Recount in District 3 Race Scheduled for Saturday
A recount has been triggered in the Okaloosa County District 3 Commissioner race due to a razor-thin margin of 13 votes between candidates Keri Pitzer and Sherri Cox.
A Bed 4 Me Celebrates 3,000th Delivery To Needy Child.
A Bed 4 Me, a Niceville-area non-profit, celebrated the delivery of its 3,000th bed to a child in need during a special event at 3rd Planet Brewing. The organization, which provides beds, bedding, and pillows to children living in poverty, continues to rely on community support as it looks forward to helping even more families.
After Campaign Rally With Republican Stars In Niceville – Congressman Gaetz Talks Affordable Housing, Rice’s Whales, Other Issues in Okaloosa County.
Congressman Matt Gaetz headlined a Republican rally in Niceville, discussing local and national issues, including affordable housing challenges in Okaloosa County and the impact of Rice’s whales on Eglin Air Force Base testing. The event featured speeches by prominent local and state Republican figures, drawing a crowd of 300 supporters.
Eglin Air Force Base Will Host Commander’s Cup Tournament
Eglin Air Force Base will host the USO Commander’s Cup, a prestigious Rocket League tournament, on August 10th at 2:00 p.m. and August 11th at 11:00 a.m. Teams of service members from all six U.S. military branches will compete at the USO Gaming Center, located at 404 Wicker Rd. on the base. The event will be streamed live on the USO Twitch channel, offering an exciting opportunity for at-home viewers to support their favorite teams. A formal RSVP is required by 9:00 a.m. on August 9th.
Eglin AFB Announces Construction of New Daycare Facility in Crestview. Here’s When It Opens:
In response to the growing childcare needs of military families near Eglin Air Force Base, the Air Force announced plans to build a new child development center (CDC) in Crestview, Florida, slated for completion by 2028. The project is part of a broader effort to expand childcare access, including increasing staffing, restoring facilities, and collaborating with local providers to enhance care options for military families.
Tattoos and RV Sales on Facebook – The State of Okaloosa’s Local Economy
The local economy in southern Okaloosa County, supported by a stable defense industry and fluctuating tourism, shows mixed signs of recovery. United Fidelity Bank’s Ed Burns highlights unique economic indicators such as the sluggish sales of RVs, boats, and golf clubs, empty sports bars, and a decline in tattoo business, pointing to cautious consumer spending and underlying financial hesitations. Despite these trends, the local market remains optimistic, with signs of future growth as businesses and properties change hands.
Eglin General Fires Group Commander. This Is Who Will Replace Him:
Colonel Jeremiah Hammill has been removed from his position as commander of Eglin’s 96th Test Wing Civil Engineer Group due to a “loss of confidence to lead and maintain good order and discipline,” as announced by Eglin Public Affairs. Brig. Gen. Mark Massaro emphasized the importance of taking care of the unit’s personnel in his decision. Colonel Michelle Sterling will replace Hammill, with a formal assumption of command ceremony taking place this week.
ALICE In Wonderland: The Hidden Struggle for Survival in Niceville
Luis Torres, a Niceville Walmart employee and father, embodies the struggles of the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) population, facing challenges with childcare and housing. High childcare costs and restrictive housing options push many working-class families like his to the brink of financial instability. Local leaders, including City Manager David Deitch, are exploring solutions to alleviate these burdens, such as increasing affordable housing inventory and advocating for policy changes to support these families.
350th Spectrum Warfare Wing Welcomes New Commander
The 350th Spectrum Warfare Wing celebrated the arrival of its new commander during a change of command ceremony on July 9. Col. Josh Koslov, who has led the wing since 2022, handed over command to Col. Larry Fenner Jr. The ceremony was presided over by Maj. Gen. Case Cunningham highlighted the strategic importance of the wing in high-end warfighting. Under Koslov’s leadership, the wing saw significant developments, including the formation of new units and the execution of its first internal exercise, Rapid Raven 24-1. With extensive experience in electronic warfare, Col. Fenner is set to lead the wing to new heights.
Eglin Air Force Base Welcomes New Commander
Eglin Air Force Base welcomed its new commander, Brigadier General Mark A. Massaro, in a ceremony held at the Eglin Climatic Hangar. Amidst dignitaries and airmen, Brigadier General Jeffrey Geraghty was relieved of his duties and will move on to serve at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.
