Gaetz: Separate Navarre issues

NAVARRE, Fla. - Navarre Pass is no closer to being reopened after an April 17 non-public meeting with U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz and regional leaders. The new lawmaker says he now wants legislation to allow Santa Rosa County to take ownership of Navarre Beach, but wants to separate that issue with the re-opening of the pass because of Eglin Air Force Base concerns over potential encroachment into its Gulf of Mexico aerial testing range and training missions within Santa Rosa Sound. The proposed new-idea bill would remain neutral on Navarre Pass. “(A)fter meeting with the military, I see we’re on different timetables,” Gaetz was reported saying. Eglin AFB owns adjacent properties to the pass, which has been closed to the GoM for decades. Gaetz insists the re-opening of the pass would make Santa Rosa County “one of the wealthiest counties in Florida” due to sport-fishing and economic development. The Santa Rosa County Commission will first have to give a thumbs-up to officially taking back the barrier island. Commission Chairman Rob Williamson expects to get that done during meetings set for the week of April 24. (Source: Northwest Florida Daily News 04/18/17)