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!

Niceville High School Band Preps Show Of A Lifetime at Rose Bowl Parade

a niceville eagle pride sign marches in front fo the band at a practice.

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. 🌐🎶

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.

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.

Mid Bay News

A drone view of the activity on Boggy Bayou before the annual fireworks festival put on every year by the cities of Niceville  and Valparaiso.