I think for the next several months, this column space could be full of takes on the primary and general elections that will dominate headlines in our newspaper and in other media outlets.

On June 11, the first item for discussion on the Milton City Council’s 5:30 p.m. work session agenda was about a boat the council feels has been illegally parked in the Blackwater River, a topic that has been discussed several times before.

One of the hardest lessons I’ve had to learn about working in the media is that for some reason the general public groups all news agencies together, almost like we have one big brain.

People who watch and read the news often look at a local journalist in the same way they see someone who works for CNN, MSNBC or Fox News.

During election season, no matter where you go, there are certain things you come to expect as a journalist.

Ribbon cuttings are twice as popular before. All of a sudden, even the smallest of shops opening is extremely important, as every politician on this side of the Mississippi River tries to squeeze their way into the photo. Free publicity baby. That’s what it’s all about.

Covering a breaking news story, especially a tragic one, is one of the hardest parts about being a journalist.

Everyone has heard the phrase, “If it bleeds, it leads,” but the truth is 99.9% of the journalism community would rather go their entire career without covering a tragic event. Probably 100%. And that old saying really applies to readership, because unfortunately, in general the public would rather read about something horrible that happened than someone uplifting someone else.

With no offense to any of the local candidates in this election, I’ve always thought school superintendents should be appointed by an elected school board instead of being elected by the public.

Some counties in Alabama and Florida (not all) elect a superintendent of schools, but the rest of the country allows the school board to make the hire. Santa Rosa County is one of 41 counties in Florida where the superintendent of schools is elected.

Some studies have shown that moving is ranked as the number one stressor anyone deals with in life.

People have ranked moving above the grief of losing a loved one or a separation or divorce.

I have always had an interest in history, and mythology and when I was in elementary school. I read every book my school library had regarding myths and mythical creatures that make up the culture of many nations. I was also brought up in a Judeo-Christian Church and home and loved the Bible stories as well – which some, not me, believe to be mythical stories. And, I’ve also had an interest in Nostradamus, a French astrologer, apothecary, and physician who made predictions – and I give Nostradamus the same weight as I give a horoscope – none. But it is still interesting. I wish my Bible study teachers had put more weight on all the predictions otherwise known as prophesies in the Bible – because they actually come true. My column this week may be considered “religious” but I’m going to be as factual as possible and even include a historian that wasn’t a believer.

I recently heard a sermon from my home church, First Baptist Orlando, that 100% inspired this column. I love Christmas for many reasons, but first and foremost because we are celebrating and recognizing the significance of the birth of Jesus. How does the world celebrate Christmas? By giving gifts and acts of kindness to one another to demonstrate our love for others.

Last Saturday was a complete washout for many of the events scheduled across Northwest Florida with very heavy rain across the area, but all was not lost. The Merry Market went on as scheduled with a change of venue to get it out of the rain. The Navarre Christmas Parade, “Cheers to 50 years” was cancelled with no rain date scheduled. And the Navarre Jingle Bell Run was able to be rescheduled to this Saturday, Dec. 9 at 8 a.m. same location (Holley Navarre Fire District Station 45 behind McDonalds).