07/13/2023
Santa Rosa County District 3 Commissioner James Calkins this morning one again received unanimous support of a resolution he proposed. Today’s resolution formally expressed support for fisherman and also forbids any new “no fishing”restrictions on Navarre Beach. District 1 Commissioner Sam Parker stated one employee, Santa Rosa County Tourist Development Director Julie White, took action without board knowledge or public input, working to establish multiple “designated swimming areas,” which would have limited certain fishing in those areas for 8 months each year. Parker said that employee has been told “not to mess” with fishermen any more, following her recent confrontation of local fisherman Kyle McNamara, who alerted the local community via social media about her actions. Because of McNamara’s alarm, it was discovered signage had been ordered at the end of June; however, Calkins met with County Administrator DeVann Cook on Friday, July 7, so the sign order was cancelled that day - before sign production had started. Calkins then added the related resolution to today’s agenda. Cook stated that staff would not take future action to limit the freedom of fishermen without first seeking board approval and public input.
