corlew serving as a team manager and the NUFC board secretary at the same time is also in violation of NUFC bylaws section 9.02 that states“no board officer shall hold a team manager position.”

When Daryl questioned Corlew about this and other issues, she wrote“I think you are trying to live by the by-laws way too much. And, please show me where it says I have to get 2/3 vote for EVERYTHING I do to manage this team. The only thing it says a 2/3 vote for is if you want to dispute the tournament schedule & replace a coach. So, please drop the 2/3 vote thing about everything you mention.”

Daryl said he presented his concerns to the NYSA board of directors Aug. 1,

but no action was taken.

Subsequently, a team meeting was held and it was approved by a 7-3 vote to allow Corlew to hold both positions. One vote per family is permitted, regardless of how many children the family has playing on the team.

During the NYSA board meeting on Jan. 16, Mike Bradley, NYSA secretary and NUFC board president, requested the NUFC bylaws be changed to operating policies, providing each board member with a copy of the changes. It was recommended and approved to discuss the changes further on Feb. 6, the next board meeting.

According to Section 11, of the NUFC bylaws,“any suggested change/amendment to the bylaws must be posted on the NUFC bulletin board and on the NUFC web page by the NUFC secretary for no less than seven (7) days prior to a scheduled board vote on the suggested change/amendment.”Section 16 further states the bylaws are set for the entire club season that runs from

Pier

Continued from page 1A

Summerwind Condominium residents have made complaints in the past about excess noise from bands playing at the Pier Bar & Grill, which is owned

by Pier, Inc. The contract with Pier, Inc., stipulates that it shall pay $250 a month totaling $3,000 a year for utilities. Utility expenditures in 2011 were $41,000 for the pier and pier establishment. The county pays any amount more than $3,000.

Since the pier lease expires in June, Commission Chairman Bob Cole suggested extending the lease six months to make for a better transition if another management company is selected.

Commissioner Lane Lynchard said he agreed with Cole because the restaurant and its equipment belonged to The Pier, Inc., and would have to be moved out if another company received the bid. He added that it wouldn’t be good to have the restaurant closed during the middle of summer when the pier is busy.

Commissioner Jim Melvin suggested moving forward with the bids and if a different company is selected, the commissioners could extend the contract for a few months to give management time to remove their property.

Pier Manager Dorothy Slye said,“December or January would be the best transition time. It will take more than 30 days (for someone) to reset everything up.”

“Dorothy, I certainly hope you take over the contract,” Cole said, adding that Slye had done a great job managing the pier.

Commissioners plan to vote during today’s meeting to put the contract out to bid and give The Pier, Inc., an extension until December if it is not chosen for the new contract.

Subscribe to Navarre Press and you’ll get it.

939-8040 August to July and that the bylaws may be “adopted, amended, or repealed only by a 2/3 majority vote of the board present at the scheduled Annual NUFC Board Meeting…”

As of press time, the proposed changes have not been posted to the NUFC website.

When Dixon was asked if the bylaws allow a team manager to also be a NUFC board member, he replied, “I’m not going to answer that.”

Navarre Press emailed and left a phone message with McDonald, both of which have gone unanswered. Likewise, Corlew did not respond to an email from Navarre Press and hung up on a reporter after the reporter identified herself. A subsequent phone message has not been returned.

The Sewards gave NYSA and Bradley until 5 p.m. on Jan. 10 to respond. As of press time, NYSA nor Bradley have responded to the Sewards request for a refund. The Sewards children now participate in a select program in Pensacola.

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Happy Valentine’s Day

Lady Raiders earn school’s first team state title

4 Sections

NAVARRE PRESS THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013

Mental health worker charged with sexual assault Staff Reports Navarre Press Ernest L. Parker, 52, was arrested Feb. 12 for sexual assault on children during his short employment at the Milton Girls Parker Facility.

Parker worked as a mental health technician from April-December 2012 at the facility. During this time, it is alleged that Parker used his position to have inappropriate sexual conduct with more than one girl at the facility.

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State Champions!

See PARKER 10A

County seeks pier management proposals

By Yvonne C. Harper Navarre Press Santa Rosa County has released a request for proposals to operate and manage Navarre Beach Pier.

During a Jan. 24 board of Slye county commissioners meeting, commissioners approved extending the current lease through November 2013 and soliciting bids for pier management.

In 2010, Dorothy Slye and Everett Ratliff, Jr., Slye’s brother, were selected to manage the pier for the county. According to county records, six companies/individuals submitted proposals at that time.

See PIER 10A

State Rep. Broxson supports drilling in Blackwater Forest

By Yvonne C. Harper Navarre Press

See BROXSON 11A

County struggles to enforce litter laws

By Yvonne C. Harper Navarre Press On Jan. 26, six Navarre residents took to the streets to clean up the community.

Laurie and Gerry Gallup,Vicki Helton, and Denise Haywald and her daughters got together to pick up trash in the Heart of Navarre, the area located north of U.S. Highway 98 roughly between Williams Creek Road and Elks Way.

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See LITTER 10A 7502 Harvest Village Ct. Navarre, FL 32566

Bus rear-ended with children onboard

By Yvonne C. Harper Navarre Press

State Rep. Doug Broxson, R-Gulf Breeze, on Jan. 22 introduced House Bill 431 that would seek the development of oil and gas resources specifically in the Blackwater River State Forest.

The bill, if it became law, would authorize the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund to enter into a private-public partnership with a business entity to develop oil and gas resources in the Blackwater River State Forest.

Copyright © 2013 Navarre Press

Photo by John Richardson

The Navarre High School girls’ weightlifting edged Spruce Creek by a point Saturday to win the school’s first-ever state championship in any team sport. The Lady Raiders had finished second in four of the past five seasons. See page 1C for story.

At about 2 p.m. on Feb. 6, a Santa Rosa County school bus was rear-ended at Edgewood Drive and Federal Street in Holley by the Sea. The bus, coming from Woodlawn Beach Middle School, was carrying 34 students when Don Loose, 80, fell asleep and rearended the stopped bus. The front end of his Buick LaCrosse ended up lodged under the rear end of the bus.

“I just fell asleep,”Loose said. He stated that he wasn’t on any medication that causes him to be drowsy.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol report, Loose fell asleep at the wheel and awoke upon impact.

See BUS 10A

Photos by Yvonne C. Harper

A driver fell asleep and drove his Buick LaCrosse into the rear of Santa Rosa County School District Bus No. 736 on Feb. 6 in Holley by the Sea.

Foul play ruled out in drowning Staff Reports Navarre Press

County reviews NYSA contract

By Yvonne C. Harper Navarre Press

Officials on Monday recovered the body of Justin Diel who drove his Ford pickup truck into the East River north of Navarre.

At 1:55 p.m. on Feb. 11 Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Office dispatchers sent deputies to a reported vehicle crash with injuries at the East River Boat Ramp off State Road 87 just north of the East River Bridge.

See DROWNING 10A

Photo by Sandi Kemp

Divers from the Santa Rosa Sheriff’s department found the submerged truck and hooked it to a cable to pull it out of the water.

Santa Rosa County officials are reviewing the contract between the NavarreYouths Sports Association and the county, according to Commissioner Jim Melvin.

The contract between NYSA and the county expired in March 2007, but Melvin explained that according to Florida law, when a lease expires and neither party makes an attempt to alter or cancel the lease, it becomes a“lease at will.”

See NYSA 10A

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Please mention this ad when you call. Any available insurance will be filed.

7552 Navarre Parkway #60 - Harvest Village

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10A /

Parker

Continued from page 1A

Milton Girls Facility was a 60-bed facility designed to help juveniles by providing education, life skills, behavior modification and counseling. The facility was operated by Behavior Healthcare Centers under the auspices of Universal Health Services, Inc., a hospital management company.The facility closed in December.

An investigation was initiated Dec. 17, 2012, after a student at the facility went to the Santa Rosa Kids’House for an interview. The girl said

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013 she had been at the facility and was scheduled to go home. She told investigators that she had been inappropriately touched by Parker and that he had“put his fingers inside her vagina.”

According to the report, the girl said that she was afraid “to say too much as she could face retaliation and get time added to her sentence.”

She told investigators Parker had touched other girls.

Another girl was interviewed by detectives and she reported that Parker had grabbed her breast five to six times and grabbed her butt.

She said Parker tried to touch

her vaginal area“by rubbing his hand up her leg.”

The girl said that“Parker talks to you first… he is friendly, smiles and (is) nice to you.”The girl later told investigators that he had put his fingers in her vagina and that the incident occurred in mid-November.

Another girl told investigators she felt Parker“was a pervert,” and he had also touched her. She added that she did not feel safe at the facility.

One girl reported that during a Child Protection Team medical exam, Parker had put his fingers in her vagina.

The report indicated Parker targeted“the quiet girls.”

Several other girls gave similar accounts to investigators of Parker inappropriately touching them.

Parker was questioned Dec. 27 and denied any inappropriate conduct with any of the girls at the facility. Parker acknowledged that, although he was authorized to report girls for rules violations, he rarely or never did.

When questioned about this by investigators, Parker said, “I was way too lenient on a lot of things. I came in, I came in with the wrong attitude trying to be these girls’friend

and trying to help them.

Instead of just (being) a guard you know.”

As the interview progressed, Parker admitted he touched one of the girls’ breasts “maybe twice” but denied ever touching any girls“below the waist.”

Parker has been charged with four counts of battery; seven counts of sexual assault on a victim 12 years of age under special conditions; three counts of lewd and lascivious behavior on a victim 12 to 16 years of age; one count of lewd and lascivious conduct by a person 18 years of age or old-

er; and six counts of contributing to the delinquency of a child.

He is being held in Santa County Jail on a $1,010,000 bond.

A news release issued by the Sheriff’s Office stated that the investigation is ongoing and anyone that was at the facility from April to December or has information relevant to the investigation can call 850-437-STOP. In a separate incident from the facility, former guard Shannon Abbott was arrested Dec.4 for battery stemming from an Aug. 9 incident that involved a 15-year-old.

Drowning

Continued from page 1A

Law enforcement secured the area and a dive team was immediately dispatched to the scene. Rough waters made visibility extremely difficult according to the news release. Recovery services were used to remove the truck from the water.

When the truck was pulled from the water, Diel was found inside, deceased.

According to the release, there are no elements of foul play at this time.

First responders, divers and tow trucks responsed to the scene of the submerged vehicle to attempt to pull it from the water. Several cables broke in a tow trucks attempt to get it out of the water. Four hours later, a larger tow truck was called in to finish the job.

Pier

Bus

Continued from page 1A

The contract between Slye, Ratliff and the county went into effect June 25, 2010. Commissioners decided to extend the present contract through November to avoid a possible transition during the peak tourism season.

The request for proposals is the same as the 2009 request with wording added to declare the commission “encourages all segments of the business community to participate in its procurement opportunities, including small businesses, minority/women owned businesses, and disadvantaged business enterprises.”

All proposals must be in writing and delivered by hand or by FedEx to the county procurement department by 10 a.m. April 9. Proposals should be sealed and labeled “RFPOperator/Manager – Navarre Beach Pier.” Only proposals received by 10 a.m. April 9 will be accepted.

The solicitation reads in part that “each proposal shall detail the services, improvement, and payment to be provided by the Operator/Manager. Additionally, each proposal shall detail the experience of the submitter in providing these services.”

County Engineer Roger Blaylock said the contract will be written and executed after the RFPs are received and the company or companies are selected and awarded the contract.

Slye said she plans to bid on the management contract.

“We plan on bidding. We haven’t sat down and had a meeting yet, because we’re trying to get ready for the spring and summer,” said Slye,“but we plan to bid.”

The selection will be made based on the criteria set forth in Florida Statute 287.055(2) according to the request for proposal.

However, in a nod to Slye, Commissioner Bob Cole told Slye during a Jan. 22 commissioner’s meeting, “Dorothy, I certainly hope you take over the contract.”

The full request for proposals can be read in this week’s issue on the Legal/Classified page.

Photo by Sandi Kemp

Continued from page 1A

Aaron Hall, 12, was sitting three seats from the back when he felt the car hit the bus.

“Our bus was completely stopped. At first we thought the bus driver lost control

because the bus jerked forward real fast,” said Hall.

“When we looked back, we saw the dude and he was trying to get out. It felt like a roller coaster when it jerks forward to take off.”

Amanda Teichner, 13, was sitting in the front when she said the bus suddenly jerked forward. “I felt a forward,

upward push motion. Kids started screaming,‘Somebody hit us.’”

Teichner added that she walked to the back of the bus to see what had happened.

“I saw the cracked windshield and my second thought was‘Is the driver okay?’”

Loose was uninjured and told the children as they got

off the bus that he was sorry.

A second bus was dispatched to the area. Some of the children were released to their parents and the remaining students were transported home via the second bus.

Holley Navarre Fire Department Battalion Chief Howie Rounsaville said his men

Litter

Continued from page 1A

Waste Management provided a 30-cubic-yard dumpster that the six-man cleaning team almost filled with trash, tires, couches and other debris left in vacant and dilapidated lots and on the side of the road.

“It’s nasty. The tires fill up with water and breed mosquitos and children play in the area. It needs to be cleaned up,”said Laurie.“While we were cleaning up, I realized it was impossible.”

The county has two departments that handle code compliance and environmental enforcement.

Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Deputy Jeannie Schmitt serves as one of two environmental enforcement officers. Schmitt responds to illegal dumping, littering, derelict vehicles and other garbage complaints.

“We respond to all complaints,” said Schmitt.“In the course of responding to a complaint, if we see a separate violation, we address it at that time.”

Schmitt stressed that, with only two deputies assigned to environmental enforcement, it’s difficult to patrol the county for illegal dumps

NYSA

Continued from page 1A

“At this point with NYSA, it’s silent consent,”said Melvin.

Melvin met with County Administrator Hunter Walker, County Attorney Angie Jones, NYSA lawyer David Pleat, NYSA board president Larry Dixon and NYSA board vice president Darrin Nicely on Feb. 6 to discuss the future of the contract and the management of the recreation program.

Melvin said that NYSA has been given notice that the county will modify the contract to include the right of the county to audit NYSA financial records; tighten the bylaws to clarify the election procedures

Submitted photo

Santa Rosa County needs help to stop the illegal dumping of household waste and other debris in vacant lots and along roadsides in the Navarre area.

Complain To report littering or illegal dumping, call the Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Office at 983-1162 and ask that an environmental enforcement officer investigate.

and other violations. But if, when responding to a complaint, an officer does see a violation they pursue the appropriate action.

“Once I identify the violation, I’ll make contact with the resident, if I can, and attempt to gain compliance within a reasonable time – 15 days is the standard, but each case is different.” for board members; propose how NYSA reserves should be managed; and to discuss the philosophy of NYSA. “The overall transparency will be better,”said Melvin.

NYSA has been criticized for not following its bylaws.

The election of directors was held in October amid concerns that adequate notification of the election was not provided.

According to NYSA bylaws, members must be notified of the election by mail at least 10 days before the election. When asked why this was not done, Nicely said the notification is provided on the registration form parents complete when registering a child for a sport.

The board also failed to make known the slate of candidates until the night of the election, and

Schmitt explained that some residents do not have the means or the ability to remedy the situation. Schmitt said that, in those cases, she tries to work with the owner to remedy the violation.

The county’s Public Services Department deals with land development code issues such as illegal signs, fence heights and many other issues.

Tony Gomillion, Public Services director, said his office has two code enforcement officers and one supervisor/officer who respond to complaints from residents.

A common violation, especially along major roadways,

involve“snipe”signs, the small signs people put in medians and along rights-of-way to advertise businesses, yard sales and similar events and services.

On U.S. Highway 98 in Navarre, snipe signs can be seen lining the highway. “(On) Highway 98, the first responsible party is the state of Florida…they do some enforcement and collect the signs, but those things tend to pop back up,”said Gomillion.“Efforts related to sign enforcement are not at a level that you would not see those back out within a relatively short period of time.

“…If the community has a genuine concern they will get out and change their NYSA.” – Jim Melvin, Santa Rosa County commissioner one candidate’s name was left off the ballot. Dixon said at the time it was a legitimate mistake.

“The new contract will ensure the integrity of the elections and the notification (process),” said Melvin.“We’re going to make sure the community is

notified, elections are properly noticed and conducted, and if the community has a genuine concern they will get out and change their NYSA.” NYSA also was served a demand letter on Jan. 2 from Daryl and Mildred Seward

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released the air from the Buick’s front tires to lower the car. The bus was then able to pull forward off the car.

Damage to the car is estimated to be $10,000 and $2,000 to the bus.

Neither Loose nor the children were injured in the accident. Loose was cited for careless driving.

It’s difficult to address from the standpoint of being understanding about (businesses’ need to advertise) and enforcing the ordinance.”

Business signs must not be displayed on the rightof-way of U.S. 98. Gomillion explained that a rule-ofthumb for determining the right-of-way is that the power poles are usually placed at the right-of-way edge.

Bobby Burkett, county compliance investigator, said they began removing snipe signs this week. He and his fellow officer will alternate weeks, removing snipe signs in the north end one week and in the south end the next.

“We’ll pick troubled areas and hit those one day a week and (rotate between them),” said Burkett.

Since July 2012, the county has responded to 75 code violations in Navarre; 26 of the cases are still active.

Environmental enforcement and code enforcement officers often work cases together to resolve violations.

Gallup said she would like to see more county involvement to clean up the blighted areas of Navarre.

“We don’t need to live like this,”she said. requesting a refund of $936 for fees they paid while their daughters played on the Navarre United Football Club select soccer team, which plays at Navarre Soccer Complex, which is managed by NYSA. The Sewards allege that NUFC misrepresented coach Ken McDonald’s credentials and that NUFC failed to operate in accordance with its bylaws.

According to the Sewards, they received a letter from Pleat denying the refund.

Melvin hopes concerns about NYSA and its programs’management will be alleviated by the new contract.

Melvin said that once the revisions have been made, it will be brought to the full board for a discussion and vote.

inside 3 Sections

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12A

Boo Weekley golf scramble returns to Hidden Creek

Relay for Life Navarre, April 19-20 at Navarre High School

2013 Navarre High School Prom

NAVARRE PRESS THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013

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County to review Navarre Beach Pier proposals

By Yvonne C. Harper Navarre Press Five companies are vying to manage the Navarre Beach Pier, including current contractor The Pier, Inc., owned by Navarre businesswoman Dorothy Slye and her brother, Everett Ratliff, Jr. Santa Rosa County commissioners voted Jan. 24 to

Rayner Hancy approve extending the current lease through November and soliciting bids for pier management. The decision was made to extend the

The five bidders are: The Pier, Inc.; Coastal Concessions, LLC; Hidden Treasure Water Sports Management Group; PasSlye Bryant co Gibson and contract to avoid a possible Yolanda Wells; and transition during the peak Kenny Cook and tourism season. All proposals Robert Benaquis. were to be submitted to the See PIER 10A county by 10 a.m. April 9.

Midway Fire receives donation

Photo by Sandi Kemp

The 2013 Navarre High School Prom King and Queen are Nick Nelson and Sarah Hoffman. For more photos of prom-goers in their tuxedos and gowns, see Page 12A or go to our website, www.navarrepress.com. Photos from the dance are available for purchase online.

Photo by Romi White

Priton Homes to bring Democrat enters House District 2 race 200 jobs to county

Firehouse Subs co-founder Robin Sorensen, right, with Gulf Breeze Firehouse Subs restaurant franchisees Jim and Cheryl Broscious and members of the Midway Fire Department celebrate Firehouse Subs Foundation's donation of life-saving equipment valued at $23,000. For more on the foundation’s donation, see Page 10A.

Survivors to lead Relay for Life efforts

By Roxanne Baker Navarre Press Three times a survivor.

By the time Navarre resident Brenda Whidden was 20 Whidden years old, she was diagnosed with cervical cancer; by 30 she had ovarian cancer; and by 40 she had a bilateral mastectomy after four diagnoses of breast cancer.

Stimpson Whidden is by all definition a cancer survivor. She was declared cancer-free in January for the first time in more than 20 years.

That’s why Whidden will participate in tomorrow’s Relay for Life – to give others a chance at a cancer-free outcome.

Staff Reports Navarre Press

Republican candidates.

“I think, by and large, even Republican voters in this area are fairly comJeremy mon-sense men and Lau, 40, of women. They understand Pe n s a c o l a reasonable approaches,” has entered said Lau.“There is a balthe race for ance that can be achieved Florida that will allow businessHouse Dises to grow and respect trict Seat 2 Lau after he filed April 12. the people that work in Lau is the lone Democ- the region.”

Lau has lived in the rat in a field of six

Pensacola area since 1997 when he was stationed at NAS Pensacola as an avionics technician. After he got out of the Navy, he went to University of West Florida and graduated with a bachelor’s in history.

He then worked as a teacher at the Learning Academy of Santa Rosa

See LAU 10A

Crash results in minor injuries

By Romi White Navarre Press Priton LLC, a home-manufacturing company code-named Project Breeze by the Santa Rosa Economic Development Office, officially has arrived. Priton already has hired a start-up staff of nine and plans to add 200 Ogletree more jobs at its Santa Rosa Industrial Park location this year.

Priton, LLC, a corporation based in West Conshohocken, Penn., on Jan. 24 paid $1.35 million for a 12,000 squarefoot facility and 7.63-acre parcel at 5495 Industrial Boulevard, part of the former 84 Lumber site, According to Tracy James, human resources director for Priton, those interested in applying for jobs should not show up at the East Milton facility but register at www.employflorida.com and watch for job openings to be posted under Priton’s name in about three weeks.

See PRITON 11A

Abatement complaints result in four notices

See SURVIVORS 11A

driving a 2006 Kia Sorento west on U.S. 98 in the outside lane when Maddox traveled through the intersection with a green light.

Skip Tompkins, Santa Rosa County compliance superintendent, has completed his investigation of Navarre First Addition properties identified by Navarre resident Laurie Gallup as potentially in violation of county codes. Four property owners have received or will receive abatement notices as a result.

Gallup compiled the list over a two-week period after a Jan. 26 cleanup effort in the area by her and several other residents.

See CRASH 11A

See ABATEMENT 10A

Photos by Sandi Kemp

A driver and two passengers were transported for treatment of minor injuries after this wreck at the intersection of Coral Street and U.S. Highway 98.

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By Yvonne C. Harper Navarre Press

Staff Reports Navarre Press A driver’s failure to yield when making a left turn last week resulted in minor injuries and damages totaling $17,000.

At 5:35 p.m. April 11, Stephanie Maddox, 36, was driving a 2011 Dodge Challenger east on U.S. Highway 98 when she attempted to turn left onto Coral Street.

Jacob Alexander, 17, was

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Lau

Midway Fire receives Firehouse Subs donation

County. He said his experiences as a school teacher will motivate him to work toward returning control of the schools and classrooms to teachers, parents and local government if elected. “(Teachers) are overburdened with regulations from the state. (We) need to give teachers control of their schools and classrooms back…It becomes too hard for parents to change anything in their schools when (the schools) are governed

by Tallahassee,”said Lau. He would also work toward bringing businesses, especially the aerospace industry to Northwest Florida.

He presently works as an aircraft mechanic at L-3 Vertex on NAS Pensacola, and thinks this area has a lot to offer.

“We’re uniquely positioned to attract industries.

We have a ready and available, talented workforce in Northwest Florida,” said Lau. This is Lau’s first foray into elective politics, but he has been active in the process, at least on a federal level, as president of the International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers Local 2777.

“All of the members are from NAS Whiting and Pensacola, so most issues have been federal because that’s where our budget is controlled,” said Lau. Lau is confident he will do well in the election and hopes to“bring back a state government that is responsive and respectful of its citizens.”

The qualifying period is from 8 a.m. April 22 to noon on April 23. The special primary election will be May 14 and the special general election will be June 11.

By Romi White Navarre Press

Continued from page 1A

Midway Fire Chief Jonathan Kanzigg announced April 16 that the first time his department used extrication equipment donated by the Firehouse Subs Foundation was to remove Taylor Wentz and Jesse Murray, both employees of the Firehouse Subs

restaurant in Gulf Breeze, from a wrecked vehicle.

“That was a first,” Firehouse Subs co-founder Robin Sorensen said.

Sorensen said when founders started the sandwich shop they never envisioned it becoming a chain or having a foundation. He described knowing that they were making a difference by helping to save lives –

especially two of their own employees – as "overwhelming."

Kanzigg said the department had budgeted about $23,000 to buy the equipment donated by the Firehouse Subs Foundation, but that money now can be used for other needs.

"We've used (the equipment) several times since that initial use, and the

Abatement

Continued from page 1A

The list noted areas in the Navarre First and Second additions that could be candidates for abatement due to disrepair and unsafe conditions. In an earlier interview, Gallup noted the area had many properties that were home to derelict homes and served as dump sites.

Tompkins received the list and began an investigation into the First Addition. Upon completion, he forwarded the results to Gallup and Navarre Press.

“In this report, I have concluded my findings on your first submittal involving certain designated properties found in the First Addition of Navarre located generally east of (State Road) 87 and north of (U.S. Highway) 98 to Laredo Street,”Tompkins wrote in the report.

Tompkins began by visiting the locations that indicated dwellings and structures and found the following differing levels of concern: ■ Properties that obviously qualify for demolition, ■ Properties that are occupied but do need some level of corrective rehabilitation or repair work, ■ Properties that are unoccupied but need the lot cleaned with overgrowth and underbrush removed, ■ Properties that appear to be unoccupied but maintained, ■ Properties that have litter issues. These properties were

Photo by Yvonne Harper

This mobile home at 1833 Luneta St. has been targeted for abatement. forwarded to Deputy Jeannie erties, only 56 have gone out Schmitt of the Santa Rosa Sher- for bids to be demolished. The remainder of the properties was iff’s Office for enforcement.

In evaluating the properties, corrected through compliance Tompkins used County Ordi- efforts, said Tompkins.

Tompkins reported the propnance 92-04, the abatement erty owners will receive notice ordinance.

“This ordinance has been from the county outlining the used over 1,000 times since 2006 specific areas of concern.

“We will follow our process alone to assess properties that the county has received com- through and in fact have already plaints on,”Tompkins wrote in begun taking action to contact the owners,”reported Tompthe report.

The ordinance defines what kins.

Four properties meet the structures shall be abated by repair and rehabilitation or by intent of Ordinance 92-04 and demolition, and which prop- will receive a notice of abateerties should be declared a pub- ment: ■ 1837 Luneta St.: An abanlic nuisance because of the amount of refuse located on the doned, unsecured and deteriproperty, and as such, shall be orating mobile home. Many abated by clearing, cleaning or windows missing and appears to be uninhabitable. removal of refuse.

■ 1833 Luneta St.: An abanIn reviewing the properties, the basic question asked is“Does doned, unsecured and deterithe structure appear sound and orating structure. Roof appears viable for its intended use? If to have had possible damage not, can it be made so (repair with unsecured opening. Strucand rehabbed?) If the answer ture is uninhabitable.

■ 1833 Esplanade St.: Remis no then demolition will be the end result,”Tompkins wrote nant of what appears to be a mobile home on overgrown lot. in the report.

■ 2000 Prado St.: A mobile Of the previous 1,000 prop-

Pier

Continued from page 1A

The Pier, Inc. The contract between Slye, Ratliff and the county went into effect June 25, 2010.

Slye and Ratliff are requesting a 20-year lease. In their proposal, they tout their past performance such as implementing Florida’s“Take a Kid Fishing”program and donating more than 800 fishing rods, tackle boxes and t-shirts for the event; purchasing benches for public use; expanding the pier restaurant deck; and keeping the pier clean. The Pier, Inc., bid claims the Pensacola Beach pier and the Gulf Shores, Ala., pier have begun implementing the same concessions offered by The Pier, Inc., at Navarre Beach.

Ratliff and Slye propose to: ■ Collect pier gate revenue and pay 5 percent of gross receipts after $75,000 of annual payroll cost associated with pier receipts’collection is paid.

The present lease requires all gate receipts be remitted to the county and the gross receipts of any ancillary businesses can be kept by managers.

■ Pay the power bill. At present time, the contract requires that only $250 be paid monthly for utilities and the county pays the balance. Utility expenditures in 2011 for the pier and related facilities were more than $41,000.

■ Provide onsite management on the pier; install and maintain landscaping; rebuild, expand and maintain public restrooms; keep the pier clean of all litter; operate a snack bar in the existing building until they can expand to a fullservice restaurant; offer fishing equipment, bait and other items needed for fishing; maintain a website with updated information; research and compare fishing and sightseeing rates; purchase an upgraded pass system; and reconfigure the gate area for better access control.

Navarre Press file photo

Santa Rosa County is weighing bids to manage Navarre Beach Pier, the longest on the Gulf Coast.

Coastal Concessions, LLC Coastal Concessions, LLC is owned by Scott Rayner, Joe Bryant and Steve Hancy, childhood friends who attended Gulf Breeze Elementary School together.

Coastal Concessions recently was selected to provide concession services at Fort Pickens campground store and laundry, the Firehouse Snack Bar and Langdon Beach at the Gulf Islands National Seashore.

In their proposal, they state that, in their experience, the general public and visitors cannot distinguish between the manager and the county.

“The way we present ourselves, the services we provide and the prices we charge are a direct reflection of Santa Rosa County,”reads the proposal in part.“We have talked to key county representatives, interviewed personnel, local residents and visitors, to ensure that we provide the needed items and services that most would overlook.”

Key proposals include: ■ The county will retain 100 percent of the pier gate collections revenue.

■ The county will receive 2 percent of all revenue from ancillary businesses including food, beverages, merchandise and rental income.

■ Coastal Concessions will donate 4 percent of their annual profits to the Santa Rosa

County School Board ■ Coastal Concessions will pay all utilities ■ Coastal Concessions will clean and maintain the pier on a daily basis.

■ The contract will be for a minimum of three years Coastal Concessions will use Coldwater Gardens, Curtis Penton Farms and Petsels Blueberries as local vendors for produce and Joe Patti’s Seafood and Maria’s Fresh Seafood Market for seafood.

Beverages will include local craft beers, Costa Rican coffee and exotic South American teas, as well as slushy drinks, Coca-Cola and Pepsi products and Anheuser-Busch products.

Coastal Concessions will provide bike, beach chair and umbrella rentals, as well as providing fishing gear rentals and snorkel equipment rentals. Other services Coastal Concessions intends to offer are yoga classes, surfing and paddle board lessons, large float rentals, boot camp and run/walk club exercise services, and free movie nights.

Coastal Concessions also would promote local artists by showcasing and selling their works of art, as well as offering other merchandise such as clothing, postcards, sunglasses, toiletries, cameras and other items.

Hidden Treasure Water Sports Management Group HTW is co-owned by Gary Hartman and Kirk Bergeron.

HTW proposes to remit 85 percent of all pier gate receipts to the county and retain 15 percent; and remit 15 percent of all ancillary businesses to the county and retain 85 percent of ancillary business receipts.

“Our offer is based on the suggestion that Santa Rosa County should not be excluded from benefits and financial rewards of commissary areas, nor should HTW Management be excluded from the same of the Pier,”reads the proposal in part. HTW put forth the possibility that current management is“more focused on its own areas of income, and as a result, the Navarre Pier’s wonderful potential is not being properly met.”

Other proposals include: ■ Creating an aesthetically pleasing arched pier entrance with a ticket booth offering information about the local area, as opposed to the present chain-link gate ■ Pier boardwalk kiosk shops; fish-cleaning and -packaging services below and away from the pier fishing area; rental equipment such as fishing poles, carts and ice chests, among other fishing-related equipment; walking, touring and fishing the Navarre Beach

equipment is going to help us save more lives."

In 2005 Firehouse Subs created the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation with the mission of providing funding, life-saving equipment and educational opportunities to first-responders and public safety entities.Through the nonprofit, Firehouse Subs has given $6.3 million to 537 fire departments in 36 states

and Puerto Rico, including more than $1.2 million in Florida.

Each restaurant recycles leftover, five-gallon buckets and sells them to guests for $2. The restaurants also have a Round-Up Program, allowing guests to "round up" their bill to the nearest dollar. The proceeds of both efforts benefit the foundation.

home located adjacent to other properties listed in the report. At first appearance, the unit is in an advanced state of deterioration and will probably require demolition or removal.

The following properties are candidates for rehabilitation or repair in accordance with Ordinance 92-04: ■ 8518 Laredo St.: Vacant mobile home appears to be in good condition and is not a candidate for abatement.The lot is severely overgrown and needs maintenance.

■ 2053 Presidio St.: Older mobile homes and most likely rental units; appear sound, viable and usable and are enclosed behind a privacy fence.

■ 8581 El Paseo St.: Aged unit but appears to be intact and usable.The yard is well kept and appears to not be an issue.

■ 1841 Luneta St.: Two older mobile homes adjacent to each other. Both appear to be generally sound and are rentals units. They are skirted and secured.

■ 2018 Presidio St.: Older mobile home that the condition is starting to worsen.

Appears to be skirted and secure and the home still has an active metered power pole. (Tompkins) will discuss access with owner to determine further action.

■ 1924 Luneta St.: Three older mobile homes on one lot with one being occupied. One mobile home may be borderline and another in poor condition.

Abatement inquiry letter will be sent to initiate contact.

■ 2000 Prado St.: Two structures are located on one lot. One is a large metal building that appears to be structurally sound.

The second is a mobile home that appears generally sound, although it is missing some skirting.

■ 1981 Luneta St.: Older frame home that appears to be used. The roof, windows and doors are intact which would indicate that the elements are not entering the structure.

■ 1875 Prado St.: Large lot with several structures being lived in. The lot is in bad condition with a lot of litter and debris. The property is being referred to the Sheriff’s Office.

■ 1908 Presidio St.: Structures that are former commercial businesses and a home.

Buildings appear to be sound with no apparent structural deterioration, and are secure with no apparent openings.The roof is intact but the lot requires some cleaning.

“Looks like they’re working on it so that is good, but there’s still dumping going on (on Presidio Street),”said Gallup.“It needs to be better patrolled in these areas – somebody is repeatedly dumping.”

Tompkins said notification letters to each property owner have been sent addressing the specific concern of the complaint on each respective property.

“The procedure is going forward,” said Tompkins.

Pier; and a zip line.

■ Improvements to the pier would include lowering the volume of amplified music; requiring employees to wear appropriate uniforms so customers can distinguish employees from customers; minimizing the beer/wine bar to allow for more seating and to make the snack bar area more family-oriented; ensuring all service and cooking surface areas are regularly checked and cleaned.

■ Installing four portable hand-washing stations in strategic locations along the pier.

■ Capitalizing on the pier’s status as the“Longest Fishing Pier on the Gulf Coast”with a marketing campaign to include billboards, radio, Internet and local advertisers.

■ Offering a menu that includes coffee and beignets, as well as seafood, unique appetizers, hamburgers, Poboys and desserts.

■ Cleaning and repainting all areas.

ing area; keep pier clean of all litter and trash; and maintain clean public restrooms ■ Provide bait, tackle, fishing equipment rentals, snack items, among others ■ Convert outdoor area and indoor space into a full service restaurant ■ Rates for fishing and sightseeing as comparable to surrounding areas, and offer discounts for yearly passes and disabled veterans ■ Host fishing clinics and tournaments to the local community Kenny Cook and Robert Benaquis Cook and Benaquis are selfdescribed lifelong residents of the Emerald Coast who were classmates at Choctawhatchee High School. Benaquis owns TC’s Front Porch.

“We’d do everything the past contract agreement says such as a professionally run operation, management of the grounds and public facilities, and taking all measures of safeguards for the health and wellbeing of patrons. We’d assure the county of transparency by constructing an accountable entryway that registers visitors entering the pier complex so the county receives its proper revenue,”reads their proposal.

They propose improvements such as constructing two levels, with the bottom level being an open walkway with concessions and a bait-and-tackle area at the pier entrance.

The second level would offer dining and beverages that could be enclosed in inclement weather.

“This concept would eliminate the noise controversy with Summer Winds,”reads the proposal. They also propose extending the three building sides facing the Gulf of Mexico to allow for an outdoor dining and seating area, at their expense.

Pasco Gibson and Yolanda Wells Gibson and Wells are from Santa Rosa County and propose“to provide adequate support personnel to maintain the pier and concessions related to the pier. We would like to establish a quality restaurant where patrons would be able to have a delicious meal in a relaxed environment, while enjoying the view of Navarre Beach and the Gulf of Mexico.”

