These tremendous Niceville grads have THIS huge advantage over other West Point cadets:
Three Niceville High School alumni—Logan Michel, Jace Schmidt, and Jocelyn Wheeler—have all earned appointments to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point’s Class of 2030, an extremely rare achievement for a single graduating class. Though they didn’t start as close friends, they formed a crucial support network to navigate the intense, 12-month-long application process, including securing necessary nominations. Each cadet was drawn to West Point for different reasons—Jocelyn for better medical opportunities, Jace for the balance of academics and athletics, and Logan for the call to Army infantry and service. They now face the physical and mental demands of “Beast Barracks” together, knowing that while the next six weeks will be difficult, they won’t be alone.
Cruise on in to Eglin Federal Credit Union for America’s 250th Celebration Giveaway
Eglin Federal Credit Union is celebrating America’s 250th birthday with patriotic branch events and a chance to win a cruise vacation for two.
This could ‘destroy the state of Florida’: What would DeSantis’ property tax cut mean for citizens?
On Nov. 3, Floridians will head to the polls and vote on a proposal that would drastically reduce property taxes for homeowners. This “Joint Resolution” would increase the Florida homestead exemption — the portion of a home’s value that isn’t taxed — to $250,000 over two years. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis spearheaded the “Save Our […]
Valparaiso weighs possible department merger with Niceville Fire Chief
In Brief: The City of Valparaiso could see changes to its fire department, currently overseen by the Niceville Fire Department, to cut staffing costs and organize the department(s). Valparaiso City Commissioners discussed their ideas with Niceville Fire Chief Alex Kukulus at a workshop on June 11. Kukulus serves, along with the command team at Niceville […]
Greg Thomas Returns to the Sideline With Niceville Eagles
Niceville High School has added veteran coach Greg Thomas to its football staff, bringing decades of experience and four state championships to the Eagles.
Big Florida Energy: Suspect demands Niceville police stop chasing him
A high-speed pursuit on June 12, 2026, spiraled into a chaotic, multi-agency event reaching speeds of 117 mph. The suspect, 46-year-old William George Smolar, fled Niceville police in a black 2020 Kia Optima without headlights. The pursuit spanned two counties and included near-misses with civilians, a detour onto a residential lawn, and a bizarre phone call from the suspect demanding that authorities call off the chase. Smolar was ultimately apprehended by Walton County deputies and faces felony charges for fleeing and eluding, as well as multiple traffic violations.
Here are Niceville’s goals under new Principal Amy Meyer:
“It really gave me that mindset to say: kids develop at all different rates and all learn in different ways,” Meyer said, reflecting on her early teaching days. That experience etched itself into her philosophy as an educator and now as Niceville High School’s new principal: you never give up on kids. You don’t lock them into who they are at seven, twelve, or fifteen. You keep trying different ways to reach them — and you assume they can grow.
City Manager secures lease agreement for Twin Oaks Park
After years of discussion, the Niceville City Council unanimously approved a resolution to execute a 30-year lease agreement with the U.S. Department of Air Force for the Twin Oaks Park Mullet Festival Site at Tuesday’s meeting. City Manager David Deitch said he’d been negotiating with Eglin Air Force Base, which owns the land, for “almost […]
Niceville seniors demand return of senior-only hours at pickleball courts
Hundreds of Niceville seniors are petitioning to restore senior-only pickleball hours, citing safety and accessibility concerns after the courts were opened to the public, while city officials argue the change is necessary to address overcrowding and have proposed a compromise.
Fireworks committee makes last-minute plea for 250 anniversary funds to Light up the Bayou
Niceville’s annual Fourth of July fireworks show needs community support to return for another year. Organizers are planning a bigger display to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, but the event relies entirely on tax-deductible donations rather than tax dollars.
