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!
Swatting and School Threats: An Update On Safety From Okaloosa County Sheriff, Superintendent Aims to Dissuade Threats, Contextualize Stats.

The Okaloosa County School Districts reports 29 threats against schools across the county this semester, including three threats at Niceville. But what does that mean for parents and students?
Niceville High School Band Preps Show Of A Lifetime at Rose Bowl Parade

Delve into the behind-the-scenes hustle as Niceville High School’s Eagle Band prepares for the Rose Bowl Parade. Band Director Dan Wooten’s mix of excitement and worry, the logistical challenges faced by the 250 band members, and the unwavering support from the community paint a vivid picture of the dedication required to turn dreams into reality. 🌐🎶
Casting Call Alert: Niceville High School Hunts for Young Star for Disney’s Newsies Musical

Niceville High School is gearing up for its grandest production yet – Disney’s Newsies! They’re on the lookout for a young star to play “Les.” 🌟 Auditions open on January 6th, and the excitement is through the roof! Director Ritchie Jackson and the team are ready to go BIG, and your young actor could be the perfect fit. ✨
DoD Announces BAH Changes For 2024: Some Airmen Lose Purchasing Power

The Department of Defense has just announced an average of a 5.4% increase in the 2024 Basic Allowance for Housing rates. But don’t let the average rate of increase fool you like it did us – There were losers in this allocation.
RECALL: Coca Cola Pulls Some Sodas From Valparaiso Facility From Shelves

Coca-Cola voluntarily recalls 2,000 cases of Sprite, Diet Coke, and Fanta Orange due to ‘foreign material.’ Uncertainty lingers as specific batch details remain undisclosed. FDA classifies it as Class II recall. No reported illnesses yet.
ELECTION 2024: Valparaiso Gears Up for City Commission Election: Two Seats in the Spotlight

Valparaiso has two seats coming up for election in March, 2024. Here’s what we know right now:
All But One Niceville/Valparaiso School Earns an A From Florida Department of Education

Collegiate High School and Niceville High School emerged as academic powerhouses, outperforming state standards in standardized testing, college readiness, and graduation rates. Okaloosa STEMM Academy and Ruckel Middle School also stood out, securing top spots in the middle school rankings, while elementary schools Edge, Plew, and Bluewater maintained their A ratings.
Thinking About Buying or Selling A House In Niceville? This Article Will Tell You What’s Going On In The Local Market [December 2023]

This is what you need to know about the Niceville-Valparaiso real estate market if you’re thinking about buying or selling a home in December 2023.
Valparaiso’s Old Synovus Bank Becomes Future City Hall

Valparaiso is on the brink of a transformative journey, turning the historic Old Synovus Bank into its modern city hall. Dive into the details, from office spaces to potential revenue streams, as the city paves the way for a new era.