Mills Degree of Excellence | NEST Program helps new Eagles soar at Niceville High School
Niceville High School senior Alli Culbertson has spent her high school years helping incoming freshmen find their footing through the NEST Program. As a NEST director and varsity cheerleader, Culbertson helps students connect, learn school traditions and feel more comfortable as they begin their high school journey.
Niceville Good Neighbor | Howard Hill dedicates decades to providing affordable soccer opportunities for Niceville kids
Howard Hill has spent more than 30 years leading Niceville’s PAL Soccer League, helping provide affordable soccer opportunities for local children. His dedication to youth sports and PAL’s special-needs VIP program earned him August’s Ryan Cabaniss Niceville Good Neighbor Award.
Cynthia West addresses questions about credentials; social media past
Okaloosa School Board District 5 candidate Cynthia West is responding after her opponent’s wife acknowledged making anonymous Facebook posts questioning West’s mental health qualifications. West says she has never claimed to be a licensed social worker in Florida and discussed her education, counseling experience and the social media posts circulating about her.
Suspect killed in Crestview SWAT standoff may have intended to attack nearby school, Sheriff says
A man killed during a Crestview SWAT standoff may have intended to attack a nearby school, according to Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden. Investigators discovered weapons, ammunition, gas masks and IEDs inside the suspect’s home after he opened fire on police executing a Risk Protection Order.
Birth tourism, health insurance and VA centers: We fact check FL-1 House candidates
With Florida’s Aug. 18 primary approaching, Mid Bay News fact checked claims made by candidates at a recent FL-1 forum, including statements about birth tourism, health insurance premiums, VA staffing, veterans’ care, campaign spending and the COVID-19 vaccine mandate.
Chambers criticizes ‘smear campaign’ in social media post
Okaloosa County School District Superintendent Marcus Chambers has publicly responded to allegations of misconduct involving district hiring, investigations and employee conduct. In a social media post, Chambers called the accusations unfounded and criticized opponents he says have targeted his family. The allegations remain a subject of scrutiny among local residents and advocacy groups.
Okaloosa School District shares former student data for recruitment campaign
The Okaloosa County School District is spending nearly $100,000 to recruit students back into public schools after enrollment declines tied to expanded school choice. Mid Bay News examines how the campaign works, what taxpayer dollars are funding, what student information was shared with a third-party company, and whether the effort is paying off.
Judge rules property tax proposal misleading; must be rewritten
A Leon County judge ruled Florida’s Amendment 3 ballot language is misleading and ordered state officials to rewrite it within ten days. The decision targets the amendment’s title and summary, finding they improperly advocate for the proposal rather than neutrally explaining its effects before November’s election.
Federal complaints filed against Okaloosa County School District
A local advocacy group has filed complaints with the State Attorney and U.S. Department of Justice alleging the Okaloosa County School District violated Florida’s Sunshine Law and failed to properly investigate allegations involving senior administrators. District officials have not yet responded, and the complaints remain under review.
Okaloosa County may help fund animal control using surtax funds
The Okaloosa County Surtax Committee voted to advance a proposal that would use $600,000 in tourism surtax funds to help pay for animal control services. County officials say the funding would support a scaled-back “Animal Control Light” program after PAWS ends its contract with the county this fall.
