Resignations, a fire department reshuffle, and one employee on the chopping block in Valparaiso this month

VALPARAISO GOVERNMENT: A commissioner resigns, Niceville swoops in to administer the fire department (again), and one employee may be fired after allegations he went on a profanity-laced rant against a homeowner surface at the monthly commission meeting.
Niceville’s Campbell Wins Taylor Haugen Award!

Niceville High School’s Harper Campbell, a future Samford football player and aspiring pastor, was honored with the Taylor Haugen Trophy in a surprise ceremony for exemplifying the award’s pillars of leadership, academics, and service.
This month’s Niceville Good Neighbor: “One positive thing can wipe out a lot of bad.”

This month’s Niceville Good Neighbor helps with several local outreach efforts to ensure no one “feels looked over or less than.”
These potential Florida laws could change your life in 2026
A look at the ten most significant bills in the 2026 Florida Legislative Session, covering everything from property tax reform and utility profit caps to local term limits and solar facility regulations.
Charges Against Former AFSOC Chief Anthony Green Revealed

The Air Force Special Operations Command’s former top enlisted man will face serious charges, starting in February.
Niceville City Council Talks Purple Pipes and Special Needs Parks Cost Increases

Niceville City Council faces down increased costs for the special needs park while moving forward with a ‘purple piping’ reclaimed water project slated for completion on the east side of town by late 2026.
Is this the end for Valparaiso Fire Department? + Other Valp Commission updates

The Valparaiso City Commission’s December meeting covered major topics including the future of fire services with Niceville, a proposed E-bike ordinance, the move into the new city hall, and the lineup for the 2026 mayoral election.
FHSAA releases 2026 football reclassifications – Here’s who WON and LOST on the Emerald Coast:

The official Florida High School football classifications are here, detailing the new districts and early predictions for Northwest Florida teams through the 2027 season.
Valparaiso could add speed cameras in front of Eglin Air Force Base. Here’s what’s happening now:

Valparaiso discuss moving forward with a plan to install school zone speed cameras on John Sims Parkway near Eglin Air Force Base.
Valpraiso Fires Fire Chief After Secret Session

Valparaiso Fire Chief David Lanier is out after a tumultuous five-month tenure, with an EEOC complaint from a reinstated lieutenant ultimately leading to the commission’s unanimous decision to terminate him.