Navarre Beach
DEDICATED TO PROTECTING NAVARRE BEACH
Providing 24/7 fire suppression, emergency medical response, and ocean rescue services to residents and visitors.
📅 Next Board Meeting: October 13, 2026
Official Public NoticeThe Navarre Beach Fire Rescue District Board of Fire Commissioners conducts regular monthly meetings on Santa Rosa Island. In accordance with Florida Sunshine Law, meetings are open to the public, and official agendas and documentation packets are posted prior to each meeting.
- Tuesday, October 13, 2026 – 4:30 PM (Regular Meeting)
- Tuesday, November 10, 2026 – 4:30 PM (Regular Meeting)
- Tuesday, December 15, 2026 – 4:30 PM (Regular Meeting)
🏖️ Navarre Beach Lifeguards Are Hiring!
Starting Pay: $20 / HourIf you are passionate about the water, interested in public service, and want to join a dedicated, close-knit team protecting one of the most beautiful beaches on the coast, we want to hear from you.
Experienced lifeguards, surfers, competitive swimmers, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, nurses, and military veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.
📋 Minimum Qualifications & Physical Requirements
- Must be at least 16 years of age.
- Able to swim 500 meters in 10 minutes or less.
- Able to run 1.5 miles in 15 minutes or less.
- Successfully complete the Navarre Beach Lifeguard Training Academy.
- Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
Job Duties & Training Provided:
Navarre Beach Lifeguards perform drowning prevention actions, public advisories, preventative actions, water assists, and open water surf rescues. Responsibilities include emergency first aid, assisting with missing persons, and advising visitors on beach ordinances. Surf rescue is physically demanding, and guards maintain high physical readiness throughout the season.
Comprehensive Training May Include: First Responder and CPR certification, open-water surf rescue, personal watercraft (PWC) rescue operator and crew training, emergency vehicle operation, drone operations, and scuba rescue.
Lifeguards are scheduled according to their availability. First-year lifeguards must work a minimum of 20 shifts. Availability is required for major weekends and holidays throughout the March – October beach season.
Questions & Inquiries: NavarreBeachLifeguards@gmail.com | Division Phone: (850) 369-6136
*Employment selections are competitive and finalized following completion of the Lifeguard Training Academy.
🇺🇸 Annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb
Community Event“Never forget means never forget.”
If you run, walk, or work out to stay fit, we invite you to join us on September 11th for our annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. This event is an opportunity to honor the sacrifices made on that day while challenging yourself physically and supporting our future firefighters. It also serves as a meaningful way to change your exercise routine for the day.
The event is free and open to the public, whether you are a firefighter or not. Participants may choose their own pace and goal. Some will complete the full 110‑floor climb (11 floors climbed 10 times), while others may choose a distance that is right for them. Shorts and tee shirts are acceptable—bunker gear is not required. There will not be awards or tee shirts given.
📅 Event Details
8575 Gulf Blvd., Navarre
🚒 Equipping Our Future Firefighters
Donations made payable to NBFRD will be accepted. All proceeds will be used to purchase firefighting bunker gear. Four of our lifeguards will be attending the fire academy beginning in January, and the cost to outfit one firefighter is $3,581. It is our goal to fully fund the equipment needs for each of these future firefighters.
Respectfully,
Jonathan Kanzigg, Fire Chief
Navarre Beach Fire Rescue District
🏛️ Board of Fire Commissioners & Governance
Public Sunshine BodyThe Navarre Beach Fire Rescue District is governed by a five-member elected Board of Fire Commissioners serving Santa Rosa Island under Florida Special District statutes.
📅 Regular Meeting Schedule:
Location: Fire Station 49 (1413 Utility Dr, Navarre Beach)
Public Conference Call Access: Dial (605) 313-9679 | Access Code: 2741265
Public Participation: All meetings are open to the public in accordance with Florida Sunshine Law.
- October 13, 2026 at 4:30 PM
- November 10, 2026 at 4:30 PM
- December 15, 2026 at 4:30 PM
👥 Board of Fire Commissioners:
1413 Utility Drive
Navarre, FL 32566
📜 Special District Public Information & Statutory Disclosures
F.S. Chapter 189 ComplianceIn compliance with Florida Statutes §§ 189.069, 189.0694, 189.0695, and 189.016, the following official information regarding the establishment, governance, boundaries, and fiscal operations of the Navarre Beach Fire Rescue District is provided for public inspection:
🏢 General Information & Charter
- Official Legal Name: Navarre Beach Fire Rescue District
- District Status: Independent Special Purpose Fire Control District (F.S. Chapters 189 & 191)
- Governing Charter / Establishing Authority: Created by Florida Special Act (Navarre Beach Fire Rescue District Act) and operating pursuant to Chapter 191, Florida Statutes.