Key proposals are: ■ Remit 100 percent of pier gate receipts to the county ■ Pay the electric bill ■ Maintain a family-type environment and provide staffing for fishing pier operation ■ Open to negotiations regarding all aspect of pier operations Proposed services include: ■ Onsite management and maintenance of the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier County commissioners will ■ Keep all litter, trash and discuss the proposals during the large debris from public park- May 6 committee meeting.

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Young, small Offensive line plays smart and tough

Family nails down up-close video of hammerhead shark

NAVARRE PRESS

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Ups and downs Sunken boat having its

By Chris Chatelain editor@navarrepress.com

The drama surrounding the sunken boat in the Santa Rosa Sound in Navarre Beach continued over the weekend and again early this week.

The owner of the boat, Jeremiah Shastid, pumped out the water and raised the boat with the help of his son on Sunday. This was after the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) sent Shastid a letter giving him five days to correct the boat’s status or risk having it declared derelict.

See BOAT 9A Photos by Sandi Kemp

The sunken boat at Juana’s on Navarre Beach was raised on Sunday by the owner and his son. However, despite the efforts, the boat sank again on Monday.

Bill aims to grant Santa Rosa Island leaseholders ownership

By Joni Williams joni@navarrepress.com

By Shelby Smithey shelby@navarrepress.com

The move to turn Navarre Beach leaseholders into fee simple owners took a giant leap forward on August 1 with the much-anticipated introduction of a bill sponsored by U.S. Rep. Jeff Miller.

If passed, HR2954 could provide a long soughtafter option by tax-paying leaseholders on Navarre Beach and Pensacola Beach, who drafted a joint resolution letter in late 2010 requesting Rep. Miller and U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson sponsor legislation“to release the restriction on conveyances for property on Santa Rosa Island.”

See LEASEHOLDERS 9A

Pier proposals to be discussed publicly on August 19

By Romi White romiwhite@navarrepress.com Santa Rosa County residents and interested parties will be a part of the process on Monday when the Santa Rosa Board of County Commissioners reviews the proposals to manage the Navarre Fishing Pier.

See PIER 9A

Commissioners to put tax to fund courthouse on ballot

By Romi White romiwhite@navarrepress.com County Commissioners are banking on Santa Rosa County citizens being ready to fund a new county courthouse through a local option sales tax referendum they plan to place on the ballot next year.

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7502 Harvest Village Ct. Navarre, FL 32566

See COURTHOUSE 10A Copyright © 2013 Navarre Press

Oven range leads to gas scare Holley-Navarre firefighters responded Tuesday morning to reports of the smell of natural gas originating from the former Ciao Bella Italian Bistro on Navarre Parkway.

According to Holley-Navarre Fire District Chief Ron Norton, readings on their gas meters were registering between 6 and 7, which put the air squarely in the danger zone if there was an ignition source.

Firefighters, with the help of Okaloosa County Gas District, were able to turn off the gas flow and air out the units in the Crowne CenPhoto by Sandi Kemp tre shopping plaza.

“We were notified of a potential A Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office deputy walks into the now-closed Ciao Bella restaurant on Tuesday. gas leak Tuesday morning and sent

a representative out to check it out.

What we found was that an (oven) range appears to have been turned on,”said Okaloosa County Gas District Marketing Director Eddie Springle.“We turned it off, and then pulled the meter.”

Ciao Bella Italian Bistro in Navarre closed its doors on August 6.

Former Ciao Bella owner Rube Dowell declined to comment about the closing of his restaurant, but said that he had just found out about the dangerous gas levels on Tuesday morning.

“I was not aware that there was a problem and I thought the gas was supposed to be turned off today,” Dowell said.

Springle said that Dowell had not notified Okaloosa Gas requesting

Fewer rescues at Navarre Beach this summer

By Shelby Smithey Shelby@navarrepress.com

Despite plenty of days with rough surf in the region this year, there have not been an exceedingly high number of rescues by Navarre Beach lifeguards this summer. Lifeguards have rescued almost 30 people out of the Gulf of Mexico this year in the Navarre Beach lifeguard protection area.

“A total of 28 people have been pulled out of the water as of Monday,” said Sonja Lusk, Navarre Beach Utilities and Water Department administrative assistant.

Lusk said that the number was measured from the beginning of the season starting in March.

“There was a drowning at Navarre Beach this year, but because it was not in a life-

guard-governed area we don’t track it,”said Lusk.

Lusk is referring to Jeremy Johnson, a New Orleans man who drowned at Navarre Beach just last month.

“We have four lifeguard towers, but there has to be at least two lifeguards in each tower at a time,” Lusk said.

“Today, for example, we have

See CIAO BELLA 10A

Milton man arrested for assault on pregnant victim

By Shelby Smithey shelby@navarrepress.com

A Milton man was arrested last Tuesday for allegedly biting and See RESCUES 9A attempting to strangle a woman preg- Burns nant with twins and threatening to“kill the babies.”

According to a U.S. Marshals

By Romi White Jeff Helms, representing Lynchard, who has been lead- Task Force release, Michael romiwhite@navarrepress.com Atkins, the county’s RESTORE ing the county’s RESTORE Burns, 27, was being sought by the Santa Rosa County Sherconsultant, made a presenta- efforts.

Santa Rosa “I don’t know where we are,” iff’s Office on a warrant chargtion to commissioners regardCounty is still ing RESTORE Act related activ- said Commissioner Don Salter, ing him with six felonies. Burns unsure of its cut ities, and stated the regulations who expressed frustration over was wanted in connection to of RESTORE for implementing the reading a news article in which an incident that occurred last funds, and frusRESTORE Act have still not other states were described as Saturday in Gulf Breeze, when trations over the been released from the U.S. miles ahead of Florida. “It seems he reportedly bit the victim on matter continlike we’re having an awful lot the neck and attempted to Department of Treasury.

Lynchard ued at the “Not a single dollar has of meetings and not getting a choke and punch her.

August 5 Santa Rosa County flowed from the RESTORE See BURNS 10A See RESTORE 10A Commissioners meeting.

Act,”said Commissioner Lane

County waits on RESTORE funding

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013

Boat

Continued from page 1A

However, by Monday morning, the boat had once again began to take on water and was sinking.

Shastid was surprised to hear the boat had sunk once again when contacted on Monday.

“Are you serious?”

Shastid asked in disbelief.

“You have got to be kidding me.”

Shastid said that signs of vandalism were present when the boat was raised on Sunday.“The bilge pump and the batteries had been removed.”Shastid said there were also holes in the boat — and this isn’t the first time he has encountered

vandalism with the boat.

“I’ve had cases where anchors have been cut previously.”

The boat has come under plenty of scrutiny lately, as children have taken to using the sunken boat as a playground for swimming and diving. Residents, community leaders and the owners of Juana’s see the sunken boat as a safety hazard and fear something will happen.

Kevin Rudski, owner of Juana’s Pagodas, is concerned for the children who are crawling on and through the boat .“It is only a matter of time before someone falls,”he said.

“Certainly it’s a life safety issue,”Santa Rosa Coun-

Cantonment man arrested for sex with juvenile

By Shelby Smithey shelby@navarrepress.com A 24-yearold man was arrested after having sex with a child under the age of 16 in Santa Rosa Walker County.

According to a Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office arrest report, Kyle Walker, of Cantonment, met the juvenile on Facebook and began visiting the victim’s home in Santa Rosa County on multiple occasions earlier this year.

On July 29, officers interviewed the victim about the relationship with Walker.

The victim told officers that they would speak about sexual acts on the phone and on Facebook, and said that the first time they met was in late January or early February. The juvenile said that they stayed outside until 5 a.m. and talked, but did not have intercourse.

The juvenile told officers that the second time they met up was in March. The victim said that this time Walker came into the home, but that there was no sexual contact that night. The juvenile then told officers that Walker came over again in April, and that they had sex on the couch that night.

The victim told officers that the last time Walker came over was on July 3.The victim said that they had sexual intercourse on the couch that night.

The victim also said that Walker said not to“rat me out to the cops”after the first time that they had sexual intercourse.

The victim told officers that they had stopped making contact since the first week of July.

Walker told officers that the victim, who he said he thought was 18 years old, would always contact him first. In the arrest report, Walker said that he didn’t force the victim to have sex. He said that the victim always initiated the sex, and that the victim used him as a “booty call.”

Walker was charged with two counts of lewd or lascivious molestation against a victim 12 years of age or older but less than 16 years of age.

Rescues

Continued from page 1A

three lifeguards on staff, and they will all be in one tower wherever the largest group of people is swimming.”

Lusk said that compared to last year lifeguards have pulled out fewer people this season.“Last year, 31 people were pulled out,” she said.

Navarre Beach lifeguards are on duty from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week.There are four towers located gulfside – two near the Navarre Beach Pier and two inside Navarre Beach Park.

“We want everyone to be cautious,”Lusk said.“Always swim near the lifeguards.”

NAVARRE PRESS / 9A ty Commissioner Jim Melvin was on record as saying in a recent Navarre Press article.“Someone is going to get hurt. Something needs to be done.”

Reports of oil and gas coming from the boat have been investigated by authorities and nothing was found, said Shastid.

Shastid said he has owned the boat for about a year-and-a-half. He anchored it near Jauna’s Pagodas on the sound side of Navarre Beach because it’s close to where he lives and it’s a good anchorage area near a boat launch.

His plans for the boat include restoring it and using the boat for charters in the area.

The boat is no stranger to the area, according to the FWC. The same vessel once washed ashore at Navarre Park after it had been abandoned following a falling out with a previous owner and a Fort Walton Beach marina at which the boat was docked years ago.

It’s believed that after the boat was abandoned near Navarre, it fell victim to vandalism and wound up at Navarre Park. The boat was sold, and the new owner then towed it over to Juana’s, where it very recently began to take on water and partially sink.

Staff writer Shelby Smithey contributed to Shastid and his son work to raise the boat on Sunday. this article.

Photo by Sandi Kemp

Meeting addresses Hwy 98 traffic in Navarre

By Shelby Smithey shelby@navarrepress.com The feasibility of several transportation projects, many to alleviate U.S. Highway 98 traffic, was discussed last Thursday at a Navarre Beach Area Chamber of Commerce economic development committee meeting.

Steve Schnell, project manager at the Northwest Florida Transportation Corridor Authority, presented a 36project master plan, focusing on potential projects in the Navarre area.The plan includes 18 widening projects and

Leaseholders

Continued from page 1A

Many of the leaseholders have been in litigation for several years regarding Escambia and Santa Rosa counties’ assessment of taxes. However, because the leaseholders are users of county resources such as utilities, emergency services and schools, local tax collectors began assessing the properties after a previous legal battle that ended in their favor.

In Santa Rosa County alone, according to Property Appraiser Greg Brown, $80 million in property taxes have been collected since 2001 from

16 new roadway projects.

Schnell said that much of the master plan projects’goal is to enhance the region economically.

“The main focus in the last few years has been to try to improve mobility on Hwy 98,” Schnell said.“At the federal and state level, the focus has been on projects that have a greater return on investment.”

The NWFTCA was established by the Florida State Legislature in 2005 to serve as a regional transportation authority tasked with improving mobility in Northwest Florida. It serves eight

counties in the Panhandle.

“The NWFTCA was created with a lot of the same responsibilities of the Florida Department of Transportation,” Schnell said.“The only difference that separates them from the FDOT is that we have the ability to toll. A third of these projects have the ability to be a toll.”

Michele Tucker, an agent at Century 21 Island View Realty, asked Schnell if anything was being looked at regarding the morbidity rate from accidents on Hwy 98.

“Recently, we’ve had two deaths,”Michele Tucker of

Century 21 IslandView Realty said.“This problem is going to continue to get worse.

Everyone keeps tabling it.”

Most discussion at the committee meeting dealt with Project 14 of the master plan.

The project, a Navarre Bypass, would span from Highway 87 to Hurlburt. However, Schnell said that environmental issues prevent the project from materializing.

“The flatwoods salamander prevents us from developing that area,”Schnell said.

“That’s the one major road block to that project when it was studied previously.”

Kyle Holley, director at United Way Santa Rosa, asked why mitigation programs have not been developed for the endangered species.

“With the flatwoods salamander, the issue was while the study was going on it was discovered that there are two different species of them, one being more rare than the other,” Schnell said.“There was a lot of mitigation offered up, but the problem was that there is just not enough knowledge about the species to mitigate or create another habitat for them to go elsewhere. They have a very specific habitat.”

Navarre Beach leaseholders as a result of that litigation.

Taxation, however, spawned more legal action with the outcome favoring the tax officials over the Santa Rosa Island leaseholders in the lower courts. After challenging the lower court’s decision with an appeal to the Florida Supreme Court heard late last year, Navarre Beach leaseholders involved in the suit have been on pins and needles awaiting a final ruling.

But, they might not have to wait much longer, as both Rep. Miller and his spokesman Dan McFaul expressed anticipation of a forthcoming ruling. “With a decision from the courts on the assessment

of property taxes on the beach leases expected in the near future,”said Rep. Miller via email,“we wanted to make sure we were prepared to give the counties the tools they needed.”

McFaul also expressed concern for continuing the preservation and accessibility of the local environment, noting the bill’s goal of“protecting the ecosystem, and ensuring public access to the beach.”McFaul further clarified, stressing that “this (bill) doesn’t limit access to public portions of the beach.”

He went on to say that, as currently written, the only properties affected by the bill will be the Santa Rosa Island

leaseholders, rather than the entire state. Though the bill would not automatically turn leaseholders into owners, it will grant local government authorities the power to do so.

While the bill offers an alternative option to taxpaying leaseholders in the event they don’t prevail in court, it doesn’t offer a quick solution.

“This is the first step in a long process,”McFaul advised, describing the long road to passage.“It literally will take an act of Congress to get this done,”he said. As with any bill, he noted, the process ultimately requires the signature of the current U.S. president to become law.

Navarre man arrested for strangling girlfriend

By Shelby Smithey shelby@navarrepress.com

A Navarre man was arrested last Monday for attempting to strangle his live-in girlCastro friend, according to a Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office arrest report.

The victim told officers that her boyfriend, Aurelio Castro, 30, punched her several leases rather than ownership ter word, a lot of buyers and holders and has advocated times in the head, and at one since the 1940s, with the investors,”said Navarre Real- for it in the past, projected point was on top of her slammajority automatically renew- tor Annemarie Kronfuss. that if the transition occurs, ming her head against the ing every 99 years.

Collins echoed this senti- it will have no bearing on the headboard of the bed. The Leaseholders may soon get ment, pointing out many way properties are assessed. woman did not speak Engthe opportunity to convert to potential investors are from “There’d really be no lish, but was able to comfee simple ownership in the outside the local area.“If you’re change,”he said.“We value municate with officers foreseeable future, pending coming from someplace else, the property the same way through an interpreter. She the outcome of a long, con- it could be a sticking point,” now (as if it was owned).” also said that Castro had his voluted legal battle that went he said, referring to the long Waiving the leasing fees, he hands around her throat and all the way to the Florida running legal battles. said, would be left up to San- applied pressure while choking her. She said that she was Supreme Court.

The attorney representing ta Rosa County.

Rep. Jeff Miller recently the Navarre Beach leaseRegardless of taxation or able to get a hold of a beer introduced a bill that would holders, Danny Kepner of leasing issues, Collins, a bottle and broke the bottle open the door for fee simple Shell, Fleming, Davis and Navarre Beach property own- and threatened Castro.

Officers observed scratch ownership, even if the court Menge, agreed, recounting er, finds the news of the doesn’t rule in the leaseholders’ similar sentiments he’s heard. recently introduced bill marks on her throat, blood in her left ear, a bruise on her favor. And at least a few local “I’ve had clients say this has encouraging. real estate experts think fee ruined the real estate market “People are paying taxes right forearm and a bruise ownership may make beach on Navarre Beach,”he said. (on property) but don’t real- on the top of her forehead.

Officers then went to El property more appealing to Santa Rosa County Prop- ly own it. It really should be buyers. erty Appraiser Greg Brown, fee simple ownership,”he Paso Mexican Grill on U.S. “Legal issues… that’s going who said he favored fee sim- said.“You’re always better off Highway 98 and made contact with Castro. Through an to scare off, for lack of a bet- ple ownership for the lease- with fee simple.” interpreter, Castro said that he had been drinking with close the meeting,”said Jones the county has learned from al decision.“The RESTORE some of his roommates and when questioned about the that and will follow the Sun- consultant, on the other hand, his girlfriend. He told offimatter. shine Law for the protections primarily is a professional cers that he got into an argu“I talked to our county of the citizens of Santa Rosa services position, with more ment with his girlfriend. He attorney and told her I want- County so that we will see involvement with staff and said that she went after him ed the pier interviews open government perform its state and federal agencies with two broken beer botdue to the nature of the con- duties,”said Jerry Couey, a rather than the public,”said tles and he hit her with his tract,” said Commissioner member of the Florida First Lynchard. fist to keep her from harmLane Lynchard, adding,“This Amendment Foundation’s The five entities being con- ing him. is a position that will have Sunshine Brigade. sidered for pier management Castro was arrested for extensive involvement with When asked previously are: The Pier, Inc. - current domestic battery by stranthe public and will operate why selection of the managers of Dorothy Slye gulation and was transan invaluable asset for Navarre RESTORE consultant was and Everitt Ratliff Jr.; Coastal ported to the Santa Rosa and the county. I want any- made May 21 in a private Concessions, LLC; Hidden County Jail. one who has an interest in meeting instead of waiting Treasure Water Sports Manthe operation of the pier to 48 hours to hold discussions agement Group; Paco Gibbe able to attend.” and make the decision in an son and Yolanda Wells; and The switch back to a pub- open meeting, allowing for lastly, Kenny Cook and Robert lic process for the upcoming public input, Jones stated, Benaquis. meeting has pleased open “There is value in making Details of each of the progovernment advocates. decisions while information posals are available as part of “Although I’m still in dis- is fresh on the mind.” our online edition of this agreement with the crystalLynchard, however, week’s Navarre Press, and lization of the vote for the expressed a belief that the can also be found in the April consultant for RESTORE, I RESTORE selection process 18 printed edition of the am happy to see that maybe differs from the pier propos- Navarre Press.

What is fee simple, and how does it affect real estate?

By Joni Williams joni@Navarrepress.com Fee simple ownership. It’s a term bounced around a lot these days, particularly when discussing Santa Rosa Island leaseholders.

What does it mean? By definition, fee simple is absolute title to land, free of any other claims against the title, which one can sell or pass to another by will or inheritance. It is the normal type of title to a property.

Basically, property is either owned or leased, said attorney Robert Collins, of Pleat Perry and Ritchie.“With fee simple title, you own the property,” he said succinctly.

Both Navarre Beach and Pensacola Beach have offered

Pier

Continued from page 1A

Recently, commissioners drew criticism from open government advocates after County Attorney Angela Jones prompted them to exclude the public from certain meetings, using an exemption to Florida’s open government law which provides for closures during oral presentations by and negotiations with vendors as part of a competitive solicitation process. The board first utilized such a closure during the RESTORE Consultant selection process.

However, according to Jones, the commission has decided to keep the upcoming August 19 pier proposal presentations open to the public.

“The board didn’t opt to

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Growing reefs help Navarre Beach become Snorkelicious

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NAVARRE PRESS THURSDAY, AUGUST 22, 2013

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New management chosen for Navarre Beach Pier

By Romi White romiwhite@navarrepress.com

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NEWS & INFORMATION

‘Let the learning begin’

The Navarre Beach Pier will be under new management in 2014.

By a narrow margin, Pasco Gibson andYolanda Wells were selected on Monday by the Santa Rosa Gibson County Commission to take over management of the pier. The pair will replace The Pier, Inc., a brother-sister duo led by Dorothy Slye and Everett Ratliff Jr., who have overseen pier operations since June 2010 and earlier this year received a contract extension, Wells which expires Dec. 31.

County Commissioners heard five pier management proposals with some public input from residents at an August 19 public meeting.

See PIER 10A

Beach restoration could get done sooner than later

By John Richardson news@navarrepress.com Frustrated by the county’s lack of progress in submitting and receiving grants through National Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA), the Navarre Beach Leaseholders and Residents Association (NBLRA) hired Sonja Negley, of Green Consulting and Solutions, to represent their interests three months ago. Negley updated the NBLRA on August 17 regarding her efforts and the current status of the NRDA grants.

See BEACH 10A

Garcon Point Bridge toll might rise again

By Romi White romiwhite@navarrepress.com The Santa Rosa Bay Bridge Authority is broke.

The Authority doesn’t have enough money to fund an annual audit required by the Florida Auditor General, much less generate enough revenues to make multi-million dollar, semiannual bond payments. Most of the Authority’s members have quit over the past couple of years, and

See BRIDGE 10A

Photo by Shelby Smithey

Kindergartners head into Mrs. Bumgardner’s class at West Navarre Primary School on the first day of school on Monday. For more pictures from the first day, see page 5A.

Flooding floats county drainage to the forefront

By Joni Williams joni@navarrepress.com Brenda Breland had just about given up hope of seeing a resolution to the standing water in the back yard of her home on Cagle Drive.Then a breakthrough occurred Monday morning in response to the water that has remained since the first round of flooding in the Navarre area on July 4.

Prior to Monday, Breland had contacted the county department of public works and had even called a FEMA claims agent out to review the situation — but neither was helpful prior to Monday.

“I had gotten no assistance from the county and the claims agent said that until the water actually floods into my house, there was nothing they could do,”said Breland.“Well, I don’t

See FLOODING 11A

Submitted photo

The back yard of Brenda Breland’s home on Cagle Drive has looked more like a lake lately.

The cause of her flooding is believed to be a new townhome complex behind the house.

Navarre babysitter Top 10 ranking proof ‘efforts are paying off’ arrested for child abuse

By Chris Chatelain editor@navarrepress.com

By Shelby Smithey shelby@navarrepress.com A 26-year-old Navarre woman was arrested earlier this month after bruises were discovered on a child whom she babysits, according to a Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office Keene arrest report.

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See KEENE 11A

Santa Rosa County’s high job growth rate and low unemployment rate have earned the county a top 10 nation- Salter al ranking on CNN Money’s“Where the Jobs Are – Best Places To Live – America’s Best Small Towns”list.

Landing at No. 10, Santa Rosa County’s current, and expected, growth in the communities of Navarre, Midway and Pace were cited as big factors in the ranking.

Of course, Santa Rosa County Commissioner Don Salter didn’t need a ranking or a list to

Unemployment rates July 2013 National

Santa Rosa County

6.8

State

7.4 7.1

know this. He’s had a front row seat for several years.

“The ranking is great news, as it means that our efforts are paying off,”said Salter, who was first elected to the Board of County Commissioners in 2000.

Unemployment in Santa Rosa County has held steady at 6.8 percent recently, which Salter pointed out is below both state and national averages. Salter also reported that the county’s job growth was most recently measured at 10.9 percent — a strong indicator that additional growth is coming.

“It makes me feel like a lot of people are doing a lot of things right,”said Salter.“The things we do today are an investment in our future, and I can say that choices we made three-to-five years ago are beginning to pay off.”

Salter also stated that while the present-day recognition is rewarding, the county cannot stop at

See UNEMPLOYMENT 11A

Brush with anglers prompts upgrades for Navarre Beach Fire District jetskis

By Chris Chatelain editor@navarrepress.com The Navarre Beach Fire Department will be upgrading their watercraft equipment following an inci- Howard dent in which firefighters were put in harm’s way when doing their job near the Navarre Beach Pier last month.

See NBFD 10A

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10A / NAVARRE PRESS

Navarre woman charged with exploiting disabled clients Staff reports editor@navarrepress.com Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested Linda Faye Walker-Hall, 64, and charged Walker-Hall her with 24 felony counts of exploiting disabled clients.

According to a news release from the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, Walker-Hall, whose address is listed as Jo Tam Lane in Navarre, is identified as a residential services director for a local organization that works to help the disabled.

Walker-Hall turned herself into authorities earlier in August. Investigators said that Walker-Hall was stealing money from 24 patients, and that managers with Horizons became suspicious and contacted the authorities after spotting discrepancies on monthly transaction reports. OCSO investigators determined that Walker-Hall was issued sixteen checks between January 2012 and April 2013 for the amount of $43,677.16. After reviewing each residential group home client’s spending reports, they discovered $22,804.16 in unaccounted money.

Walker-Hall was also charged with grand theft.

Gulf Breeze man arrested for domestic battery

By Shelby Smithey Shelby@navarrepress.com A Gulf Breeze man was arrested last Monday for punching his wife in the jaw during an argument, accord- Tubbs ing to a Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office arrest report.

Mark Tubbs, 55, had been drinking alcohol and had an argument with his wife at a residence on Mary Fox Drive in Gulf Breeze.Tubbs told officers that he and his wife had gotten into a fight and that she struck him, causing his face to bleed. He said that he did not want his wife to go to jail and denied having struck her.

Officers also spoke with Tubbs’stepdaughter, who said that she saw her stepfather punch her mother in the face with a closed fist after an argument, and that he grabbed her mother by the neck and began to choke her.

Officers then spoke with Tubbs’wife. According to the report, officers observed red marks on each side of her neck that appeared swollen.

She told officers that she felt like her jaw was out of joint.

When officers questioned her about the incident, she was uncooperative.

She told officers that she feared that her husband would punish her financially and leave her and her children unable to fend for themselves.

She said that she was adamant nothing occurred and she said several times that she just wanted her husband to leave the residence for the night and not to be arrested.

Tubbs was placed under arrest and was charged with one count each of domestic battery by strangulation and a felony battery charge causing bodily harm and was transported to the Santa Rosa County Jail. Tubbs has since been released on a $6,000 bond.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 22, 2013

Beach groups form coalition for unity, grant funding 2,000-sq-ft building with one pool, possibly adding another pool or pools to accommodate more species.

Representatives of a newly formed coalition voiced support for changing the name of Navarre Beach Park to Navarre Beach Marine Park as a goal. outline short- and long-term The volunteers finally saw their goals of their organizations. work come to fruition when “We know our projects tie reefs were installed last sumtogether. We all have a com- mer. Sandler stated their curmon goal - it’s a county park,” rent goals are to promote the said Nancy Sandler, co-chair reefs, and she announced plans of the Marine Sanctuary group, for a Fifth Annual“Run for the adding,“We’re all diligently Reef”on Oct. 13. Sandler said working on making it a good they are trying to procure funds place for Navarre and tourism. to double the size of the curWe’re all going to have our sep- rent Gulf reef, in addition to arate projects, but we can and several other improvements.

“We have a successful prowill meet and work together and decide where and how our gram and wanted to make sure we reach out to these other projects fit together.”

Sandler stated her group has organizations and involve stubeen working to build artifi- dents,”said Charlene Mauro, cial reefs since the late 1990s. project director for the Marine

Science Station, an award-winning marine ecosystem education program which is in its sixth year of operation. Mauro stated they are preparing new programs for the proposed Gulf Coast Discovery Center, a 9,000-sq-ft facility which would include exhibit space covering topics such as jellyfish, water safety and barrier island restoration. Mauro also hopes to work with other marine centers to host rotating exhibits at the center. In addition to reef monitoring, Mauro stated for future goals she would like to see a sound side buoy which collects data and is available to the public via live online streaming. Mauro also mentioned a desire to have a watershed education venue and a live feed camera which could be linked to various websites.

“We don’t want to duplicate anything (the other groups are doing),”said Cathy Holmes, project director for the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center. Holmes stated that her organization’s focus is sea turtles and the marine environment in which they live. She stated they are open for business now but not fully operational. Holmes identified a future goal to expand from the

Negley met with county officials and reviewed her findings.“We had to tweak the application to ensure it included the environmental impact on turtles and nesting birds if the beach was not restored. We also helped to correct the budgets within the application.

The county estimated that the application could be submitted in 90 days,”Negley said.“That time period is far too long.”

Negley said that she has met with county officials and consultants hired by the county and they have reduced the 90 day lead time to 14 days.

Negley felt the additional support from the TDC and the Chamber of Commerce was very helpful.

During the BP oil spill, oil deposits taken from Navarre Beach were just added into the total taken from Escambia County.

Therefore, Santa Rosa County did not have figures of direct damage caused by the spill. Ralph Agnew, from the Navarre Chamber, has done a lot of research and his calculated estimates will be included in the application.

The TDC felt that beach restoration is an important issue and informed the NBLRA that they would help fund Negley’s efforts in the grant process.

“The assumption of too many people in the county is that beach restoration just occurs,”Negley said.“They

do not realize that it is an unfunded item.”

Negley recognized TDC member Laurie Gallup for her foresight into future restoration efforts.“Laurie (Gallup) has recommended to the TDC that they raise the bed tax by one percent and have the money collected be earmarked for beach restoration. The beach must be restored every 8 to 10 years and we need to budget for it.”

Negley said another suggestion would be to add a one-half to one cent sales tax in the form of a MSTU to fund beach restoration.

Since the Pot two application has been completed, she will now help with the application for the pot three

funds. Pot three includes the spill impact component which is 30 percent of the NRDA funding.“If the grant could be re-worked, it could also fit into this category.”

“Pot four is ecosystem impact, which again we could qualify for these funds because of the positive impact on shore birds, turtles and beach mice that would occur with beach restoration,”Negley said.

NBLRA President Linda Coley applauded the progress made by Negley and the county. Coley was recognized by the NBLRA for her efforts.“Linda has been to many meetings and has been a real force, speaking out for the NBLRA and the beach,”Negley said.

Florida Speaker of the House Bolley“Bo”Johnson, the bridge was constructed in 1996 using bonds which were to be repaid via tolls. However, the consultant providing the bridge feasibility projections, URS Greiner Woodward Clyde based in San Francisco, grossly overestimated the amount of revenues which could be generated. The firm employed numbers based on travel to Destin, projecting 7,500 vehicles per day. The bridge count instead averages below 4,000. Additionally, illegal dumping during construction led to environmental fines and mitigation.

Subsequently, the Authority depleted debt-reserve funding and went into default in July 2011 when it was unable to make a $5 million

payment. Since then the Authority has continued failing to make payments. A December 2012 letter from Bank of Mellon, trustee for the bondholders, sent to Roy Andrews, legal counsel for the authority, states,“the authority has failed, and continues to fail, to supply the trustee with sufficient gross revenues to pay debt service on the bonds.”In January 2013 the trustee informed the authority it was demanding immediate payment of the entire amounts due.

“A broke bridge in our county is not good for us,”said Gerry Goldstein, who serves as vice chairman of the Authority. Goldstein was appointed to the Authority after all but one member resigned after federal investigators started

looking around in 2011. The investigators from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission were looking into why the Authority had not provided required official notices of their troubles.

The lone member who has persevered through the problems is Morgan Lamb, who remains chairman in spite of asking the Governor to accept his resignation.“I tried to resign with Crist, and now Scott has kept me on, too,” said Lamb, who stated that he is“getting up in years”and has been on the board for more than 10 years. The other Authority member is Don Richards, who serves as secretary/treasurer, and, like Goldstein was appointed after the rash of resignations in 2011. FDOT District 3

Secretary James Barfield serves as an ex-officio member of the Authority, which is still short half its members.

“Let’s go to the (commission) who so far have not filled their obligation to put someone on this board,”said Goldstein. In April the authority sent an official letter requesting the Santa Rosa County Commission make an appointment to the Authority but no response has been received on the matter.

FDOT has agreed to share the cost of the traffic and revenue study with the bondholders. During the Aug. 14 meeting Mike Watkins, legal counsel for the trustee, said via conference call that he would follow up with the trustee to see if they would also fund an audit.

By Romi White romiwhite@navarrepress.com With a little nudge from the Santa Rosa County Tourist Development Council (TDC), three marine groups based in Navarre Beach Park are making an effort to unite and set goals to pursue jointly.The new coalition is planning to reach out to other beach stakeholders and start meeting monthly as a subcommittee of the TDC’s south end committee.

Representatives from the Navarre Beach’s Sea Turtle Conservation Center, Marine Science Station and Marine Sanctuary met at the Visitor Information Center August 12 with members of the TDC south end committee, which has been seeking more harmony among the groups in relation to sizable RESTORE funding opportunities.

Linda Coley, president of the Navarre Beach Leaseholders and Renters Association (NBLRA) also participated along with members of the general public with beachrelated interests.

Kelly Fuller, executive director of the Navarre Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, kicked off the meeting by asking each group’s representative to briefly

Beach

Continued from page 1A

“The goal is to apply and receive NRDA grants which will fund beach restoration rather than impose an MSBU (tax) on the residents of the county,”Negley said.

NRDA funds are divided into pots. Pot two is a consul selected component and accounts for 30 percent of the available funds. According to Negley, the county has prepared an application to NRDA requesting pot two to fund the beach restoration. After Negley reviewed the application, she discovered the budgets in the document were inconsistent.

Bridge

Continued from page 1A

replacements are hard to find because of the bridge’s troubled history. At an August 14 meeting held at the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) office in Milton, the group was left with little choice but to authorize a traffic and revenue study which could lead to yet another toll hike.

At $3.75 for each 3.5-mile trip across the span, more commonly known as the Garcon Point Bridge, the current toll is already the highest in the state and widely debated as the reason the bridge is underutilized. In an effort pushed by disgraced former

NBFD

Continued from page 1A

The moves were prompted largely because of a dangerous situation during last month’s search for a missing swimmer from New Orleans. Navarre Beach Fire Department Cheif Mike Howard said fishermen on the pier began trying to wave the personnel away and in some cases even casting fishing lines and lures at them.“I couldn’t believe it,”said Howard.

“Once we identified ourselves and stated that we were looking for a missing swimmer, then most of them understood and lightened up.”

According to Howard, the department’s jet skis will have flashing lights and decals identifying them as “Water Rescue” installed this week.“We’re just waiting for one more light to come in, then we’ll be doing the installation, which will

Photo by Romi White

be a great benefit to both our department and the public. We will be easily recognized,” said Howard.

The incident sent a clear message that the department’s two jetskis were in need of some markings that clearly identified them as water rescue.

“Most of the fishermen just thought that we were random jetskiers and didn’t realize the serious nature of our purpose for being there,” said Howard.

Howard said that the department does have the authority to close down the pier in emergencies and in cases such as last month’s search. However, that was not necessary as the anglers relented after rescue workers identified themselves and what they were doing.

Howard said that deputies with the Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Office aided not only in the search, but also helped stop the anglers from interfering.

Common goals “We’ve already had meetings. We’ve already been working together. Even before today we’ve already coordinated on an (upcoming) project, so this is nothing that is new,”said Sandler of the interaction between the groups.“It just was not really formalized. We can be a formal coalition.

Sounds like it would be best for us and best for Navarre Beach,”added Sandler.

The groups agreed that beach renourishment should be a primary focus.“If we don’t have (beach renourishment), nothing else is going to matter,”said Coley.

The newly formed group held an organizational meeting August 16 at the Visitor Information Center. At that meeting Judy Lewis joined the effort, representing the Beach Beautification group.

The coalition discussed goals in further detail, and Laurie Gallup was voted chairwoman of the coalition, which plans to be a subcommittee of and meet in conjunction with TDC south end committee.

Navarre Beach Pier bid voting Ranking of bidders (highest to lowest) Pier, Inc. Hidden Treasure Water Sports Coastal Concessions, LLC Pasco Gibson & Yolanda Wells Kenny Cook & Robert Benaquis

Pier

Continued from page 1A

Each commissioner ranked the bidders in order of preference. Although The Pier, Inc., was selected as the top bidder by Commissioners Bob Cole, Lane Lynchard and Don Salter, poor rankings by Commissioners Jim Melvin and Jim Williamson gave Gibson and Wells the lead.

The new team takes over Jan. 1, 2014 and has big plans.

Gibson said they would like to remodel the facility to include a full-service kitchen and beachfront restaurant overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Gibson, who runs Nichols Seafood in Milton, said he

Williamson Cole 4 1 5 4 2 5 1 3 3 2

Salter 1 5 2 3 4

hopes to be serving food by March, although he noted it might take a bit longer to bring that idea to fruition due to unforeseen obstacles.

“The pier is self-sufficient and does its thing. We’re not going to disrupt that,”said Gibson, an avid fisherman who grew up surfing on Navarre Beach, where his family had a beach house until it was destroyed during a hurricane.

“As far as the restaurant, we’re going to prep the kitchen so that we can start frying mullet and other local seafood,”said Gibson.

“It’s going to be another good place for Navarre,”added Wells, who feels the area will benefit from having

Melvin 5 2 3 1 4

Lynchard 1 5 4 2 3

Total 12 21 16 10 16

another restaurant on the island so that locals and tourists have more dining options in the area.

