Residents, neighbors push board to ‘slow down’ Navarre boardwalk and event hall plans

Residents and community advocates pressed the Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners to pause the Navarre Beach boardwalk and event-hall project and renew public engagement before awarding contracts.

David Jensen, who reviewed board minutes and project history at the meeting, said the current event-hall design traces to September 2025 and that a revised task order was approved two weeks later with only three commissioners present. “Let's put that final direction before the 5 commissioners for a recorded vote before the contract is awarded,” Jensen told the board, urging the county to open bids and provide details before moving forward.

Other speakers cited environmental and character concerns. An attendee introduced by the chair as Erica Thomas said opponents have gathered thousands of online signatures opposing development that would ‘destroy’ undeveloped beach areas. Tara Malillo asked pointed questions about the cost and funding, noting in the meeting that the proposal’s estimated range was “5 to $15,000,000” and asking whether FEMA, insurance, and military considerations had been addressed.

Several residents recommended using an earlier District 4 master plan (funded in 2018) and conducting renewed community outreach rather than rushing to award contracts. Commissioners said staff would compile questions and hold a workshop; the chair said staff had prepared additional questions and would bring options back to the board. No final contract award or expenditure was made at the meeting.

The board did not vote on contracting at the session; commissioners said they would provide answers and hold a workshop to review bids, master-plan materials and community feedback before any final decision.