A Catholic School in Niceville? Here’s What We Know:

At the end of the meeting, Jeff Witt invited a crowd of about 150 Catholic adults at 3rd Planet Brewing in Niceville to join him in The Lord’s Prayer, but before he could begin, 100 voices had already started on their own. The gathering, which outgrew its initial side room and moved to the beer garden, aimed to gauge interest in starting a Catholic school in Niceville. Witt, a parishioner at Christ our Redeemer Catholic Church, highlighted the strong local desire for Catholic education, emphasizing the thriving community and the absence of a nearby Catholic school. Witt plans to gather further community input through a poll before making concrete decisions, with a vision of creating a faithful, affordable, and excellent Catholic school in Niceville.
You’ll (Probably) Pay More Taxes If You Vote For This Idea In November

Niceville City leaders outlined the cold hard truth – We gotta pay for roads, cops, firefighters and sewers somehow. Here’s the one thing that looks like it’ll save you money, but will probably cost you if you vote for it this November.
Boggy Update: The Flagrant Rebrand

Paul Sjoberg, a local entrepreneur, joins Journalist Christopher Saul as a co-host on the podcast. The pair discuss everything going on in our part of paradise.
Maney Overhauls Florida’s Mental Health Law – Brings Home Bacon for Niceville, Okaloosa

Representative Patt Maney kept busy during the 2024 state legislative session in Tallahassee.
Maney’s Mental Health Bill Passes Unanimously in Florida House. Here are the next steps:

Breaking: Florida House votes unanimously on groundbreaking mental health bill, marking the first significant update in over five decades. Find out how these changes aim to revolutionize mental health services.
INTERVIEW: Florida State Representative Maney Talks Mental Health Reform

π£οΈ Join Rep. Patt Maney in a candid discussion on mental health reform in Florida. From Baker Act updates to addressing workforce shortages, learn about the legislative strides for a healthier future.
Mid Bay Bridge To Undergo Maintenance For All of 2024 – No Full Closures, Though. Details:
The Mid-Bay Bridge is undergoing a $3.1 million maintenance project to address structural concerns and enhance safety. Learn about the ongoing work, temporary lane closures, and the commitment to prolong the bridge’s usability. π
Capitol Watch: Okaloosa Repβs Bill Would Change Rules On Guns, Alcohol Monitoring For People Accused Of Some Crimes

Rep. Patt Maney’s HB 373 challenges existing norms by preventing courts from seizing concealed carry permits in misdemeanor cases unless a public safety risk is evident. The bill also streamlines alcohol monitoring requirements, potentially expediting the release process for certain defendants.
The Top 10 Stories of 2023

These are the top ten stories, as judged by the number of people who read them, in 2023. What did you think was the most important local story of the year? Vote now!
Okaloosa County Approves Legislative Agenda for 2024

Okaloosa County’s legislative requests for 2024 span various topics, including repealing a law restricting gun sales to individuals under 21, advancing mental health reform, and securing funding for libraries and an online high school program. They’re urging state legislators to support these initiatives.