Commissioners seemed supportive of Gibson’s suggestion that a new pier gate be constructed on the west side of the building to facilitate remodeling the current structure to accommodate a kitchen and dining area and also better control of the gate.

The next step is for the county to negotiate the contract with Gibson and Wells.

A three-to-five year lease is expected, with a possible option for an extension. Commissioner Jim Melvin suggested discussing the terms of the contract in another public meeting.

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NEWS & INFORMATION

Welcome to Gulf Breeze

Robbie

Photos by Sandi Kemp, photo illustration Dickie Williams

Robbie the Rhino made his public debut at the Gulf Breeze Zoo recently. Robbie came to Gulf Breeze Zoo the beginning of August from Rum Creek/Peace River in Arcadia and has resided in the zoo’s new rhino holding barn for two weeks as he adjusted to his new surroundings. According to zoo personnel, the introduction to the zoo’s two female rhinos went smoothly and Robbie has been integrated with them for about two weeks. Robbie is a sub-adult white rhino that weighs approximately 3,500 pounds, and has the potential to reach 7,500 pounds. The Zoo also has some new zebras.

Negotiations underway, but Pier vote still under fire

By Chris Chatelain editor@navarrepress.com The system used to select the management contract for the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier has caused quite a stir since county commissioners made their choice via matrix Lynchard ranking last Monday.

Santa Rosa County Commissioner Lane Lynchard has requested that an agenda item be added

See PIER 10A

Aerial detection of marijuana lands Navarre man in jail

By Shelby Smithey Shelby@navarrepress.com A Navarre man was arrested last Thursday after an aerial investigation found a grow site of 51 marijuana plants behind his residence on Segura Street, according to a Omberg Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office arrest report.

James Omberg, 28, arrived on scene while officers were at the residence. Officers located a trail

See OMBERG 10A

Prison escapee, accomplice arrested in Santa Rosa County Staff reports editor@navarrepress.com A man who escaped from a prison in Arkansas was arrested last Thursday night in Santa Rosa County with his accomplice.

According to a Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office news release, deputies Estell arrested Derrick Estell, 33, and Tamara Upshaw, 25, near the intersection of Hwy 182 and Chumuckla

By Romi White romiwhite@navarrepress.com Frustrated by the county’s response to drainage-related flooding issues in Holley By The Sea (HBTS), residents of the massive subdivision drove to Milton last Thursday to attend Santa Rosa County’s annual flood mitigation meeting at which the county’s flood plan is reviewed with respect to flooding incidents.

The citizens shared flooding issues with various county officials, who readily admitted they were unable to provide a quick fix to drainage problems plaguing the neighborhood.

Compounding the situation has been the tremendous rainfall. Over 30 inches of rain fell during July and August combined – more than twice the average precipitation for that time of year. One rain event July 22 was especially heavy, causing localized flooding in several areas of Navarre, including intersections on Grenada and Ortega streets and in HBTS on Aurora Street.

As previously covered in Navarre Press, Aurora Street resident Lauren Goolsby has lived in her home for eight years but did not experience any flooding until new homes were built adjacent to her home at higher elevations in 2012. Goolsby spoke about what she described as a

See DRAINAGE 10A

HNMS awarded $2,000 grant

Sheriff backs vote on tax to put officers back in all schools

By Romi White romiwhite@navarrepress.com

Photo by Sandi Kemp

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See ESCAPEES 10A

No quick fix for HBTS drainage issues

County crews install drainage culverts on Iris Street on Tuesday.

The Santa Rosa School Board renewed agreements funding seven school resource officers (SRO) and one K-9 officer at its Aug. 22 meeting.

The officers are assigned to work at all six high schools and one middle school in the county. There are no resource officers at the county’s elementary schools.

Members of the Santa Rosa County Joint Security Task Force on School Safety, which was formed in response to the Sandy Hook school shooting tragedy, have been discussing possible short-term and permanent solutions to fund putting SROs back in all public schools in the county.

“The last year SROs were in all schools was 2008-2009,”said Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s

See TAX 10A

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10A / NAVARRE PRESS

Drainage

Continued from page 1A

condescending attitude by a county employee about the drainage problems repeatedly flooding her home.

Other residents expressed exasperation over ridicule by county staff who, they say, refer to their subdivision as“Holley

By The Swamp.”

“We’re tired of that,”said Laurie Gallup, a local realtor who also lives in the subdivision. “(Goolsby) can’t sell her house now. I’ve got to disclose this property floods,”added Gallup, underscoring the gravity of the issue by pointing out that disclosures of flooding incidents are mandatory during the sale process.

Residents also discussed the frustration of not knowing which department to contact.“Where do you go to the minute this starts happening because where we’ve been going for the last 45 days is not getting anything done,”said Gallup.

Stephen Furman, assistant director of public works, suggested that if he is notified he will ensure the issue is addressed by the appropriate staff.

“We’re in bad shape down

THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2013 there,”said Gallup, who asked what had happened with an opportunity for a grant to fund a study seven or eight years ago.

Furman stated the grant required significant matching funds, and a decision was made that it was not affordable.

“That never came back to us,” said Gallup, who added,“We never get told anything about what’s going on, so that’s my beef.”Gallup suggested that if residents had been informed they could have possibly voted to enact an MSBU tax or find another way to fund the measure.“We’ll pay it. We’ll gladly do an MSBU to solve our problems,” said Gallup.

New Homes Causing Problems Furman explained HBTS is an older subdivision in which the streets were laid out and ditches were dug by the original developers and that the county inherited the problems associated with them.“We’ll have an influx of new houses show us inadequate drainage areas,”said Furman. Gallup pointed out that health department septic tank requirements have spurred the increased elevation of new homes, which is blamed for many of the problems.

HBTS resident Steve Supachana stated neighbors have been able to prevent some flooding of Goolsby’s home by blocking a drain, but he asked if there could be a halt to further new construction.

“These are legal lots of records, and the county does not have the authority to tell people they cannot build on it just because there are drainage problems,” said Furman.“Putting a moratorium on building has to be addressed by a higher authority,” added Furman, who stated commissioners could entertain the idea if it was deemed appropriate or could consider purchasing properties to try to offset storm water impacts.

Next Steps “We are reactive at this point, not proactive,”said Furman.“We are behind in our maintenance efforts. We are shorthanded,” noted Furman, who said budget cuts in recent years have reduced the number of personnel on work crews from 7-to-10 to 3 or 4.“We don’t have the manpower to keep up with the growing grass and the clogging culverts like we used to do,”said Furman.

Don Richards, representing

the United Peninsula Association (UPA), proposed utilizing inmate work crews to perform some of the work, such as cleaning ditches, noting initially the idea had been met with resistance, but that in the end it has been quality work.

Richards also suggested UPA and HBTS representatives team up to make a presentation to county commissioners.“That gives (staff) a lot more impetus when they say we need $50,000 or $100,000,”added Richards.

In closing, Furman assured residents that the county was taking the issues seriously.“As y’all are aware, HBTS is an extremely large area. It is going to take a comprehensive study to try to solve. What we’ve been doing is attacking individual drainage problem areas.

Furman said that county is looking at a comprehensive draining plan aimed at getting water safely away from residents.

“We counted about 7-10 pipes needed to get it upgraded and to protect your home.We’re willing to do that,”added Furman.

“I don’t think it’ll take years. I know it’s frustrating,”said Furman, who said the current plan is to start with Aurora and work out from there.

Septic systems contributing to Navarre’s flooding issues

By Chris Chatelain editor@navarrepress.com Will Arnett has been even busier than usual lately. In addition to the typical daily septic tank work, the owner of Arnett Septic in Navarre has also been pumping out ditches that are clogged with muck and full of water.

“It’s definitely been real busy lately, especially with the recent rains,”said Arnett.“Residents and homeowners have been calling in like crazy and requesting ditches be pumped out.”

Arnett said that in addition to poor drainage in most of the areas that have been hit hard by flooding in July and August, septic issues are contributing to the problems.

First, Arnett said that many of the homes in Navarre have a hill where the septic system is located, which in itself creates a flooding issue because it changes the way water moves and drains.

In Florida, a percolation test is used to determine where the ground water is. Once that is determined, there must be 24 inches between the drain field and the ground water, Arnett said.

“The issue in Holley by the Sea is that the water table is already near the surface,”said Arnett.Thus, the mounds must be built to accomplish the 24-inch separation.

The mounds affect drainage, which then leads to saturation. When saturation is reached, Arnett explains that the septic systems fill up with ground water and then back up into homes.

It’s a cycle — septic mounds lead to drainage issues, and the drainage issues lead to septic issues.

Omberg

Gulf Breeze teen charged in pedestrian’s death

Continued from page 1A

from the location of the marijuana plants that led to the back yard of Omberg’s residence, where they found a marijuana plant growing next to the back porch.

The grow site was discovered during a joint training effort between the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the Drug Enforcement Administration and multiple local law enforcement agencies. The agencies are working together on an Outdoor Cannabis Investigations School/Aerial Detection School in the region, which is training officers on detecting marijuana through aerial spotting and ground tactics, according to Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services press secretary Erin Gillespie.

Marijuana plants have a high heat signature, and can be detected from the air using thermal imaging.

While talking with officers, Omberg admitted to growing the marijuana plant on his back porch. The report said that officers found a plastic baggie containing marijuana in the center console of his truck. During a pat down of Omberg, officers also found a glass smoking pipe in his pants pocket.

The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office assisted with the arrest.

Escapees

Continued from page 1A

Highway in Jay after receiving a tip that Estell and his girlfriend were possibly staying in Santa Rosa Upshaw County.

Estell and Upshaw were wanted on multiple warrants from Garland County,Arkansas.

Estell escaped from the Hot Springs Jail in Arkansas on July 28. A manhunt was underway in several states.

Deputies located an abandoned home in a wooded area near the intersection, and members of several units of the SRSO surrounded the home and ordered the suspects to come out. Estell and Upshaw came out of the home without incident.

Estell is wanted in Arkansas for the following charges: escape, fleeing, commercial burglary, aggravated robbery, possession of a firearm, theft, leaving the scene of personal injury, residential burglary, criminal mischief, resisting arrest, aggravated robbery and theft with firearm.

Estell and Upshaw are being held without bond.

Extra precautions are in place at the Santa Rosa County Jail to ensure the security of Estell and Upshaw.

Staff reports editor@navarrepress.com

The Zoo’s two female rhinos head for the water as the newest rhino, Robbie, takes cover in the shade.

Tax

Continued from page 1A

Office Lieutenant Leland Butcher, a spokesman for Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Office, who stated that grant funding ended the program, but the department recently submitted a grant application which could provide about $1 million to help fund 9 additional SROs.“I contacted the COPS Office last week to inquire about status of the grant. I was advised that all grant awards will be awarded by Sept. 30,”added Butcher.

Pier

Continued from page 1A

to the board’s September 9 meeting so that commissioners can discuss the matrix system used to rank applicant’s proposals.

“Since the rankings (for pier management), there has been a lot of communication back and forth on how the process was done,”said Lynchard.“I think there’s a flaw with the system and perhaps we need to change our method for ranking proposals in these professional contracts.”

Lynchard points to the fact that one applicant received three first-place rankings, but

Photo by Sandi Kemp

A 16-year-old Gulf Breeze boy was arrested on Tuesday and charged with vehicular manslaughter and reckless driving with injuries in relation to a March 27 accident which killed one pedestrian and injured another.

According to a Florida Highway Patrol report, William A. Goodman was exceeding the speed limit on Laurel Drive when he struck the two pedestrians.

According to the report, Goodman was attempting to pass another vehicle on the street when he struck Michael M. Labelle, 66, of Michigan, with the front corner of his vehicle. Goodman also clipped Michelle Labelle, 40, of Gulf Breeze, with the left sideview mirror. The Labelles were transported to Gulf Breeze Hospital, where Michael was pronounced dead from his injuries. Michelle suffered minor injuries in the March incident.

Goodman was booked into Santa Rosa County Jail last Tuesday, and was transferred to the Department of Juvenile Justice.

At the May 9 Santa Rosa County Commission meeting, Sheriff Wendell Hall suggested commissioners put a tax referendum on the ballot next year as a long-term solution for funding SROs. Commissioners Bob Cole and Don Salter publicly expressed support for the idea, but no further discussion has taken place.

“I would support giving our voters the opportunity to decide if they want to fund the SRO program to a level that would allow us to assign SRO to all of our schools as we did in the past,”said Sheriff Hall on Monday.

“I concur. I believe the cit-

izens would consider student safety as a high priority,”added Santa Rosa Schools Superintendent Tim Wyrosdick via email.

Presently, the City of Gulf Breeze funds 50 percent of the salaries and benefits for the two Gulf Breeze Police Department officers serving at Gulf Breeze Middle and High Schools. The Santa Rosa School Board funds the remaining $59,865.74.

For the nine months in which school is in session each year, the Santa Rosa School Board covers the salaries and benefits of the other five SROs, serving at

high schools outside the City of Gulf Breeze, plus one K-9 officer who works out of Avalon Middle School but is available to all schools in the district. The cost totals $280,961.79 for the 2013-2014 school year.

The Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Office funds the salaries and benefits during the threemonth period schools are out on summer break.

Additionally, both the Gulf Breeze Police Department and the Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Office also bear the burden of providing training and equipment for the officers, such as weapons, ammunition and vehicles, including

the costs of vehicle maintenance, fuel and liability insurance.

The duties of the SROs include but are not limited to: ■ Protecting lives and property for citizens and public school students in the county ■ Enforcing federal, state and local laws and ordinances ■ Coordinating traffic control during arrival and departure of students ■ Coordinating security for special events as requested ■ Investigating criminal activity committed on or adjacent to school property

still came in second place.

“Whether it’s fair or not, I’m not saying. I’m just saying that it’s something we need to take a look at,” Lynchard continued.

Meanwhile, efforts to negotiate a contract with the new group selected to manage the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier are currently underway.

Santa Rosa County Attorney Angie Jones confirmed on Monday that the Board of County Commissioners has asked her to negotiate a contract with Pasco Gibson and Yolanda Wells after the pair received the lowest point total via matrix voting by commissioners on Aug. 19.

Under the matrix voting,

commissioners were asked to rank, in order of 1 to 5 (1 being the best), the five groups seeking the management contract for the pier. Gibson and Wells had a low point total of 10, winning out over the current Pier Inc. management team of Dorothy Slye and Everett Ratliff Jr, which scored a 12.

The same matrix-style voting was used in 2010 when the team of Slye and Ratliff Jr. were awarded the pier management contract.

“The county has been using the matrix for many, many years.The commissioners can use whatever method they choose to determine who is selected to negotiate with for

cases involving contracts, management, engineering and other services,”said Jones.

“Then they [commissioners] tell staff to negotiate with the low score, and that’s where we stand. We are currently negotiating with Gibson and Wells.”

Jones clarified that should negotiations break down or can’t be agreed upon, the commissioners can decide to go in another direction.

Following last Monday’s matrix ranking by commissioners, Slye reached out to Santa Rosa County Commissioners via email thanking the board for the opportunity to present a proposal for pier management. In the

email, Slye also said“we are asking that when you vote on the pier lease that the majority of commissioners again retain and negotiate a new contract with The Pier, Inc. as the manager of the Navarre Pier.”

Santa Rosa County Administrator Hunter Walker responded to Slye’s email, saying“the current agreement for the Pier is effective through December 31, so there is time to deal with your request.”

Jones confirmed that Gibson and Wells were the only party with whom the county is currently negotiating for the management of the pier.

2A /

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walk out on the pier – for a fee – as a hurricane he selection process of the management of approached and blow panels were in danger of the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier is turning blowing out. Pictures posted on websites garnered out to be much like a fishing expedition. comments from all over the world saying that we Lines are cast, but you never know what’s (Navarre) should be up for a“Darwin’s Award.” going to come back.

In the case of the pier management con- For those unfamiliar, The Darwin Award recognizes individuals who have contributed to human tract, it seems that nobody likes their net haul – evolution by self-selecting themselves out of the well, except for the group of Pasco Gibson and gene pool via death due to their own (unnecessarYolanda Wells, who were awarded the manageily foolish) actions. Law enforcement was needed ment contract. The matrix-style ranking system to clear the pier and quash a situation that could used to determine a winner has seemingly put everyone in frenzy. Even the winning team is likely have resulted in serious injury and lawsuits against the county. There also hasn’t been one clear audit to be upset in light of rumblings that the Santa Rosa Board of County Commissioners meeting on and the management company has had to turn Monday, Sept. 9 is expected to feature disgruntled around and pay back the county. But according to bidders, residents and even commissioners speak- some county commissioners, those are just“growing pains”and obviously“water under ing out against the way things have the pier.” turned out.

Another group who submitted a Quick recap for those unaware: proposal - Bob Benaquis, Bill Jones the matrix ranking system is a and Kenny Cook – are also unhappy process by which each county comwith the process. After claiming to missioner is asked to rank each prohave put in 600 hours on their proposal for a professional contract, posal, the group is upset that they, with 1 being the best. So, the winner and other proposals, seem to have would be the bidder, or proposal, been dismissed quickly without seriwith the lowest score when all ranks ous consideration. Benaquis even are totaled. expressed concern that commissionIt’s odd that the current manageers voted on the same day as the prement team – Pier Inc., has an issue Dorothy Slye sentations, and wondered if the comwith the matrix ranking system. It’s missioners should“study it a little bit.”In reality, the same system under which Dorothy Slye and Everett Ratliff Jr. was awarded the contract in 2010. the commissioners have had five months to study the proposals, as the deadline for submission of It was very good for them three years ago when proposals was back in April. There were only five they were top dog. The only reason it went to the proposals to consider, so commissioners could County Commissioners that time was that there was a tie and they broke the tie. This time around, have spent an entire month on each one. Five months is hardly a rushed job. And putting in the Pier Inc finished second in the rankings, and the most time on a proposal was not a consideration contract is set to expire at the end of the year. Pier the commissioners weighed heavily, to our knowlmanagement’s main argument is that it received top rankings from three of the five commissioners edge. After all, it’s not the proposal that contains the most ideas that the commissioners were rank– but still lost the“vote”because the other two ing, it was the proposal with the ideas they commissioners ranked them extremely poorly. thought were in the best interest of the pier, the On the surface, that appears to be a legitimate beef. county and the public.

However, consider some of Pier Inc.’s practices As far as we know, all proposals were on the table over the last few years, and it becomes questionthe same amount of time. They all had a chance to able why it received any first place rankings at all. speak to the commissioners in a public forum.

A company that violates its own rules, breaks Question the commissioners’reasons for rankcounty laws and endangers the public is lucky to ing proposals high or low – and it’s the public’s even be considered. Current management closed right to know what our elected leaders are thinkthe pier to the public to allow a family member of ing. But, don’t question the system. It worked as the management to hold a wedding on the pier, when the pier is not available for the public to rent intended.

Just because the outcome didn’t turn out the out for private parties. At said wedding, there were way some wished it would doesn’t mean that opened containers of alcohol, a clear violation of something’s foul. Not everything is a conspiracy. If state liquor laws. Additionally, current management kept the pier open and allowed the public to it is, it will eventually be exposed. Time will tell.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2013

Out and About

By Sandi Kemp, Publisher Get ready for Navarre’s only 10K! The 2013 American Cancer Society Man Up 5K/10K is at 4:30 p.m. on September 14 on Navarre Beach. Runners are encouraged to dress in the lightest blue and/or wear the funniest beard! There is an after party at Juana’s. You can register now at active.com. See their ad in this week’s issue for more details.

And, go ahead and go to Active.com and sign up for the 5th annual Run for the Reef which is October 13th and starts at the Navarre Pier. Proceeds benefit the Navarre Beach Marine Sanctuary and related programs and improvements.You can download the registration form at www.navarrebeachmarinesanctuary.com.

The Palm Tree Plaza in Navarre will be hosting a Safety First Day from 2 – 6 p.m. on Saturday, September 7.

Bring the kids to meet McGruff the Crime Dog, Sparky the Fire Dog and Seamore the Sea Turtle.

They can also ride a pony, experience the Smoke House and other great activities. There will be fun activities for the adults as well.

Labor Day is over so the white accessories got put away.

The official kick-off to the NFL season is this weekend and our Pigskin Pickin’ Prognosticators are picking their games.

Our new picker this year is Jayer Williamson. Kelley Fuller, our lone female picker has broken through the lines to be our No. 1 picker for the week. She picked Western Kentucky to beat Kentucky, which put her into the lead.

We have a new columnist on the Outdoor page: James Broxson of Broxson Outdoors. How perfect is that? He knows exactly what is going on in the great outdoors and he hears from a lot of avid sportsmen that come through and tell him tales of what is being caught and with what lure.

Also, bow hunting is super-hot and he has all the accessories.

Be sure to visit our Outdoor Page and read all about what’s biting and where.

A female friend of mine is looking for a female roommate (yes you can discriminate on gender) in a beautiful Soundfront home for less than $500 a month and 1/3 of the utilities.

She just phoned it in and I didn’t have time to put it in the classifieds. However, I almost want to prescreen everyone for her because she is such a special lady and it is a great opportunity for the right person. So, if you know of someone that might be interested, please have them email me ASAP to skemp@navarrepress.com.

Having the lights go out Sunday night was very eyeopening. I was working at my office – actually brainstorming and dodging lightning bolts inside and outside when all the sudden – it went dark and all of the APC’s started beeping. The sad thing is the one time I could have used my generator since I had it installed in 2007 – it didn’t kick on. So, you guessed it, now I have a service call out to get it looked at. Better to find out now than after a really big storm when help is hard to find.

I also saw several friends on Facebook admitting they didn’t have a flashlight with good batteries and realizing it was a wakeup call to get ready in case it happens again.

Quote of the Week: I believe that opportunity looks a lot like hard work. I’ve never had a job in my life that I was better than. I was always just lucky to have a job. And every job I had was a steppingstone to my next job, and I never quit my job until I had my next job. And so opportunities look a lot like work. Ashton Kutcher, (1978 - ) American Actor, said this at the Teen Choice Awards on August 11, 2013.

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Relaxation amid the wildlife

NAVARRE PRESS THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2013

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Crusaders rout Raiders 45-22

NEWS & INFORMATION

Navarre to Kilimanjaro Submitted photo

Former Navarre resident Jeff Juhnke (center) during his climb of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa with his lead and tour guides from the Big Expedition tour company. Juhnke climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, which is the highest free-standing mountain in the world and fourth tallest peak in the world at 19,341 feet above sea level, from July 22 through 29. Juhnke said that with him on his climb were 19 porters who got paid only in tips. “Each porter got $60 in U.S. currency for a seven-day climb,” he said. “That is enough for them to live on for a month.”See page 1B for story.

Pier bidders upset with commissioners

By Romi White romiwhite@navarrepress.com The Sept. 9 Santa Rosa County Commission meeting is expected to be a firestorm. Numerous Navarre citizens are planning to attend and speak out regarding Benaquis the matrix ranking system used by commissioners on Aug. 19 to select the top pier management proposal. Although the matrix method which was used has been utilized by the commission for years, some commissioners and residents are saying it is an unfair way to score proposals.

See PIER 10A

Navarre Park improvements the focus of public meetings Staff reports editor@navarrepress.com Santa Rosa County wants to know which of the proposed improvements to Navarre Park are most important to Navarre residents, who will have an opportunity to voice their opinions at two public meetings next week.

Proposed improvements include construction of a stand-alone bathroom, additional seating, picnic areas and shaded areas, a kayak launch and exercise equipment. Improvements to the splash pad, basketball court, and playground equipment are also being considered.

The county will apply for a Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program grant to make the improvements and will collect comments from citizens at two public meetings — 5:30 p.m.

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See NAVARRE PARK 10A

Sunday storm leaves Navarre in the dark

By Chris Chatelain editor@navarrepress.com The storm that rolled through the Navarre area Sunday evening wrecked holiday weekend plans and knocked out electricity throughout much of the Navarre and Navarre Beach area.

According to Gordon Paulus of Gulf Power, more than 12,000 households lost power Sunday evening.

“We had a pretty bad storm blow through, and lightning knocked out the East Bay substation, causing the outages at about 6 p.m. on Sunday,” said Paulus.

See STORM 10A

Submitted photo

This snapshot of the MyGulfPower.com website shows the site’s function which lets customers know where there are power outages and gives estimates on restoration times.

court Another candidate enters District 4 race Citation, date issued for

By Romi White romiwhite@navarrepress.com

More candidates are in the running to represent the Navarre area on the Santa Rosa County Board of Com- Dupont Esser missioners, as Ruth Dupont Esser joins Rob

Williamson in the race to represent the Navarre area.

Esser made an unsuccessful bid for the District 4 seat in 2010, and filed on August 8 to seek the seat again. She was previously defeated by current District 4 Commissioner Jim Melvin, who won the post but will be facing off against Commissioner Bob Cole in 2014 for the District 2 seat because of redistricting.

The commission’s district boundaries were redrawn as required by Florida’s Constitution following the 2010 census.

The redrawn lines provide fairer representation for the county’s 150,000-plus citizens by dividing the five district boundaries so that each serves roughly 30,000 residents.

See DISTRICT 4 10A

Reefs attracting out-of-state divers

By Romi White romiwhite@navarrepress.com Word is spreading throughout the diving community about the Navarre Beach Marine Sanctuary’s artificial reefs. Over Labor Day weekend, divers from Alabama and Mississippi drove to Navarre to venture out to the Gulf reef, located about 75 yards offshore at the eastern end of Navarre Beach Park.

See REEFS 10A

Photo by Romi White

Sean Grizzle, a diver from Gulfport, Mississippi, came to Navarre over Labor Day weekend with a group of other out-of-state divers to explore the Navarre Beach Marine Sanctuary’s Gulf reef.

sunken boat

By Chris Chatelain editor@navarrepress.com As the sunken boat near Juana’s continues to sink into the Santa Rosa Sound, the issue of its removal will now float into the courthouse, as the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has issued a citation to the boat’s owner.

According to FWC spokesperson Stan Kirkland, Jeremiah Shastid has been issued a first degree misdemeanor in relation to statute 823.11, under allowing a vessel to become derelict.

Shastid’s court date is September 12.

In an earlier report, Kirkland had indicated that the boat can be removed by the county under special circumstances. The county could use money from a fund generated by the collection of

See SUNKEN BOAT 11A

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10A / NAVARRE PRESS

Pier

Continued from page 1A

Pasco Gibson andYolanda Wells, who won the ranking by a close margin, are currently negotiating the respective contract with the county, which is expected to commence January 1.

Supporters of current pier management contractor, Pier, Inc., which placed second in the rankings despite being the top choice for three of the five commissioners, have actively used social media to voice opposition to the selection process. Dorothy Slye —

Navarre Park

Continued from page 1A

on Tuesday, September 10 at the Navarre Visitors Center and 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 12 at the Santa Rosa County Board Meeting Room in Milton — and will also collect input via email or phone. FRDAP is a state competitive grant program which will match county funds for acquisition or development of land for public outdoor recreation.

Navarre Park currently offers pavilions, gazebos, a playground area, a splash pad, basketball court, nature walk, boardwalk, pond and a fishing pier.The park is also home to the Visitor Information Center and the Panhandle Butterfly House.

The grant application is due by the end of September, and public input will be accepted until Sept. 17. If awarded, the project would begin in 2014. Matching funds from District 4 recreation funds are committed for the project.

For information or to provide additional public input, please contact Sheila Harris, Grants and Special Projects Director at (850) 983-1848 or sheilah@santarosa.fl.gov.

Storm

Continued from page 1A

Paulus said that because that substation has a lot of feeder lines going out from it, the power outages were more numerous and widespread than when a single line goes down.

Gulf Power crews hit the roads and began restoring power quickly, and within a few hours power to all households was restored, according to Paulus.

Gulf Power also has a new program that allows customers to check real-time power outages and estimated restore times online at MyGulfPower.com. Through the site, customers can check and report outages via their mobile phones or laptop computers.

MyGulfPower.com features an interactive map of the Northwest Florida area and the ability zoom down to a household level. Small triangles show where the power’s out. Customers can hover over them with a cursor, and a pop-up window provides more information such as the estimated time of when the power will be restored.

The pop-up window will indicate how many customers are affected and whether a Gulf Power crew is on the way, or already on location. “(This map) is an important tool that offers customers a new way to get information about outages, restoring power and storm information as well,”said Natalie Smith, Gulf Power spokesperson.“On the rare occasion you are affected by an outage, we want you to have the information at your fingertips,”Smith added.

“This will be a great tool to have, but we will be working hard to make sure our customers don’t need to use it often.”

To view the live online map, customers can go to MyGulfPower.com. To view a video about how to use the interactive map, click on the“How to Use This Map” button at the top of the interactive map page.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2013 who along with Everett Ratliff Jr. comprises the current management team of Pier Inc. — sent correspondence to County Commissioners asking that they reconsider keeping them as the pier management, even after the matrix voting did not fall in their favor.

Slye and Ratliff were selected to manage the pier contract in 2010 by the same matrix-style raking system.

Additionally, the team of Bob Benaquis, Bill Jones and Kenny Cook, who also presented a proposal, are also speaking out against the selection process.

Benaquis expressed shock

at what he describes as a lack of serious consideration of their proposal which, unlike other proposals, he points out included a live website, which the team was unable to demonstrate as planned due to a power interruption during their presentation.

“We put 600 hours into developing the proposal, which offered a $1 million capital investment,”stated Benaquis, noting,“We lost to a page and a half summary report which was directly and later indirectly influenced by a (longtime) county employee,” a

reference to Wells’husband, Clifton Wells, who withdrew his participation from the top-ranked proposal prior to scoring.

Benaquis also cites what he describes as a red flag that a desired vendor was pre-selected prior to proposal presentations by the three commissioners who favored Pier, Inc. He states the red flags include a lack of interest in or reaction to his team’s proposal, impatient body language by decision makers and the aforementioned power outage coupled with some technological issues.

Benaquis expressed dismay that commissioners voted on the same day as the presentations.“Why not table it and study it a little bit?”suggested Benaquis, who stated the commission should have waited to have a meaningful discussion at a later time after absorbing the data and content.

“Our team presented a comprehensive study with shortand long-term vision,”said Benaquis who stated his team’s proposal focused on all aspects of having a best-in-class tourism environment while promoting Navarre Beach and the surrounding area.

“Santa Rosa County has missed an opportunity. However, we’re not going away,” said Benaquis, who plans to make some recommendations to commissioners at the upcoming meeting.

The commission meeting is set for 9 a.m. on Sept. 9 at the Santa Rosa County Administrative Complex, located at 6495 Caroline Street in Milton. A live broadcast of the meeting will be streamed via www.santarosa.fl.gov (under the Commission tab, choose “Meetings,” then click on the Sept. 9 “Commission Committee”meeting).

Furman: Reduced budget forces county to become ‘reactionary’ to flooding

By Shelby Smithey shelby@navarrepress.com As the wettest summer in recent history draws to a close, some Navarre residents are still feeling the repercussions the heavy rain has caused and are looking to Santa Rosa County for help.

Standing water is a common sight throughout the area since early July. Tom Kirkham and Louise Millhouse became concerned when they noticed standing water was collecting in the backyard of their Indigo Street home. When the water failed to dry up several days after the most recent rain event in late August, Kirkham decided to call Santa Rosa County to have an expert look at their property to address the issue.

“This is our first summer living in Navarre so we weren’t sure if all of the rain and drainage issues were normal,”Millhouse said.“Just from talking with people around here, they have all said that this is the worst rain they have seen in 10 to 15 years.”

On Aug. 27, Kirkham met with Randy Jones, Code Compliance Supervisor with the county’s Building Inspections Department, to possibly identify some solutions to the standing water.

“I called Jones down here just to get some ideas of what

District 4

Continued from page 1A

“People should run to serve people, not themselves,”said Esser, who added,“It’s time to end all the good ol’ boy politics and represent the people, not special interests.”

A bowling alley, movie theater and more restaurants for Navarre are attractions she envisions for the area.

Esser, who is neutral on the issue of incorporating the Navarre area, also shared her views on some hot topics of interest to the district.

Regarding the traffic congestion on U.S. Highway 98, Esser stated that is not something a commissioner can control but she would work

Reefs

Continued from page 1A

“They’ve done a good job,” said Sean Grizzle, a diver who lives in Gulfport, Miss. Grizzle joined a group of about a dozen divers from Gulf Coast Divers in Mobile, Ala., who were exploring the reef for the first time on Sunday. Grizzle said their group consists of divers from all over the Gulf Coast, from Texas to Florida.

“It was a good dive. We saw a lot of little blennies, triggerfish, moon jellies, and Atlantic blue tangs,” said Grizzle. To the pleasure of the group, dolphins also playfully encircled the reef during the dive.

Photos by Shelby Smithey

Tom Kirkham and Randy Jones discuss drainage issues at Kirkham’s home on Indigo Street. can be done,”Kirkham said.

“I still plan to contact my contractor to see if the issue can be addressed without the help of the county.”

After examining the property, Jones told Kirkham that the location of his home and the natural flow of water across his backyard may not be something on which the county can provide assistance.

“I hate to say this, but there may not be a fix that totally keeps the water from standing in your yard occasionally,” Jones said.“This whole subdivision is flat. There are just not a lot of places that

the rain can go.”

Kirkham also told Jones that he believes the lack of deep swells in the front yards of the surrounding homes could be contributing to the standing water in his yard as well.

“With constant rain, the ground can only hold so much water and then it has to go somewhere else,”Jones said.“If it is an easement or drainage system that the county maintains, they will do whatever they can to correct it. Public works crews are working out here a lot and are doing all they can to keep the water moving.”

Jones also said that design flaws during the construction of the first homes in Holley by the Sea in the 80s might be the cause of much of the area’s drainage issues.

A day prior, at a HBTS Architectural Control Committee meeting, Stephen Furman, Santa Rosa County Assistant Public Works Director, expressed similar concerns.

“We certainly have some built-in problems from when the county first began installing drainage pipes in HBTS 25 years ago,”Furman said.“Some of those driveway pipes are sloped the

wrong way. It takes a lot of money and effort to fix and align those driveway pipes.”

Furman said that currently two crews are working to address culvert issues in HBTS, but that budget cuts stemming from decreased property taxes prevent the county from being“proactive” about drainage issues.

“We are a reactionary force since this county voted in 2007 to reduce property taxes,” Furman said.“Our Road and Bridges Department budget has been reduced to somewhere between $2.5 to 3 million. If you look at those percentages in reduction, it is hard to be proactive.”

Furman said that last week, crews were working on replacing collapsed culverts under Sherwood Drive, and that another crew at Brewster Street is putting in pipes to get rid of the standing water. He said that this week, a crew will be at Valley Place replacing another collapsed culvert.

“Once we get enough dry weather, we will be able to go in and attack some of these areas that we didn’t have access to before because of standing water,” Furman said.“We have a whole list of things that we know we have to do and that we will get to. We just don’t have the work force when we get hit with six straight weeks of rain.”

with Eglin Air Force Base and Florida Department of Transportation officials. “I don’t agree that people should tolerate citizens dying in car accidents to protect one salamander. Eglin is a big place, move it to protect the salamander and lives,”said Esser.

Dupont Esser supports efforts to create a Navarre Pass, but not in the concept which has been commonly presented. “A pass would be a great thing, but it can’t be done as is,”she said, adding, “You can’t cut land open.

Find another way to make it happen.” She stated a train system could be created which would load boats from the sound over the island then into the Gulf and vice versa. She suggested it could

be patented, which could generate revenue for the county.

“As long as it is transparent, people are kept informed monthly of the debt, and it is ended when paid off,”Esser stated she would support a tax to fund a new courthouse, but feels the location should be decided by the public.

Regarding economic development efforts, Esser feels the county should not have made the controversial land purchase from Navarre developer Bill Pullum. “We literally acted immorally toward tax payers. We paid too much for a piece of property which has a (large) retention pond and no highway frontage,” said Esser, noting,“We don’t have the money. The

people making these decisions have got to be more realistic and act like they’re spending their own money.”

“We need people who will run, and not just educate themselves on local issues, but national ones to protect our freedom and our country at a ground level,”said Esser.

Although she does not currently live in District 4, Dupont Esser stated she is constructing a home inside its boundaries, and that she has been a resident of Santa Rosa County for over 25 years.

Dupont Esser serves on the Republican Party of Florida executive committee as the State Committeewoman, representing Santa Rosa County, and was appointed

by Governor Rick Scott to be a board member of the Florida Rehabilitation Council Board Member. Additionally, she serves on the Navarre Economic Council and is a member of the Navarre Chamber of Commerce.

