Destin Man Injured in Shooting
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting that occurred Friday night at Sea Glass Apartments on Commons Drive in Destin. A 60-year-old man driving a white truck was found with multiple gunshot wounds and is currently being treated at a local hospital. The suspect, who called deputies from within the apartment complex, is in custody. The motive remains unclear. Authorities are seeking information from the public regarding the incident and can be reached at 850.651.7400 or through Emerald Coast Crimestoppers.
Children Chosen for Creativity in Tax Collector Tag Art Contest
The Okaloosa County School Board meeting was filled with excitement as Tax Collector Ben Anderson and Sheriff Eric Aden, along with Superintendent Marcus Chambers, presented the Award of Distinction to the winners of the Kids Tag Art Program. This program, which combines an art contest with a fundraising initiative, raised over $18,000 for school arts programs this year, showcasing the creative talents of local 5th graders and supporting the arts in Okaloosa County schools.
Bluewater ‘Preserved:’ Activists Raise Almost $2.5 Million To Keep Out New Development, Retain Green Space in BWB
The Preserve Bluewater Bay group has successfully raised the necessary funds to purchase 150 acres of land, effectively halting any future housing development on two golf courses and part of a third. This achievement culminates a two-year effort that began in 2022 when the Bluewater Bay Development Venture announced plans to close and sell the course for residential development.
Accused Mike Ledford Killer Back in Court – With New Attorney
Accused killer of local restauranteur Mike Ledford, Dylan Deschaine, made another appearance in court Wednesday.
Niceville Council Recap: $192,000 To A Developer For A Sewer Line Above Wetland. Homeless Encampment Under Rocky Bayou Bridge Discussed.
City Gives developer for $192,000 For A Sewer Line Above a Wetland, Police Work With Deputies on a Homeless Encampment and Council Decides To Reject An AirBnB Request – For Now.
Niceville, Freeport, and Crestview Kids Learn Selflessness at This Summer Event
Heat, humidity, and gnats are the three guarantees for a June in Florida. Steve Schutt hopes that as Crosspoint Church’s annual service outreach, Mission Northwest, enters its 14th year, it will continue as the fourth constant for Niceville in June. Schutt, along with other volunteers, will lead 275 children in grades 5-12 in service projects around the Florida Panhandle, helping non-profits and fostering a lifetime commitment to serving others and empathy.
A Catholic School in Niceville? Here’s What We Know:
At the end of the meeting, Jeff Witt invited a crowd of about 150 Catholic adults at 3rd Planet Brewing in Niceville to join him in The Lord’s Prayer, but before he could begin, 100 voices had already started on their own. The gathering, which outgrew its initial side room and moved to the beer garden, aimed to gauge interest in starting a Catholic school in Niceville. Witt, a parishioner at Christ our Redeemer Catholic Church, highlighted the strong local desire for Catholic education, emphasizing the thriving community and the absence of a nearby Catholic school. Witt plans to gather further community input through a poll before making concrete decisions, with a vision of creating a faithful, affordable, and excellent Catholic school in Niceville.
After Two National Incidents in Six Months, Okaloosa Sheriff Race Has A Challenger
Crestview resident and Florida Highway Patrol Sergeant Ron Livingston has announced his candidacy for Okaloosa County Sheriff, challenging incumbent Sheriff Eric Aden. Livingston, with over two decades of experience as a trainer at the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, emphasizes the need for more training for deputies to prevent incidents like the shooting of Senior Airman Roger Fortson. Facing a significant financial disadvantage, Livingston must garner support quickly before the August 20 primary.
NIL for High Schoolers Approved. Here’s What Okaloosa Coaches and Boosters Say:
Okaloosa County high school athletes, along with their peers across Florida, can now sign NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals following a unanimous vote by the Florida High School Athletics Association Board. While this new opportunity allows athletes to earn money through endorsements, it comes with specific restrictions and guidelines. Local coaches and boosters, including Crestview High School’s Head Coach and members of the Niceville Quarterback Club, share their perspectives on the potential impact of these changes on high school sports.
A Six Figure Pharmacist Salary Just Got More Affordable And Easier to Access for Okaloosa County
With a groundbreaking agreement between Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) and Florida A&M University (FAMU), high school students in Okaloosa County can now pursue a Doctor of Pharmacy degree while staying local. The partnership allows students to complete two years at NWFSC and then transfer to FAMU’s Crestview Pharmacy Campus, with access to student housing, alleviating housing concerns. Dr. G. Devin Stephenson, NWFSC’s outgoing president, envisions enrolling 30-40 students per class, enhancing the region’s educational opportunities and community impact.
