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.
You’ll (Probably) Pay More Taxes If You Vote For This Idea In November
Niceville City leaders outlined the cold hard truth – We gotta pay for roads, cops, firefighters and sewers somehow. Here’s the one thing that looks like it’ll save you money, but will probably cost you if you vote for it this November.
Niceville Man Arrested For Battery in Dispute Over Pride Flags
Niceville Police arrested 43-year-old Michael McLeod for battery after an incident involving stolen LGBTQ+ flags outside Niceville High School. Activist Sunny Barbee confronted McLeod, leading to a physical altercation captured on video. Despite the tension, Barbee praised the professionalism of the Niceville Police. McLeod is currently awaiting a hearing and remains in custody.
Documents: Fired Deputy Who Shot and Killed Hurlburt Field Airman Disciplined in 2021, turned in resignation days before shooting.
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office has terminated Deputy Eddie Duran following an internal affairs investigation into the fatal shooting of Senior Airman Roger Fortson on May 3. The investigation concluded that Duran’s use of deadly force was not objectively reasonable, violating agency policy. Sheriff Eric Aden emphasized the incident should never have occurred and reaffirmed the office’s commitment to fairness, professionalism, and transparency.
