Fallout From Allegations Palpable at Fire Department Life Saving Ceremony

At Monday’s Valparaiso Commission meeting, firefighters Marquis Johnson, Josh Osmialowski, and Larry Hudson received life-saving awards for reviving a person who was electrocuted on Bayshore Drive. The recognition came amid tensions from an earlier dispute involving Fire Chief David Lanier, who was suspended over allegations of racial slurs, and Hudson, one of the firefighters who filed the complaint. The July 30 rescue involved using an AED to restart the victim’s heart before transporting them to the hospital.
What In The World Is Happening At Valparaiso Fire Department?

Firefighters allege at least five uses of the n-word by their new chief in less than a month. Unionization and allegations of retaliation. Can Val-p right the ship?
Okaloosa Schools Release Bus Schedules for 2025-6 School Year

Okaloosa County School District has released their bus schedules for the upcoming school year.
Valparaiso Fire Chief Suspended Over Racism Allegations

Valparaiso’s fire chief keeps his job after a public hearing over racial slur allegations leads to a suspension, training, and free speech backlash.
Health Advisory remains in effect for Boggy Bayou following wastewater spill

A health advisory remains in effect for Boggy Bayou in Valparaiso following a July 4 wastewater spill, as officials continue testing to ensure the water is safe.
Valparaiso Fire Fighters Accuse Chief of Racial Slur, Other Issues

Two Valparaiso firefighters allege misconduct by their fire chief—including the use of a racial slur—sparking a city-led investigation and raising broader concerns about safety and leadership in the new department.
Here It Is: The 2025 Boggy Bayou Fireworks Schedule (Updated)

Official times for fireworks for Niceville and Valparaiso’s annual celebration of Independence Day over Boggy Bayou have been announced.
Did Valparaiso Break Sunshine Law With Appointment of New Commissioner?

Bryan Griffin was appointed to the Valparaiso City Commission following a contested and potentially Sunshine Law–violating vote process that required a public records request to uncover.
Valparaiso’s Fire Chief Is Out. Is This A Golden Opportunity?

Valparaiso just lost its fire chief—and with it, the City may be inching closer to a historic fire department merger that could reshape emergency services across the Twin Cities.
Grant Helps Kiwanis Deliver Hope to Foster Kids

Grant Helps Kiwanis Deliver Hope to Foster Kids Staff Reports May 26, 2025 8:55 am Uncategorized In Brief: A $3,000 grant from NextEra Energy Foundation will help the Kiwanis Foundation of Niceville-Valparaiso expand its Bags of Hope program. The initiative provides duffel bags with essential items to foster children across four Northwest Florida counties. With […]