Opinion
P25 encrypted emergency communication system: A double-edged sword for public transparency and journalism
Emergency communication systems are critical for public safety, enabling swift coordination among first responders during crises. Over the years, technological advancements have made these systems more efficient, reliable, and secure. One such innovation is the P25 (Project 25) communication system—a suite of standards designed to ensure interoperability among various public safety agencies while prioritizing encrypted communication for enhanced security. While encryption undoubtedly bolsters the confidentiality of sensitive operations, it also raises significant concerns for journalists and advocates of government transparency.
For whom does the bridge toll?
Santa Rosa County has an aptly named department for maintaining and repairing county roads and bridges – called ‘Roads and Bridges.’ They have a budget that includes among other things maintenance of county bridges.
Welcome to Destin…
It is well known that Navarre Beach is a tourist driven destination for families. We have in years past presented ourselves as “family oriented” with activities offered for both adults and children. We are the quieter, more tamed beach than our neighbors to the east and west. The party crowd usually goes to Destin or Pensacola Beach.
Taskforce off to good start
We attended the March 21 meeting of the Land Development Taskforce and were pleasantly surprised by what we heard and saw.
Back in February, we put the county commissioners on blast for selecting a “builder heavy” taskforce. They listened and backed off on some of the choices they made in favor of a more balanced approach. But we were still left with three builders in the end.
Out and About
Daniel Evans
April 17, 2025
April 17, 2025
My column this week may be considered “religious,” but I’m going to be as factual as possible and even include a historian who was a Jew, but didn’t necessarily believe Jesus was the prophesied messiah.
Brian Out Loud
Brian Lester
April 21, 2025
April 21, 2025
With all the talent Florida produces from an athletic standpoint, you’d think coaches here were some of the highest paid in the nation.
Think again. Florida coaches are underpaid, a lot of times underappreciated, and in most instances, overworked. Coaches in surrounding states tend to make more.
Think again. Florida coaches are underpaid, a lot of times underappreciated, and in most instances, overworked. Coaches in surrounding states tend to make more.
For God’s Sake
Michael Bannon
April 23, 2025
April 23, 2025
I used to make my living as a professional guitarist, and there is a universally shared experience among guitarists who have played in bands. At some point in your performance, someone is going to shout out, “Freebird! Freebird!” For those who don’t know, Freebird is a song by the southern-rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, and it features several iconic guitar solos. I have heard that request often and most of my 6-string colleagues have as well. For the many times we’ve been asked to play the song, you’d think that we would take the time to learn it. I never have, and neither have any of my guitar playing friends. Perhaps, deep down, we fear that, were we to play it, we would be disrupting a long-established order of things.