New improvements coming to Navarre Beach

MILTON — A few new improvements are being added to Navarre Beach amenities.

At Monday's Santa Rosa County Commissioner meeting Monday, commissioners moved to approve implementing signage and brochures to promote the Navarre Beach Marine Sanctuary Snorkel Reef.

The improvements will be funded  by a $10,000 from the Coastal Partnership Initiative (CPI) program. Matching funds will come from the county's Tourism Development tax reserves, a move that was approved by the Tourism Development Council on May 3.

CPI is a program of Florida Department of Environmental Protection to promote the protection of effective management of Florida's coastal resources, according to the DEP website. 

The Marine Sanctuary and artificial reef is located in the Navarre Beach Marine Park directly south of Sea Oat Pavilion. The reef is located 100 yards offshore near lifeguard station No. 1. The park is free to the public and open every day sunrise to sunset.

"As active divers on the artificial reefs, we know the importance and need to educate the public about the unique ecosystems in our backyard," said Charlene Mauro, director of Navarre Beach Marine Science Station.

Growing Santa Rosa Enterprises, which operates the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier, spoke to the board at Monday's meeting about several approval requests including adding a temporary portable restrooms services until an ADA-compliant facility is available, installing new ice machine and adding a second gate on the pier north of the dune line. The company also requested approval for a memorandum of understanding between Growing Santa Rosa Enterprises and True Blue Fishing Club to allow members to fish from the pier after normal operating hours. Anglers in the club work alongside NOAA to do research on marine life.

Requests for approval were all moved to Thursday's meeting.