Dupont Esser holds a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Psychology and is presently employed by Baptist Hospital as a Physicians Liaison and Laboratory Sales Representative, covering Northwest Florida and the southern portion of Alabama. She also owns Principle Properties, a business which renovates run down homes. “I buy ones that have some damage. It cleans up the community and increases the value of the property,” said Dupont Esser.

The Navarre Beach Marine Sanctuary consists of three separate reef areas at Navarre Beach Park.

Phase I is comprised of two sound side reefs, located on the north side of the Park in the Intracoastal water way. Phase II is the aforementioned reef in the Gulf of Mexico.

The Marine Sanctuary has applied for BP funding for Phase III, which is presently in the planning stage and includes park improvements such as a dune walkover for equipment, wash down stations for kayaks and other equipment, and an additional new fishing and diving reef area to be constructed approximately one mile

south of Navarre Beach in the Gulf.

“We put in the two sound side reefs May 2012 and the Gulf side went in Sept.

2012,” said Mike Sandler, President of the Navarre Chamber Foundation and Marine Sanctuary Committee member. Sandler has been surprised by and delighted with the population explosion on the reef during the first year. “There are days when there are a 1,000 fish of different varieties.”

“Those fish are not just out there in those quantities in that small area. That’s not something that you would see away from the reef. The reason those fish are there is most likely

because there’s habitat, protection, food and all kinds of plant and animal life out there,” said Sandler, who noted that it’s quite common to see turtles and dolphins near the reefs.“I’ve seen at least three octopi out there, which were probably about the size of a ball,” added Sandler.

“It’s exciting there are people coming in from different places and good that word of mouth is spreading. We want people to use the reef,”said Sandler, who pointed out the near shore reef offers many desirable amenities such as free admission to the park, excellent covered pavilions, and flushable toilets.

“Some of the people who

come out to dive and snorkel say they really appreciate having the freshwater showers and large parking lots,” added Sandler, who stated visitors also appreciate how well the park is marked with diving-related signage.

Sandler was enthusiastic about the dive group’s visit and inspired to know their interest in the reef was the reason for their trip.“It wasn’t that they were already here on vacation.

Those people purposefully came here to dive the reef,” said Sandler.

And, they weren’t disappointed.

“I think it’s a great reef.

We’ll definitely be back,” said Grizzle.

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NAVARRE PRESS Volume XIV • Issue 16

Navarre Press is published weekly by Sandpaper Publishing Inc., Navarre Press and its entire contents and style are fully protected by copyright and registered according to copyright laws. Navarre Press cannot be reproduced in any form for any purpose without the expressed written permission of Sandpaper Publishing Inc. and Navarre Press.

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P R E S S

EDITORIAL In Our Opinion

Someone to watch over you

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T

he responsibilities of a newspaper go much deeper than simply writing stories that entertain and inform. The words public service and watchdog are often tossed around, and rightfully so.

Beyond the stories that tickle your funny bone or tug on your heart strings, newspapers have an obligation to truth and fairness rather than be a mouthpiece for one side of an issue.

It’s unfortunate that some can’t see that. Some even go as far as Facebook posts accusing the Navarre Press of picking on The Pier Inc. last week when we made public a report that showed multiple health violations by the pier management and a $20,000 county tax bill that is owed by one of the owners of Pier, Inc. on another county lease that is in her name.

If we didn’t know any better, we would be forced to believe that a lot of Navarre doesn’t have high standards, or even average standards.

The bar for excellence is set very low for some.

(And, that isn’t a bar you drink at – just FYI). We just published the truth about a newsworthy topic that happens to be before the Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners. We thought it would interest Navarre to know what some of your tax dollars are doing. And, then there is the fact that our tourists eat there and if they have a bad experience — and they quite possibly could according to the State of Florida — it will reflect poorly on Navarre Beach and hurt our tourism industry.

The Pier Inc. is currently the pier management at least until the end of the year. Dorothy Slye of Pier, Inc. immediate asked the board of County Commissioners to vote for Pier, Inc. at the next County Commission meeting. Bob Cole made it very clear in the Pier Management Selection Meeting in August that the new management company would be chosen that day. The team of Pasco Gibson and Yolanda Wells was chosen and had since been working on the final agreement with the county attorney.

Pier Inc. is currently representing the county and handling county funds and is petitioning to be future representatives of the county. We’d say that qualifies as important stuff for Navarre residents to know.

And to the accusations of Navarre Press only providing health violation info on the Pier Inc. because we“have it out for them,”we remind all that we are still a business and can’t give away everything for free. Those who are reading this will see that our complete story – not the blurb on Facebook – provides information about the other restaurants on the health violation list. Those that aren’t reading this, well, those are likely the few that will continue to make

accusations on Facebook after reading only a fraction of the story.

Furthermore, while numerous other establishments had violations, they aren’t bidding to be paid county money and represent the people of Santa Rosa County. The Pier Inc. is.

So there you have a classic case of the“watchdog” duties of a newspaper. Inform the public and put pressure on our elected officials to make the right choices for the public interest, not their own.

There’s also a public service aspect of our duties, which include bringing to light issues that are nobody’s fault but nonetheless need to be addressed. Take for example the streetlights and landscaping lights that illuminate both the “Welcome to Navarre Beach”sign and the intersection of Hwy 98 and the Navarre Beach Bridge.

The streetlights illuminating the traffic intersection are out and create a potentially unsafe situation. The landscaping lights are also out, creating a situation where visitors looking for the turn to get to the beach at night could become confused, miss their turn and perhaps even cause a wreck when trying to make a sudden move not to miss the turn.

The situation was brought to our attention by a frequent visitor asking why the sign was no longer lighted. Then the Navarre Press contacted both our district’s county commissioner and the Navarre Beach Leaseholders and Residents Association (which maintains the lights through its Beautification committee) to ask about the situation – and discovered that they had no idea the lights were out. Now they know, and the situation will be corrected.

That’s a great example of how it’s supposed to happen. Questions arise from the public, the newspaper asks questions of public officials and then situations get addressed. Everyone working together toward the goal of the betterment of our community.

Another great example of public service is the children’s cancer fundraiser/headshaving event held in Navarre last weekend. The organizer, Pamela Patrone, contacted the Navarre Press a few weeks ago in advance of the event. She had 13 people signed up to shave their heads at the time. We ran a story, promoted it online, and then last weekend there were 49 head shavings – and a crowd so large that parking was spilling over into adjacent parking lots for the event that raised more than $7,000 for cancer research.

So, public service and being a watchdog is something the Navarre Press will continue to do, no matter what a select few might say. And that is the complete story, not the Facebook post version.

Correction

Pier Bar

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Weekend Weather Friday Partly Cloudy 90°/69° Saturday Isolated T-Storms 87°/69° Sunday Isolated T-Storms 87°/69° Source: weather.com

The Navarre Beach Area Chamber of Commerce’s Cheryl Chant honors Michele Tucker of Century 21 Island View Realty as Member of the Month.

Signs promoting drink specials and trash bags often greet guests as they enter the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

Out and About

By Sandi Kemp, Publisher Enjoy the Taste of Pensacola Beach featuring Andrew Zimmern this Saturday and Sunday.

It’s a free family event showcasing signature dishes from local chefs, kid’s activities, live music on Sunday, and even a Mermaid Parade! See their ad in this issue and visit TasteofPensacolaBeach.com for the full schedule of events.

Don’t forget about the 2013 American Cancer Society Man Up 5k/10k on Saturday at Navarre Beach. It benefits the Navarre Relay for Life. See their ad in this issue for more details.

There is a lot going on in our county and I want to believe that if everyone knew about it then there would be more of an outcry for the injustice of throwing out a county contract selection process that has worked for decades in this county and many others. Bob Cole, the current Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners for Santa Rosa County told a potential vendor on August 19 that the commissioners would be picking the next management company for the pier that day. At the end, he announced the winner to be Pasco Gibson & Yolanda Wells and the county staff was instructed to work with them on the final management agreement. As of Monday, and quite possibly before then, it was decided that the ranking used to select the winner on August 19 would be thrown out and that county commissioners would be voting this Thursday between the top two candidates from the matrix ranking system that they decided to throw out. If you are throwing out the matrix, how can you only vote on the top two? If the matrix is viewed as a flawed way to decide on a vendor, then why should it be relied upon to pick the top two? And what about all of the other vendors in the past 20 years that were not chosen because of what has now been determined as a flawed“matrix.”

How do they feel about this? This is unprecedented in our county and reeks of favoritism and corruption.

They should have lived by the vote.

The current management company was selected by the same“flawed” and“undemocratic”matrix system — but, it wasn’t viewed as flawed when the contract selection went in their favor three years ago. This does not make sense. Why would the county commissioners open up our county to a potential lawsuit?

Why are they putting their necks and our money on the line? Why is it so darn important to make sure that Pier, Inc. is teed up to win the vote for the pier? Perhaps our Florida Attorney General would like to know, too. Did we elect county officials that would sacrifice the public good and truth, justice and the American way to satisfy a friend? The usual thing to do is follow the money. Well, how can someone be considered for a vote, much less favored, when they owe the county coffers more than $20,000? Wow. That is some friend.

Why are we rewarding bad behavior and low standards? Could it be that three (Cole, Lynchard, Salter) of our five commissioners don’t see what a jewel we have here and that it could be so much more with the right amount of care and respect. As it stands, a lot of people with children don’t go to the pier because of the filth that goes on there. Even a couple in their 50s recently told me that they will never be back because they were disgusted by what they saw and heard. I for one would like to see the nice restaurant that Nichols Seafood planned on bringing to the Pier, instead of another $2 draft beer night.

I really wish I didn’t care so much. Then again, I wish our three county commissioners (Cole, Lynchard, Salter) cared a lot more. Hopefully one of them comes to their senses before the vote on Thursday – the day this paper comes out.

Quote of the week: “Experience has shown that even under the best forms of government those entrusted with power have, in time, and by slow operations, perverted it into tyranny.” – Thomas Jefferson, 3rd president of US (1743 - 1826)

inside 3 Sections

12A

Juana Good Time Regatta

NAVARRE PRESS THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

$1.25

NEWS & INFORMATION

Dangerous intersection to get traffic light

Three Navarre establishments issued food safety warnings

See FOOD SAFETY 10A

Residents protest tax hike, Sheriff asks public for help

See PROTEST 11A

County attorney’s experience called into question

By Romi White romiwhite@navarrepress.com After complaints concerning recent county procedures and policy enactments prompted by Santa Rosa County Attorney Angela J. Jones, some citizens have started questioning her Jones expertise and experience.

“When the staff drops the ball, you the board gets the black eyes,”said Navarre resident Etta Lawlor at Monday’s Board of County Commissioners meeting. Lawlor questioned Jones’expertise, adding,“You took punches which could have been avoided if you had proper guidance and advice.”

Lawlor has been outspoken against several of the county’s actions since Jones assumed the role of lead counsel, including the ongoing pier management controversy and a lease of county-owned property

US HWY 98

41ACCIDENTS 1 FATALITY

45 MPH

68 ACCIDENTS

71ACCIDENTS 1 FATALITY

Graphic Illustration chart by Dickie Williams

By Chris Chatelain editor@navarrepress.com Some intersections are more dangerous than others, and Navarre has a couple of these along U.S. Highway 98 that have proven to be accident prone.

Three dangerous intersections in Navarre have racked up the wrecks in recent years.

The intersections of Sun- Highway Patrol, the Sunrise frame, according to FHP. “Highway 98 is an extremerise Drive and Hwy 98, Coral Drive-Hwy 98 intersection Street and Hwy 98 and Edge- has seen 71 traffic crashes ly busy highway,”said FHP wood Drive and 98 are seem- and one fatality in the last Public Information Officer ingly always backed up due five years, since May of 2008. Lt. Steven Preston.“It’s diffito heavy traffic or because of The Coral Street-Hwy 98 cult to say what is a high numaccidents, especially at peak intersection was close ber of crashes or what is even traffic times in the afternoon. behind, as there have been According to the Florida 68 crashes in the same time See HWY 98 10A

Commissioners revisit pier decision, will take re-vote 20-year-old

By Romi White romiwhite@navarrepress.com Dorothy Slye described herself as happy following the September 9 Santa Rosa County Commission meeting at which three com- Slye missioners decidPhoto by Romi White ed her company deserves another chance to manage the Navarre Despite significant ongoing problems, Dorothy Slye successfully prompted Beach Fishing Pier despite that three of the five Santa Rosa County Commissioners to reconsider her fact that negotiations are cur- proposal to continue operating Navarre Beach Pier. rently underway with the top- ed negotiating the pier manSlye sent an email to County ranked bidder. agement contract with Pasco Administrator Hunter Walker On Monday, Commissioners Gibson andYolanda Wells, who on August 20 asking the comLane Lynchard, Bob Cole and were selected on August 19 using mission to again consider her Don Salter approved taking a a matrix-style ranking system proposal. Walker replied to Slye, vote to again consider Slye’s pro- which Santa Rosa County has stating the current pier manposal at today’s commission meet- used for many years to make agement contract didn’t expire ing. Commissioners Jim Melvin such decisions. Gibson had no until the end of year so there was and Jim Williamson voiced strong comment about how the mat- still time to consider her request. opposition to the move. ter might impact his contract See SLYE 10A County staff has already start- negotiations on Monday.

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See JONES 10A

180 Accidents Between 2008 and 2013

55 MPH

By Romi White romiwhite@navarrepress.com More than 50 citizens attended the first of two public hearings on Santa Rosa County’s $100 million budget for fiscal year 2014 held last Tuesday.

About one-third of the attendees, mostly Tea Party supporters, spoke out against a proposed property tax increase. However, three of the five commissioners voted for further consideration of the measure, which is aimed to fund raises for county employees, who have not received a bump in pay since a 2009 merit increase.

Santa Rosa County Sheriff Wendell Hall spoke at the hearing, but rather than facing the commission, he spun around and faced the crowd.

SUNRISE

EDGEWOOD

Three local food establishments have been cited recently for critical food safety violations. McDonald’s and Taco Bell on Navarre Parkway, and the Pier Bar & Grill, operated by The Pier, Inc., which runs the Navarre Beach Pier were all issued warnings during health inspections in recent months.

The issue with Taco Bell, however, is related to a fire earlier this year which forced the closure of the business, which has yet to re-open.

CORAL

By Romi White romiwhite@navarrepress.com

arrested for multiple Navarre burglaries

By Shelby Smithey shelby@navarrepress.com A Navarre man was arrested last Tuesday in connection with four burglaries, two of which took place in the Holley by the Sea area, according to a Santa Rosa County Sherriff’s Office arrest report.

Officers issued a warrant for Sergio Williams, 20, who is on felony probation, after several stolen items were located in an apartment that formerly was rented by his brother. According to the report, the property manager of Cayo Grande Apartments called officers on Aug. 12

See BURGLARIES 10A

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10A / NAVARRE PRESS

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

Parkway, was cited for six basic, two intermediate and 10 high-priority violations on August 12. The critical violations include: ■ live flies in kitchen; ■ employee touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands; ■ employee failed to wash Inspection Details hands before putting on McDonald’s restaurant, gloves to work with food; located at 8644 Navarre ■ sewage/wastewater

backing up through floor drain behind shake machine; ■ stop sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition, hamburger patties fell out of packaging onto shelving; ■ multiple incidences of food at improper temperature.

The recent inspection was the result of a complaint lodged against the restau-

rant. A previous regular inspection in April revealed only one critical violation for raw animal food stored over ready-to-eat food in reachin cooler. That violation was corrected on-site The Pier Bar & Grill is located on county-owned property at Navarre Beach Fishing Pier, which is operated under a management agreement with The Pier, Inc.,

owned by Dorothy Slye and her brother, Everett Ratliff Jr. A July 30 inspection cited the business for three basic, six intermediate and four highpriority violations. The critical violations include: ■ employees touching ready-to-eat food with bare hand; ■ establish has not approved alternative operating procedure; ■ employee used tobacco, ate or drank then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, touched unwrapped singleservice items without washing hands. Employees eating then handling food; ■ Raw fish held at an improper temperature.

The Pier Bar & Grill inspection was a routine inspection. The establishment has previously been cited with critical violations for food stored on the floor, employee engaging in food preparation, handling clean equipment or utensils, or touching unwrapped single-service items without washing hands, interior of microwave soiled, hot water not provided/shut off at employee hand wash sink, live flies in kitchen (repeat violation) and ceiling tile miss ing/ holes in kitchen/dining room.

sion because it’s the right way to do it,” said Slye. Commissioner Cole asked County Attorney Angela Jones if the board could reject the previous ranking and instead take a vote. “You can do what you’d like, sir,”replied Jones.

Walker suggested the county only reconsider the top two contenders. Bidder Bob Benaquis expressed disappointed with that stipulation, stating,“We weren’t even considered.”

Commissioner Jim Williamson compared the situation to changing the rules after a game has already been won by another team. “You don’t change the rules dur-

ing the game or after,”stated Williamson.“You change the rules before the next game.”

Other issues Slye has been operating the county pier since 2010.

Under her management, there have been many controversial incidents, such as allowing admission to the pier during Hurricane Isaac, closing the pier to the public for a private wedding, Slye’s April 2012 arrest on domestic violence battery and obstruction of justice and recent food service violations.

Additionally, Slye owes more than $20,000 in prop-

erty taxes on a separate lease of county-owned property.

Slye leases county property at 8228 Gulf Boulevard, the site of a retail store she operates called Sandy Bottoms, where a store employee was arrested March 29 for selling alcohol to a minor.

Although the lease agreement states that Slye must pay all taxes associated with the parcel, she has not paid any property taxes since she signed the lease on April 8, 2009. Slye’s delinquent taxes from 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 on the parcel total $20,577.07.

Furthermore, a multitude of food service violations at

the pier were discovered during a July 30 routine inspection by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. The violations included four“high priority”violations — those which could contribute directly to a food-borne illness or injury.

Local angler Jerry Couey has complained repeatedly to commissioners about Slye’s operation of the pier for years.

“Considering the track record of the current pier operator’s involvement with law enforcement, food service violations and improper opening and closing of the pier, which endangered cit-

izens’ lives, I am surprised such a push was made to go against a well-established voting method, which has served well for 20 years. I don’t see the legal reason for changing this vote after a proper vote was taken and staff was instructed to negotiated with the winning bidder,” said Couey.

The vote is set to take place at during today’s regular commission meeting, which is at 9 a.m. at the County Administrative Complex at 6495 Caroline Street in Milton.

The meeting will also be streamed and available for later viewing via www.santarosa.fl.gov.

number of wrecks over the 5 year period, at 41. The 41 wrecks include one fatality.

Those numbers — and a call from a concerned citizen — have caught the attention of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), which has plans to install a traffic light at the intersection by 2015, according to FDOT District 3 Public Information Officer Ian Satter.

“There have been traffic concerns in the Navarre area for a while now,”said Satter.

“Particularly, the Edgewood intersection has had some pedestrian safety issues. We’ve been looking into it for a few years.”

The installation of the traffic light will be incorporated into the current resurfacing project on Hwy 98 from the Okaloosa County line to the Gulf Breeze Zoo. Satter said no additional lights are planned to be installed along the resurfacing route at this time.

After receiving a call from

a citizen and a request from State Representative Doug Broxson (R-Gulf Breeze), the study was completed and it was determined that a light should be installed at the intersection.

“Anytime we put up a traffic light of that nature, it can come for any number of reasons,” Satter said in a 2012 Navarre Press report.“The requests can come from local government or from residents.

The traffic operations engineer investigates the

intersection and if the study of the intersection indicates a signal is warranted, one will be constructed,”said Satter.

There are no current studies for speed limit or traffic safety in relation to the Sunrise Drive and Coral Street intersections, Satter said.

Santa Rosa County Engineer Roger Blaylock confirmed on Tuesday that the county has made no requests for traffic or safety studies for any intersections in Navarre.

Tripped breaker causes another power outage

Jones had no official experience as a county attorney when her proposal to serve as Interim County Attorney for the Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners was chosen in August 2010, when former County Attorney Thomas V. Dannheisser, who recommended Jones, was appointed as a county judge in Escambia County.

In April 2011 commissioners offered Jones a $136,000 contract to permanently replace Dannheisser without interviewing other applicants for the position, in spite of receiving résumés from experienced county attorneys.

When interviewed regarding the matter, David A. Hallman, who applied for the position stated he was never contacted by the county regarding it in spite of having served as

County Attorney for Walton County prior to attaining his current post as County Attorney for Nassau County.

“I certainly didn’t get an interview, and I don’t recall receiving confirmation that my application had been received,”said Ryan Ross, Deputy County Attorney for Escambia County, who also applied and stated he seems to remember reading his name in the paper as the only confirmation that his submission had been received.

Additionally, it is widely unknown that Jones’assistant from her private practice, Sheila Taylor, was also brought onto the county’s payroll, despite the fact that there already was county attorney support staff in place.

Merry Beth Andrews had been the sole administrative support staff for Dannheisser and remains in her position.

Andrews’annual compensation package, which includes salary, benefits, Social Security and retirement totals $69,690.30.

Taylor’s position was not advertised, and her compensation package is an additional $57,487.88 per year.

Okaloosa County, which is considered a peer county to Santa Rosa, has one County Attorney, Jim Dowd, who has one secretary.According to Kathy Newby, public information officer for Okaloosa County, all expenses associated with Dowd’s office, including costs associated with his secretary, total $ $170,600 — which is $96,178.40 less than the $266,778.84 per year Santa Rosa is shelling out for legal department staff and related expenditures, including a $3,600.22 annual travel allowance for Jones.

Mahute also pointed out

that although the county spent $15,000 to recruit the person to fill the county’s economic development director position, County Administrator Hunter Walker instead truncated the process and offered the job to interim director Shannon Ogletree.

“This is the future of Santa Rosa County,”said Mahute, adding“(the county) should be looking for the best person they could find.”

Smarty tuner programmer.

These items had been reported stolen on Aug. 2 from a vehicle. They also located several tools including a Ryobi laser saw, a Bostitch stick nailer, a Hitatchi drill set and a Craftsman drill set, which were determined to be stolen items from a burglary from a garage on Sandstone Street.

Lastly, officers found a class ring engraved with a name. On Aug. 20, officers located the owner of the ring, and the man told officers that his West Point graduate ring had been stolen from his vehicle on Ravenna Drive.

Officers also found a rental agreement in the apartment for a stor-

age unit that had been signed

by Sergio on Aug. 10.

Deputies photographed the stolen items and the bicycle that Sergio was riding for comparison to a case in which a blue bicycle with a similar description was stolen from a garage on Sawfish Street on Aug. 9.

Officers found that the bicycle Sergio was riding had the same serial number as the stolen bicycle.

On August 14, deputies were called back to the apartment as a result of it being breached again.The class ring, tools and iPod were no longer in the apartment.

On Aug. 20, officers spoke

with Sergio’s brother, Armani, who told officers that he moved out of his apartment mid-July and moved to Tampa. He said that he did not know that his brother had been going into his former apartment and had no knowledge of the stolen items inside the apartment.

After a warrant was issued for his arrest, Sergio called the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office on Aug. 30 and advised that he would turn himself in to his probation officer. Sergio was charged with four counts each of burglary and four counts of grand theft. He is currently in the Santa Rosa County Jail with a $50,000 bond.

Food safety Continued from page 1A The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s Division of Hotels and Restaurants perform health inspections at food service establishments throughout the state on a regular basis. Many restaurants pass inspection with few violations, but during recent months the aforementioned licensees were cited for serious food safety violations Inspectors issue reports providing a“snapshot”of conditions present at the time of the inspection and detail critical or non-critical violations. Critical violations can directly contribute to food contamination, illness or environmental degradation.

Examples of critical violations include: poor temperature control of food such as improper cooking, cooling, holding or reheating temperatures.

Non-critical violations do not directly relate to foodborne illness risk but rather serve as preventive measures to control environmental conditions. Examples of noncritical violations include: poor maintenance of food

Slye Continued from page 1A Subsequently, the commission discussed not only revising the present ranking system but also decided to revisit the determination on the pier management selection. Commissioner Lynchard described the current ranking system as flawed since two other commissioners had joined him in ranking Slye as top bidder, although the matrix ranking utilizes an average score.

“Vote Thursday for whoever you want. Win, lose or draw we will live by that deci-

Hwy 98 Continued from page 1A an average number of crashes for a particular intersection. But having said that, we are certainly aware that some of the intersections along Highway 98 are worse than others. Navarre has its share of wrecks along Highway 98, for sure.”

Of the three intersections, the Edgewood Drive-Hwy 98 intersection has the least

Jones Continued from page 1A to a nonprofit agency without utilizing a competitive bid process.

“Were you aware that Ms. Jones did not have official experience as a county (attorney)?

Do you recall reviewing resumes for applicants,”asked Milton resident Wallis Mahute.

Commissioner Jim Williamson spoke up to defend Jones’hire, although in the past he abstained from a vote involving Jones because she had represented his interest in the private sector.

“We reviewed everything. I felt we reached the right decision,” said Commission Chairman Bob Cole regarding the process in which Jones’ was selected.

Burglaries Continued from page 1A and said that Sergio’s brother, Armani Williams, had already moved out, but that people were coming in and out of the apartment, causing concern.

Before entering the apartment, deputies saw Sergio on a bicycle, and stopped to question him.According to the report, Sergio became defensive and told officers that he did not live in the apartment and was just visiting his brother.

Upon entering the apartment, officers located an iPod Touch and a Made Electronics

Navarre Press file photo

The Pier Bar & Grill, located at Santa Rosa County’s Navarre Beach Pier and operated by Dorothy Slye and her brother, Everett Ratliff Jr., is one of three local establishments recently cited for critical food safety violations. and non-food contact surfaces, improper operation of dishwashing facilities, improper storage and handling of clean equipment and utensils, and various dumpster violations including failure to keep the lid closed or the drain plug in place.

Staff report editor@navarrepress.com The lights went out in Navarre once again early Sunday morning.

A breaker was tripped at the East Bay substation at 12:10 a.m. on Sunday morning, causing the power to go out for approximately 2,000 customers for two hours, according to Gordon Paulus, Communications Specialist for Gulf Power.

The cause of the breaker being tripped is under investigation, Paulus said.

The East Bay substation is the same station that was affected by a lightning strike on September 1 which led to the power being out for several hours for more than 12,000 households.

NOTICE OF PROPOSED TAX INCREASE The Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners has tentatively adopted a measure to increase its property tax levy.

Last year's property tax levy: A. Initially proposed tax levy ....$44,087,558 B. Less tax reductions due to Value Adjustment Board and other assessment changes ..................................................$ 57,471 C. Actual property tax levy .......$44,030,087 This year's proposed tax levy:......$46,091,517 All concerned citizens are invited to attend a public hearing on the tax increase to be held on September 16, 2013 6:00 p.m. at 6495 Caroline St., Santa Rosa County Administrative Offices, Commissioner's Board Room, Milton, Fl. 32570 A FINAL DECISION on the proposed tax increase and the budget will be made at this hearing.

Public Notice # 1890

2A /

NAVARRE PRESS Volume XIV • Issue 17

Navarre Press is published weekly by Sandpaper Publishing Inc., Navarre Press and its entire contents and style are fully protected by copyright and registered according to copyright laws. Navarre Press cannot be reproduced in any form for any purpose without the expressed written permission of Sandpaper Publishing Inc. and Navarre Press.

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P R E S S

EDITORIAL In Our Opinion

Simple improvements best for park

To Contact Us: Navarre Press 7502 Harvest Village Court Navarre, FL 32566 Phone: (850) 939-8040 Fax: (850) 939-4575 Web: www.navarrepress.com E-mail: news@navarrepress.com

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T

he county recently held a public meeting asking for input on improvements the community would like to see made at Navarre Park. It was a smart, and necessary move. Now we’ll see if the county listened.

Two groups in particular were vocal at the meeting — a group of mothers want to see additional benches and seating added in shady areas, and members of Heroes on the Water who want to see a kayak launch. Another popular topic was the desire to see permanent, ADAcompliant restrooms constructed to replace the portable toilets currently available for use.

When speaking to people at the park earlier this week, Navarre Press reporter Shelby Smithey found that many people are fine with the park the way it is and would only make minor changes. Like more seats in the shade.

Sometimes less is more. If people enjoy it the way it is, why spend money to install features and equipment that will likely not be used much?

A few of the items on the possible improvements list were hedges/landscaping between

Question: How do you like Navarre Park, and what would you change?

Mike Mesa: “My daughter loves coming to the park, so I would suggest maybe cleaning it up a little more. I would also like to see something else for the parents to be able to sit in the shade when it’s hot outside.”

Jenelle Logan: “I would like to see more shaded areas. We like the park here but the shade would really help.

Also, the seats on the swing sets sometimes get too hot for my kids to use. I would like to see newer ones.”

Jeff Smith: “We live in Midway and we like coming to Navarre Park.

My kids seem to like the splash pad.

It’s pretty cool. We come down here pretty frequently.”

Brian Schmit: “We just moved here from Minnesota and it’s nice to come here in the evening. I like the splash pad and the walkways. We like it here, it’s beautiful.”

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Hwy 98 and the parking lot, and installation of adult exercise equipment. While these might be great for a very short time, perhaps there are better things on which to spend money. Hedges don’t entertain children or their parents. Additionally, there is the YMCA and numerous other businesses with exercise equipment in Navarre that already serve this need. There is already a supply, so we aren’t sure the demand is great enough.

Permanent restrooms rather than port-a-potties and benches in the shade will have an immediate and a lasting impact on both park accommodations and comfort, as well as aesthetics and convenience. A kayak can be launched from just about anywhere without special accommodations, however, the ADA compliance would bring something unique to the area. Especially being a military community, the need to serve those wounded warriors who have served their country is an important tip of the cap to our veterans.

Let’s hope these three improvements find their way to the top of the list when it comes time to submit grants for funding park improvements.

Letter to the Editor Nerve-racking pier ranking I stated at the September 9th Santa Rosa Board of Commissioners meeting during the discussion of procedure used in determining ranking of proposals that the Navarre Beach Pier Request for Proposal stated selection shall be made based on the criteria in F.S. 287.055 (2).

Florida Statutes section 287.055 (2) is the definitions applicable for acquisition of professional architectural, engineering, landscape architectural, or surveying and mapping services therefore the reference to F.S. 287.055 (2) in the RFP appears to be a clerical error. During the September 9th board discussion of the ranking of Navarre Beach Pier proposals there was no mention of a proposer protesting the clerical error after the issuance of the RFP. The executed June 24, 2010 Operator/Management Services agreement was titled“Lease Agreement for Operation and Management of Navarre Beach Gulf Pier and Concession”therefore F.S. 125.35 would be applicable to leasing county owned property.

Pier management contract coverage commended I would like to commend the Navarre Press and its editor for their upstanding journalism displayed in the article on the Navarre Beach pier,‘Commissioners revisit pier decision, will take re-vote’(9/12/13).

In these times of opinionated and slanted journalism, it is refreshing to read an article written with the basic codes of ethics in journalism in practice, which are to inform the public, maintain impartiality and objectivity, and present the facts without sensationalism. As for informing the public, thank you for showing us just how ludicrous our county commissioners can be.

In my opinion the first mistake made was on August 19 when all the commissioners used personal preferences in ranking the proposals. This unethical ranking behavior by the commissioners totally undermined the integrity of the competitive solicitation process in Santa Rosa County.

The second mistake was made after the August 19th ranking of the proposals when the board failed to provide notice of the board’s intent to consider negotiating with the top ranked proposer at a regular meeting of the board.

Because of this failure there was no opportunity for public to be heard or interested persons to object.

The third mistake came on September 9th. The board should have moved forward with re-ranking all the proposals submitted prior to the April deadline, including any bids that had board waived irregularities. Re-ranking all proposals submitted would not have given an unfair advantage to certain proposers over the other proposers.

The Board should have re-ranked all the proposals in the order of highest

and best proposal for the pier concession building’s particular use taking into consideration the details requested in the RFP, which were services, improvements, payment and experience. Reranking proposals should have been done without arbitrarily or capriciously discriminating between proposals or ranking on the basis of personal preference.

Now the nerve-racking ranking of the proposals is in a big mess. If it ends up the board has to reject all proposals and rebid it will just added more ridicule because the proposals have been opened and exposed to all, putting Santa Rosa County in a very bad light for attracting bidders and proposers in the future.

After this proposal ranking fiasco, Santa Rosa County government is facing a crisis more so than ever before and needs to implement reforms to restore Santa Rosa County residents’trust and confidence in the board, county attorney and county administration.

Just when I thought our county commissioners could not get any more absurd, along comes the pier contract debacle taking them to a new high in buffoonery. It boggles my mind how these commissioners continue to get away with their deceitful tricks veiled by smoke and mirrors, and Santa Rosa countians continue to vote these buffoons back in office! I don’t know what it will take to elect new commissioners if this latest farce of county (mis)management doesn’t do it. I have watched over the years as they made shady land deals, flaunted the Sunshine Laws, and just basically made fools of all us through their ignorance, incompetence, and good ole boy crony-

ism. It’s so disturbing to see such a wonderful place as Santa Rosa County continue to be choked by this kind of foul play.

I love living here. But these ongoing shenanigans are starting to wear thin on the pride I feel in living here. If only all the commissioners, whenever faced with a decision, would just ask of themselves this one question,“What is in the best interest of my county?” they would be able to rise above buffoonery, and actually do something that would benefit us all instead of just themselves.

Etta Lawlor , Navarre, FL

Sincerely, Dorothy Maben Navarre, FL

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2013

Out and About

By Sandi Kemp, Publisher There is a lot going on in the next few weeks. Be sure to look through all of the pages of this issue to see what might be of interest to you.

We have had a lot going on this week with the proposed pier management contract revote, the subsequent lawsuit and the county budget hearings. And, then there was all of the other news and information that we report each week.

Santa Rosa County was very close to seeing an increase in our ad valorem taxes if it wasn’t for the quick thinking of our own District 4 County Commissioner, Jim Melvin.

Some have criticized him because you don’t see him“gladhanding”at as many functions and social events as they would like, but he is definitely working for his district and our county.

For example, he just saved the county taxpayers at least 1.4 million in additional taxes. Commissioner Melvin is a retired certified public accountant and sharpened his pencil while County Commissioners Cole, Lynchard and Salter were content to raise raise taxes.

Melvin knew there had to be another way and he found one, and thankfully the commissioners voted to keep the millage rate the same and use other available funds. Commissioner Williamson was also looking for ways other than to raise taxes. Something that hasn’t been brought up is that the increase in property values already had increased the county budget nearly $2 million over last year and they would have happily added an additional $1.4 million if not for Melvin. So, hats off to Melvin and Williamson…many times over.

Unfortunately, the way the county keeps making bad decisions, we might see some of the budget increase eaten away due to an increase in legal fees. Was it really worth it to revisit the original fair and square vote because your friend didn’t get the pier management contract, Commissioners Cole, Lynchard and Salter? Really? There was nothing wrong with the first vote, just like there was nothing wrong with the vote when they originally won the contract in the first place. They are willing to drag this through the mud to get their way. Well, that shows constituents theirvalue system and that they value friendship and relationship over what is right, just and fair. We get it. We all get it. And, if they think those“voices” on the internet forums and in inboxes who say a revote is the way to go – is how most people feel out there, they are mistaken.

I know firsthand that several people have several different personas and they actually talk to each other. Posters try to seem like the voice of many when they are the few.

The people that aren’t saying anything in public are sure saying a lot in private, and they vote in private, too. Most mature adults, the ones with ethics, morals and values have learned not to get in the mud with the pigs because as the saying goes, “you both get dirty and the pig likes it.” Also, there is the fear of retribution because most have learned that in Santa Rosa County, people get mad and then - get even. I know first hand and so do many who refuse to support the“party line.”What ever happened to agreeing to disagree or being fair, just and honest? Has that gone out of style? Instead, we experience pandering, political correctness, dishonesty and unjust decisions.

Okay, how about those Raiders! They did awesome last week and we are looking forward to another excellent home game this Friday night at home against Crestview. The game starts at 7:30 p.m., but get their early to get a seat.

Quote of the Week: It is dangerous to be right when the government is wrong.Voltaire French author, humanist, rationalist, & satirist (1694 - 1778)

Photo by Jenna Lenz

Photo by Eric Davis

Photo by Dustin Nelson

See page 11A for a list of winners

t s e t n o c o t o h p t o h s d l i W s ’ O O Z e z e e r B f l u G e th Photo by Margaret Hildreth

f o s r e n n i W

NAVARRE PRESS THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2013

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NEWS & INFORMATION

Car burglaries continue to trend in Navarre

Pier bid winners file injunction

By Shelby Smithey shelby@navarrepress.com

By Romi White romiwhite@navarrepress.com

Car burglaries are becoming a common threat in the Navarre area. However, the majority of these vehicle burglaries are preventable by taking part in a fairly simple task- locking the doors.

