Alone, Unafraid: Training Reveals The Realities of Active Shooter Response For Niceville Police

Niceville Police Officers undergo specialized training for active shooter scenarios, emphasizing the critical need for rapid response in the first moments of an incident. Chief Popwell aims to instill a sense of gravity in his officers, preparing them for the harsh realities they might face when protecting the community.
Bluewater Elementary Celebrates Red Ribbon Week with a Focus on Mental and Physical Well-being

Bluewater Elementary’s Red Ribbon Week, themed “Be Kind to Your Mind,” encourages students to prioritize their mental and physical well-being. Students took a pledge, wore RRW bracelets, engaged in contests, and participated in discussions about drug prevention and healthy habits.
Whack-A-Mole, But With Drugs: Niceville PD Busts Alleged Drug Den on College Cove

The Niceville Police executed a raid in the drug-prone College Cove neighborhood, leading to multiple arrests as part of their ongoing efforts to combat drug-related issues in the community. The operation follows increased police presence as the city expands its jurisdiction, with local residents expressing support for the efforts to improve community safety.
Wrong-Way Chase on 123 Ends With Long Prison Sentence For Local Man

A reckless high-speed chase leads to a guilty verdict and prison time for Wendell Joseph Wright. Learn how a stolen vehicle set off a dramatic pursuit through Okaloosa County’s streets in our latest report.
YOUR TAX DOLLARS: What An Inmate Costs, Per Meal, At the Okaloosa County Jail:

Okaloosa County Commissioners voted to change the food service provider at the Okaloosa County Jail starting in October. On average, the jail houses 750 inmates and has more than 140 billeted staff members. The county jail will begin work with Summit Food Services, headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Summit, established in 1991, has contracts with more than 500 correctional facilities around the United States and also serves Bay County, Florida (the Panama City area) and Orleans Parish in Louisiana.
Eliminating 45-Minute Waits for Advanced Life-Saving Care in Niceville – Here’s the Plan

Niceville’s Fire Department Union will have a new contract – and the wait times to get an ambulance during the busiest months of the year will reduce if all goes well in the next couple of months. Niceville’s Fire Chief and Police Chief reported on all of the goings-on concerning their departments. Here are the highlights:
Niceville City Council Recap June 2023

Policing, Purple Pipes to Deer Moss Creek and that dadgum left turn lane at Palm and State Route 20, and the last day of construction on John Sims Parkway – all covered at the Niceville City Council Meeting in June.
Suspect Apprehended in Niceville area after a all-day standoff on 23rd Street.

A man is under arrest Wednesday evening after a nearly 10-hour standoff between Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Deputies at the home of Michael Steven Leavins on 23rd Street in Niceville.
Niceville man accused of sexual assault on Okaloosa Island
Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Deputies accuse Taylor Copeland of sexual assault on the night of May 21.
After 293 Days, The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center Has Reopened to Help Abused Children

After 293 days, the Niceville Campus of Emerald Coast Childrenβs Advocacy Center (ECCAC) has reopened. It can serve the vulnerable and abused children of Okaloosa County.