Body found on Navarre Beach
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County government officials are claiming the body found lying on Navarre Beach over Mardi Gras weekend was an isolated occurrence and shouldn't hurt tourist activity.

"We believe it's one of those things that could happen at any time. We're hoping there's no foul play," said County Commissioner Gordon Goodin.

According to Santa Rosa Sheriff's department officials, at approximately 6:30 a.m. on Feb. 18, deputies were dispatched to an area of the beach near the Navarre Beach Causeway in reference to a man lying face down in the sand. The man, identified as Joshua Whittier, 21, of Navarre, was pronounced dead at the scene by EMS. Whittier was found with sand in his front and back pockets indicating he was possibly in the water. Authorities say the cause of death is still under investigation.

"We've had a variety of instances over the years. It's just peculiar that this guy was so young. We don't believe there is any correlation with this occurrence and it being Mardi Gras," said Goodin.