“Since January 1, only four percent of car burglaries in Navarre occurred to locked vehicles,” said Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Rich Aloy.“And they are going to continue to occur, so I don’t know what it’s going to take to get people into a habit of locking their doors.”

A move by three Santa Rosa County Commissioners to revisit the vote on the management contract for the Navarre Beach Gibson Pier has been challenged, and an injunction against a re-vote was filed by the team that was selected as

See BURGLARIES 10A

the top-ranked proposal in August.

Contract negotiations were already underway with Pasco Gibson Jr. andYolanda Wells, who were selected by a matrix ranking system on Aug. 19 as Well the top bidder for the Navarre Beach Pier management contract. Gibson and Wells had not only already

received but also signed the pier management contract, which had been drafted by County Attorney Angela J. Jones and was submitted as an exhibit when the lawsuit was filed.

Although Gibson and Wells were selected as the top choice using a ranking process the county has utilized since the 1990s, three commissioners pursued revisiting the decision.

Commissioners Bob Cole, Lane Lynchard and Don Salter

voted Sept. 9 to move forward with re-selecting the top proposal. County Administrator Hunter Walker advised commissioners that instead of reviewing all five bidders they should only reconsider the top two ranked bids. Walker’s suggestion, which the aforementioned commissioners followed, apparently violates Florida statutes §287.055, which requires a competitive

See PIER 10A

Commissioners fund raises without tax hike

Commissioners talk RESTORE funds, support changing park’s name

By Romi White romiwhite@navarrepress.com

Staff reports editor@navarrepress.com While much of the attention has been focused on the topics of the Navarre Beach Pier contract vote and pay raises for county employees, some county business has gone relatively unnoticed lately. However, last week commissioners took several notable actions.

See RESTORE 11A

Santa Rosa County Commissioners voted to fund a three percent raise for county employees without increasing property taxes at Monday’s final budget hearing. The move seemed to satisfy an overflow crowd of not only off-duty deputies and other county employees seeking raises, but also local tea party activists opposing tax hikes.

County employees last received a raise in 2009, while the last increase for employees of the Sheriff’s

Broxson enters District 4 race

See RAISES 10A

Submitted photo

Hundreds of county employees and citizens packed The Santa Rosa County Commissioners chambers for the final budget hearing last Monday. Accommodations were standing-room only for the duration of the meeting, which lasted longer than two hours.

By Romi White romiwhite@navarrepress.com

County seeks grant to fund Navarre Park improvements TDC to get new

Holley-Navarre native James Broxson, 30, has joined two other candidates in the race to represent District 4 on the Santa Rosa County Commission. Ruth Dupont-Esser Broxson and Rob Williamson are also vying to fill the seat which will be vacated next year following new district boundaries which were established following the 2010 census. Due to the redistricting, current District 4 Commissioner Jim Melvin will run against Commissioner Bob Cole to represent District 2. Broxson grew up in the

By Romi White romiwhite@navarrepress.com

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7502 Harvest Village Ct. Navarre, FL 32566

Copyright © 2013 Navarre Press

See BROXSON 10A

Santa Rosa County is applying for a state grant to fund proposed improvements to Navarre Park, and is asking residents to help determine which improvements are most important to the community. More than 15 people attended a community meeting lastThursday to discuss which amenities should be pursued through the grant application.

inside 3 Sections

The proposed improvements to the park with projected costs are: ■ installation of ADA-compliant kayak pathway and launch $20,000 ■ playground renovations $10,000 ■ renovation of splash pad $50,000 ■ construction of ADA-compliant bathroom $50,000 ■ additional seating and shade structure(s) $10,000 ■ basketball court renovation $10,000 ■ adult exercise equipment $2,500 ■ landscaping/hedge row between parking lot and U.S. 98 $10,000 Sheila Harris, county grants improvements are focused on and special projects director, areas which already have existprovided details about the grant ing improvements to avoid and explained existing and proSee PARK 10A posed amenities. Harris stated

1B Navarre will be aflutter with Monarch Madness

appointees

By Romi White romiwhite@navarrepress.com Three Santa Rosa County Tourist Development Council (TDC) members have terms expiring next month. Two of those have chosen not to reapply to serve on the council, which makes

See TDC 11A

1C

Balanced attack leads Navarre to first win

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10A / NAVARRE PRESS

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2013

infringing upon open space areas used during concerts and other events held in the park.

If funding is ultimately awarded, the proposed improvements would be made through a 2014-2015 Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program (FRDAP) grant via Florida Forever Funding. The funding is provided through a state program which provides financial assistance to local governments to develop or acquire land for public outdoor recreational purposes.

The maximum FRDAP funding request is $200,000.

However, Harris stated that because required matches are 50 percent for funding above $150,000, the county is limiting the request to $150,000 or below so that the required match amount would only be 25 percent.

The Navarre Chamber Foundation has agreed to provide up to a $15,000 cash or in-kind match for the grant.

Harris stated Santa Rosa County Commissioner Jim Melvin will fund any remaining required match percentage from his district’s recreation funds.

Harris explained

guidelines for FRDAP funding, such as more than half of the project request must represent“primary recreation facilities,”which are defined as any facility which could stand alone and provide outdoor recreation without a support facility.

Additionally, she explained how some suggestions, such as addressing runoff water issues or park pond filtration or drainage, were disallowable requests. Harris stated she would relay details about those issues to the appropriate county staff.

A petition was presented with over 150 signatures from

moms who frequent the park.

The petition requested additional park benches and/or seating plus shaded areas and removal of the existing fence between the splash pad and the basketball court and replacement with sturdier, more kid-friendly material.

“As a parent, I’ve noticed that if you have young children, a handicap issue or if you’re pregnant and it’s hot outside it’s very uncomfortable.

I think more seating and some shade would be very helpful,”said Megan Stout, a local parent who signed the petition.

Sheila Harris, county grants and special projects director, explains details about the county’s pursuit of a grant to fund improvements at Navarre Park at a Sept. 12 public meeting.

Harris said the county a stand-alone bathroom be would explore these options included in the application and that additional seating so that on-site portable toiwould be included in the lets can be removed.The restroom would likely be locatapplication.

Attendees also requested ed near an existing lift station

adjacent to theVisitors Information Center within the park, and Harris affirmed such a bathroom would be ADA compliant.

Members of Heroes on the Water voiced support for a kayak launch and offered to request a letter of support for the effort from the Wounded Warrior’s project. Harris stated the county intends to design an ADA-compliant pathway and kayak launch.

Although the proposed costs of the current list totals $162,500, Harris has until the end of September to refine the budget. “I don’t have a final number, but we’re limiting the request to $150,000 or under,”stated Harris on Sept. 16.

The county is continuing to accept public comments on the grant, which is due at the end of September. To suggest ideas, contact Harris at sheilah@santarosa.fl.gov or 850-983-1848.

The final presentation of the grant application will be presented for approval to the Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners at their next committee meeting at 9 a.m. on Sept. 23 at the County Adminisitrative Complex at 6495 Caroline Street in Milton.

The state legislature will consider recommended funding levels in April 2014.

Burglaries

Pier

Aloy said that several areas in Navarre including Holley by the Sea have been experiencing a large amount of vehicle burglaries in recent months. Since January, there have been 103 car burglaries in Navarre and eight just this month.

“That is quite a lot for that period,”Aloy said.“Not only is this a trend, but it’s time consuming for the Sheriff’s Office. Each vehicle burglary requires its own case.”

Aloy said that typically younger people between 12 and 20 years old are committing the burglaries from anywhere between 9 p.m. and 4 a.m.

“Kids call it car hopping,” Aloy said. “It’s a crime of opportunity so they will walk around neighborhoods looking for cars, and checking the handle to see if the door is unlocked. They will hit however many cars they want overnight. What they don’t realize is that each one is a felony.”

Items typically stolen out of vehicles include GPS units, wallets, purses, iPods, debit cards, military gear and even handguns.

“A total of eight handguns were stolen out of unlocked vehicles in Navarre this year,” Aloy said.

Aloy said that arrests connected to several car burglaries have been made.“Fortunately for us, we have had witnesses in some cases and we also have officers patrol certain areas where we know this is happening,”Aloy said.

“The community involvement also helps when we have people calling in.”

To report suspicious activity, contact the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office District 2 Office at 850-981-2250.

bid to take place among a minimum of three bidders.

However, the county attorney voiced no objection to the board following Walker’s recommendation, which aimed to eliminate the other three bidders, two of whom were tied for third-place ranking.

“The judge did not grant the temporary injunction because the board has not taken any action and tabled the revote, so there was no need for an ex-parte hearing. We’ll have a temporary injunction hearing on it at

some point,”said Michael Gibson, attorney for Pasco Gibson Jr andYolanda Wells.

Gisbon also stated that since County Attorney Angela J. Jones was out of town, he did not expect any action this week.

As previously reported in Navarre Press, citizens have questioned Angela Jones’lack of experience as an official county attorney because of recent actions pursued by the commission on her advice.

The filing of the lawsuit is fueling further criticism that the commission should have given more consideration to more experienced candidates for the position.

“To date we have had a

question on the well protection ordinance in which the State Attorney’s Office determined the county attorney did not follow proper procedures and now has this issue with the pier bid. After a series of decisions by the county attorney I have come to the conclusion that for the protection of the citizens our commissioners should seek different counsel,”stated Jerry Couey, a local government activist who frequently fishes on Navarre Beach Pier.

It’s noteworthy that Michael Gibson, a former Assistant State Attorney who is representing his brother, Pasco Gibson, had also applied for the county attorney job.

Upon learning of the lawsuit, Jones sent an email to commissioners and Walker which stated,“I am going to recommend tabling the vote on the pier proposals. I’ve become aware of a lawsuit filed against the Board, along with Commissioners Cole, Salter and Lynchard, by Pasco Gibson and Yolanda Wells. Call with questions.”

The current pier management team,The Pier, Inc., was also named as a defendant in the suit. The Pier, Inc. is operated by Dorothy Slye and her brother, Everett Ratliff Jr., who had placed second in the commission’s selection process on Aug. 19 and prompted the action to

revisit the decision through Slye’s Aug. 20 email to Walker, seeking the commission to continue her contract when they“vote”for The Pier, Inc. The current pier management contract expires Dec. 31, after commencing June 24, 2010 and receiving an extension earlier this year.

Neither Gibson brother would speculate on the outcome in the matter, and the county spokesperson stated no official comments would be made, citing the pending litigation. The next county commission meeting will be held at 9 a.m., Sept. 23 at the County Administrative Complex at 6495 Caroline Street in Milton.

that the citizens in our district receive the representation and transparency that they deserve. I want to help address some problems which have gone unaddressed so that our children aren’t left to fix the problems we can start solving today.”

James attended Santa Rosa County Schools prior to graduating from Pensacola State College. He opened Broxson Outdoors in May of 2010 and has also started two other businesses - JRMA Investments in early 2012 and Broxson Outdoors Charters in 2013. “As the owner and operator of three companies in Navarre, I understand the position of small business owners and want to ensure we nurture an environment which is conducive for business development and economic growth,”said Broxson.

Position on Issues “We need to make Santa Rosa County more attractive to businesses. We should be aggressively pursuing companies in order to fill our industrial park in East Milton that is still vacant years

after the purchase. If we could attract businesses to our area it would help in retaining some of our young talent that we seem to lose every year. I believe tax breaks, impact fee reduction and numerous other incentives are avenues that we should be investigating in order for (Santa Rosa County) to become more attractive to businesses that are willing to relocate to our area,” said Broxson.

Regarding restoration of Navarre Beach, Broxson feels those who live on the island should not have to keep bearing the entire burden of maintaining a beach which benefits the entire county.

“We don’t need to look at another MSBU tax on those who live on the island to address the issues. Tourism is our second largest industry because of our beaches, so it’s important to ensure we set up a funding mechanism to provide restoration on a recurring cycle as needed,” stated Broxson, noting, “I feel the best way to handle it is through an increase in bed taxes.”

Broxson is also hesitant

about raising ad valorem taxes.“We need to stop looking at increasing property taxes as the go-to answer to solve funding problems. Our residents pay enough. I agree with giving raises so that we can retain experienced, trained deputies and county employees, but re-examining the budget for other means to provide such is the responsible thing to do,”stated Broxson.

Broxson did, however, voice support for a temporary one cent sales tax to fund construction of a new county courthouse. “It is time for a new judicial center. The courthouse has become an outdated facility with many security and safety issues,” said Broxson.

Broxson, who works with local fisherman daily, is also supportive of re-opening the Navarre Pass. “I think it would be great for tourism and our local fisherman if it’s done the right way. Right now people drive to Escambia or Okaloosa Counties and buy gas and food over there, only to drive their boats back to Navarre for the great

fishing venue we offer. We could capture all that revenue if we had the pass. I also believe that it would help the water quality in the sound. A pass would also increase the amount of marine life and underwater visibility on our inshore reefs,” noted Broxson.

With regard to incorporation, Broxson is open to exploring the option. “I would first have to look at what the costs would be to our citizens in order to make an informed decision on how I feel about incorporating Navarre. If incorporating makes since financially and the return on the citizen’s investment would be worthwhile then I think all citizens should have the opportunity to vote on the issue. I also believe that the community of Holley should be excluded from the effort if they oppose another level of government.”

James and his wife, Rachel, have two children: Michael, who attends Holley-Navarre Intermediate School , and Ava, who attends HolleyNavarre Primary School.

Raises

initiated a thorough budget review and discovered more than half of the funds required to facilitate the raises would be available.

“I took another look at the budget and saw where we were and looked at projected income. I was afraid that if we did a tax increase it could hurt this fragile recovery we’re in. I knew we had enough money in the last budget cycle’s lapse rate to do what we’re doing safely in a responsible way,”said Melvin.

Melvin found that constitutional officers are set to return roughly $1.3 million in excess back to the county.

Although $578,000 of the extra funds have already been allocated, the remaining $722,000 collected from fees

will now be applied toward raises, which are expected to cost around $1.3 million. The board plans to pull the remaining funding for the raises from the county’s $22 million reserves, which are held for emergency situations, such as hurricanes.

“At last Thursday’s meeting, Melvin made a recommendation to look at what we get back from other departments plus using some reserves to avoid a tax increase.

I want to commend him for doing that,”said Williamson, who had also been discussing other options with the county administrator.“I’m glad Commissioner Melvin took the lead. I was the only other commissioner in the meeting that day who came on

board with it. The other commissioners finally came on board when they figured it was a good idea,” added Williamson.

At the final hearing, Commissioner Salter moved to bypass public comments on the matter, expressing a belief that the commission’s actions were“going to appease most people.” However, Chairman Cole reminded Salter it was an advertised scheduled public comment session which needed to take place.

Sam Mullins, co-founder of the Santa Rosa County Tea Party, conveyed appreciation to the commission.“I want to thank the county commissioners for doing a diligent job keeping taxes the way that they are,” said

Mullins, who was echoed by other Tea Party members.

“What about next year?” asked Navarre resident Yvonne Harper, who added, “I would rather pay a little more now than get slammed next year.”

“We have responsibility to be good stewards not just for this fiscal year,”said Lynchard, noting the use of non-recurring funds for a recurring expense.“I do caution the board against what could come down the road,”added Lynchard, noting an increase in property taxes might need to be considered in the future to sustain the pay hike.

Lynchard also expressed concern over the need to provide deputies with reliable transportation, noting some

patrol vehicles have mileage over 150,000.“Our deputies deserve better,”said Lynchard, pointing out that new cars are needed annually.

Sheriff Hall, however, expressed confidence that a continued economic upswing will support the measure. “I’m very optimistic that by next year that growth alone will support and fund not only this recurring budget issue but many others,”said Hall.

Commissioners closed out the meeting by unanimously voting to keep the current millage rate at 6.0953, which has been in place since 2008. They also officially adopted the fiscal year 2014 operating budget of nearly $101 million.

Park

Continued from page 1A

Continued from page 1A

Continued from page 1A

After Santa Rosa County Sheriff Wendall Hall’s compelling plea for raises at first budget hearHall ing Sept. 3, three commissioners – Bob Cole, Lane Lynchard and Don Salter - incited the wrath of the local Tea Party and residents by voting to consider a tax hike. Commissioners Jim Melvin and Jim Williamson opposed such an increase.

Subsequently, Commissioner Jim Melvin, a retired certified public accountant,

Photo by Danie Bell

Continued from page 1A

Broxson

Continued from page 1A

area, where his family has resided for about 150 years.

Broxson hopes to follow in the footsteps of several relatives who have also served in public office. James’greatgrandfather, William Milton Broxson, served as a school board member and county commissioner in the early 1900s and was instrumental in the development of Hwy. 87 andYellow River Bridge.

James is also related to current House District 3 State Representative Doug Broxson, whose brother, John, not only served as a county commissioner and state legislator but also as Santa Rosa County Sheriff after his father, Bart, was killed in a car accident.

“I love Navarre because I grew up here. I own businesses here, I live here, and I am raising a family here. In short, I care because I have a vested interest in our area and the direction it will take in the future,”said Broxson, adding,“I want to make sure

Photo by Romi White

Waterspout spotted at Navarre Beach

See story on 10A

Photo by John Richardson

NAVARRE PRESS THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2013

Navarre man arrested for child pornography

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NEWS & INFORMATION

Storm drain fails, breaks pipe and collapses sidewalk

Part of Hwy 87 collapses

By Chris Chatelain editor@navarrepress.com A Navarre man was arrested on felony pornography charges last Thursday.

According to the Florida DepartRose ment of Law Enforcement, Jerry Jay Rose, 60, of Tortuga Street, was arrested by the FDLE Tallahassee Regional Operations Center Cyber High Tech Crime Squad and charged with two counts of distribution of child pornography.

See ROSE 10A

Ethics ruling: No conflict in Lynchard-Slye connections

By Romi White romiwhite@navarrepress.com Since he was first elected in 2008, Santa Rosa County Commissioner Lane Lynchard has abstained at least 10 times from voting on matters before the Santa Rosa Slye Lynchard Commission involving Dorothy Slye, president of The Pier, Inc., which is contracted to operate the Navarre Beach Pier.

Lynchard cited personal business connections as the reason for his recusals.

See LYNCHARD 11A

Photo by Chris Chatelain

Crews from Holley-Navarre Water System and Florida Department of Transportation work on removing a separated water pipe on Hwy 87 near the intersection of Laredo Street on Tuesday morning.

By Chris Chatelain editor@navarrepress.com Part of the sidewalk alongside Highway 87 near the intersection of Laredo Street collapsed following the failure of a stormwater drain and the separating of a water line

following Monday’s heavy rains.

The cause of the collapse was a Florida Department of Transportation drainage system about 12 feet below the surface, said Ken Walker, General Manager of HolleyNavarre Water System. The

drainage system failed, and washed out the filler that was beneath a 10-inch water line.

“The FDOT had a drainage problem at that location recently, and last week they had come and put some filler in where it had gotten washed

out,”said Walker.“Well, the storm last night flooded the system and washed out the filler.”

The water line, said Walker, is only about five or six feet below the surface, so when

See COLLAPSES 10A

New courthouse Gulf Coast Aerospace Coalition formed location stirs debate

Wanted sex offender arrested after traffic stop

By Romi White romiwhite@navarrepress.com

By Tom Kirkham tom@navarrepress.com

By Romi White romiwhite@navarrepress.com

A planned discussion for purchasing property near Avalon Boulevard for a courthouse prompted many citizens to attend Monday’s Santa Rosa County Commission Cole meeting, some of them encouraging commissioners to instead consider using existing property the county already owns in East Milton.

A draft of the county’s request for proposals for a new judicial facility indicates the county plans to seek a minimum of 10 acres located within 2.5 miles of the intersection of Highway 90 and Avalon Boulevard.

To fund the courthouse, commissioners are considering asking voters to approve a temporary one cent sales tax next year.

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7502 Harvest Village Ct. Navarre, FL 32566

Copyright © 2013 Navarre Press

See COURTHOUSE 10A

In an effort to attract companies in the aerospace industry to the region, the Greater Pensacola Chamber and five counties in Northwest Florida have formed the Gulf Coast Aerospace Coalition. The coalition consists of economic development leaders from Bay, Escambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Walton counties, with the Greater Pensacola Chamber representing Greater Pensacola.

The group plans to attend the Aerospace Supply Chain Conference at the end of the year in Hamburg, Germany in hopes of increasing the area’s appeal to the European market. Santa Rosa County is planning to spend about $6,000 to send two representatives on the

inside 3 Sections

Northwest Florida.”

“The tour will give Santa Rosa County leaders a firsthand look at the A320 and help them learn to be more competitive in attracting suppliers,”said Ogletree.“If Santa Rosa County is serious in attracting aviation companies like Airbus Suppliers, we must act now and seize this opportunity.”

A traffic stop netted an arrest of a wanted sex offender on Sept.

15 when a vehicle was stopped by a Santa Rosa Grubbs County Sheriff’s Office deputy.

According to a Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office report, the vehicle was operated by Annie Elizabeth Holland Holland, 29, of Milton, but was registered to another person.

See COALITION 11A

See GRUBBS 11A

Photo courtesy of Airbus SAS 2013

The first A320 Family aircraft delivered to American Airlines, which was provided on July 23 in Hamburg, Germany, also is the initial A320 Family aircraft to feature fuel-saving Sharklets wingtip devices.

Dec. 4-11 trip.

In a Sept. 5 memo to County Administrator Hunter Walker, Shannon Ogletree, the county’s Economic Development Director stated,“a five-county initiative stretching from Escambia to Bay County will launch a three-pronged marketing approach in Hamburg, Germany, which is aimed at attracting European-based aerospace supplier companies to

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NAVARRE PRESS / 11A

Two arrested for stealing from elderly family member

By Shelby Smithey shelby@navarrepress.co A former Milton nurse and his girlfriend were arrested last Saturday in connection with neglect- Hall ing and stealing money from his elderly mother, according to a Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office arrest report.

Warrants were issued for Mark Hall, 41, and his girlfriend Jennifer Kaplan, 43, after Hall’s brother filed an exploitation of the elderly

Lynchard

Continued from page 1A

Lynchard, who represents District 5, is an attorney in private practice and shareholder of Lynchard & Greene, P.A. Lynchard & Green P.A. conducts business with Slye, who is also a realtor, through multiple homeowners associations with which she is contracted for management services.

“Any time a vote happens I abstain if there is any question.

With regards to attorneys, the abstention rules are broader than in many other instance,” stated Lynchard. “Due to changes in my firm, I requested an ethics opinion in the fall

Coalition

Continued from page 1A

Each county is allowed to have up to 10 individuals to participate. Ogletree suggested the county fund sending two representatives and invite eight additional members of the community to attend on behalf of Santa Rosa County - but at their own expense.

Ogletree will be attending the conference, and although it remains undecided at this time, Military Affairs Consultant Pete Gandy might also

Grubbs

Continued from page 1A

Holland was arrested on a traffic violation. At the same time, the vehicle was released to a male passenger who, unknown to the deputy, had provided a false name.

While being transported to the Santa Rosa County Jail, Holland spoke to the deputy and stated that the male was

complaint with the Sheriff’s Office five months ago.

Hall’s brother told officers that Hall had previously lived with his mother rentfree and was tasked with paying the bills and further Kaplan caring for her, but was no longer living at the residence. Hall and Kaplan were subsequently located in French Lick, Indiana, earlier this month and were booked into the Santa Rosa County Jail on Sept. 14.

Hall’s brother told officers that Hall was a former

registered nurse at the Santa Rosa Medical Center and lived at his mother’s residence “on-and-off.”He said that his mother’s vision had declined over the years and in exchange for free rent, Hall was responsible for caring for his mother. Hall’s brother told officers that in 2010 Hall abruptly left, leaving his mother without care, electricity and water and with overdue bills.

Hall’s brother told officers that Hall moved back into his mother’s residence in 2011 and resumed his duties to care for her. He said that Hall began to ask his mother for money and asked her to obtain cash advances on her

Gulf Winds credit card. Hall did not pay his mother back for the cash advances, and his mother was in default more than $6,000.

Hall’s brother provided bank statements from his mother’s account which showed withdrawals totaling more than $12,000. In addition, numerous checks were written to Hall, Kaplan and other individuals totaling more than $15,000 in June and July of 2012. Of the checks, ten were made payable to Kaplan totaling $5,170.

According to the arrest report, the signatures varied on all of the signed checks

and did not appear to be the legitimate signature of Hall’s mother.

Before Hall’s brother made the complaint in April, an aunt had contacted him and told him that Hall had left a note at his mother’s residence, which indicated that he had gotten a job out of state and that he was not going to return to care for his mother. He said that she was left without power, water and medication at that time, and had many other unpaid bills.

In June, officers spoke with Hall’s mother and she told officers that Hall wrote checks to people she didn’t know and that he took

money from her and she did not know where it went. She told officers that“it was the worst mistake she ever made” and that Hall had talked her into signing a reverse mortgage on her residence, totaling $36,298. She said that Hall had lied to her about the amount and failed to make any bill payments with the money.

Both Hall and Kaplan were charged with one count each of theft from a person 65 years or older over $10,000, grand theft over $20,000, neglect of an elderly person without great bodily harm and exploitation of an elderly person over $20,000.

of 2011 regarding future votes on the pier. After the ethics opinion, there is no need to abstain on these matters.”

County Attorney Angela J. Jones reached out to the Commission on Ethics on Lynchard’s behalf Oct. 5, 2011, to seek an informal, written opinion regarding whether or not there is a voting conflict of interest for Lynchard on matters related to The Pier, Inc. Jones stated Lynchard’s firm represents three homeowners associations connected to Slye but that his partner’s previous individual representative of Slye had been terminated.

Julia Cobb Costas, assistant general counsel for the ethics commission, replied to the

inquiry Oct. 10, 2011, indicating Florida Statute § 112.3143(a) prohibits a local public officer from voting on a matter that inures to his special private gain or loss, or to the special private gain or loss of a principal by whom he is retained.

However, Costas noted that such is not applicable to former clients, and although Slye is a contractor to homeowners’ associations who are clients of Lynchard’s law firm, that relationship does not make her a principal of his firm.

“Accordingly, I do not believe that Commissioner Lynchard is required to abstain from voting on matters involving Ms. Slye as she is not a principal by whom he

attend as the other staff designee.

The estimated cost to attend is less than $3,000 per person, including travel, hotel, ground transportation from hotel to the forum and some meals.

The three goals of the trip are to participate in the Aerospace Supply Chain Conference, meet individually with aerospace-related companies and hold a Northwest Florida Leadership Forum to tour the Airbus A320 final assembly line. The visit will likely include meeting with key personnel to understand

Airbus’ potential impact on the region and to gain insight into the needs of aerospace supplier companies, such as specialized training.

Currently there is an Airbus assembly line under construction in Mobile, Alabama.

The Coalition members believe the Gulf Coast’s strategic location in Northwest Florida creates significant opportunities for aerospace suppliers, especially considering the recent expansion of aviation original equipment manufacturer (OEM) assembly plants in the Southeastern U.S.

is retained,”stated Costas.

Lynchard first abstained for an April 2009 vote in which the county awarded Slye a 10year lease on county-owned property located at 8228 Gulf Boulevard, citing his firm represented Slye in other matters.

Additionally Lynchard recused himself from multiple other votes involving the Navarre Beach Pier until receiving the ethics opinion in October 2011. Thereafter, Lynchard started voting on matters involving The Pier, Inc. Prior to the opinion, Lynchard did not abstain from voting on two matters before the commission involving Slye: the November 2009 reappointment of Slye to the Santa Rosa County Tourist Development Council and the April 2010 fee schedule for the Pier.

“I have abstained from voting any time the ethics rules required,”stated Lynchard, who filed required forms after abstaining.

Following is a list of votes from which Lynchard abstained: ■ Apr. 9, 2009 — Recommend Navarre Beach Lease Agreement with Dorothy Slye for commercial property located at 8228 Gulf Boulevard.

■ Jan. 25, 2010 — Navarre Beach Fishing Pier Management Interviews ■ Jan. 28, 2010 — Discussion of proposals for Navarre Beach Pier management.

■ Mar. 11, 2010 — Recommend Agreement for Operation and Management of Navarre Beach Gulf Pier and Concession with Dorothy Slye and Everett Ratliff.

■ Oct. 14, 2010 — Recommend conceptual approval of proposed addition to the deck of the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier as requested by Pier, Inc. ■ Nov. 10, 2010 — Recommend conceptual site plan for Navarre Beach Fishing Pier to include proposed deck expansion and covered cabana as proposed by Dorothy

Slye of The Pier, Inc. with the caveat of the non-smoking and non-alcohol area once construction is complete.

■ Apr. 28, 2011 — Recommend retaining former cabana area for snow cone or ice cream/kids area at Navarre Beach Pier. Williamson moved approval without objection.

■ May 12, 2011 — Salter said he would like to give the County Administrator and County Attorney the opportunity to speak with Dorothy Slye and build in some type of discretion/flexibility into the agreement to give Dorothy Slye permission to waive fees for particular groups of individuals on some type of criteria.

■ Jul. 14, 2011 — Discussion of amending the Navarre Beach Pier fishing fees ■ Aug. 11, 2011 — Recommend closing time of 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 12 a.m. Friday and Saturday at the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier Bar.

the boyfriend or her roommate and they were all residing on Walling Road in Milton.

The male subject who gave a false name was later identified as 36-year-old James Lee Grubbs — a fugitive sex offender. He was wanted on arrest warrants for violations of the Florida Sex Offender Registration Laws to include sex offender registration violations.

Grubbs was also wanted on charges of violation of

probation (Felony).

Grubbs was arrested two days later for his outstanding warrants and additionally charged with obstruction of justice for resisting arrest without violence.

Subsequently, Holland was arrested for harboring a noncompliant sex offender, concealing a noncompliant sex offender and obstruction of justice for resisting an officer without violence.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETINGS All Board of County Commission Meetings and other county department meetings are held in the County Administrative Center Board Room, 6495 Caroline Street, Milton, Florida, unless otherwise indicated.

NOTICE OF CHANGE OF LAND USE AND INTENT TO CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE The Santa Rosa County Zoning Board and Board of County Commissioners will conduct public hearings to consider a change of the Land Development Code and Comprehensive Plan. The hearings are scheduled as follows: Zoning Board (to consider and make a recommendation on the proposals): Thursday, October 10, 2013 at 6:00 p.m.

Board of County Commissioners (to consider adoption of the ordinance): Thursday, October 24, 2013 at 6:00 p.m.

Both meetings will be held at the Santa Rosa County Administrative Center in the Board Meeting Room, 6495 Caroline Street, Milton, Florida. At the public hearings, the Local Planning Board and Board of County Commissioners shall consider the ordinances entitled: Ordinance No. 1 AN ORDINANCE RELATING TO SANTA ROSA COUNTY, FLORIDA; AMENDING ORDINANCE 91-24 AS AMENDED; AMENDING THE ZONING DISTRICTS AS DEPICTED IN THE ATTACHED MAPS; APPROVING THE AMENDMENTS TO THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP OF THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE AS DEPICTED IN THE ATTACHED MAPS; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Zoning District Amended: from RR-1 (Rural Residential) to R-1 (Single Family Residential) – total 26.90 (+/-) acres.

Ordinance No. 2

Marine Advisory October 1 Tourist Development North End Committee October 3 Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce, 5247 Stewart St., Milton Commission Committee October 7 Tourist Development South End Committee October 9 Navarre Visitors’ Center, 8543 Navarre Parkway, Navarre Building Code Board of Adjustments October 9 Public Services Conference Room, 6051 Old Bagdad Hwy., Milton Commission Regular October 10 Zoning Board Meeting October 10 RESTORE Council October 14 Fire Department Executive Group October 14 Emergency Operations Center, 4499 Pine Forest Rd., Milton Tourist Development Council Board Meeting October 16 Navarre Visitors’ Center, 8543 Navarre Parkway, Navarre Aviation Advisory Committee October 16 Commission Committee October 21 Bagdad Architectural Advisory Board October 23 Public Services Conference Room, 6051 Old Bagdad Hwy., Milton Public Safety Coordinating Council October 23 Sheriff’s Dept. Training Room, 5755 E. Milton Rd., Milton Parks and Recreation October 23 Commission Regular October 24 Local Mitigation Strategy Task Force October 24 Public Services Conference Room, 6051 Old Bagdad Hwy., Milton Commission Special – Rezoning Meeting October 24

5:00 p.m.

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Cancelled 9:00 a.m.

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If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in a public hearing you are entitled to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact Emily Spencer at (850) 983-1855 or at 6495 Caroline Street, Milton at least one (1) week prior to the date of the public hearing. Agendas and minutes are also available at www.santarosa.fl.gov. All meetings held in the Board Room are recorded on DVD and available for purchase and most can be viewed live and/or replayed at this web site by selecting the meeting from the main page.

PUBLIC NOTICE 1891

AN ORDINANCE RELATING TO SANTA ROSA COUNTY, FLORIDA; ORDINANCE 2003-25; AMENDING THE SANTA ROSA COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN; AMENDING FUTURE LAND USE, INFRASTRUCTURE, INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION AND CONSERVATION ELEMENTS AS RECOMMENDED BY THE SANTA ROSA COUNTY 2030 WATER SUPPLY FACILITIES WORK PLAN PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. The agenda and backup documentation will be available via the Meetings & Agendas Page of the County’s website at www.santarosa.fl.gov approximately 1 week prior to each scheduled meeting. Interested parties may appear at the meetings and be heard with respect to this proposed ordinance. All interested parties should take notice that if they decide to appeal any decision made by the Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners with respect to any matter coming before said Board at said meeting, it is their individual responsibility to insure that a record of proceedings they are appealing exists and for such purpose they will need to insure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record shall include the testimony and the evidence upon which their appeal is to be based.

Santa Rosa County adheres to the Americans with Disabilities Act and will make reasonable modifications for access to this meeting upon request. Please call Santa Rosa County Planning, Zoning and Development Division at (850) 9817075 to make a request. For the Hearing-Impaired, 1-800-955-8770 (Voice). Requests must be received at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting in order to provide the requested service.

Public Notice #1892.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month Crystal Adams and Cinnamon Holderman of Abaca Mortgage in Navarre ‘go pink’ for breast cancer awareness month. The Chamber is encouraging businesses to decorate doors or windows pink, and Think Pink Navarre group has big plans for an event later this month.

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Sandscapes

Commissioners change contract proposal ranking system

By Romi White romiwhite@navarrepress.com Santa Rosa County has revised their proposal selection process in the wake of a lawsuit filed against the county to keep commissioners from reselecting the Navarre Beach Pier management contract. The board unanimously approved the change at its regular meeting last Thursday.

Unlike the previous selection method in which each commissioner ranked proposals in ascending order of preference with the proposal earning the lowest average score considered the winner, the new process calls for commissioners to nominate

See COMMISSIONERS 10A

Navarre woman caught in forgery, theft scheme

By Chris Chatelain editor@navarrepress.com

Photos by Sandi Kemp

A Navarre woman who was trusted with money for a nonprofit organization has been charged with larceny by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office after it was discov- King ered that she had been stealing money from the Friends of the Mary Esther Library.

According to an Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office report, Tamara Lynn King, 50, of Navarre, had been forging signatures on checks from the nonprofit organization and then cashing them. King worked as the City Clerk for the City of Mary Esther, and was also Treasurer of the Friends of Mary Esther Library.

See KING 10A

Government shutdown creates uncertainty Staff reports editor@navarrepress.com The partial government shutdown — the first in nearly two decades — that began Tuesday plunged hundreds of thousands across the country into uncertainty not knowing when they would next work and get a paycheck.

The shutdown’s effects reached locally to the military bases, where active duty, as of Tuesday, were still working and paid on schedule.

U.S. Rep. Jeff Miller’s office confirmed that the House and Senate worked out an agreement that ensured active duty military would be paid on schedule in a shutdown situation.

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See SHUTDOWN 10A

Melineige Beauregard, of Quebec, won 1st place in the professional competition at last weekend’s Navarre Beach Sand Sculpting Festival for her “Lovers” sculpture. See 12A and 3B for a complete story and results.

Rollover sends teen to hospital

By Shelby Smithey s h e l b y @ n a v a rrepress.com A one-car accident sent a Fort Walton Beach teen to the hospital and clogged the eastbound lanes of Highway 98 near Sunrise Drive last Thursday in Navarre.

