Niceville, Freeport, and Crestview Kids Learn Selflessness at This Summer Event

Heat, humidity, and gnats are the three guarantees for a June in Florida. Steve Schutt hopes that as Crosspoint Church’s annual service outreach, Mission Northwest, enters its 14th year, it will continue as the fourth constant for Niceville in June. Schutt, along with other volunteers, will lead 275 children in grades 5-12 in service projects around the Florida Panhandle, helping non-profits and fostering a lifetime commitment to serving others and empathy.
A Catholic School in Niceville? Here’s What We Know:

At the end of the meeting, Jeff Witt invited a crowd of about 150 Catholic adults at 3rd Planet Brewing in Niceville to join him in The Lord’s Prayer, but before he could begin, 100 voices had already started on their own. The gathering, which outgrew its initial side room and moved to the beer garden, aimed to gauge interest in starting a Catholic school in Niceville. Witt, a parishioner at Christ our Redeemer Catholic Church, highlighted the strong local desire for Catholic education, emphasizing the thriving community and the absence of a nearby Catholic school. Witt plans to gather further community input through a poll before making concrete decisions, with a vision of creating a faithful, affordable, and excellent Catholic school in Niceville.
We Got Into An Invite-Only Affordable Housing Summit In Niceville. This Is What We Learned About The Local Housing Crisis:

local government, developers, and industry leaders convened for a housing summit in Okaloosa and Walton Counties. Hosted by OCHIP, WCHIP, and the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors, the summit focused on affordable housing challenges and solutions. Discussions highlighted the impact of housing costs on residents’ quality of life and the collaborative efforts needed to address these issues.
With Adulthood on the Horizon – Parents of Children With Autism Prepare Non-Profit To Help Adults With Autism Live Well

Parents in Okaloosa County are spearheading the Ground Up Project, a non-profit initiative aimed at building a specialized facility for adults with Autism. This project seeks to provide full-time assistance and a centralized hub for services, addressing the lifelong needs of individuals on the Autism spectrum.”
Longtime Niceville Reading Dog Retires

Boomer, a Niceville library therapy dog that helped young readers with their confidence, retires.
NWFSC Launches Entrepreneurship Program For High Schoolers

Northwest Florida State College introduces the ELM Youth Program, providing high school students in Okaloosa and Walton counties with opportunities in entrepreneurship, leadership, and mentorship. Designed for rising juniors and seniors, the program offers workshops, community engagement, and a focus on building future leaders.
Carrie Jackson Got A Hand Up – Now She Makes Sure Women In Need Get The Same Help She Did At This Brand New Niceville Housing Facility.

Carrie Jackson’s story at CALM showcases the program’s success in helping families thrive. Learn how this charity is making a difference in the community!
Progress on Pride: LGBTQ+ Group Gets City Approval to Host Event in Community Center.

After a contentious debate at Niceville’s City Council meeting, Niceville PFLAG has secured the Niceville Community Center for its upcoming Pride Day event on June 1. The decision comes after discussions regarding the inclusion of certain activities, highlighting ongoing tensions and the importance of inclusivity in community spaces.
UPDATE: Clergy, LGBTQ+ Advocates React to Klan Comparisons at Niceville Council

Several citizens, including a Catholic Deacon, called for the city not to rent out the Niceville Community Center to a nonprofit that advocates for the LGBTQ+ community at Tuesday’s City Council meeting. Now, the Catholic Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee and members of the LGBTQ+ community weigh in on the incident and what it means for Niceville.
Eglin Federal Credit Union Launches Partnership with School District To Improve Students’ Financial Literacy

Eglin Federal Credit Union and Okaloosa County schools are joining forces to teach high school students vital financial skills, from budgeting to retirement planning, ensuring they’re ready for a financially secure future. Learn more about this impactful partnership here!