The Top 10 Stories of 2023
These are the top ten stories, as judged by the number of people who read them, in 2023. What did you think was the most important local story of the year? Vote now!
Niceville Christmas Parade 2023 Cancelled
Due to the weekend weather forecast, the Niceville Christmas Parade slated for December 9th, 2023, is officially cancelled. The Rotary Club is exploring alternative ways for the community to contribute to Toys for Tots, so stay tuned for different ways to spread holiday cheer!
Build a Legacy of Hope: Join the Wall of Champions in the Fight Against Child Abuse at ECCAC
Become a champion for children facing abuse! Order an 8â x 8â tile for ECCAC’s Wall of Champions, supporting the vital mission of restoring childhoods at the Julie Sacco Porterfield Center. ð #WallOfChampions #ECCACMission
This Valparaiso Non Profit Is A Finalist For An Impact100 Grant
In a remarkable show of community support, Impact100 Northwest Florida is set to award a total of $400,000 in grants to local nonprofits at their highly anticipated Annual Meeting on Sunday, November 5. The event, scheduled to take place from 2 â 5 pm, will unfold at the Island Resort, located at 1500 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548.
The Annual Meeting offers an extraordinary opportunity for Impact100 members to directly impact their community. During the event, representatives from nine local organizations will present brief but impactful pitches, with members voting to determine which four will be awarded $100,000 grants.
The finalists and their respective projects span across five categories, showcasing a diverse range of initiatives aimed at enhancing the community:
Despite Living In Hospice, This Niceville Woman Will Deliver Christmas to 1,000+ Children This Year:
Meet Elaine Lauderdale, the real-life Santa’s helper who, even in hospice care, dedicates her time to assemble Christmas shoeboxes for underprivileged children worldwide. With over a decade of spreading joy and hope, Elaine’s legacy inspires a small but dedicated team to continue her mission, proving that one person can change the world. ð âĻ
NWFSC, Seaside School Break Ground On New Facility With Nine Million Dollars in State Funding
The State of Florida will allocate $9 million in state funding for the Seacoast Collegiate High School and Northwest Florida State College’s Dual Enrollment & Workforce Development Center.
Chiropractor’s ‘Give Back’ Campaign Gains Momentum
Spine Life’s “Give ‘Back’ Together” campaign, a heartwarming initiative launched earlier this year, has been gaining tremendous momentum in the community. The campaign, driven by a commitment to make a positive difference, has united individuals, businesses, and organizations in a shared mission of giving back.
Niceville 2023 Christmas Parade Green Lit for 1st Saturday in December
This year’s Niceville Christmas Parade will take place on December 2nd, starting at 10 AM.
The parade will take its traditional path, starting at the intersection of Palm and John Sims Parkway, moving down the Parkway, turning onto Mayor Randall Wise Memorial Highway and returning to Palm.
Seacoast Collegiate, Northwest Florida State College Break Ground on New Walton County Facility
Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) and Seacoast Collegiate High School joined forces on October 2, 2023, to inaugurate the construction of a groundbreaking Dual Enrollment and Workforce Development Center. The ceremony at Seacoast High School marked a significant step in redefining educational opportunities in Walton County.
NWFSC’s Devin Stephenson Talks Adaptability, Flexibility and the Future of Eduction:
Dr. Stephenson wrote about the change-centered leadership philosophy he adopted for Florida Politics earlier in September. He believes the world of education, and the world more generally, has got to pay proper attention to the unknown unknowns that the 21st-century economy has brought to the fore. He says that businesses and schools whose leaders don’t account for change will suffer the negative consequences faster and more acutely than in the past.
