SS United States to Depart Philadelphia, Begin Transformation into Artificial Reef
The SS United States will depart Philadelphia on Feb. 17, 2025, for Mobile, Alabama, where it will undergo a year-long preparation to become the world’s largest artificial reef. Once deployed off the Destin-Fort Walton Beach coast, the reef will support marine life and boost diving and fishing tourism.
TRICARE SNAFU Leaves Area Healthcare Providers In The Wind
TRICARE’s transition to a new claims processing system has caused significant delays in provider payments, potentially affecting access to care for military members and their families.
ANOTHER delay hampers SS United States trip to the bottom of the Gulf.
The SS United States is set to leave Philadelphia on February 8, 2025, en route to Mobile, Alabama, where contractors will prepare it for deployment as the world’s largest artificial reef. The transformation will take approximately a year, with the final reef location expected to be 20 nautical miles south of Destin-Fort Walton Beach. Okaloosa County will also develop a museum to preserve the ship’s history.
Okaloosa County School District Opens Kindergarten and New Student Registration
Okaloosa County School District has opened registration for kindergarteners and new students for the 2025-2026 school year, requiring families to use the Focus Parent Portal for enrollment.
Okaloosa County Teacher Honored with Presidential Excellence Award
Jacqueline Sheffield, a mathematics teacher at Fort Walton Beach High School, has been honored with the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, recognizing her 28 years of teaching excellence and dedication to STEM education.
Fort Walton Beach Student Named Sunshine State Scholar
Reese Armstrong, a Fort Walton Beach High School junior, has been named Okaloosa County’s 2024-2025 Sunshine State Scholar for her academic excellence, leadership, and contributions in STEM and community activities.
Some of the World’s Greatest Musical Artists Are Giving A Free Concert in Niceville January 17, 2025
World-class musicians, including Alon Goldstein and acclaimed acts like Amit Peled’s Cello Gang, Eleni Katz, Neo-Art Piano Duo, and Medhelan Duo, will perform a series of free concerts across Florida’s Emerald Coast next week. Organized by the Emerald Coast Music Alliance, the program aims to bring classical music to underserved communities, with two public performances scheduled for January 16 at the Fort Walton Beach Civic Auditorium and January 17 at Crosspoint Church in Niceville, both at 6 p.m.
Here’s How Local High School Alums Did With Their College Football Teams This Year:
From high school standouts to college game-changers, discover the local athletes making waves on the gridiron in 2024!
Congressional Candidate Jimmy Patronis Talks F-35 Program, Affordable Housing and Daycare in Niceville
Jimmy Patronis, running for Florida’s 1st Congressional District seat, addressed the F-35 program, housing issues, and campaign priorities during a Niceville event.
This Organization Just Donated Almost $2 Million to Local Nonprofits:
This local organization will give $1.9 Million to non profits around the Okaloosa County area.
