Although the storm failed to rob the region - Navarre Beach, Blackwater River State Forest, and Historic Milton - of its natural beauty, it did damage many man-made structures. An aggressive rebuilding process began immediately and, in the midst of destruction, an awakening occurred.

�Hurricane Ivan reminded us very quickly of a couple of things.� said Kathy Newby, Executive Director of the Santa Rosa Tourist Development Council. �First, nature is the heart of our being and we are committed more than ever before to protecting and enhancing our environment. Second, we are not alone.�

�The outpouring of support we've received from across the country has been amazing,� added Newby. �We've gotten countless calls and e-mails from people to see how we're doing and to reassure us that they'll be back. This heartfelt response made us realize that tourists not only can but also must play a role in our rebuilding process.�

The goal of �Rebuilding Paradise Together� is for the local community, business leaders, and tourists to work together not simply to restore Navarre Beach, Blackwater River State Forest, and Historic Milton to their natural beauty but, moreover, to move toward sustainable tourism - a natural fit for this region.

Navarre Beach, offering solitude and simplicity, is a haven for nature enthusiasts. It is home to Gulf Islands National Seashore and eight miles of federally preserved, undeveloped shoreline. To the North, tourists can enjoy hundreds of miles of canoe and hiking trails in a hidden region dubbed the �Canoe Capitol of Florida.� Santa Rosa County is also known for its rich heritage and interesting historical sites.

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Archaeology Students Restore Historic Arcadia Mill following Hurricane Ivan. For archaeological students, Arcadia Mill is a crown jewel in Santa Rosa County. Once a booming industrial center complete with a sawmill and bucket factory, and later a cotton factory and silk cocoonery, the 34-acre park also stands to offer tourists a unique historical glimpse of the region.

But, before Arcadia Mill can deliver on this promise, it must undergo renovations and reopen. Hurricane Ivan caused damage to the site's roof and boardwalks, as well as filled its trails with fallen trees and debris. Now, students at the University of West Florida (UWF) are pitching in their time and energy to clean up and, ultimately, uphold a legacy.

One UWF student intern is actually working as site manager, living at Arcadia Mill and overseeing the entire recovery process. The hope is to reopen the historic site this spring,welcoming back the community and tourists. Since 1991, more than 70,000 students have toured the mill. UWF would like to see this interest spread to culture-oriented tourists.

Nature Enthusiasts to Explore 100+ Miles of Northwest Florida by Foot.

This spring, outdoor enthusiast will gather to explore the natural beauty of Northwest Florida during an eight-day, hundred-mile hike that takes them from Fort Pickens at Gulf Islands National Seashore to the Florida/Alabama state line in Blackwater River State Forest.

This third Annual Panhandle Trace event is scheduled for April 9-16, 2005, and is open to the Northwest Florida community and tourists alike. Last year, hikers came from as far as South Florida, New York, and Canada to enjoy the excursion, which covers eight scenic trails including the Seashore, Juniper, and Blackwater Trails.

Participants are welcome to join in for all or part of the hike, which is sponsored by the Western Gate Chapter of the Florida Trail Association. Each day will feature about 12 miles of hiking, site seeing, pot luck dinners around a campfire, and camping. Juana's: The History and Survival of Navarre's Famed Restaurant.

Hurricane Ivan wreaked havoc on many of Northwest Florida's man-made structures. Learn why Juana's infamous thatched roof came through unscathed. Perhaps it has something to do with the secret craft of the Indians who built it. Canoe Capitol of Florida Doubles as an Outdoor Classroom for Students. Students from South Florida will travel nearly 700 miles this March to learn about life and the great outdoors during their annual getaway to Adventures Unlimited in Milton, FL. Activities will include canoeing, kayaking, camping, and participation in a ropes course. Santa Rosa County Invites Tourists to Attend Its Beaches to Woodlands Tour.

October 2005 will mark the third Annual Beaches to Woodlands Tour, a three-weekend event showcasing Santa Rosa County's best from the extreme to the enjoyable. Slated activities range from golf tournaments to parades to art festivals to antiquing.

If you are interested in any of these stories or any of the following topics, contact Angela Smith, Santa Rosa County TDC PR Representative, at 850.934.7823: o Northwest Florida Travel o Nature-based Vacations o Beach Destinations o Historical and Cultural Places o Wilderness Activities (i.e. Canoeing, Hiking, Ropes Course, Etc.) o Sustainable Tourism

Press Contact:Angela Smith, ID Group steelstix@cox.net Ph: +1 850 934-7823