Navarre is located in Santa Rosa County in the northwest Florida Panhandle.  Navarre is one of the fastest-growing tourist destinations in the Emerald Coast. It is a major bedroom community for mostly U.S. military personnel, federal civil servants, local population, retirees and defense contractors. Due to Navarre Beach and the 4 miles (6.4 km) of beach-front on the Gulf of Mexico, as well as several miles of beaches within the Navarre Beach Marine Park and the Gulf Islands National Seashore, it has a small, but rapidly growing community of nature enthusiasts and tourists. Navarre has grown from being a small town of around 1,500 in 1970 to a town with a population estimated at 43,540 as of 2020, if including both the Navarre and Navarre Beach.

Navarre is about 25 miles (40 km) east of Pensacola and about 15 miles (24 km) west of Fort Walton Beach. The community is roughly centered on the junction of U.S. Route 98 and State Road 87.[10] It is part of the Pensacola–Ferry Pass–Brent Metropolitan Statistical Area (more commonly referred to as the Pensacola Metro Area), and is the second-largest community in the metropolitan area. Navarre is the third-largest community in the Florida Panhandle.

The area was explored by the Spanish in the 1690’s.  The Spanish influence can still be felt in the area, with many of the communities and roads having Spanish names. It was many years later, in the 1820’s, that the area began to be settled by American homesteaders.  Navarre even boasted a shipyard in the latter part of the 19th century.  The recent growth has occurred in the latter part of the 20th century.

Navarre is now not only expanding in population, but in attractions, dining establishments, and other tourist options as well. In 2017 and 2018 alone, Navarre saw the opening of several major housing and apartment complexes, a brand new hotel, a new prototype Walmart Neighborhood Store, and several new restaurants. Expansion has since continued with the construction of additional retail and box stores, residential complexes, and entertainment centers near the community’s central business district. ] New development was announced in 2020 that would additionally expand commercial options on the east side of the community.

In April 2023, Navarre business owner, Bob Benaquis, has announced that they are moving forward with a Navarre “Town Center” which will be located south of Esplanade street and will cover several acres. The proposed town center will include dining, shops, and a central courtyard and amphitheater that will host community events. While the start date has not been announced, several buildings are scheduled to be demolished in the coming months to make room for the development.

In May 2023, the Highway 98 widening project has begun in select areas of Navarre, specifically east of Highway 87. The project consists of drainage improvements, sidewalks, and adding 3 lanes to both eastbound and westbound lanes. While the end date has not been announced, it is expected to be finished in the 2026/27 timeframe.

No matter your style, you’ll soon discover that there’s good reason why Navarre and Navarre Beach are a favorite stop for locals and return visitors, year after year.

Find out more about Navarre and Santa Rosa County here:  https://www.visitflorida.com/listing/santa-rosa-county-visitor-information-center/30264/

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