Val-p Leader: “If We Don’t So Something, We Are Going To Tax Ourselves Out of Existence”

A Valparaiso city leader says the choices are simple: either get land from Eglin to increase the tax base, or watch the city die a slow death.
Psychadelic Vibes in Niceville: Berlioz’s Symphony Set to Dazzle For Halloween Season

Step into the haunting, opium-fueled world of Hector Berlioz’s “Symphonie Fantastique” as the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra kicks off its season with a Halloween concert that’s sure to dazzle Niceville’s music lovers!
With Tentative Plan, Valparaiso Will Avoid Fire Department Financial Crisis

Valparaiso and Niceville may have a crucial deal on fire protection, but can Valparaiso’s plan to stand on its own two feet with a new fire department succeed?
Budget Crisis In Valparaiso: City Risks Losing Professional Fire Department

Valparaiso’s fire services are on the line as budget woes force the city to consider drastic measures—will they find a solution before time runs out?
Lewis Falcons Host First Football Game – Thanks To Facility Upgrade on Campus

The Lewis School in Valparaiso celebrated its first-ever home football game at a new field funded by the half-cent sales tax, marking a major milestone for the school’s athletic program and the local community.
Recount in District 3 Race Scheduled for Saturday

A recount has been triggered in the Okaloosa County District 3 Commissioner race due to a razor-thin margin of 13 votes between candidates Keri Pitzer and Sherri Cox.
Commissioner Calls Out Tax Break: A Race To The Bottom?

Okaloosa County Commissioner Nathan Boyles cast the sole dissenting vote against placing a referendum on the November ballot to extend a tax exemption for qualifying companies. Boyles, who originally supported the measure a decade ago, now argues the tax creates unfair competition, offers minimal benefit, and incurs high compliance costs. Despite his concerns, the referendum was approved, with proponents arguing that the exemption has attracted significant investment and job creation to the county.
6 Things You Need To Know If You’re Thinking About Buying or Refinancing a House in Niceville Right Now

Navigating Niceville’s 2024 housing market requires understanding its seller’s market dynamics, leveraging decision fatigue, and carefully considering refinancing amidst high prices and fluctuating rates.
Nihill Taylor to Replace Martin at STEMM Academy

The Okaloosa County School Board has appointed Kimberly Nihill Taylor, current Assistant Principal at Niceville High School, as the new principal of STEMM Academy in Valparaiso. Taylor, a longtime educator with over three decades of experience in the Okaloosa County School District, succeeds Dr. Scheree Martin, who was reassigned following disciplinary issues. Taylor brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her new role, having previously served as a teacher, coach, and administrator in the district.
Robert J Guidry Pleaded Guilty to Paying a Bribe. Now, He’s The Top Donor In Okaloosa County 2024 Election Campaigns

Louisiana businessman Robert J ‘Bobby’ Guidry pleaded guilty to bribing a governor for a riverboat gambling license in the 90s. Now, he’s spending money in Okaloosa County Elections. Why?