Navarre Beach Pier

The demolition of the old Navarre Beach pier is starting now.  In this picture you can see the work on the old pier with the new pier in the background.  The new Navarre Beach Pier will be opening in May.  Call Navarre Properties 866-936-1312 to reserve a place to stay and enjoy our new pier.

Does it ever amaze you how a potter can take a lump of insignificant clay and turn it into something useful and beautiful?

Feb. 11-13 will be the Gulf Coast Clay Conference hosted primarily at Pensacola Junior College, but it finishes the last day as a festival in Navarre at the Kiln Walk Site. During this three day conference one can participate in work shops and view demonstrations and exhibits.

Conference participants must register and the cost is $95 or $25 for full time students. To register call 850.939.7972.

The Festival in Navarre is open to the public with demos, exhibits, and pieces for sale. So enjoy an afternoon out and see what pottery you might find.

February is here at Navarre Beach, and along the Gulf Coast that means Mardi Gras and the colors of the festivity: purple, green, and gold. It means king cakes and parades; smiles and fun.

Mardi Gras is a time of carnival or merrymaking, as many a definition will say, which leads up to Ash Wednesday and Lent. It began in New Orleans but has spread throughout the Gulf Coast region through the years.

Here at Navarre Beach, we have our own Mardi Gras parade. This year the parade will be held Feb. 13 on the beach. At Mardi Gras parades people line the street to watch the colorful floats and hope to catch the beaded necklaces or doubloons being given away.

Even though it is time of “merrymaking” in Navarre we keep it deliberately family oriented. We like to make sure that the kids can have as much fun catching beads from the passing floats as the grown ups.

So take a vacation down to the Florida Gulf Coast and experience the revelry of Mardi Gras.

The holidays are over. The cooler temps have set in, even here at the Gulf coast. However, we still have things to do- like a trip back in time.

Fort Barrancus located at Pensacola NAS , is offering candlelight tours lead by costumed civil war-era characters to explain the entire fort’s history.  Learn about the men who served within its walls, their duties,  and their battles.

The tours will be held 5 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. on Jan. 30 and Feb. 13, 2010.  Participants must make reservations by calling 850.455.5167.  And since it is located on the base, it is requested that you enter through the back gate on Blue Angel Parkway.

So while staying at Navarre Beach, prepare for a trip to the past in attending Fort Barrancus and its candlelight tours.

Navarre Beach will have its own coldwater dip on Jan. 1, 2010 to welcome in the New Year. The event is taking place outside of Juana’s Pagoda and Sailor’s Grill, and it will last from noon to 2 p.m. with door prizes, free food and drinks for participants. And for the true penguins out there, try “The Wave of Challenge” where you can ride a tube behind a jet ski.

To take part in the festivities, whether you decide to jump in the water or not, you must register either online (active.com) or in person, and the cost is $25. The motto is “Freezing for a Reason.” And what is the reason, you may ask. Well, all benefits are going to support The Escarosa Coalition for the Homeless.

What a way to welcome in the new year with good food and good fun. But after all that is said and done, just think of your warm condo awaiting you with a fully furnished kitchen ready to make hot coffee or hot cocoa.

It’s 2010. It’s a new year. Get away and take the plunge, or sit back and watch those who do. Happy New Year!

Navarre Beach is now home to the Navarre Beach Marine Science Station! With the generous donation of the new Marine Science Station (NBMSS), students of all ages have the unique invitation to discover the many wonders of marine life in environmentally rich Santa Rosa County. Navarre Beach Park offers 130 acres of sandy white beaches, lush wetlands, and native vegetation. This year, the Science Station hosted a fantastic summer camp- activities included fishing, kayaking, and learning about out amazing marine ecosystem here on Navarre Beach. During the school year, the Science Station hosts local school classes for field trips and hands-on learning opportunities. High School Dual-Enrollment students can even take classes in Marine Biology and Oceanography. The program is spearheaded by Charlene Mauro Fearon, an award-winning and devoted science teacher at Navarre High School.