According to a Florida Highway Patrol report, the accident happened just before 12:30 p.m. when a silver Mazda SUV driven

by Joshua Hart, 18, of Fort Walton Beach, departed the roadway near the intersection of Hwy 98 and Sunrise Dr. and ran through the median before rolling over multiple times.The SUV came to a final

Three men arrested after a short vehicle pursuit Tom Kirkham tom@navarrepress.com

A Navarre man and two others were arrested last Friday following a short vehicle pursuit on Navarre roadways, Photo by Shelby Smithey and the search for Barnes A Fort Walton Beach teen was hospitalized after his SUV rolled another man who over on Hwy 98 near Sunrise Drive last Thursday. took off on foot conrest in the eastbound lanes of Hwy remove Hart, who was trapped tinues. The men were arrested following a 98 near Cotton Bay Lane. in the SUV. EMS personnel, firefighters Hart was transported to Bap- traffic stop that idenfrom Holley-Navarre and Mid- tist Hospital in Pensacola with tified the vehicle as stolen. way fire districts worked to serious injuries.

According to a Santa Rosa County Douglas Sheriff’s Office report, the traffic stop was “Other counties have found initiated by a Santa signs which are often placed in it a successful tool,” stated Rosa Sheriff’s deputy the ground at Gomillion, who spoke about who was patrolling major intersec- the planned purchase of the the area of Panhantions. Gomillion $700 software to implement dle Trail and Timber Austin informed com- the system before the end of Lane and noticed the vehicle, which had been reported missioners of the year.

Gomillion Gomillion stated it may not as stolen. The deputy pulled over the planned purchase of such a system at See SIGNS 10A See STOLEN CAR 10A its meeting last Thursday.

Santa Rosa looking to crack down on ‘snipe’ signs

By Romi White romiwhite@navarrepress.com Santa Rosa County Public Services Director Tony Gomillion has been exploring the use of an automatic calling system which would allow residents to call in complaints about“snipe”signs – nuisance

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12A

Raiders dominate second half in 19-0 shut out at Milton

Sand sculptors take center stage

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Commissioners

Continued from page 1A

three proposals to move into a final selection process without assigning any ranks. Commissioners would then select their favorite of the finalists, repeating the process as needed until a winner is determined.

The new process was drafted by Commissioner Lane Lynchard.

“I am having difficulty in articulating voting procedures as we discussed at last committee meeting,”stated County Administrator Hunter Walker in a Sept. 17th email exchange with Lynchard.

Lynchard responded, via email:“At the conclusion of presentations and discussion, the selection committee will have the option of adjourning to allow additional time for further review or moving directly into the ranking and selection process. Ranking and selection will be as follows: Each member of the selection committee will list their top 3 choices (without designating order).

The 3 proposals garnering the highest number of mentions will move on to final ranking.

The members of the selection committee will then vote for their ftrst (sic) choice. If no proposal garners a majority of the committee, then the proposal which only received 1 vote will be removed from consideration, and the committee will again vote for their first choice.

This process will be repeated to determine the second and third ranked proposals.”

Commissioner Don Salter wanted to ensure any proposal which received three 1st place votes would ultimately be chosen as the winner. In the Navarre Beach Pier ranking, the proposal submitted by current contractor Pier, Inc., was the top pick of three of the five commissioners. However, that proposal ended up ranked second after all rankings were averaged, prompting the board vote to reconsider the selection.

The move to revisit the winning bid resulted in a lawsuit filed by Pasco Gibson Jr. and Yolanda Wells, who had placed first in the pier management ranking and subsequently received a contract from the county which they signed.

“Sounds like what you’re proposing accomplishes what I’m saying,”said Salter of Lynchard’s proposed description of the process. The county had used the previous matrix ranking selection method since the 1990s.

King

Continued from page 1A

The checks required two signatures, and King was signing her own name and then forging the signature of Brian McMahan, President of the Friends of the Mary Esther Library, according to the OCSO report. McMahan provided minutes from the organization’s meetings showing King had altered the monthly finance numbers to deceive members and to cover up her theft.

The report stated that the monies had been stolen between March 2012 and August of this year, with a total of 27 forged checks totaling more than $13,000 that were cashed at Regions Bank.

McMahan discovered the scheme through a review of the organizations financial reports and noticed that several checks were being written to “cash.”

According to the OCSO report, King was questioned about the checks and stolen money by Mary Esther City Manager Lynne Olin, who placed copies of the forged checks in front of King. King then began shaking her head and saying what Olin recalled as something like“Please don’t put me in jail,”and“Please don’t have me arrested.”

King was asked to make restitution and to resign her position as City Clerk. She made no further admissions during the meeting.

King’s husband, Keith, was informed of the theft of money and has made three separate payments totaling $12,420 as reimbursement. A total of $660 remains unpaid.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2013

Fire destroys Molina St. mobile home

By Tom Kirkham tom@navarrepress.com

Fire gutted a mobile home on Molina Street on Tuesday evening, leaving it a total loss.

Holley-Navarre Fire District was dispatched to the fire in the middle of a heavy thunderstorm Tuesday evening. According to HNFD Battalion Chief Howie Rounsaville, Engine 45 from the Navarre Fire Department arrived on the scene at 7:50 p.m. along with mutual aid from Navarre Beach, Florosa and Midway fire districts.

Rounsaville stated the

Mobile home was heavily involved when they arrived.

A neighbor told firefighters that the building was vacant.

However, power lines leading to the home appeared to be active.

Firefighters worked the scene for just short of an hour, until the blaze and several hotspots was brought under control at about 8:45 p.m.

The firefighters went through the structure and found no evidence of persons or animals.

Chief Rounsaville stated Submitted photo that he believes the fire was started by a lighting strike. Fire destroyed this mobile home on Molina Street in Navarre during last Tuesday’s heavy downpour. Firefighters say lightning caused the blaze.

Signs

Continued from page 1A immediately solve snipe sign problems but would help address issues with repetitive violators.

“I had a citizen bring it to my attention,”stated Commission Chairman Bob Cole, adding the measure is “part of getting our community cleaned up and looking good.”

In a Sept. 17 memo to the Board of County Commissioners, Gomillion stated “In 2012 we discussed the use of an automated calling system as a tool for code enforcement to utilize in the enforcement effort related to “snipe” signs. “At that time the board asked that we get with the Chambers and make them aware of the need for increased enforcement of all sign encroachments on the right-of-way.

We did do outreach with the chambers, and there were no negative comments related to increased enforcement,” added Gomillion.

Gomillion stated that oth-

Shutdown

Continued from page 1A However, civilian employees found themselves in a different spot.

“Civilian employees not engaged in excepted activities will be furloughed,” Deputy Defense Secretary Ash Carter stated in a released memo.“This means they will be placed in a non-work, nonpay status,”the memo continued.

Workers in essential positions such as air traffic controllers will continue to work, but will not get paid until the shutdown is resolved. Those employees will be eligible for retroactive pay, once the shutdown is ended.

Still, that is of little comfort for those who rely on each paycheck in order to keep bills paid. It is especially difficult for families in which

Photo by Romi White

Some busy local intersections, such as this one at Andorra and Hwy 98 in Navarre, have become peppered with illegal signs. er counties have begun utilizing similar systems and have reported them to be excellent tools in controlling snipe signs.“Given the positive feedback from the counties that utilize this system

and recent citizen interest in us utilizing all available means to control these signs, it is our intent to purchase the software previously discussed,” noted Gomillion.

Gomillion also said the

county plans to start using the system during the final quarter of the year.“It is our plan to phase in the implementation of this system, with the focus initially being on the most egregious and

repetitious violators,” said Gomillion.“Once we have a good understanding of how to properly and efficiently manage the system, we will expand its usage.”

both adults work for the government as civil employees, like Navarre residents Ben Harton Jr. and his wife, Settima.

Ben works at Hurlburt Field as an aerospace vehicle distribution officer, while Settima works as a contract specialist.

“I don’t know how long this is going to go on, but we rely on our income, and when it’s two of us it makes it really hard,”said Ben, 52, on Tuesday afternoon.“It’s not as devastating to us as a single mom or a single dad with kids might experience with a one income person, but it’s still hard. I thought the government would resolve this and come to a resolution and pass a bill that would somewhat support that.”

Settima is glad to see that a stand is being taken on certain issues, but worries about the consequences.

“800,000 people not working now. It’s a shame and a lot of people are going to suffer,” Settima, 52, said.“Hopefully something good will come of it. I know what a good outcome it is, we all go through our daily lives doing what we do, it’s all about our daily lives, there’s no movement when there was turmoil. Them standing up last night and today has been the biggest thing in my adult life that I can remember happening. I hope it makes a lot of people wake up and take interest in their government and their elected officials and makes them realize how important it is to have a voice and make it known.”

Still, Ben said it wouldn’t change his mind about what he does for a living.

“One of the thing that goes along with government employees is that you have to understand that this might

happen. As government employees you feel stable and secure, and when something like this comes along its shocking.You take it with a grain of salt and know we will eventually go back to work. But still, it’s hard.”

The Hartons have lived in Navarre for 17 years, and worry about some of the friends and colleagues.“We know people who are in precarious situations, we want to keep an eye out for them,” said Ben. The government shutdown also is having an effect on tourism and vacationers.

In addition to the closing of national monuments such as the Lincoln Memorial in D.C., locally the Gulf Islands National Seashore is closed until the government shutdown is resolved.

Hurlburt Field’s Public Affairs sent out the following:

Below are a list of base services that are experiencing closures due to the government shut down. If you have any questions feel free to ask as we will not be updating our base website (www.hurlburt.af.mil). Our Facebook page will be our main way of keeping you updated on developments here at Hurlburt Field. Make sure to share this with others so we can stay connected.

CLOSED Until Further Notice: • Airman and Family Readiness Center • Aquatic Center • Education Office (Individual school offices, Formal Training and volunteer/ off-duty testing will remain open) • Family Child Care Office • Library • Riptide Fitness Center

Fire Prevention Festival mixes safety and fun

By Shelby Smithey shelby@navarrepress.com To kick off Fire Prevention Week, the Holley-Navarre Fire District is holding its fifth annual Fire Prevention Festi- Early val this Saturday at Navarre Park.

“You’re never too old to learn about fire prevention,”said Joe Early, HNFD Fire Marshal.“It doesn’t end in your childhood.

It’s something that needs to be practiced and reviewed even as an adult.”

The HNFD Fire Prevention Festival will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 pm. at Navarre Park and will include fire safety demonstrations, games, an obstacle course, raffles, vendors, bounce houses and food.

All proceeds from the event go to providing safety awareness and prevention for the Navarre community.

In anticipation of Fire Prevention Week which is Oct. 6

–12, Early wants to educate the Navarre community about ways that they can make their homes safer, which is part of his job as Fire Marshal. He has been with the HNFD for three years and has worked in fire service for 33 years.

“I wear three different hats as Fire Marshal,”Early said.

“My job includes education, enforcement and plan reviews.

I do fire inspections of local businesses to make sure they are not in violation of any life safety code, which can include anything from placement of fire extinguishers and sprinklers to proper exit signs.”

Early said that stressing the importance of preventing kitchen fires is a main goal for this year’s Fire Prevention Week, as kitchen fires are the number one cause of fires in homes.

“At home is where most people let their guard down,” Early said.“They get comfortable or maybe a little lazy and that’s when things can happen. Most residential fires can be prevented, so we want to stress that.”

According to the National Fire Protection Association, seven people die on average in U.S. home fires per day, and two out of every five home fires start in the kitchen.

“Never leave the kitchen with the burner on. And, watch what you are cooking,”Early Photo by Tom Kirkham said.“Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove, keep a A Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Office deputy searches a car on Sunday pan lid nearby to cover a poten- following a short pursuit that lead to the arrest of three men tial fire and always use an oven and an ongoing search for another. mitt. Obviously, don’t use water three occupants from the vehito put out a grease fire. cle. A K-9 officer was called out Microwave fires are actually to assist with the search for the Continued from page 1A pretty common too.” driver, but the search was called Early said that besides and allowed the vehicle to pass off without an arrest. kitchen fires, fires caused by and then turned on the patrol Arrested at the scene were overloading electrical exten- car’s emergency lights to ini- Shawn Michael Douglas, 40, sion cords and garage fires tiate the stop. of Navarre, Michael Dakota The vehicle then accelerat- Austin, 23, of Mary Esther, and stemming from igniting gas water heaters are also com- ed and sped westbound down Anthony Ray Barnes, 20, listQuail Roost Dr. before stop- ed as homeless.The three pasmon.

“Always treat your smoke ping the vehicle at a residen- sengers were charged with detector going off as an emer- tial home.The vehicle just bare- grand theft and booked into gency until you know for sure ly missed hitting a large stone Santa Rosa County Jail on otherwise, and always have BBQ grill before coming to a $5,000 bonds. a plan knowing two ways rest at the edge of some trees The car was released to a out,”Early said.“Replace bat- and a fence on the property. family friend.

The driver exited the vehiteries twice a year and Law Enforcement is still replace your smoke detec- cle and took off on foot while searching for the driver of the deputies removed the other vehicle. tor every ten years.”

Stolen car

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

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Raiders stop Vikings 34-7

Gatlin Casey, 81, outruns the Viking special teams for a 97 yard kickoff return. The return for touchdown was Casey’s third of the season.

Deadly bacteria claims life of Gulf Breeze man

By Chris Chatelain editor@navarrepress.com Lifelong friends Alan Little and Duane Reynolds fished in the Santa Rosa Sound last Monday, just like they had hundreds of times before. But what happened days later was not typical, and would change the lives of two Gulf Breeze families as the fishing trip turned into the county’s first case of the deadly Vibrio Vulnificus bacteria.

See REYNOLDS 10A

Photos by Dickie Williams

Gatlin Casey, 81, grabs the sock of Fort Walton Beach quarterback Colby Tuthill, 18, as the Raider defense swarms to the ball to make the tackle in the Raiders’ 34-7 victory in Fort Walton last Friday night. See story on 1C.

County Commissioners to toss out all pier bids

By Romi White romiwhite@navarrepress.com In the aftermath of a lawsuit filed by the top-ranked bidder for the management contract of the Navarre Beach Pier, ComCole Salter missioner Lane Lynchard ini- Lynchard tiated a discussion to reject all previous bids and redo the selec- and Jim Melvin strongly tion, using a different voting opposed the move, which is set process. Commissioners Don to be officially approved today.

Salter and Bob Cole agreed, but In spite of selecting Pasco Commissioners Jim Williamson Gibson Jr. andYolanda Wells as

Williamson

Melvin

the top bidder through a ranking method the county has used since the 1990s, several commissioners said the process was flawed after the current pier

operator,The Pier, Inc., received their vote as top pick but didn’t ultimately win. It’s notable that Dorothy Slye and her brother, Everett Ratliff Jr., owners of The Pier Inc., won the contract in 2010 using the same ranking method three of the commissioners are now calling defective.

“I think we’ve managed to make everyone unhappy,”said

See PIER 11A

Wife cuts husband with chef’s knife

Bacteria levels again prompt advisory for Navarre Park Partially-nude

By Tom Kirkham tom@navarrepress.com

Chris Chatelain editor@navarrepress.com

A Gulf Breeze woman was arrested and charged with battery for cutting her husband with a chef’s knife during an altercation last week.

Lewis According to a Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office report, deputies responded to Pentagon Street last Thursday in response to an

Following heavy rains in late September, the water quality at Navarre Park has again tested high for bacteria levels.

According to the Florida Department of Health in Santa Rosa County, high levels of Enterococci, or fecal strep, were revealed in last week’s test. Enterococci is the same bacteria that caused water quality advisories for Navarre Park throughout much of June and July, and also

See LEWIS 10A

Lynchard: Santa Rosa has ‘one shot’ at RESTORE

By Romi White romiwhite@navarrepress.com

Santa Rosa County Commissioner Lane Lynchard, who serves as chairman of the Santa Rosa County RESTORE Council, recently provided an update on potential funding related to the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil spill at the Greater Navarre Beach Area Chamber’s Coffee & Commerce held Sept. 27. Lynchard spoke of the importance of

The Board of County Commissioners recently announced a new county program available immediately to Santa Rosa County residents, supposedly aimed to help with high prescription medication costs.

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See BACTERIA 11A

By Romi White romiwhite@navarrepress.com

of participants could be compromised. Furthermore, Santa Rosa County is set to receive $1 for every prescription filled with the card.

According to the release,“Santa Rosa County is launching a new program to help county

Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of an intoxicated female partially exposing herself while dancing at the The Pier Bar, located at the countyowned Navarre Beach Pier.

Ultimately, Jennifer Carney, 28, listed as homeless, was arrested for battery in the July 14 incident.

A Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office deputy arrived at the pier within 10 minutes of the report, which was called in at 5:58 p.m. The deputy spoke with a witness who identified herself as an

See DISCOUNT CARD 10A

See CARNEY 11A

Photo by Chris Chatelain

Concern grows over county’s new prescription discount card program

By Romi White romiwhite@navarrepress.com

See RESTORE 11A

dancing leads to battery arrest at the Pier Bar

at Shoreline Park in Gulf Breeze in July.

Florida Department of Health in Santa Rosa County epidemiologist Mary Beverly said that the county regularly measures the water for an indicator bacteria, Enterococci. The presence of Enterococci suggests that other bacteria and pathogens are likely present at the location.

“We see it a lot following heavy rainfall,”said Beverly.

The county is boasting that citizens can see significant savings through participation in the free discount card program administered by CVS/Caremark.

However, concerns are growing that there may not only be hidden fees associated with the program, but also the privacy

1C Raiders 7A rout Vikings

1B Wing and a prayer

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RESTORE

Continued from page 1A

using what he describes as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity wisely.

“RESTORE’s something that really provides great promise for Navarre and Santa Rosa County and really the entire panhandle of Florida,” said Lynchard.“The money is set aside to provide funding that will enable the Gulf Coast communities that suffered during the Deepwater Horizon spill to recover both environmentally and economically.”

Lynchard explained the multi-phase trial against BP is underway and only the first of three phases is complete, therefore, resulting funding could be years away from coming to fruition. “The amount of the fines has not been determined, so we don’t know how big RESTORE will ultimately be,”noted Lynchard.

However, the projected funding is estimated to be between $5 and $18 billion.

“The numbers are staggering,” said Lynchard, who stated Santa Rosa County’s direct allocation is projected to be between $10 and $40 million. That does not include funding received indirectly through projects in partnership with federal and state agencies “The projects that come about as a result of RESTORE are going to change the Gulf Coast permanently, but it has to be done correctly. We only have one shot of getting it right,”said Lynchard.

The funding can be used for environmental projects, economic development, infrastructure, tourism and other uses to achieve the goals of RESTORE.“My goal all along has been to invest these dollars in Santa Rosa County. There’s a big difference between investing and spending. We already have enough NRDA and RESTORE projects on the books to spend our RESTORE allocation many times over, but we have to be selective. We have an obligation to be stewards of these dollars that were meant to make us whole,”said Lynchard.

Lynchard has advocated for strategically leveraging participation with federal and state agencies to ensure the local share of the funding is best utilized. Jeff Helms, representing Santa Rosa County RESTORE Consultant Atkins North America, also spoke at the Chamber event and underscored the importance of leveraging. “The keys to success with this money (is) leveraging the money with other pots of money - partnering with other groups, partnering with the state, DEP and other folks,”said Helms.

“I want to see projects that are going to make a lasting difference in Navarre and Gulf Breeze and the rest of the county. If we do it right we will still be enjoying the benefits of RESTORE 20 years from now. If we don’t then we won’t have anything to show for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,”said Lynchard.

The local RESTORE council is tasked with developing a multiyear implementation plan which pulls all of the projects together and ultimately submits the plan to the Department of Treasury for funding. Currently the council is working to establish criteria related to four funding categories: environmental, economic development, tourism and general infrastructure.

“We will soon be holding meetings around the county to get input,”said Lynchard, who plans to hold the first official governmental meeting in the south end of the county soon. The RESTORE council’s Dec. 9 meeting is planned to be held at the Tiger Point Community Center, which is scheduled for completion in mid-November.

Pier

Continued from page 1A

Lynchard, who wants to throw out all bids and start over with a new request for proposal.

The county has been criticized as being too vague and unspecific when soliciting proposals. The winning proposal called for adding a fullservice restaurant to the facility – an idea which had received much praise and support.

“No one had an objection to anything at the time results

NAVARRE PRESS / 11A were made public,” said Melvin, who calls revisiting the selection afterwards unfair.

“We held a fair and open competition,”stated Melvin.

Commissioner Williamson, a former professional baseball player, apologized to Gibson and Wells and likened the board’s action to changing rules after a team had already lost a game. “Two wrongs don’t make a right,” said Williamson.

“I’m not sure that it was fair or not,”said Salter.“I agree with Commissioner Lynchard.

We made a mess out of it and

need to fix it.”

“At the conclusion of the first vote, Mr. Gibson was chosen as No. 1 and was given a contract,”said resident Jerry Couey, who fishes on the pier frequently and has expressed frustration with the current pier management.

“I saw the county placed in great danger, in high vulnerability by reopening the pier after it was closed (during a hurricane),”said Couey, who questions how three commissioners can justify ranking the current operator as their top pick, consider-

ing audit results and other ongoing issues at the pier.

Gibson also addressed commissioners on issues at the pier, citing multiple arrests, incidents and code enforcement issues. “Let’s make this pier complex something this board can be proud of,”said Gibson, who asked commissioners to set aside their personal interests.

Last month, Gibson and Wells filed a lawsuit to stop the county from re-voting on the submitted proposals. By rejecting all the bids and starting a new process, legal recourse in

2013 Navarre High School Senior Homecoming Court Photo by Shelby Smithey

Members of the Senior Homecoming Court for 2013 are as follows. Boys-back row, from left: Gatlin Casey, Christian Gill, Bobbie Baker, Carson Morgan, Chandler Moorer and Colton Boney. Girls-Front row, from left: Hunter Moorer, Savannah Rodwell, Keiana McKenzie, Lauren Pride, Jenna Bobbit and Marissa Butler.

Carney

Continued from page 1A

employee of Guardian ad Litem and who reported that she was aware Carney had a small baby and that she was concerned for the welfare of Carney and the baby after observing Carney’s behavior. The witness described Carney as“extremely intoxicated.” The report states the witness went on to say Carney“was dancing around partially exposing herself in front of others that were present” and that“it appeared Jennifer was not in control of herself.”

The Guardian ad Litem

Workshop to answer questions for small business start-up

By Chris Chatelain editor@navarrepress.com In an effort to nurture and encourage small businesses in Santa Rosa County, all five chambers of commerce in the county are working together for a “Speed to Market”workshop.

The workshop, which will be held from 9 a .m. – 2:30 p.m. on October 22 in the Santa Rosa County Auditorium in Milton, is intended to help Santa Rosa County be“as small business friendly as possible,” said Ed Carson, who serves as chair for the Santa Rosa Chamber Legislative Coalition.

Representatives from multiple state and county agencies will be on hand to answer questions prospective business owners might have about start-ups and expansion in Santa Rosa County. Carson said the Chambers came together to host a similar event last year, and wanted to again do something for small businesses.

“We hear people say all the time that they have difficulties knowing what to do and where to go for all their startup needs,”said Carson.“So we decided to have a workshop where we have all, or most, of the agencies involved in a small business start-up in one place for their benefit.

The questions raised here will help us understand where the most hardships are being encountered so we can better help those who are starting out.”

Carson said that the impact of small businesses on the economy are tremendous, pointing to the fact that about two-thirds of news jobs in the State of Florida are by small businesses.

“This is one way we can be there for (small businesses) and help our economy continue to grow,”said Carson.

employee informed the officer that she approached Carney and asked about the baby and that Carney became“very irate”and began yelling profanely at her before shoving her.

Although the deputy did not observe marks, the victim told the deputy she wanted to press charges and subsequently signed a sworn statement. Another witness corroborated the victim’s account of the incident and also provided a sworn statement.

After a short search, the deputy located Carney on the beach and observed her to be intoxicated, stating that at first she would not speak

to him and indicated she did not understand English.

However, the deputy reported that after a minute or so Carney began talking and indicated her baby was with her mother but she did not know the address. The deputy reported Carney’s demeanor as angry, irrational and intoxicated. Carney told the deputy that the victim got in her face, but she denied hitting or shoving the victim.

Based on the statements provided and evidence presented, Carney was placed under arrest for battery. Due to what appeared to be an intoxicated state, the deputy requested for an evaluation

by emergency medical services personnel. The Navarre Beach Fire Department responded and medically cleared Carney, who was transported to Santa Rosa County Jail and booked on a $500 bond.

Carney’s incident is just one of a multitude of incidents at the pier prompting dozens of responses by the Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Office and many subsequent arrests over the past couple of years.

There have been incidents of battery involving pier employees, trespassing involving youth consuming alcohol from The Pier Bar, a drug overdose and other reports of thefts and drunkenness.

the matter is limited.

In other commission business, the owners of the Navarre Beach site of the former Holiday Inn, which was razed following damage from Hurricane Ivan, are set to break ground on a new 160room hotel early next year with a goal for completion prior to the 2015 tourist season. Commissioners are also expected to vote today on three appointees to the Tourist Development Council and a one percent increase in bed taxes to help fund periodic beach restoration.

Bacteria

Continued from page 1A

“When it shows up in tests, we’ll put out advisories such as the one that is currently posted at Navarre Park. We don’t have the authority to close a public beach or area, but we can put out the signs warning against swimming and other water activities until levels return to normal.”

Beverly said that people with cuts, abrasions and open sores or wounds should to stay out of the water because of the high risk of complications and even infection that these bacteria can cause.

The next water quality test for Navarre is scheduled for next Monday, October 14.

Beverly said that there are plenty of other factors that lead to the high bacteria levels, but runoff from heavy rainfall often has the biggest impact in water quality in the sound. The rain water washes contaminants into rivers, lakes and into the sound.

Working against the Navarre Park location is the fact that there is a large stormwater drain at the park.

There are five test sites in the area: Navarre Park at Hwy 98, Juana’s beach, Navarre Beach Pier, Navarre Beach West (near walkway No. 12) and Shoreline Park in Gulf Breeze.

2A /

NAVARRE PRESS Volume XIV • Issue 20

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Breaking county ordinances, codes is bad for business

P

checked on in recent years.

And lastly, it would seem obvious that a simple background check on this man when he was an applicant would have revealed that hiring him would not only violate the public’s trust, but also violate county ordinance. That’s where the real head scratcher come in — current pier manager Dorothy Slye acknowledged that she knew of this person’s background.Yet, she hired him and he was allowed to continue working there until the county finally stepped in last week and advised that his employment needed to be terminated.

We are not too naïve to know that there is a story behind every sex offender. Most deserve the label, but certainly some are victims of circumstance. However, when examining the charges, this wasn’t a person that was the victim of a simple misunderstanding like looking at a 17-year-old the wrong way. No. According to a police report this person lured a young person into trying on clothes and posing provocatively, touched them inappropriately and performed a laundry list of other questionable actions.

This is absolutely not a person who should be working at a public place where there are children.

Following that news, it was also discovered that several electrical improvements at the pier are not only not up to code, but also have never even been filed with the county. Wiring leading to the volleyball court is not up to code, and string lights are plugged into multiple extension cords and pose a potential fire hazard.

This is yet another action that puts unaware visitors in unnecessary harm for no good reason.

What kind of message is being sent to potential visitors when these shortcuts are taken and when codes are not even enforced? The Navarre area, and Santa Rosa County, depends on tourism as a major part of its economy. Allowing public safety and public trust to be placed on the back burner is bad for business and bad for our image. If we don’t care enough to ensure visitors’ safety, why should they care enough to visit Navarre? It’s a slippery slope the county is headed down with current pier management.

utting the public in harm’s way is bad enough, but when it’s a business that is acting on behalf of the county, it makes us all look bad – the county, its residents and the business.

It was recently discovered that a known sex offender has been working at the Navarre Beach Pier – a clear violation a county ordinance that prohibits a sex offender from entering any county park. If this person could not even be on the property, how can he be hired to work there?

Imagine if you had just been told that someone with whom you trusted your children turned out to have a criminal record for sex crimes. We’re betting that you would feel violated and disgusted. But, we’re also guessing that it would never come to that because you would have performed a simple background check on that person before hiring them, right?

So that’s why we have trouble wrapping our minds around what is going on at the pier. It seems to us the ball was dropped by several departments in this case.

First, the county obviously needs better checks and balances in place because until the Navarre Press asked them about it, county administration seems to have had no idea there was a sexual offender working on county property. It stands to reason that the county should be verifying that a business it has contracted to run a county enterprise is following the law and county code.

Second, how did the Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Office check-ups on this person not reveal that he was working on county property? The SRSO is supposed to drop by periodically to check on each sex offender living in the county and ensure that they are walking the straight line. It seems like a simple“Where are you working now?”could have revealed that there was a violation here.Yes, he could have lied to an officer about his employment. However, verification of employment could have revealed that he was on the pier’s payroll — unless he was being paid in cash, which is also illegal because it evades taxes. Makes us wonder if this sexual offender had even been

&

Cheers Jeers Cheers to Risen Savior Lutheran Church for making people of all faiths feel welcome and at home at the Worship by the Water on Sunday. -Chris C

Cheers to the Navarre High freshman class for winning the Spirit Stick for the first time in school history. – Chris C. Cheers to County Commissioner Jim Melvin for stating that the county could not excuse a Navarre Beach hotel from paying owed back taxes. – Chris C. Jeers to CVS clerk who had to be asked to give change back after paying for merchandise. – Chris C. Cheers to Navarre High School’s SGA students for all their hard work in making homecoming a success. – Laura B. Jeers that Taco Bell is still not open. – Laura B.

Jeers to Concerned Citizens of Navarre (Facebook) who are really THE most UNconcerned group. What began as an idea to foster positive change in our community has turned into a group of inappropriate, juvenile-behaving, whining, immature adults who I hope are not representing the population of Navarre with their crude and rude comments that serve absolutely no purpose. – Gail A. Cheers to the citizens of Navarre that ARE truly concerned about the issues and making improvements; the ones who volunteer their time to make things happen – not spout off on Facebook, the ones who get out from behind their computer and stand in front of the committees that make decisions to let their voice be heard. Cheers to the ones who invest themselves in their community to make it a better place for all of us. – Gail A. Cheers to the NP staff for always standing strong on integrity and conviction. Your work is the light of our community. –Gail A. Cheers to everyone that came out to the Homecoming game and showed your team spirit. – Dickie W. Cheers to Jenna Bobbitt for being named Homecoming Queen. – Dickie W. Jeers to The Pier Inc. for knowingly hiring a sexual offender. – Dickie W.

Fine Print NAVARRE PRESS Volume XIV • Issue 21 Navarre Press is published weekly by Sandpaper Publishing, Inc. Navarre Press and its entire contents and style are fully protected by copyright and registered according to copyright laws. Navarre Press cannot be reproduced in any form for any purpose without the expressed written permission of Sandpaper Publishing, Inc., and Navarre Press.

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2013

Out and About

By Sandi Kemp, Publisher We have lots of ads this week featuring Halloween activities, so check them out and mark your calendars for the dates and times.

Halloween is October 31 and falls on Thursday. Every year we get a few calls asking us when Halloween is being celebrated in Santa Rosa County and the answer is, on October 31…unless it falls on a Sunday.The last time that happened, the powers that be decided that we shouldn’t trick-ortreat on a Sunday so they asked that trick-or-treaters go out on Saturday instead. Guess what happened? A lot of people went out Saturday and Sunday.

On Saturday at 10 a.m. you can take your pet(s) down to St. Sylvester Catholic Church for a Blessing of the Animals in celebration of the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi.

The animals must be properly leashed or caged. Details are in this week’s issue.

We have a subscription special right now. If you buy three years of Navarre Press in advance, you will receive the online portion at no additional cost – a $90 savings. Another special we have right now is if you have a basic subscription and want to upgrade to an All Access so you will have access to free garage sale listings, happy ads and tickets to local theater and Ice Hockey tickets, you just pay for All Access. If you have 11.5 months left of basic, then you will be All Access for one year and 11.5 months. I see a loop hole here – and management hasn’t discovered it yet. I would subscribe for one year, then wait a week or two and call back and pay for an All Access - get the All Access for two years for the price of a basic year and an All Access year.

That is a deal.

What a great weekend last week.

The Run for the Reef was a lot of fun and then since I was in the spirit of “The Reef,”I went to the reef and snorkeled. It was a lot of fun to hear people excitedly yelling out when they saw something on the reefs. Many saw a turtle and lots of fish. We also saw a sea slug that was very interesting. I also ran into local artists, painter Chuck Chunn and photographer Jeff Waldorff, who were also at the Run for the Reef generously giving away their artwork in support of the reefs. Jeff was there with his camera, of course, and Chuck was stirring up the water to help attract small colorful Pompano.

The water was clear, the air was dry and it was a beautiful day in paradise.

Many of you have heard and we have reported that there is a political action committee in Navarre called Citizens to Incorporate Navarre.

This PAC is looking into what it would take to get the incorporation of Navarre on the ballot so that the citizens of Navarre can vote on whether or not they want to incorporate. Full disclosure, I am personally a dues-paying member of the PAC.The reason is because I’m a citizen first, a publisher second. I’m also interested in civics and civic journalism. What is civic journalism, you ask? It is news that citizens need to know to learn about issues and events so that our readers can make decisions and participate in democracy.

I want what is best for our community, and how are we going to know what is best if we don’t explore our options?

The PAC hired a consultant to look at the numbers and what they found out is that Navarre is what one might call a“donor community.”That means, we donate money that we aren’t getting back. Who do we donate to? North Santa Rosa County. Currently, it is looking like Navarre could incorporate and not need additional ad-valorem taxes.There will be more in next week’s issue. If you would like to be part of the PAC, visit www.incnavarrenow.com. Remember, nothing will happen to incorporate Navarre unless Navarre votes to incorporate.The certified tax rolls will be out today, and we plan to have more information in next week’s issue. We will always present the positives and negatives of incorporation - you will just have to trust us on that. And, if you don’t feel we have been positive or negative enough, there is always“Letters to the editor” and guest editorials. One thing you can’t be against if you are an American is the right to choose and vote. However, you need the facts and that is something Navarre Press is really good at.

Quote of the Week: It is the duty of every citizen according to his best capacities to give validity to his convictions in political affairs. Albert Einstein,‘Treasury for the Free World,’ 1946 US (Germanborn) physicist (1879 - 1955)

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

NAVARRE PRESS THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2013

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NEWS & INFORMATION

Photo by Trevor Daughtry

‘Queen Jenna’

Photos by Dickie Williams

Above: 2013 Navarre High Homecoming Queen Jenna Bobbitt, left, receives the crown from last year’s queen Skye Barberi last Friday night. At right: 2013 Navarre High Homecoming King Bobbie Baker and Homecoming Queen Jenna Bobbitt pose for a picture at halftime. For more Homecoming coverage, see 12C.

TDC chairman Registered sex offender Chamber finds its new CEO with Alexander not reappointed fired from Pier after Navarre Press inquiry

By Chris Chatelain chris@navarrepress.com

By Romi White romiwhite@navarrepress.com In spite of a Santa Rosa County ordinance prohibiting registered sex offenders from entering any county park, a registered sex offender has been working at the Navarre McLaughlin Beach Pier. Current pier operator Dorothy Slye confirmed on Oct. 8 that Walter Kirk McLaughlin was working at the county-owned facility she manages and stated knowledge of his background.

The Navarre Beach Area Chamber of Commerce promoted from within last Wednesday in naming Board of Director mem- Alexander ber and Navarre resident Tony Alexander as its next President/CEO.

Alexander is the owner of Assert Marketing in Navarre, and will bring marketing, advertising and promotion experience to the Chamber.

“I’m very excited about this opportunity and look forward to the experience and opportunity to help businesses and promote businesses for the Navarre area,” Alexander said last Wednesday following the announcement.

“I’m passionate about Navarre and I’m no stranger to hard work,

Photo by Waldorf Photography

As more than 250 humans completed a Run for the Reef on dry land on Navarre Beach last Sunday, even more natural marine inhabitants were making a run for the actual sunken artificial reefs underwater.

The artificial reefs sunk in the Gulf and in the Sound at Navarre Beach Park in 2012 are attracting not only hundreds of fish, but also some octopuses and sea turtles, like the one seen in the above picture.

The reefs growth and the marine life they are attracting continue to amaze both visitors and Navarre Beach Marine Sanctuary members alike.

