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.
Okaloosa County School District Will Pilot Virtual Reality In Classrooms
The Okaloosa County School Board has approved a pilot program to implement a Virtual Reality (VR) curriculum in three schools in collaboration with Prisms of Reality. This initiative aims to enhance the teaching and learning of Math and Science through innovative technology. Prisms of Reality’s Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) platform engages tactile, kinesthetic, and visual learners, offering real-world problem-solving experiences. While the program aims to bridge learning gaps and ignite interest in STEM subjects, it also raises concerns about increased screen time for students and the long-term effectiveness of VR in maintaining student engagement.
7th Group Soldiers Keep A Wary Eye as Unrest In Venezuela Intensifies
The 7th Group Special Forces recently returned from Honduras but are on alert due to increasing instability in Venezuela. They face the dual challenge of preparing for potential intervention in Venezuela’s crisis and adapting to new large-scale combat operations (LSCO) against near-peer adversaries like China and Russia.