Want to get involved? Help keep our beaches clean! September 19th, NBMSS will host the International Coastal Clean Up from 8 AM-12 PM at the Navarre Beach Park. Then, see the science station first-hand at the Coastal Encounters Open House, Saturday October 3rd from 8 AM-12 PM. Admission in free! Explore the touch tank, discover the truth about shark myths, and learn to identify seashells. Arts and crafts activities include fish painting, create your own shark necklace, and sea turtle maracas! Donations to the Navarre Beach Marine Science Station are greatly appreciated. Contact the Navarre Beach Marine Science Staion to learn more!

Did you know Navarre Beach has a decor and art boutique? Do you need help furnishing your home or condo? Want an affordable transformation in your environment? Visit Frugality by Design on Navarre Beach! Everything from creative tablescapes, furniture space planning, soap and candles, art and clothing accessories can be found at this wonderful boutique. Big city beach ideas paired with the laid-back vibe of Navarre Beach make Frugality by Design the premier shop of Navarre Beach.

If you’re a vacation home owner and need help making your fabulous beach home even more spectacular, talk to the helpful staff at Frugality by Design. If you’re a local, home staging advice and outdoor garden ideas are also a service offered. Always tasteful, never tacky; flavorful and fun- we know you’ll love our neighbors next door! Visit Frugality by Design the next time you’re on Navarre Beach!

Frugality by Design is located next door to Navarre Properties at 8438 Gulf Boulevard on Navarre Beach, Florida. We are in an apple green building across the street from the Gulf of Mexico! Call today: 850-598-3661.

• Do you think a Navarre Beach weekend retreat with your friends isn’t possible this summer? 
• Do you think you can’t afford to take your family to Navarre Beach? 
• Well think again! Our team of friendly specialists manages our vacation home inventory daily to create the best deal for you! We have lovely Navarre Beach vacation rentals vacant this weekend! Book one of these beautiful Gulf front vacation homes and save 15%! Take advantage of terrific last minute savings**!

Southern Breeze 5- Gulf front Navarre Beach townhome! 583.32 including taxes and fees.

Summerwind 601 C- Gulf front Navarre Beach condo with pool! 918.67 including taxes and fees.

Check out our other terrific deals!

**Check in Friday June 12th and depart Monday June 15th.**

Photo Courtesy Pensacola News Journal

Did you know Pensacola was settled by the Spanish in 1559? Come celebrate Pensacola’s 450th anniversary and the 60th annual Fiesta of Five Flags. The Spanish ship Juan Sebastian de Elcano will arrive Wednesday June 3rd at the Port of Pensacola around 9 AM. The world’s 3rd tallest ship will remain in Port until Monday June 8th. Visitors are welcome to tour the ship for FREE during these designated hours:

• Wednesday, June 3rd 3 to 6 p.m.
• Thursday, June 4th 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 to 6 p.m.
• Saturday, June 6th 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 to 6 p.m.
• Sunday, June 7th 3 to 6 p.m.
• Monday, June 8th 3 to 6 p.m.

Click here for directions from Navarre Beach to Port of Pensacola

Looking for something different to eat? Just down the road from Navarre & off of Highway 98, is a wonderful Mediterranean restaurant called Mr. Pita’s Mediterranean Buffet! They offer delicious lamb, chicken, and beef menu items, as well as wonderfully prepared veggie dishes. Save room for dessert! Their handmade desserts, including baklava, are sure to please the whole family! Buffet items are consistently fresh, hot, and bold on taste. Restaurant staff members always provide prompt and friendly service. 

Hours of Operation: Monday-Thursday: 11 AM-2:30 PM, Friday & Saturday: 11 AM-8 PM, Sundays 12 PM-6PM

Mr Pita’s is located at 2387 W Highway 98- just 8.3 miles East of Navarre Beach- a 12 minute car ride! Only $9.95 for the buffet. For more menu details, call Mr. Pita’s staff at (850) 581-0166