Code enforcement issues plague the Pier

By Romi White romiwhite@navarrepress.com Santa Rosa County Commissioners were recently advised of several code enforcement issues at the county-owned Navarre Beach Piper during the Oct. 7 county com- Royals mission meeting.

The issues were brought to the county’s attention by Pasco Gibson Jr., who along with

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Marine life flourishing at Navarre Beach reefs

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so I’m ready to take what I’ve been doing with my small business and apply it in my new position at the Chamber.”

Alexander is no stranger to the Chamber, either. He has served on the Board of Directors for a year, worked for the Chamber as an Ambassador and has been a Chamber member since 2011, when he joined after opening his own business, Assert Marketing.

Run for the Reef results

By Romi White romiwhite@navarrepress.com Despite a recommendation from both the north and south end Tourist Development Council (TDC) committees, Compton Santa Rosa County Commissioners did not reappoint current TDC chairman Vernon Compton to the council.

Compton was the sole appointee with an expiring term who sought reappointment. Members Kati Curle and Dorothy Slye did not reapply. Subsequently, the council has three new members: Laurie Gallup, Liz Horton and Shanean Ridgley Although theTDC reviewed nine other applicants, some did not have the required experience serving at the committee level.Accordingly, the council’s north end committee recommended Compton, Gallup Horton, and the south end committee supported Compton, Gallup and Ridgley. Ultimately, the decision came before the commission at their Oct. 10 regular meeting.

See COMPTON 11A

1B

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10A / NAVARRE PRESS

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2013

McLaughlin

Continued from page 1A When county officials were informed of the matter by Navarre Press on Oct. 11, the employee was terminated immediately.

McLaughin, 55, of the 3300 block of Hwy. 87 in Navarre, was arrested in 2006 on multiple counts, including soliciting sexual battery activity by custodian, victim under 18 years of age (a third-degree felony), contributing to the delinquency of a minor (a first-degree misdemeanor),

lewd and lascivious behavior on a victim over 12 years of age under 16 years of age by an offender 18 years of age or older (a second-degree felony) and contributing to the delinquency of a minor by selling/bartering/delivering tobacco (a second-degree misdemeanor).

McLaughlin was adjudicated guilty of all charges except for lewd and lascivious molestation, which prosecutors dropped and delivering tobacco, for which prosecutors took no action.

According to Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Office records, McLaughlin has worked as

a bartender at the Navarre Beach Pier since at least May of 2012. A request for his dates of employment at the pier has yet to be fulfilled by County Administrator Hunter Walker.

A Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Office report indicates McLaughlin’s victim knew him for about a year-and-ahalf at the time the investigation took place. The report also indicates that he would take her for smoothie drinks and provide hundreds of dollars in cash for no reason.

The victim went on to state he provided alcohol on three occasions and made her try

on bathing suits at Wal-Mart in Gulf Breeze, directing her to squat down and bend over so that he could see how they fit. The victim also stated he offered to take her to Tennessee until she turned 18.

The arrest report also shows that in his interview, McLaughlin stated he had a “pretty good idea”why investigators were interviewing him and confirmed he had provided alcohol and allowed the victim to drive his truck despite knowing she had neither a driver’s license nor a learner’s permit. McLaughlin also admitted that he “reached over and grabbed

her boob”while she was driving, stuck his finger in her pants and solicited a sexual act.

Additionally, McLaughlin was found guilty of a DUI with a blood alcohol level in excess of 0.15 in May of 2012.

According to the arrest report for that incident, McLaughlin was pulled over on Hwy. 87 and was so intoxicated he almost fell into the arresting officer, who had to call emergency medical services to check his vital signs.

McLaughlin was taken to Santa Rosa County Jail, where his breath analyzer tests showed an estimated blood

alcohol content of 0.182 and 0.184.

Pursuant to Section 15-41 of county ordinances related to sexual offenders,“No person who is required to register with the State of Florida pursuant to F.S. § 943.0435 or F.S. § 775.21 shall enter or occupy any county park.”

In response to an email from Navarre Press sent to County Administrator Hunter Walker on Oct. 11, Walker replied,“The matter has been discussed with the Pier operator and she has informed this office and the county attorney of the employee’s immediate termination.”

Furman: Drainage woes ‘not an easy fix’

By Shelby Smithey shelby@navarrepress.com Discussion of Navarre’s stormwater drainage problems and what role Santa Rosa County plays in addressing them was the topic at last Wednesday’s Navarre Area Board of Realtors monthly luncheon held at The Grill at Hidden Creek.

Stephen Furman, Santa Rosa County Assistant Public Works Director, was the guest speaker at the luncheon, and talked about lot grading and its effects on drainage, as well as potential plans to combat flooding in Navarre.

“We combat a lot of geographic and topographic problems in this area,”Furman said.

“We are continuing our efforts but it’s hard to get water to drain when there is no good place to dump it off into.The terrain is so flat that the water just doesn’t drain.”

In regards to lot grading, Furman said that the county wrestles with how much to regulate new construction and the filling of lots to counteract the drainage problem.

“Lot grading can create

Photos by Shelby Smithey

Santa Rosa County Assistant Public Works Director Stephen Furman speaking at a Navarre Area Board of Realtors monthly luncheon last Wednesday. animosity between neighbors and it’s not an easy problem to solve,”Furman said.“You may be dispelling the water away from your structure, but creating a lake on your neighbor’s property. But more regulation could mean jacking prices up.”

Furman said that the county does have a plan for the more serious flooding problem at the Sunrise Drive entrance to Holley by the Sea. “We have a plan but we are not quite ready to pull the trigger,”Furman said.“To raise

the pavement on that street would cost tens of thousands of dollars. It is an option but we are waiting it out to see if the budget will allow it.”

To address possible confusion related to the county’s role in installing pipe

systems, Furman further explained the program the county provides for ditches that hold water for more than 48 hours.

“If a ditch qualifies, the county will come in and install the pipe system along the

ditch,”Furman said.“We provide the labor, but the homeowner must pay for the material. On a typical 100-feet wide lot, it will typically cost the homeowner about $1,000 to purchase the materials.”

Furman said that the county currently has a list of about 50 property owners who want the service.

“It’s a good program and cost effective for the property owner because if they would hire a contractor it would cost about $2000 to $3000,”Furman said.“However, this program doesn’t apply to new construction.”

At this point, Furman said that the county remains largely reactionary to drainage problems, partly because of budget restraints and the unusually high amount of rain this year.

“It’s not an easy fix,”Furman said.“It’s a dilemma as to what role we play in this.

As a realty group, if you have any ideas or coalition, we encourage you to get with the county if you’ve seen a solution in other areas that has helped to solve this problem.

We are open to suggestions.”

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2013

Compton

Continued from page 1A

County Commissioner Don Salter stated he had received concerns from Milton representatives regarding a nominee. Guy Thompson, mayor of the City of Milton, has a well-known and longstanding personality conflict with Compton, former president of a downtown Milton redevelopment

organization who works for the Longleaf Alliance.

Salter initially sought to delay a vote. However, Commission Chairman Bob Cole insisted on moving forward.

“Those (committees) have unanimously recommended two people, and quite frankly it’s just a slap in the face for us to say well we’ll just hold off on this,”said Cole.

After County Attorney Angela Jones advised that instead of voting for all three

NAVARRE PRESS / 11A positions commissioners could opt for selecting only two, Commissioner Jim Williamson joined Salter in only supporting Horton and Ridgley.

Commissioner Jim Melvin voted for Gallup, Horton and Ridgley, all of whom are members of the south end TDC committee. Commissioners Bob Cole and Lane Lynchard supported Compton, Gallup and Ridgley.

“I voted for Vernon as he was one of two unanimous

recommendations from both the north and south end TDC committees,”said County Commissioner Lane Lynchard.

“I appreciate his years of service as a member of the TDC, evidenced by the numerous emails we received in support of his appointment. Nonetheless, I am confident the three new members will serve Navarre and the rest of Santa Rosa County well.”

“It’s a sad day when petty politics of the City of Milton

can flood the chambers of the county commission,”stated Jack Sanborn, who also serves on the TDC and had advocated for Compton’s reappointment“A travesty took place. The loss is a loss to everybody in the county.

Compton, who has been actively involved with the TDC for about a decade and was previously recognized with leadership awards from the Santa Rosa County Chamber of Commerce,

including Community Leader of theYear, remains chairman of the north end committee, which doesn’t require a commission appointment In other TDC-related news, county commissioners decided to hold public hearings on increasing the bed tax paid by visitors staying at overnight accommodations in the county. The TDC recommended the increase as one way to help fund required periodic beach renourishment.

Midway Fire District commissioners approve pay raises

By Shelby Smithey shelby@navarrepress.com Midway Fire District commissioners voted last Tuesday to approve the recommendation of a four percent salary increase for all full time non-probationary employees.

Originally set for implementation the first of the month, commissioners voted to delay the pay raises until Dec. 1 after discussion

Alexander

Continued from page 1A

Alexander immersed himself in the community and the Chamber quickly, and was named the 2012 Chamber Volunteer of theYear. Prior to 2011, Alexander also worked with the NBACOC in a vendor capacity through Alerted, LLC, a non-profit organization that builds mobile and web application tools to aid with missing child recovery nationwide. Alexander has also worked with Freedom Communications as an advertising sales manager and with emeraldcoast.com Alexander officially begins his new position this week, replacing outgoing Chamber CEO Kelley Fuller, who is following her husband to South Carolina. Fuller took over the CEO position in 2011 when Bill Arnett resigned.

“We are excited about what Tony brings to the table,”said Cheryl Chant, Chamber Executive Committee Chair.“He knows the members, he knows the community and he’s been a part of the

amongst the board.

“The recommendation was for the board to approve implementing four percent salary increases that were voted on and approved by the board at the budget hearings,” Fire Chief Jonathan Kanzigg said.

Commissioner Jacque Gorris suggested lowering the salary increase to three percent, and said that the reasoning for his amendment was because the salary

Chamber. He’s a great fit and brings some exciting ideas to the position.”

However, Alexander said not to look for big changes immediately.

“The Chamber is in a really good place right now,”said Alexander.“The work that Kelley has done, and that Bill did before her, has really made the Chamber extremely strong and relevant. I just look forward to continuing to build upon that success.”

Alexander feels that his business background is atypical of NBACOC members, and his sales and marketing skills should lend well to the Chamber’s goals of promoting local business.

“I feel that I bring diversity and experience, and I know I can be an asset to the Chamber,” Alexander said.“I loved building up my own business, and I have loved being a part of the Chamber, so now I get to apply that on a grander stage with this position.”

Alexander also works closely with the Santa Rosa Kids House and with the Emerald Coast Advertising Federation.

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increase was only budgeted for and not allocated.

“I think it would be wise for us to hold back just a touch before going overboard so we aren’t borrowing money just to borrow more money,” Gorris said.

“I don’t want to do anything that is going to cause long term (negative) effects. I just don’t think it’s the right thing to do.”

Gorris also said that he thought it would be prudent

for commissioners to wait until December to implement the pay increases when the district will have additional revenue coming in from taxes.

Ultimately, Commissioner Joe McPherson suggested that the board approve a four percent salary increase effective Dec. 1 instead of the original Oct. 1 date.The board voted unanimously to approve the motion.

Commissioners also

voted to table the discussion of Chief Kanzigg’s pay raise.

David Strohmeier, the district’s health insurance representative from Underwood Anderson and Associates, Inc., discussed employee insurance benefits renewal at the meeting.

“I have been told that the Affordable Health Care Act could easily add 10 percent to insurance rates,”Strohmeier said.“But timing is the biggest issue. It would be difficult to

duplicate this coverage on the exchange right now.”

Commissioners voted to renew group insurance benefits with United Healthcare, effective Nov. 1.

“I’m not in favor of throwing employees into Obamacare,” Commissioner Richard Delp said.“I think we should make a motion to approve the plan now, and we can choose to opt out if we decide to as we learn more about Obamacare.”

Pier

wiring issues need attention: ■ The lighting improvement for the volleyball court area still needs BOCC approval an electrical wiring plan for review and permitting. Exterior lighting must be in conformance with the Marine Turtle Protection Lighting Ordinance. If the board does not approve the lighting improvement, then the electrical wiring improvements must be removed.

■ The underground feeder cable that has been installed under the pier ancillary building has been

installed incorrectly and is in violation of Article 340.10, National Electrical Code (NEC).This repair will require submission of wiring plan and permitting.

■ Rope lighting has been installed and is attached by extension cords. Article 400.8, NEC prohibits the use of extension cords, or flexible cords, if any are used for the following: a. as a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure; b. where run through holes in walls, structural ceilings, suspended ceilings, dropped ceilings or floors

c. where run through doorways, windows or similar openings d. where attached to building surfaces.

■ An electrical permit and inspections are still needed on the walk-in cooler and relocation of condensing unit Royals also stated in the email to Slye,“Also, if you will let me know when Rob gets the deck addition in conformance with the approved plans and I will send an inspector back out.

Royals stated that county staff will go out next week to review the issues.

Continued from page 1A Yolanda Wells, who were previously selected as top-ranked bidder for the Navarre Pier management contract prior to the rejection of all bids.

Subsequently, Navarre Press investigated the matter and discovered county officials had advised current pier operator Dorothy Slye of several issues in April.

However, as of Oct. 11, Rhonda Royals, who oversees the county code enforcement department, was unable to say whether or not any of the issues had been addressed.

“Some of the listed items may have already been corrected, so we may just need to perform an inspection.

Also, the building permit is still active and I believe the building contractor or his representative has been in contact with our inspector,” stated Royals, Santa Rosa County Building Official, in an emailed response to a related inquiry Oct. 8.

In an April 26 sent to Slye and the pier, Royals stated that the following electrical

Annual Report to the public of the Gas and Oil Revenue Preservation Fund as required by Ordinance 81-12 Principal Balance (October 1, 2012) .......................................................$3,551,667.00 Interest or Gain on Investments (October 1, 2012) ....................................$190,222.00 Beginning Balance as of (October 1, 2012).............................................$3,741,889.00 2013 Activities Interest or Gains on Investments ....................................................................$5,082.42 Summary Principal Balance (September 30, 2013) .................................................$3,551,667.00 Interest or Gains (September 30, 2013) ......................................................$195,304.42 Ending Balance as of (September 30, 2013) ...........................................$3,746,971.42 Public Notice #1894

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County considers concessions for hotel

By Romi White romiwhite@navarrepress.com Santa Rosa County Commissioners considered several requests for incentives and concessions for a company planning the redevelopment of a hotel on the site of the Melvin former Holiday Inn on Navarre Beach during its committee meeting on Monday.

The proposed hotel’s developer, Holi Corp, has requested several concessions, including forgiveness for past due property taxes totaling $2.9 million.

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Incredible comeback

See HOTEL 10A

Hiring of sex offender draws ire

By Romi White romiwhite@navarrepress.com Following breaking news of the termination of a registered sexual offender’s employment at Navarre Beach Pier after an inquiry by Navarre Press, residents addressed their concerns about the matter to the Santa Rosa County Commission at the board’s Oct. 21 meeting. One resident’s exchange with Commission Chairman Bob Cole became so heated he threatened to have her ejected from the meeting.

See SEX OFFENDER 10A

RESTORE council establishing criteria for BP funding

By Romi White romiwhite@navarrepress.com The Santa Rosa County RESTORE Council has begun establishing evaluation criteria for projects which have been, and will be, proposed for funding through anticipated Lynchard monies resulting from the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil spill.

At the council’s Oct. 14 meeting, members reviewed proposed criteria for four categories: environmental, economic development,

See RESTORE 10A

TDC to solicit marketing services

By Romi White romiwhite@navarrepress.com The Santa Rosa County Tourist Development Council (TDC) recently decided to provide 90-day notice to end a contract with MDi Group, Gallup a company based in Mobile, Ala., which has been providing the council’s marketing services.

Photo by Dickie Williams

Navarre wide receiver Gatlin Casey (6) is congratulated by teammates Blake Malter (8), Michael Carter (3) and Alex Wattley (23) after scoring the go-ahead touchdown on an end-around in the fourth quarter of the Raiders’ 35-28 come-from-behind victory last Friday night against Chactawhatchee. The win against the Indians earned Navarre the District 2-6A championship. See 1C for story.

Master stormwater drainage plan on county’s agenda Gulf Breeze pair arrested for siphoning gas

By Shelby Smithey shelby@navarrepress.com This summer’s substantial rainfall and the ongoing stormwater drainage problems it has evoked have acted as a catalyst for a largescale master drainage plan that would include the Navarre area, according to Santa Rosa County Commissioner Lane Lynchard.

“Rather than focus on individual problems, we want to take a comprehensive approach. It will be

See STORMWATER 11A

By Tom Kirkham tom@navarrepress.com

Photos by Gail Acosta

Drainage repairs on Avenida de Sol are expected to be completed in about a week.

Family escapes stove fire at Tiger Point residence

By Tom Kirkham tom@navarrepress.com A Midway family was displaced from their home last Wednesday night when a blaze swept through the residence, causing damages estimated at $20,000.

Midway Fire District was called out to a residence

on Chance Court in the Tiger Point area at 9:55 p.m., and found smoke billowing from the home upon arrival.

Mutual aid was provided by Gulf Breeze, Pensacola Beach and Holley-Navarre fire departments.

The fire was brought under control quickly. The family renting the residence stated they had cooked dinner and thought the stove had been turned off.

The family reported going to bed shortly after dinner,

and being awakened later by fire alarms and smoke coming from the kitchen area. When they saw the smoke, the family — two adults, five children and two dogs — exited the residence and called the fire department.

Midway Fire Chief Jonathan Kanzigg stated that evidence at the scene indicated that the fire originated from the stove area, and was most likely a grease fire from the stove being left on.

Two Gulf Breeze residents were arrested for siphoning gasoline out of cars in the parking lot of McCord an apartment complex.

A Gulf Breeze Police Department unit was patrolling the a p a r t m e n t Flores complex on Pensacola Beach Road just before midnight on Oct. 10 when a suspicious white Ford Expedition was observed in the trailer area of the parking lot. Officers observed

See SIPHONING GAS 11A

See FIRES 10A

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2013

Gulf Breeze man Sex offender Continued from page 1A arresetd for “Your silence is deafenstealing a/c unit ing,” stated Navarre resiBy Tom Kirkham tom@navarrepress.com A Gulf Breeze man was arrested last Thursday after he was found to be in possession of an air conditioning unit that was stolen from another property in Gulf Breeze.

According to a Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s report, while a deputy was searching for the address on an alarm call on Greenbriar Parkway, he noticed a black SUV backed up in a driveway and saw three men loading an air conditioning unit into the SUV. After the deputy made contact with the men and asked them what they were doing, Christopher Joseph Didonato, 25, of Gulf Breeze, said that“a guy”had sold him the a/c for $1,800. However, Didonato could not produce any receipts or the name of the seller.

The officer called the name of the installation contractor on the a/c, and was told that the unit had just been installed on a new build on Marie Court in Gulf Breeze.

An additional call to the builder of the home determined that the a/c unit had gone missing from the home just one day earlier.

The cost of the a/c equipment stolen was estimated at $5,000, plus an additional $500 in damage to wiring and the exterior where the condensing unit was removed.

Based on witness statements, phone conversations and the contractor supervisor, Didonato was arrested on charges of burglary, criminal mischief, grand theft and dealing in stolen property.

His bond was set at $11,000.

Hotel

Continued from page 1A “I’m not sure that there’s anything that we could do on the back property taxes, so we didn’t speak to that,” noted County Administrator Hunter Walker, who worked with County Economic Development Director Shannon Ogletree to provide staff recommendations in response to Holi Corp’s request.

Walker stated that because of the number of jobs, capital investment and other positive economic impacts the hotel would bring, the

TDC

Continued from page 1A

The break came after several employees of the company abruptly left to form a new business, Davis, South, Barnette & Patrick Advertising, which is also based in Mobile. The aftermath of the split has caused significant problems for the TDC, including accounts payable issues.

“A vendor asked for money and was told MDi has no money. If they’ve already got the money, they need to be paying the vendors,”stated newly appointed TDC member Laurie Gallup. Accordingly, there was a discussion about using an interim agency until the contract expires so that a balance of $131,000 in

RESTORE

Continued from page 1A tourism/seafood and general infrastructure projects. Most of the criteria is set to be further reviewed by county staff, which will make rating recommendations that will be discussed at the council’s November meeting.

Jeff Helms, representing Atkins North America, Santa Rosa County’s RESTORE consultant, opened the meeting by updating the council on collaborations

dent Yvonne Harper, who indicated she had sent each commissioner an email on the issue but had not received any responses.

“Since 2010 the relationship between The Pier, Inc. and the county has been tenuous at best. She has made a series of poor judgments that have been chalked up to growing pains. I don’t really see how this can be chalked up to a growing pain,” added Harper, who pointed out the sex offender was a grown man who pled guilty to a charge against a child

under the age of 16.

“If you research sexual assault and rape, it is one of the most underreported crimes, and often victims will not come forward for years,”Harper said.

“To come up to this board and say that (The Pier) is family oriented and to knowingly hire a registered sexual offender is unacceptable,” said Harper.

“I’m going to stop you right there. If you’re going to slander somebody that’s not here,”interjected Cole, banging the gavel.

“Slander?You tell me one thing I have said that’s not true,”replied Harper.

“Okay, I may be wrong saying it’s slander,”said Cole.

Harper expressed concern that Slye would be

allowed to rebid on the pier management contract.

“That’s not for you to decide,”said Cole, who said the board was unaware of the perpetrator’s employment and then complained about Navarre Press’ continuing coverage of matters related to pier management.

“I’m tired of the Navarre Press being a scapegoat.

They’re the ones that uncovered the fact that this manager knowingly hired a sexual offender, and we would rather attack the Navarre Press than go after that?

Doesn’t that seem a bit sick?” said Harper, who then asked how Slye was going to be held accountable.

Cole stated the decision was up to the County Administrator and

County Attorney.

“We have not discussed this. This is the first meeting that we’ve had, I believe, since the issue of the sexual predator was in the paper.

I’m sure it hit everyone else just like it hit me. No one knew that someone had been hired that had that kind of record. It certainly, to me, demonstrates a complete lack of judgment,”said Commissioner Lane Lynchard, who added that Slye would not be prevented from submitting a proposal but that the matter would be taken into consideration during the request for proposal process.

Local fisherman Jerry Couey also spoke out on the issue.“There is nothing more precious than the

Burning your yard waste Residents are allowed to burn yard waste following these rules: ■ Yard waste being burned must fit into a pile 8 feet or less in diameter, or in a noncombustible container ■ Yard waste fires must be ignited after 7 a.m. and extinguished at least one hour before sunset ■ Smoke must be monitored so as not to become a hazard or nuisance

Fires

Continued from page 1A

Representatives from the Red Cross and Trauma Intervention Program were called to help the victims.

Unattended trash fire put out quickly An unattended trash fire drew firefighters to a residence on Sevilla Street just before 2:30 p.m. last Wednesday afternoon.

The home owner stated that she was burning some papers in an outdoor brick fire pit earlier that afternoon and had put out the fire and went inside to watch television. When she looked out after about an hour, she noticed the field behind her residence was on fire, so she called the fire department.

Burning yard waste does not require an authorization, but residents must be certain that the fire is out before leaving the area unattended. Yard waste is defined as vegetative debris such as grass clippings, brush, leaves, tree limbs, palm fronds, etc.,

innocence of children in our society,”stated Couey, who has volunteered at local schools for 12 years and said he has to complete a form for background screening annually.“We need a policy immediately on background checks,” added Couey.

“We were taken by surprise,” said County Administrator Hunter Walker, who stated the county might need to review background screening procedures for county-owned properties.

The county already has an ordinance prohibiting registered sexual offenders from entering county parks.

Proposals for pier management are due Nov. 19, and the current contract expires Dec. 31.

Photos by Tom Kirkham

Damage caused by a suspected grease fire displaced a family from its Midway home last week.

that are a result of yard maintenance.

Firefighters contain trash fire before it spread A fire that began in a trash container at a residence last Wednesday on Candlewood Drive in Holly by the Sea was put out by firefighters before reaching the home’s interior. The damage was limited to siding, trash cans and a privacy fence. The trash cans Holley-Navarre firefighters work to contain a trash fire that were melted and the elec- originated from a fire pit at a residence on Sevilla Street in Navarre. trical power meter was also investigation concluded the can which was stored near damaged. The initial fire originated in the trash the garage.

A fire that started in a trash can last week on Candlewood Drive melted the trash can and some of the home’s siding.

county recommended using funding set aside for economic development incentives to pay $355,166 to bring Holi Corp current in utility fees. With respect to a request to extend Holi Corp’s lease and amend a portion of their lease fees, Walker advised the board to direct County Attorney Angela Jones to develop a restated or amended lease to deal with those issues.

“That just seems like a fair and balanced way of handling the matter,”said Walker.

This is something to which the county is looking forward, said Commis-

sioner Jim Melvin.

“It’ll be a really big deal for Santa Rosa County,” Melvin said.

“We’re very excited about the progress that we’re making,” stated Holi Corp representative Joe Farley.“We think this is a very exciting project for Santa Rosa County. We think the economic impact will be substantial and will open up the doors for a lot more growth, especially in tourism, and spur other economic development in the area.”

Chamber of Commerce CEO Tony Alexander to replace former CEO Kelley Fuller as the organization’s representative on the county RESTORE council.

■ Soliciting proposals for marketing services for the Santa Rosa County Tourist Development Council (TDC).

■ Renewing the annual contract with the Florida Department of Health for operation of the Santa Rosa County Health Department.

■ Approving the Navarre Krewe of Jesters annual Navarre Beach Mardi Gras The commission also discussed: parade set for Feb. 22, 2014.

■ Appointing new ■ Approving several purGreater Navarre Beach Area chases, including an LED

sign for the TDC at $34,258 and a portable audio/visual sound system for the Tiger Point Community Center at $51,943 and upgrading the county’s Reverse 911 system from a stand-alone system supporting 24 lines to a webbased version supporting 500 lines at a cost of $12,944.

■ Discussed drainage issues in Sound Retreat subdivision.

Additionally, commissioners are set to approve spending $149,548 to resurface the following roads in working District 5, which includes Navarre: Brevard (Citrus to Hilton Drive), Dona Drive, Tumbleweed

Drive, Briza Del Mar Drive, Coquina Way, Espanola , Hillside , Sunset Lane and Bal Alex The commission will take final votes on agenda items at today’s regular meeting, which will be held at at the County Administrative Complex at 6495 Caroline Street in Milton The commission will only be holding one set of regular and committee meetings in November because of the Thanksgiving holiday. Commissioners decided to conduct the annual reorganization meeting at the conclusion of the Nov. 14 regular meeting.

BP funding which remains could be expended before a Nov. 30 deadline.

“I need to get the county attorney involved,”stated Kate Wilkes, Executive Director of the TDC, who said MDi would have to agree to using another company prior to the end of the contract. Gallup made a motion, seconded by fellow TDC member Kyle Holley, to consult the county attorney.

Dave Barnette, a previous employee of MDi who is a partner in the newly formed spin-off company, which is comprised of four former MDi Group employees, stated the group made the decision to leave MDi around Labor Day. Barnette stated the new business venture intends to pursue the marketing services

contract MDi held for the TDC. Subsequently, the TDC approved a draft request for proposal (RFP) for soliciting marketing services as presented by Wilkes at its Oct. 16 meeting. Wilkes stated the council should consider not being too specific with the RFP and instead get specific in the contract.“Leave yourself some wiggle room,”said Wilkes.The solicitation process, which will be handled through the Santa Rosa County Procurement Department, will begin next week.

The scope of services for the RFP includes creating marketing plans to reach targeted markets and stimulate tourism, recommending advertising, public relations and promotion, providing

creative advertising concepts and strategies, designing and producing materials and attending TDC committee and council meetings.

The approved RFP calls for prospective companies to provide details regarding billing, when the agency was established, a list of clients added or lost within the past three years, a history of experience directly related to tourism marketing and information regarding where offices are located and from which location services would be provided.“I don’t want to get quotes from people outside of a 100 mile range,”stated TDC member Mike Loera.

Because of the bookkeeping problems following the split of current and former MDi Group employees,

council member Jack Sanborn also suggested including a bond in the next proposal process to prevent such a situation from happening again in the future.

Sanborn also suggested asking former TDC ChairmanVernon Compton to chair the selection committee to utilize a proposal ranking process the TDC has implemented in the past. Kyle Holley, also on the council, stated it was important for council members to have access to scoring methodologies well ahead of time and made a motion to have a special training meeting at which the ranking process would be disclosed to members. Holley’s motion was seconded by new council member Shanean Ridgley and approved.

In other business at the meeting, the council also approved funding for Navarre Beach Beautification irrigation and maintenance projects, totaling $61,679; a $1,600 request from the Panhandle Butterfly House’s Monarch Madness event; and a $25,000 request from the south end committee with an additional $39,000 from general reserves for the Navarre Beach Marine Sanctuary to expand and promote the artificial reefs at Navarre Beach Park. Also, two projects requested by the Santa Rosa County Fair as recommended by the north end TDC committee were also approved: $2,500 for advertising and promoting the grand opening of the June Ates Arena and $2,500 for promotion of the county fair.

with state and other agencies such as the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa County representatives.

“They want to network with us. They were very open as far as working the counties to the best interest to the community and the region,”said Helms, noting the state and counties could work together to leverage funding.

While the BP trial is still underway in New Orleans, Helms also explained that Transocean fines have been impacted by sequestration.

The first two buckets of funds, which are $400 million each, were sequestered, he said. “So that dampens some of the funds that will be coming to the counties and the states,”said Helms, who also briefly mentioned other funding sources, including the fourth phase of Nature Resource Damage Assessment funding, which is expected to be

announced before the end of the year.

“Today, we wanted to move into the phases of the criteria development,”said Helms, turning over facilitation of the meeting to Commissioner Lane Lynchard, council chairman, who led the members through a review of the evaluation criteria Helms drafted in conjunction with county staff for the four funding categories.

The council then methodically reviewed drafted criteria and ultimately decid-

ed to ask Santa Rosa County Economic Development Director Shannon Ogletree and Kate Wilkes, Executive Director of the Santa Rosa County Tourist Development Council, to provide further review for respective economic development and tourism categories, suggesting weights to determine priority ranking at the council’s November meeting.

“I would like to hold our December meeting down in the south end of the county at the Tiger Point Com-

munity Center. We’re hoping to have it open by then,” said Lynchard, who stated the groundwork should be done by the first of the year so that the council could start holding meetings in different parts of the county during the project review. “The more public involvement the better,”said Lynchard.

The next Santa Rosa County RESTORE Council will be held at 3 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 14 at the Santa Rosa County Administrative Complex at 6495 Caroline Street in Milton.

Happy Thanksgiving

NAVARRE PRESS THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2013

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NEWS & INFORMATION

Santa Rosa Kids House

Invasive ducks a source of

controversy in Holley by the Sea

Festival of Trees

By Shelby Smithey shelby@navarrepress.com Hate them or love them, the ducks that live in the ponds at the Holley by the Sea Sunrise Drive entrance could possibly face euthanasia if they continue to be a nuisance to residents.

At a regular meeting Nov. 14, HBTS board members discussed possible ways to eliminate the ducks from the property.

See DUCKS 10A

GB man arrested after threatening man with knife

By Chris Chatelain chris@navarrepress.com A Gulf Breeze man was arrested after he reportedly broke into a home on Monopoly Court and threatened another man with a kitchen knife because he thought the man was having an affair with Patton his wife.

According to a Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office report, 33-year-old Adam Thomas Patton of Gulf Breeze was charged with aggravated assault and disturbing the peace on November 17.

See PATTON 10A

Six sites submitted for courthouse

By Romi White romiwhite@navarrepress.com

Photo by Sandi Kemp

Santa Rosa County has received six proposals from landowners offering their property for sale as the site of the new courthouse. Commissioners are expected to review those bids at a special meeting Dec. 3. However, voters will likely decide whether or not to fund a proposed judicial facility next year when a local option sales tax referendum is expected to be placed on the ballot.

See COURTHOUSE 10A

Overdose solves burglary case

By Chris Chatelain chris@navarrepress.com A Gulf Breeze man was arrested for grand theft after nearly overdosing on pills he stole from a home on Government Drive in Gulf Brewer Breeze.

According to a Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office report, a man who had been housesitting and caring for the homeowner’s dogs called and reported that the home had been ransacked on

Two big-ticket items helped raise big money for abused and neglected children at the Santa Rosa Kids House 4th annual Festival of Trees fundraiser last Saturday at the Imogene Theatre in Milton. The event sold out with 350 tickets sold for $50 each. The tree above, donated by Boo and Karyn Weekly (pictured above) — Dear, Deer Santa — sold for $2,000. It was decorated by Karyn, who will enjoy the tree at home after she was the highest bidder on the tree. Another live auction item — a stay donated by Wil and Jackie Pergande of Gulf Breeze, was auctioned to a local attorney for $1,900 after it spent time as a stay in the Bass Pro Shop in Big Cedar Lodge in Missouri. According to organizers, the event raised nearly $50,000 for the Santa Rosa Kids House, which is a child advocacy center serving Santa Rosa County since 2008.

Seven proposals in Navarre Beach Pier rebid

Top two bidders return and two other proposals join forces

By Romi White romiwhite@navarrepress.com Santa Rosa County Commissioners received seven proposals in their redo of the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier management bid. Pasco Gibson, Jr., andYolanda Wells initially won a contract, set to start at the end of the current lease, which expires Dec. 31. However, three commissioners decided to revisit the initial proposal selection,

prompting a lawsuit filed by Gibson and Wells to stop a revote. Ultimately the board instead rebid the contract to remedy the suit and also revised a proposal scoring method the county had used for more than two decades.

In the first round of submittals, five bidders had submitted proposals, including current pier operator Pier, Inc., a brother-sister team of Everett Ratliff, Jr., and Dorothy Slye.

Pier Inc. scored first-place votes from three commissioners, who later supported the revote, but had an overall average ranking them second due to lower scores from the other two commissioners.

Since being awarded the first pier management contract in 2010, a multitude of incidents have prompted public outcry against Pier, Inc., including the on-site arrest of a pier employee, food service violations, code

enforcement issues, a report of partially nude dancing at the bar and reopening the pier during Hurricane Isaac.

Additionally, a Navarre Press investigation uncovered Slye had knowingly hired a registered sex offender to work at the pier bar, violating an ordinance that prohibits registered sex offenders from entering county parks. Walter “Kirk”

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Pier

Continued from page 1A

McLaughlin was fired immediately after county officials were notified.

In the second round of proposals, the top two bidders returned, one bidder dropped out, the two remaining vendors joined forces. Coastal Concessions, which provides refreshments and rentals at Gulf Islands National Seashore’s Fort Pickens Area, previously submitted a separate proposal from Bob Benaquis, owner and operator of TC’s Front Porch Café in Navarre.Those former bidders have united with Navarre chiropractor Josh Pickett to submit a joint proposal.

Additionally, three new contenders emerged: a couple currently residing in Missouri, a duo from Navarre and a trio of local business men, including Claude Duvall, owner of LocalYokel convenience store, which features a dine-in restaurant, in East Milton.

All of the bidders proposed adding a restaurant, maintaining cleanliness of the facility, and covering the cost of the electric service. Several offered to cover all utilities,

Patton

Continued from page 1A

Homeowner Michael Thumm contacted authorities and reported that Patton had been standing outside of his home screaming that he was going to kill him because he thought Thumm and Patton’s wife were having an affair. Thumm reported that Patton stood outside his bedroom window threatening to hurt him.

After hearing noises and things being broken, Thumm went outside to check on his property when he heard the sound of glass breaking and then saw Patton standing in his kitchen with a large butcher knife.

Thumm said that when Patton saw him, he ran to the front door and again screamed that he would kill him.

Thumm managed to elude Patton and made it back into his home, where he stayed in fear that Patton would follow through on his threats.

Patton was arrested and booked into Santa Rosa County Jail on $3,000 bond.

Brewer

Continued from page 1A

Nov. 16. The man reported that when he walked into the home, he found rotten meat from the refrigerator on the floor and dry cereal in the sink. He also reported that there were a large number of unidentified oils scattered throughout the home.

The homeowner is currently in Chicago undergoing medical treatment for an unspecified medical condition, according to the report.

Two days later, 29-yearold Jeremy Dewayne Brewer was hospitalized after suffering an apparent overdose. Deputies found a prescription bottle bearing the name of the homeowner of the Government Drive residence in Brewer’s possession and questioned him about it.

Officers contacted the homeowner about the incident, who denied ever giving Brewer permission to go into the residence.

