Niceville Businessman and Former Councilman enters the Okaloosa County Commission District 3 Race.
Heath Rominger, a Navy veteran, former Niceville councilperson, and general contractor, has entered the race for Okaloosa County Commission District 3. Rominger, the only candidate from Niceville or Valparaiso, brings a wealth of experience from his military service and local government tenure. His candidacy adds to the competitive field aiming to replace Nathan Boyles, with the Republican primary set for August 20.
Rocky Bayou Students Graduate. Here’s What They Plan To Do Next:
The Class of 2024 at Rocky Bayou Christian Academy has achieved remarkable success, with all 67 seniors graduating and earning over $5 million in scholarship offers. The school highlighted 11 lifelong students and celebrated their achievements during a commencement ceremony featuring Dr. Voddie Baucham. The full ceremony is available on the school’s Facebook page.
Catholic School in Niceville? One Group Aims to Make It Happen ASAP!
Niceville Catholic Education invites the community to a pivotal meeting on June 9 at 3rd Planet Brewery to discuss the future of Catholic K-12 education in the Niceville and greater Choctawhatchee Bay area. The meeting will cover updates from local pastors, vision and scope for the initiative, ways to get involved, and an open Q&A session. All interested families and community members are encouraged to attend and participate in shaping this educational endeavor.
Florida’s Experts Make Their Hurricane Predictions For 2024
Florida State University experts have warned of an exceptionally active hurricane season in 2024, predicting 50% more named storms and multiple major hurricanes. This forecast, supported by Colorado State University’s models and NOAA’s predictions, reflects a significant increase from historical averages. Factors such as the La Niña phase and record-high sea surface temperatures in the North Atlantic are driving this anticipated surge in hurricane activity.
BREAKING: Okaloosa Sheriff Release Call Logs, 9-1-1 Tapes From Airman Shooting Death
Mid Bay News received a heavily redacted police report and 911 call from the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s office regarding the May 3 shooting of Senior Airman Roger Fortson. The report, which lists four witnesses and two victims, provides a timeline from the initial domestic dispute call to the arrival of EMS and subsequent actions taken by law enforcement. The names of witnesses and a responding deputy were redacted, and the Sheriff’s Office placed the deputy involved on administrative leave pending an investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Bears Watch Runners Finish Eglin Gate to Gate
The annual Eglin Air Force Base Memorial Day race welcomed some unexpected spectators this year: a momma bear and her three cubs, who observed the event from a tree. Despite the bears’ presence, roughly 700 participants completed the 4.4-mile run, organized by Eglin’s Force Support Squadron, which honored fallen service members. The event, initiated 37 years ago by General Gordon Fornell, featured a challenging course and a strong sense of community and remembrance.
Meet the Man Responsible For Quality of Care At Your Next Niceville Hospital Visit:
Morgan Talley, the new Chief Nursing Officer at Twin Cities Hospital, found his calling in healthcare at a young age, influenced by his frequent childhood asthma treatments. With over two decades of experience and advanced degrees in nursing, Talley is dedicated to leading and supporting his nursing staff while planning for the hospital’s future growth in Okaloosa County.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING: Could This Move Spell the Beginning of the End of The Okaloosa Housing Crisis?
The Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners unanimously voted to send a letter to Eglin Air Force Base Commander General Jeffery Geraghty, seeking his support to acquire a 200-acre parcel currently serving as Eglin’s golf course. The county aims to use this land for affordable housing and commercial space in a community with a median home sale price of $450,000. This initiative follows a collaborative meeting in March between local government leaders and the Air Force to discuss potential land acquisitions.
Post 20 Restaurant Opens In Niceville As Team Recovers From Tragedy
Niceville’s newest sushi restaurant, Post 20, held its soft opening Sunday night, honoring the memory of ‘Sushi Mike’ Ledford, who passed away in February. Co-owner Justin Trotter, alongside friends and family, celebrated the long-awaited dream while paying tribute to Mike with heartfelt stories and a mural by local artist Emily Little. The restaurant opens to the public on May 22nd, amid ongoing legal proceedings for the man accused of Mike’s death.
Hundreds at Hurlburt Gather to Remember AC-130J Gunner Killed By Okaloosa Sheriff’s Deputy
Scores of airmen, civilians, and contractors descended on Hurlburt Monday morning to pay their respects to Senior Airman Roger Fortson in a common-access-card-only event held at the base. Hundreds of airmen attended the ceremony—so many overflow bleachers had to be set out on the flight line. The balance of the 4th Special Operations Squadron, Fortson’s unit, escorted the Fortson family to their seats at the memorial. Colonel Patrick Dierig gave the keynote address, aiming to help heal the airmen of the 4th Special Operations Squadron and beyond. The event was broadcast live so deployed airmen could also watch.
