Niceville Alum Named Florida Gator Drum Major!
Carly Crist, a Niceville High School graduate and clarinetist, has been named a drum major for the University of Florida Gator Band, achieving this honor through determination and overcoming personal challenges.
Okaloosa Candidates Converge For Niceville Town Hall
Candidates for School Board, County Commission, Sheriff and more gathered at Niceville High School to get talk to voters a month before elections start.
Slain Airman’s Mother Lays Blame At Okaloosa Sheriff’s Feet
In an emotionally charged NAACP town hall meeting, Chantemekki Fortson delivered a powerful speech condemning Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden’s handling of her son Roger’s fatal shooting by former deputy Eddie Duran. Fortson called for Aden’s defeat in the August primary election, citing a loss of trust and accountability. The town hall, attended by approximately 250 people, also featured updates on the ongoing investigation and discussions on broader issues like racial bias and Christian Nationalism.
Okaloosa School Board Member Resigns to Lead Destin High School
Destin High School welcomes a familiar face as its new principal, Dr. Diane Kelley, a lifelong educator and current school board member. Dr. Kelley, who will officially begin
Okaloosa Island Begins Construction On Multi Use Pathway
On Monday, July 8, 2024, Okaloosa County officials will host a groundbreaking ceremony at John Beasley Park to mark the beginning of construction on a new multi-use path. The event will occur at 7 a.m. at 1550 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Okaloosa Island. The new path will stretch approximately four miles between the Brooks Bridge and Marler Bridge on Okaloosa Island, providing a safe and scenic route for cyclists and pedestrians.
Under Cloud of Controversy, STEMM Principal to Lead Education Efforts at Okaloosa DJJ Facility
In a move that sparked public outcry and emotional testimonies, the Okaloosa County School Board approved the transfer of Dr. Scheree Martin from Okaloosa STEMM Academy to a leadership position at the Department of Juvenile Justice facility south of Crestview. Despite unanimous support from the board, except for the absent Tim Bryant, parents vociferously opposed the transfer, citing Martin’s controversial past with children with autism at STEMM Academy. Superintendent Marcus Chambers defended the decision, emphasizing the district’s commitment to addressing misconduct while navigating complex personnel decisions.
Okaloosa Superintendent Appointed To FHSAA Board of Directors
Governor Ron DeSantis has appointed Marcus Chambers, the Superintendent of Schools for Okaloosa County, to the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Board of Directors. Chambers, with over 26 years in education, has been recognized for his contributions at various levels, including as a teacher, principal, and administrator. This appointment, which awaits confirmation by the Florida Senate, highlights Chambers’ commitment to advancing high school athletics in Florida.
Try these 10 amazing Summer activities in Niceville with kids in 2024!
Looking for things to do this summer in Niceville for kids? Here are the top ten places you can check out for an afternoon of fun for free or cheap. Niceville has plenty to offer children; you don’t need to cross the bridge over to Destin to make a fun day happen. Check out the top ten things to do with your kids in Niceville during the summer!
Parents: ‘Okaloosa STEMM Principal Broke The Law.’ Now, They Say They Want Justice for Their Son With Autism.
Okaloosa STEMM Academy, lauded as one of Florida’s top middle schools, faces scrutiny from a family who claims their son, José, experienced harassment under the administration of Principal Dr. Scheree Martin. Despite José’s high academic performance, his parents allege Martin’s disciplinary actions targeted their son due to his autism and ADD, leading them to withdraw him from the school. Their ongoing battle highlights concerns about the school’s handling of students with special needs and has prompted investigations by both the Okaloosa County School District and the Florida Department of Education.
Bluewater ‘Preserved:’ Activists Raise Almost $2.5 Million To Keep Out New Development, Retain Green Space in BWB
The Preserve Bluewater Bay group has successfully raised the necessary funds to purchase 150 acres of land, effectively halting any future housing development on two golf courses and part of a third. This achievement culminates a two-year effort that began in 2022 when the Bluewater Bay Development Venture announced plans to close and sell the course for residential development.