Based upon evidence, Brewer was arrested and charged with burglary of an unoccupied structure and grand theft greater than $300 and less than $5,000 and possession of a controlled substance.

According to the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office Jail View website, it is the 14th time Brewer has been booked into the county jail.

Submitted photo

Scott Rayner (from left) and Joey Bryant, partners in Coastal Concessions, joined forces with former bidder Bob Benaquis. The group also teamed up with Navarre chiropractor Josh Pickett. follow county guidance on the commission remote access owns Nichols Seafood Restaufacility closures, and improve to point of sale (POS) data.“I rant and Marina in Milton, pier admission or“gate fee” have been searching for an detailed extensive kitchen controls. Vendors are also opportunity to move there for renovations planned to proresponsible for acquiring gen- quite some time,”stated Strat- vide a full-service, family-style eral liability and liquor license ton in his proposal, pointing seafood restaurant. Gibson insurance. out he had found and devel- has stated that managing A brief outline of the pro- oped an affinity for Navarre commercial fishermen and a fleet of boats has provided posals follows (*denotes a Beach eight years ago. new bidder): n Gibson and Wells also him with the experience needn *Chuck and Carrie Strat- offered real-time access to ed to manage the facility.“It’s ton of Chaffee, Missouri, pro- POS data but didn’t provide a fishing pier, the county needs posed to return gate fees, an amount other than gate someone knowledgeable negotiate rent and provide fees because Gibson, who about fishing to run it,”said

Gibson, who proposes hosting fishing clinics and tournaments. n TC’s and Coastal’s proposal seeks a three-year lease renewable up to five years and offers 3.1 percent of all revenue plus gate fees.The group plans to perform background screening for employees and promote recycling, plus host events such as an annual 5K run and periodic weekend farmer’s markets. Establishing an annual $1,500 scholarship is also included in the bid.“We are very excited about this opportunity,”said Scott Raymer after the Nov. 19 bid opening. “Teaming up with Bob (Benaquis) puts us in a great position to provide a top-quality restaurant, store, pier concessions and rental operations.” n *Steven Mobley and Kenneth Walters, managers of Johnny Huston’s Grille in Navarre, offered gate fees plus five percent of retail and five percent of restaurant revenues for a one-year lease renewable up to five years. The duo proposed remodeling the restrooms and renaming the restaurant in an effort to lose what they describe as a stigma associated with the bar.

The bid states all employees

Volunteers flock to stock for Caring and Sharing

Photo by Shelby Smithey

Caring and Sharing volunteers, as well as members from the Iron Order Motorcycle Club and Maidens, local Girl Scout troops, Navarre High School NJROTC, the Navarre Quarterback Club, St. Ann Catholic Church youth group, St. Sylvester Catholic Church and Martial Arts of America gathered at West Navarre Intermediate School Saturday to help organize, sort and box thousands of items of food for needy families in south Santa Rosa County.

Ducks

Continued from page 1A “Why can’t we catch them and kill them ourselves?”President Pat Traynor asked.“Do we have to have a license? If they are our ducks, we can do what we want with them.”

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife (FWS) Service, the muscovy duck occurs naturally only in southern Texas.

It has been introduced in other locations, where it is considered an invasive species that sometimes creates problems through competition with native species, damage to property and transmission of disease.

“Unless there is a county, state or federal code, why not let the animals be rescued rather than euthanized?”association general manager Alex Fambri said in a Nov. 22 interview.“But the instruction given from the board was to explore all options to deal with them.”

Resident Brian Berg lives

Courthouse

Continued from page 1A “The time has come to move forward on this,”stated Commissioner Lane Lynchard at a workshop held in July to discuss replacing the 87-year-old courthouse, adding,“We are under a tight time crunch…there’s a lot that has to be done well ahead of (the 2014 vote).”

Toward that end the commissioners issued a request for proposals seeking parcels of at least 10 acres located within 2.5-miles of the intersection of U.S. Highway 90 and Avalon Boulevard in Milton.

Three of the submitted proposals are for properties located off Hwy. 90, roughly one

at 6868 Water Street just behind the ponds and at the meeting expressed concern about the ducks being near his property.

“This is a serious problem here,”Berg said.“What can we do about them? There are 20 to 25 people feeding those ducks every day. People stop their cars for them and it could cause a bad accident.”

Secretary Beth Walter said that she spoke with Jackie Goebel, maintenance supervisor, about possible options.

“Legally we are not allowed to relocate them because they are an invasive species,”she said.“The only option we have is for them to be trapped and euthanized. They are considered nuisance ducks. Once they get on your property, you own them.”

According to the FWS, if muscovy ducks have no identifiable owner, federal regulations allow control by landowners, wildlife management agencies, and tenants, agents or employees without federal or state permits. Captured ducks can be mile west of the intersection of Avalon Boulevard.

Coldwell Banker United, representing property owner Charter Bank, formerly First National Bank of Florida, submitted a proposal for up to 44.94 acres of a wooded parcel featuring 1300 feet of road frontage on the north side of the 5600 block of Hwy. 90. The bid proposes four pricing tiers with the less expensive section, furthest away from the highway, priced at $16,500 per acre, and the most expensive portion with direct Hwy. 90 access at $134,000 per acre.

The proposal also offers the entire parcel for $2.59 million.

Pond Creek 50, LLC, for which James A.“Jim”Young Jr. is listed as manager, proposes sale of a 50.8-acre prop-

would be required to be certified by the Florida Restaurant Association in alcohol and food safety compliance guidelines. n *James“Spyke”Szeredy and Andrew Jones of Navarre submitted a bid proposing two percent of retail revenues plus gate fees and contributing of revenue to Santa Rosa County District Schools. The proposal also calls for installation of a recycling chute, children’s play area and swings and suggests possible implementation of Wi-Fi and construction of an acoustic shell as a noise deterrent, among other considerations, including outsourcing janitorial service. n *Claude Duvall of Milton teamed up with Navarre residents Steve Herring and Larry Kingery to propose a minimum five-year lease, providing the county with gate fees plus $1,000 per month rent. The trio plans upgrade the pass system and add a weekly pass option.The proposal placed a strong emphasis on cleanliness and providing family-friendly atmosphere, including background and drug screening for employees, who would wear uniformed apparel. The bid, like that for Pier, Inc., proposed the installation and maintenance of landscaping. n Pier Inc., offered eight percent of gross receipts and an upgrade to the pass system. The bid also provided for maintaining the website and webcam and reconfiguring the gate area to better control access to the pier. Ratliff and Slye provided many letters of support with their proposal and cited successes such as purchasing benches for the pier, employing up to 40 people during peak season, serving 500 at a free Thanksgiving meal and a $50,000 capital improvement project to expand the pier deck.

Commissioners are scheduled to review three groups of proposals, including those for pier management, at a special meeting to be held starting at 9 a.m. on Dec. 3, at the County Administrative Complex, located at 6495 Caroline Street in Milton.

humanely euthanized.

An organization coming to relocate the ducks to their own private property them-

selves, however, would be allowed. Resident Shandy Smith, who lives on Bayou Drive, said that Alaqua Ani-

mal Refuge in Freeport offered to take as many as 20 ducks.

“My latest count of them was about 29 ducks so that would take care of most of them,”she said.“It took me 30 minutes of asking around to find someone who would take them. Why is this not the first option? Euthanasia should be the very last option.

We are going to keep these ducks safe one way or another.”

Resident Lisa Knickerbocker, who lives on Sunrise Drive, also expressed concern with the possibility of euthanizing the ducks.

“We deal with the bears and don’t kill them, so why don’t we deal with the ducks?” she said.“There are residents that like having them here.”

A Facebook page “Help keep the ducks of Holley by the Sea pond safe”has been started at www.facebook.com/hbtsducks.

Fambri said that the findings on how to address the situation will be discussed at the Dec. 10 board meeting.

erty lying north of the Charter Bank parcel. The wooded parcel, also on the north side of Hwy. 90, has no highway frontage, and is being offered for a flat rate of $36,000 per acre, also with an option to subdivide.

RCG Investment, LLC, a corporation owned by realtor Eric Gleaton, Charles Cotton and Wilson Robertson, an Escambia County Commissioner, proposes two adjoining parcels with 306 feet of highway frontage on the south side of the 5500 block of Hwy. 90. Both parcels total roughly 10.09 acres, and there are two buildings on the site. The majority of the property is wooded. The group is seeking $990,000.

The other half of the submittals are for properties locat-

ed on Avalon Boulevard.

Jerry Long of JDL of Santa Rosa, LLC, proposes sale of 19.23 wooded acres located on the west side of the 4000 block of Avalon Boulevard. The property features 13 acres zoned highway commercial development for $910,000 with an optional additional six acres zoned single family residential available for a total of $1.03 million.

Brian Finger of BTF of Florida, LLC is offering 11.32 acres on the east side of the 4100 block of Avalon Boulevard for $850,000. The property has been cleared of trees.

Neal and Company submitted a proposal for Anthony Terhaar of TCIP-E, LLC for sale of 11.79 wooded acres on the east side of the 4200 block of Aval-

on Boulevard for $1.2 million.

In the past, Santa Rosa County has offset property costs by utilizing timber available on parcels. Commissioner Bob Cole pointed out the commission was able to recover some expenses associated with a 160-acre parcel in East Milton by selling pulpwood. “It paid, and any time we can offset costs we always (should),”said Cole.

The Board of Commissioners is expected to discuss all six proposals along with bids received for the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier management and LED-bulb retrofitting for the South Santa Rosa annex at a special meeting to be held, starting at 9 a.m. on Dec. 3 at the County Administrative Complex, located at 6495 Caroline Street in Milton.

Photo by Sandi Kemp

Ducks forage in a yard at a home on Water Street.

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Jingle Bell Run • Christmas Parade • Christmas in the Park

Navarre night lights Photo by Chris Chatelain

The colorful Christmas lights in Navarre Park were turned on late last week leading up to this Saturday’s big day of Christmas events in Navarre. The festivities begin at 8 a.m. with the Jingle Bell Run starting at the fire station on Esplanade Street. The Navarre Community Christmas Parade will roll out at 2:30 p.m. from the Senior Center and will end across from Navarre Park behind the Centennial Bank. Navarre Park will be host site for Christmas in the Park from 1 – 6 p.m. and featuring crafts, Christmas gifts, entertainment, pictures with Santa and more.

Pier, Inc. is out

TC’s Coastal Porch wins pier rebid through new process

By Romi White romiwhite@navarrepress.com The new year will bring a new management team to the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier. Santa Rosa County Commissioners stumbled through a revised proposal selection process on Tuesday, picking TC’s Coastal Porch to operate the county pier starting in 2014.

The current contract, held by brother-sister duo Dorothy Slye and Everett Ratliff Jr., expires Dec. 31.

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GB city worker arrested for DUI while in city truck Staff reports editor@navarrepress.com A Gulf Breeze city worker was arrested and charged with Driving Under the Influence while driving a city vehicle last Wednesday.

According to a Florida Highway Dobson Patrol report, David Glenn Dobson, 40, was driving a 2001 Dodge Ram pickup truck owned by the city when at about 9:20 p.m. he drifted off the road, struck a utility trailer on Green Briar Court and then left the scene.

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Future of courthouse remains unsettled

By Romi White romiwhite@navarrepress.com Santa Rosa County’s courthouse was deemed unsafe in 1914. It wasn’t until 13 years later that the current courthouse was built. In what seems to be history repeating itself, replacement of the 86-year-old county courthouse has again been delayed over a decade.

Residents were first asked to consider a local option sales tax to replace the aging structure in 2002.That referendum failed by a staggering 3-to-1 margin.

Since then there have been multiple safety issues related to the building’s condition, including a 2011 injury-related lawsuit, citing noncompliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Commissioners are optimistic that voters are now ready to approve a temporary sales tax to fund the project. A one-cent sales tax would generate about $12-13 million per year, and would take approximately three years to cover costs. The length

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Photo courtesy of the Santa Rosa Historical Society

The current county courthouse originally featured an additional level, which housed a jail and living quarters for the sheriff.

Candles likely cause in Blackjack Circle blaze

By Shelby Smithey shelby@navarrepress.com A woman sustained minor injuries just after 11 p.m. Friday night after her residence at 7505 Blackjack Circle caught fire from suspected unattended candles. Marva Smith, owner of the mobile home off of East Bay Boulevard, was home with her two pets when the blaze started.

“She was taken to Gulf Breeze Hospital and treated for minor burns and smoke inhalation from attempting to rescue her pets,”Holley-Navarre Fire District Chief Ron Norton said.

Photo by Michael Howard Norton said that a total of The kitchen in the Blackjack Circle home was severely damaged.

17 firefighters from HNFD, Midway Fire District, Navarre extensive damage throughout in the living room area due to unattended candles,”Norton Beach Fire Department and the home.

“The Florida State Fire Mar- said. “The house is gutted and Florosa Fire Department were able to extinguish the blaze in shal’s Office is investigating is unlivable. The living room less than 10 minutes, but the cause of the fire, which See FIRE 11A that it had already caused appeared to have originated

Citrus canker confirmed in Santa Rosa

By Chris Chatelain chris@navarrepress.com The first case of citrus canker in the Florida Panhandle was recently confirmed, and it’s very close to Derrick home.

The citrus tree disease has been reported in Santa Rosa Shores, a neighborhood in Gulf Breeze just west of Tiger Point and Wal-Mart. Santa Rosa Shores Homeowners Association President Travis Talley confirmed in an email to residents of the neighborhood that he is in touch with tri-county officials, and is working on organizing a mass

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Pier

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How the Commissioners voted on the Pier rebid

Continued from page 1A

Although an August 19 decision had awarded Pasco Gibson Jr. andYolanda Wells a pier management contract set to begin Jan. 1, Slye appealed the selection, prompting a lawsuit by Gibson and Wells to halt a revote.

Ultimately all bids were tossed out, and the ranking method used by the county for over two decades was changed.

For the rebid, two former competitors joined forces and ended up winning out over the other proposals. Scott Rayner and Joey Bryant, partners in Coastal Concessions, teamed up with Bob Benaquis, who owns TC’s Front Porch Restaurant in Navarre. The trio then joined Navarre chiropractor Josh Pickett to submit a proposal as TC’s Coastal Porch and won after multiple elimination rounds.

The newly devised selection process was implemented for the first time during Tuesday’s pier management contract selection. Initially, each commissioner picked three of seven submitted proposals for further consideration.

However, when three proposals tied for the last spot to move forward, commissioners seemed confused how to proceed.

Eventually Gibson and Wells’proposal emerged from tie-breaker rounds as a final-

How the Commissioners voted

Commissioner Bob Cole Commissioner Lane Lynchard Commissioner Jim Melvin Commissioner Don Salter Commissioner Jim Williamson BIDDERS 1= TC’s Coastal Porch 2= Gibson and Wells 3= Duvall, Herring and Kingery 4= Pier, Inc. 5= Walters and Mobley 6= Stratton 7= Szeredy & Jones

ROUND 1 pick top 3 finalists

Tie-breaker break tie for finalists spot between No. 2, No. 4 and No. 5

Tie-breaker 2 another tie breaker for finalist spot between No. 2 and No. 4

Final round pick winner between finalists No. 1, No. 2 and No. 3

1, 3, 4 1, 5, 7 1, 2, 3 1, 4, 5 1, 2, 3

4 5 2 4 2

4 2 2 4 2

1 1 2 1 2

Status finalist chosen as finalist in tie-breaker 2 finalist eliminated as finalist in tie-breaker 2 eliminated as finalists in tie-breaker 1 eliminated in Round 1 eliminated in Round 1

Pier Bid winner is TC’s Coastal Porch

about revenue," stated Commissioner Jim Williamson.

“You can put down anything you want about revenue, but being able to back that up is a different thing,” noted Williamson, who also expressed concern about running the pier in a family-oriented matter.

Contract negotiations with county staff are set to being Photo by Romi White right away, and commisMembers of TC’s Coastal Porch Joey Bryant (from left), Scott Rayner, Josh Pickett and Bob sioners could approve the Benaquis following the Dec. 3 pier management selection. contract as early as next week.

TC’s Coastal Porch plans proposed a three-year lease, Also at Tuesday’s meetist, joining TC’s Coastal Porch and a proposal by Claude to promote recycling, con- renewable up to five years, ing, county commissioners Duvall, Steve Herring and duct background screening offering 3.1 percent of all rev- came up with a plan for for employees and host events enue, plus gate fees. selecting proposals for a judiLarry Kingery.

Current contractor Pier, cial center site and LED light The final decision came such as an annual 5K run and down to Gibson and Wells periodic weekend farmer’s Inc. had offered 8 percent of bulb retrofitting of the south or TC’s Coastal Porch, which markets. Establishment of an gross receipts. “I see that the end annex building. The won by a narrow one-point annual $1,500 scholarship is one with the most money is commission plans to discuss also planned. The group has out,”said local resident Ed short listing judicial sites at margin.

Collins, stating he thought its Dec. 12 meeting, and tabled more people in the county the retrofitting discussion would be interested in that. until January to provide time “Of course we're concerned for thorough proposal review.

Food drive nets 100 pounds

Fire

Continued from page 1A

and kitchen sustained heavy fire damage and the bedrooms sustained smoke damage.”

Norton said that firefighters successfully rescued a cat and a dog from the home,

Photos submitted

The Fort Walton Beach Red Lobster partnered with Cub Scouts Pack 104 to collect non-perishable food items to benefit Navarre United Methodist Church’s We Care food pantry. Through the drive, more than 100 pounds of food was collected. Pictured are members of Cub Scouts of America Pack 104 participating in a flag ceremony at the Fort Walton Beach Red Lobster.

Keep Your Holidays Bright Fire Safety Campaign underway Staff reports editor@navarepress.com Santa Rosa County emergency service agencies are teaming up for the seventh year to promote fire safety during the month of December with the“KeepYour Holidays Bright”campaign.

While a joyous time of year, cold weather, holiday decorations and festivities can create serious fire dangers. Firefighters hope to reduce the number of fires in Santa Rosa County by promoting simple, life-saving holiday safety tips each day throughout the month of December.

In addition to fire safety tips, Santa Rosa’s KeepYour

Holidays Bright campaign centers around a Christmas tree located in the Santa Rosa County Administration Complex on Caroline Street in Milton, decorated with electric candles. Each time firefighters respond to a working residential fire or large wildfire causing fire damage, a candle will be“extinguished” and replaced with a card noting the basic details of the fire.

In the first year, nine candles were extinguished on the safety tree, three in the second year, six in the 2009 campaign, four in 2010, six in 2011 and three in 2012.

According to the United States Fire Administration,

76 percent of fire injuries affecting civilians occurred in homes. Fires occurring during the winter claim the lives of over 945 people, injure 3,825, and cause over $1.7 billion in damage.

Nationally, cooking is the leading cause of residential building fires in December, accounting for 41 percent of fires, followed by heating fires at 28 percent, open flame fires at nine percent, and incendiary/suspicious fires at seven percent.

Each fire department in Santa Rosa County are participating in the program and are working together to promote holiday safety.

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and the pets were taken to the Santa Rosa County Animal Shelter.The animals were currently still at the shelter as of Monday afternoon.

“Another woman was staying with her, but she was not home at the time of the fire,” Norton said.“The American Red Cross was notified and is assisting the residents.”

Woman busted trying to get refund for stolen items Staff reports editor@navarrepress.com A Navarre woman was arrested for petit theft, dealing in stolen property and fraud for her Ezell involvement in an attempt to return merchandise and get a refund for items she had stolen.

According to a Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office report, Cheryl Lee Ezell, 34, of Navarre, was caught on surveillance camera exiting the Gulf Breeze WalMart without paying for two sets of pillow cases, a comforter, a set of sheets and an electric blanket on October 29.

After leaving the store, Ezell is seen placing the electric blanket in her vehicle and leaving the rest of the stolen items in the cart.

A black female, later identified as Alisha Danielle Striblin, then pushes the cart back into the store with all the other items and heads over to customer service where she attempts to get a refund of $183.60, according to the SRSO report.

After being contacted, Ezell agreed to meet officers at her home to talk about the incident, but failed to hold the appointment.

Ezell is also listed as a registered sex offender for knowingly engaging or attempting to engage in a sexual act with a minor in December of 2005, according to Florida Department of Law Enforcement records.

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Photos by Trevor Daughtry

Sunset in Navarre is always beautiful from Navarre Park overlooking the Sound. Add the Christmas decorations and lights with the skyline of Navarre Beach in the background, and the scenery moves from amazing to something from a post card.

New era set to begin for pier

By Romi White romiwhite@navarrepress.com

Gaetz: FDOT projects will boost economy, communities represents 16 counties in the Florida Panhandle, is set to receive an additional $300 million in infrastructure projects.

The Florida Funding for FDOT District 3 Department of transportation projects for fisTransportation cal years 2015-2019 total more ( F D O T ) than $3 billion. The funding announced its will be invested in district ports, proposed fivebridges, roads and railways in year work plan for Gaetz the 11,500 square miles the District 3 earlier this month. The district, which district serves.

By Romi White romiwhite@navarrepress.com

There are significant differences in the current pier management contract and the new agreement, which goes into effect Jan. 1. Most notable are Benaquis tighter financial controls and security measures, including pre-employment background screening in the aftermath of a Navarre Press investigation which prompted the firing of a registered sex offender who was hired to work at the pier.

See PIER 10A

State delegation listens to local concerns at meeting

“This aggressive initiative is possible because we have a jobs champion in Governor Rick Scott,”said Senate President Don Gaetz (R-Niceville). “He has been a solid partner in finding the funds and moving Northwest Florida’s interests forward.

“Hundreds of jobs will be created during the engineering and construction of these

SUV slams into truck, spills fuel

Leading up to the 2014 legislative session, three state lawmakers held a hearing seeking public input on Dec. 17 in Milton. Approximately 50 people representing Santa Rosa County government, business and other entities attended — and about a dozen speakers discussed a variety of issues ranging from government spending to bear control and storm water mitigation.

Photos by Tom Kirkham

First responders work to retrieve the driver of this white Kia Sorrento from the vehicle following a wreck last Thursday at Candlewood Drive and Hwy 98 in Navarre.

By Tom Kirkham tom@navarrepress.com

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Broxson, Evers push for more voting rights

By Romi White romiwhite@navarrepress.com

By Romi White romiwhite@navarrepress.com

See STATE 10A

projects. But the real economic value is in building the arteries that get products to and from market. A burst of construction getting that infrastructure in place will help our communities attract and keep growing businesses that need skilled workers for decades to come,” stated Gaetz.

A woman was sent to the hospital and fuel was spilled into a ditch following a wreck in Navarre last Thursday.

First responders were called out to the intersection of Candlewood Drive and Highway

98 last Thursday when a woman driving a white Kia Sorento slammed into the side of a JB Hunt truck that was driving in the outside westbound lane of Hwy 98.

According to witnesses, the Kia proceeded through the stop sign just before impacting the

side of the truck. The impact tore off the truck’s right fuel tank, which held about 45 – 50 gallons of fuel, which began to spill into a nearby ditch. Firefighters on scene did not have any containment devices on hand, so Holley-Navarre Water System

Rep. Doug Broxson (R-Gulf Breeze) and Senator Greg Evers (R-Baker) are working to change some inconsistencies Broxson in the voting process for members of our military.

Sometimes voters who are out of the country during elec- Evers tion cycles, especially those serving in the military, don’t request — or do request but don’t receive — local absentee ballots in a timely manner. If those voters utilize federal write-in absentee ballots, they are limited to

See WRECK 11A

See VOTING RIGHTS 10A

This 75-gallon fuel tank was torn from a large trick in the wreck, and had to be removed from the ditch to contain fuel leakage.

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10A /

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2013

Former Milton Pier teacher arrested Continued from page 1A TC’s Coastal Pier, LLC is set for child porn to overtake operations on Staff reports editor@navarrepress.com Jeffrey“Bruce” Richards, 63, of Milton, was arrested on Dec. 11 on federal charges of distribution, receipt and possession Richards of child pornography.

Richards was working as a math teacher at Escambia High School at the time of his arrest, but is well known to many residents of Milton, where he taught at Milton High School for decades.

A special agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation alleges that between December 2012 and December 2013, Richards utilized peer-to-peer software to share hundreds of images of child pornography online.

The complaint which prompted Richards’arrest was a result of a joint investigation by the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security, the Pensacola Police Department and other members of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

The case is being prosecuted by U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Richards resigned his position with Escambia County School District and remains in the Escambia County Jail without bond.

Man arrested for shooting dog

By Shelby Smithey Shelby@navarrepress.com A Navarre man was arrested last Thursday for shooting his neighbor’s dog, according to a Santa Rosa Mitchell County Sheriff’s Office arrest report.

Donald Mitchell, 61, admitted to shooting Hulk, a 60-pound grey and white pit bull, with a pellet rifle while the dog was outside of his fence on Palo Alto Street.

The dog’s owner called officers on Nov. 30 after he discovered the dog had been shot. He went outside of his home on Chapparel Street, a few hundred feet from Mitchell’s residence, to feed Hulk and saw blood on his chest. He saw a hole in his dog’s neck and he was lethargic and beginning to shiver.

The owner told officers that there was a man that lived on Palo Alto Street that had threatened to shoot Hulk in the past. After the owner and his girlfriend took the dog to the veterinarian, officers went to Mitchell’s residence.

Mitchell initially denied knowing anything about shots being fired, and according to the report, officers could smell alcohol on his breath. Mitchell then admitted to shooting the dog with a pellet rifle and said that a woman had come home and that the dog had growled at her while she was getting out of her car.

Mitchell then went outside and saw the pit bull standing on the outside of his fence on his carport and shot the dog from the inside of his fence.

He did not tell officers that he was in fear of the dog attacking him.

Mitchell was arrested for possession of a weapon by a convicted felon on Nov. 30, and for cruelty to animals on Dec. 19. The arrest report did not indicate whether or not the dog survived the gun shot wound.

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Wednesday after having officially signed a three-year contract which is renewable for two additional year-long periods. Subsequently, the company is now in the process of interviewing current and potential future employees.

Scott Rayner, one of the partners in the new management team, stated they are ready to begin the transition. “(We’re) thrilled with the opportunity to provide local residents and visitors alike with an outstanding experience. We are excited to work with the fishermen and locals in the coming months,” said Rayner, who has already been meeting with local fish-

erman to gather input.

Rayner stated the pier will be open Jan. 1 and the store will probably be open within two weeks after that. Rayner hopes to re-open the bar by Feb. 1 and the new restaurant

by Feb. 15. However, he stated those dates could be contingent upon whether or not there is a smooth transition between contractors.

The new contractor is set to remit all pier admission fees plus 3.1 percent of pier store and restaurant revenues. A new provision of the contract specifies use of separate pointof-sale equipment for the pier gate with the capability for the county to access real-time data.

Unlike the former contractor, the new management is responsible for all utilities costs.

The current contractor, Pier, Inc., has only paid a flat fee of $250 per month toward utilities.

Additionally, there is a new provision in the contract related to the design and operation of a restaurant . Plans for the new establishment must be approved by the county.

The restaurant must serve lunch and dinner seven days a week, and serving breakfast is optional.

Santa Rosa County establishes hours of operation for the pier. The pier restaurant can be open during those times but not in excess of them and must close if the pier is closed.

Another stipulation of the contract is that the facility may not be closed for private functions.

Noise levels are also addressed in the contract, which states amplified sound on the premises between the hours of 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. are not to be permitted and that the contractor must abide by the county’s discretion to ensure noise from the

premises does not impact surrounding properties.

The agreement was also expanded to cover rentals at the store, including but not limited to kayaks, surfboards and snorkeling equipment.

Specifics regarding outdoor space behind the building were also included. No more than two volleyball courts will be lawfully lighted, and the county reserves the right to regulate the lighting with respect to sea or wildlife, such as sea turtle hatchlings.

The new contract still requires the contractor to submit an annual business and operating plan but also specifies general liability coverage be increased to at least $1 million. The agreement also states that if the corporation files for bankruptcy it constitutes a breach of contract.

The operators are also supposed to provide a high-lev-

el of supervision of the premises, including making efforts to ensure patrons are abiding by rules and that nobody uses “chum”to attract sharks or any other sea life. Also, the new contract contains more detail-related to cleanliness of the facility, such as hosing off the pier as needed.

Additionally, as part of the contract, TC’s Coastal Porch set forth a provision providing a $1,500 college scholarship to Santa Rosa County students.

“I’m going into this with enthusiasm and excitement.

I can feel it in the air. Our goal is to better people’s lives and give them a pleasant experience,” said Bob Benaquis, owner of TC’s Front Porch in Navarre and also a partner in the new management team.

Persons interested in a job at the pier can email info@coastalconcession.com.

Water system elections coming in 2014

By Shelby Smithey Shelby@navarrepress.com Two seats on the HolleyNavarre Water System board are up for grabs for the upcoming year, and six candidates will be vying for the positions.

Incumbents Sheldon Hutchins, secretary/treasurer, and board member Charlie Enghauser will be competing against newcomers Chris Richardson, Daryl Lynchard, James Dabney and Ashley Strabala for the seats, said HNWS general manager Ken Walker.

At its annual membership meeting and election of directors on Jan. 21, water board

State

Continued from page 1A

Representative Doug Broxson (R-Gulf Breeze) facilitated the meeting, and Representative Mike Hill (R-Pensacola) and Senator Greg Evers (R-Baker) joined Broxson for the 90-minute forum.

Santa Rosa County Commissioner Don Salter presented the list of Santa Rosa County government priorities, which included beach renourishment, development of a statewide human/Florida Black Bear conflict mitigation plan, continued widening of State Road 87 and oth-

Gaetz

Continued from page 1A The newly announced proposed funding includes: Santa Rosa County: ■ Construction of SR 30/10 US 98/90 corridor management improvement projects Okaloosa County: ■ A project development

Voting rights

Continued from page 1A

only voting for candidates.

Presently such voters could not, for example, vote on issues such as whether or not to use a temporary local sales tax to fund a new Santa Rosa County courthouse – a matter set to be presented on the 2014 ballot.

“I appreciate our local supervisors of elections for bringing this issue to me, and I will work hard to see that this bill passes and the problem is resolved,” said Broxson, who filed House Bill 215 on Oct. 24.“HB 215 will ensure that those who are fighting to protect our right to vote are able to fully participate in that same right.”

The proposed legislation would update Florida election laws to reflect changes made to the federal write-in absentee ballot allowing voters to also have a voice in local and state initiatives.

Historically, federal writein absentee ballots only allowed voters to choose

members will vote on the next new wave of directors. Currently, the board has seven directors who serve staggered three-year terms.

Enghauser also serves as a board member of Fairpoint Regional Utility System, and as a retired electrician is an active member of the Navarre Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. Hutchins has served nearly 24 years in the U.S. Air Force. Lynchard works as a certified public accountant and Richardson is a local mechanic.

Strabala, a reservist in the U.S. Air Force and a member of the Navarre Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), said that her moti-

vations for running include a desire for better communication with water system customers. As a customer herself, she said she would like to see less confusion and better explanation of rates and fees that are more accessible.

“There seems to be a lot of confusion with rates and tap fees,”Strabala said.“It doesn’t seem like people are receiving a good answer as to why things are set the way they are. I think it is a communication issue. The way things are delivered need to be changed.”

Strabala has lived in Navarre since 2008 and said that she looks forward to making that information more accessible

to customers online if she is elected. She said she would also like to be more involved with educating the public about how the water system is run.

“Especially for those who may be trying to open a business in the Navarre area, it would make more sense to have the tap fee formula and information readily available online,” Strabala said.

“Better communication would be a win-win for both customers and the water system.”

Holley-Navarre Water System will hold its annual membership meeting and election of directors on Jan. 21. Voting begins at 7 a.m.

and will conclude at the start of the annual meeting at 7 p.m.

The board of directors includes seven members, President William Goulet, Vice President Jim White, Secretary/Treasurer Sheldon Hutchins, Charlie Enghauser, Troy Bossier, Bien May and Steve D.R. Gardner. The HNWS board of directors have its monthly meetings on the third Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. in the HNWS meeting room, located at 8574 Turkey Bluff Road.

For more information about the annual meeting, call the Holley-Navarre Water System at 850-939-2427

er initiatives and incentives.

Ed Carson, representing a coalition of the five chambers located in the county, presented six items local business leaders hope lawmakers will consider, including compensating business interruptions related to state construction projects, streamlining permitting and inspection processes and other recommendations aimed to aid small businesses.

“What we’re trying to do is partner with you guys and county government to make our county as business friendly as possible,”stated Carson.

East Milton resident Wallis Mahute stood up and asked

the officials about gambling.

“I am against the expansion of gaming in Florida, whether that be resort-style casinos or slot machines,”stated Hill.

“I’m not for it in the Panhandle, but we shouldn’t try to force our opinions from the Panhandle,”said Evers, who supports putting the issue out to voters to decide for their own areas.

Several other residents spoke out about different issues they consider important. Sheldon Thomas advocated for the rights of grandparents. “I think there’s a wave that’s beginning to be built to give grandparents

rights,”noted Broxson.

Debbie Gunnoe, a candidate for Santa Rosa County School Board who lives in Navarre, voiced opposition to Common Core Standards, stating it is not working.

Sonya Negley spoke out on behalf of the Navarre Beach Coalition. “We just want a logical plan for our area,”said Negley. “We have a huge storm water issue in our area, and water quality is a big issue.”

The topic receiving the most attention by speakers, however, related to calling for a constitutional convention to propose amendments to the United States Constitution

imposing fiscal restraints on the federal government and officials.

Sam Mullins, co-founder of the Santa Rosa Tea Party Patriots, joined several other speakers in praising Evers, who filed Senate Bill 480 to establish a Commission on Federalism to evaluate whether or not federal laws overreach Constitutional authority.

“SB 480 was filed to ensure government is run from the bottom to the top, not from the top down,”said Evers.

“We as Floridians have a voice in Washington.”

The 2014 legislative session starts March 4.

and environmental study for replacement of Brooks Bridge ■ lighting for the Interstate 10 interchange at County Road 189 (Holt) ■ Widening PJ Adams Parkway from Ashley Drive to State Road 85 ■ Right-of-way acquisition for widening of PJ Adams Parkway from Wildhorse Drive to Interstate 10

Escambia County: ■ Increased capacity design for US 90 from Interstate 10 to Pine Forest Road ■ Resurfacing of Navy Blvd from East of New Warrington to US 90 ■ Resurfacing of Creighton Road from Davis Highway to Scenic Highway Not quite a year ago, Gaetz joined FDOT officials in announc-

ing $1 billion in accelerated funding – reportedly the largest single investment in the area’s transportation infrastructure in state history. Those projects included further widening of portions of SR 87 and a new Pensacola Bay Bridge, planned without tolls, connecting Gulf Breeze and Pensacola.

FDOT District 3 spokesperson Ian Satter stated that the Pensacola

Bay Bridge is in the project development and environmental study phase and is currently being reviewed by the Federal Highway Administration.

The State Road 87 widening project from the Eglin AFB boundary to two miles south of Yellow River Bridge is tentatively scheduled for 2015.The 5.4-mile project is anticipated to cost $18.3 million, added Satter.

candidates in federal races, such as presidential or congressional elections. In 2010, space was added to the ballot so voters could write in local and state elections.

However, verbiage on the revised ballot, and Florida election law, specified use for candidate races.

Although wording on the federal ballot was further amended to include initiatives, Florida election laws need further updating to accommodate that change.

House Bill 215 which would authorize eligible uniformed services and overseas voters to use federal write-in absentee ballots to vote on state or local matters.

Evers filed a similar bill in the Senate on Dec. 9. Evers’ bill also includes an additional provision for judicial elections, which are technically candidate races. That measure was specified after a review by counsel for the Secretary of State. As both bills move through the legislative process, more changes could be made prior to reaching final

versions which must match verbatim.

“I think it’s great that Rep. Broxson and Sen. Evers are proposing legislation to increase opportunities for our uniformed service and overseas voters, ensuring they have a voice in state or local elections,” said Santa Rosa County Supervisor of Elections Tappie Villane.

Villane stated that letters are sent to military/overseas voters at the beginning of each election cycle, informing them of upcoming elections. Voters are encouraged at that time to ensure correct mailing and email addresses are on file and reminded to request absentees if they intend on voting during the election cycle.

During the 2012 election cycle, there were a total of 4,749 military/overseas votes cast in Santa Rosa County.

Of those voters, 218 utilized a federal write-in ballot.

If the legislation is passed during the upcoming session, the changes would go into effect July 1.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year A CHRISTMAS REEF From

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