Air Force Revises Physical Fitness Program, Adds Two-Mile Run and Updated Body Composition Standards
Beginning January 1, 2026, the Air Force will pause all Physical Fitness Assessments to transition to an updated program, with scored testing resuming September 1, 2026. The revised Physical Fitness Assessment includes a two-mile run, body composition measurement using the Waist-to-Height Ratio, and a 100-point scoring system across cardiorespiratory, muscle strength, and core endurance categories. Airmen will be required to test every six months, with diagnostic tests offered from March 1 through August 31, 2026, to help service members adapt to the new standards.
Falcon Peak highlights need to counter UAS threat
Falcon Peak 25.2 at Eglin Air Force Base focused on countering small drones at military installations. Demonstrations included the Anduril fly-away kit and Anvil effector intercepting aggressor UAS, with participation from USNORTHCOM, NORAD, and industry partners.
Choctawhatchee High to Unveil Totem Pole During Homecoming Celebration
Official unveiling of Choctawhatchee High School’s new 11-foot totem pole during Homecoming 2025, honoring more than 70 years of school tradition.
$2.8 Million in illegal bingo profits returned to Okaloosa charities
After years of legal battles, stolen bingo profits are finally going back where they belong — into Okaloosa County charities.
Walton Sheriff Charges Army Officer With Sex Crimes
Sean Benjamin Cushman, an Army captain, was arrested on child sexual abuse and child pornography charges linked to incidents in Walton County, Florida.
Choctawhatchee High School unveils new aerospace lab with $50,000 grant
Choctawhatchee High School unveiled a new aerospace lab and flight simulator on Sept. 23, funded through a $50,000 Florida Power & Light Company grant aimed at boosting STEM education opportunities.
Okaloosa Superintendent Marcus Chambers Elected President of FHSAA Board
Superintendent Marcus Chambers was elected president of the Florida High School Athletic Association Board of Directors during the group’s September 23 meeting in Gainesville.
Okaloosa County Commission on the Status of Women Opens $500 Grant Applications.
The Okaloosa County Commission on the Status of Women is now accepting applications for a $500 grant to support organizations that benefit women, with a deadline of October 15th. Past recipients include Crestview Area Shelter, Beyond Expectations, and Opportunity Place.
Okaloosa County School District Reminds Families to Apply for Free & Reduced-Price Meals
Okaloosa County families must reapply for free or reduced-price school meals for 2025–2026, with a September 22 deadline for expiring benefits.
Eglin changes permitting, hunting regulations
Eglin Air Force Base has implemented new recreation permitting and hunting regulation changes—including background checks, mandatory check-in/out, and a lottery system for deer-dog hunting—to improve safety and resource management.