- Service Purpose & Functions: Fire suppression, hazardous materials response, emergency medical response, open-water surf rescue, ocean safety education, and fire code inspection.
- Geographic Boundary & Service Area: Santa Rosa Island portion of Santa Rosa County, Florida (Navarre Beach leasehold boundary).
- Date Established: 2021 (Transitioned from municipal/volunteer service to Independent Special District).
📍 Official Contact & Registered Agent
Navarre Beach Fire Rescue District
Station 49
1413 Utility Drive
Navarre, FL 32566
Phone: (850) 939-2448
Official Website: navarrebeachfire.org
Records Custodian Email: recordsrequest@navarrebeachfire.org
Chief Jonathan Kanzigg
1413 Utility Drive
Navarre, FL 32566
👥 Governing Body & Elected Terms
Governed by a 5-member elected Board of Fire Commissioners serving 4-year staggered terms. Commissioners are elected by the registered electors of Navarre Beach during general county elections.
📊 Fiscal Year, Budgeting & Statutory Financial Links
- Fiscal Year Period: October 1 through September 30
- Budget Postings (F.S. 189.016): The tentative budget is posted at least 2 days prior to budget hearings; the final adopted budget is published within 30 days of adoption and remains posted for a minimum of 2 years.
- Taxes & Assessments: Authorized non-ad valorem fire protection assessments assessed annually through the Santa Rosa County property tax roll.
• Code of Ethics: District Commissioners and personnel comply with the Florida Code of Ethics for Public Officers and Employees (Part III, Chapter 112, Florida Statutes). View the official statutory code via the Florida Commission on Ethics.
• Public Facilities & Equipment (§ 189.0694): Station 49 operates fire suppression apparatus, emergency response vehicles, ocean rescue watercraft, and associated life safety gear supporting Santa Rosa Island.
🏊♂️ Navarre Beach Junior Lifeguard Program
Our youth summer program teaches ocean safety, beach ecology, basic first aid, CPR awareness, and water rescue techniques under the direction of professional Navarre Beach ocean lifeguards.
- Ages: 9 – 16 years old
- Skills Taught: Ocean swim techniques, rip current navigation, rescue board paddling, and teamwork.
- Requirements: Participants must pass a basic swim tryout prior to camp session start.
👨🦽 Beach Wheelchair Loan Program
The Navarre Beach Fire Rescue District provides specialized beach wheelchairs to ensure our beach remains accessible to everyone. This program operates on a first-come, first-serve basis at no charge* to users.
Program Rules & Pickup Details:
- Daily Pickup Options: Available daily for either Morning Pickup (9:00 AM – 2:00 PM) or Afternoon Pickup (2:00 PM – 7:00 PM).
- Station Pickup & Return: Chairs must be picked up from and returned to Station 49 (1413 Utility Drive) before your scheduled time slot ends.
- Rinse-Down Requirement: Borrowers are responsible for thoroughly hosing off all sand and saltwater at the station wash area prior to checking the equipment back in.
- Vehicle Requirement: Please ensure your vehicle is large enough to accommodate the beach wheelchair (pickup truck, van, or large SUV).
- Usage Area: Chairs can only be used on Navarre Beach sand (strictly prohibited on paved streets or sidewalks).
*Donations are accepted and directly support program maintenance.
📋 Request / Reserve a Beach Wheelchair →🏛️ Reporting Transparency & Public Records
In accordance with Florida Sunshine Law (Chapter 119, F.S.), all board agendas, meeting minutes, financial audits, and district records are freely available for public inspection.
💳 Online Payments
Coming SoonOur electronic online payment portal is currently in development and will be available soon.
In the interim, payments for records requests or donations can be made in person or by mail:
- Pay by Check or Money Order: Payable to Navarre Beach Fire Rescue District
- Station 49 Office: 1413 Utility Drive, Navarre Beach, FL 32566
- Questions: Contact Administration at (850) 939-2448
💬 Message from the Fire Chief & Public Inquiries
Welcome to Navarre Beach Fire Rescue. I am honored to serve as your Fire Chief. Navarre Beach has been my home my entire life—I grew up on White Sands Boulevard, attended school in Fort Walton Beach before Navarre had schools of its own, and my wife and I have lived in Hidden Creek for 25 years raising our three children and now enjoying our grandchild. When I’m not at the station, you will find me surfing every chance I get.
I bring a career dedicated to the fire service, including 22 years with the Midway Fire District, where I served as Fire Chief for 16 years. I have spent my professional life stepping into leadership to build high-performing teams, stabilize operations, and rebuild public trust through open, honest communication.
We are actively modernizing our operations with proactive, common-sense solutions—including expanding our part-time roster to curb overtime, competitive bidding across all district vendor services, and prioritizing absolute transparency in our financial reporting. The men and women of Station 49 are working hard every day to protect this island, and we look forward to partnering with our community every step of the way.