Okaloosa County School District Will Pilot Virtual Reality In Classrooms
The Okaloosa County School Board has approved a pilot program to implement a Virtual Reality (VR) curriculum in three schools in collaboration with Prisms of Reality. This initiative aims to enhance the teaching and learning of Math and Science through innovative technology. Prisms of Reality’s Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) platform engages tactile, kinesthetic, and visual learners, offering real-world problem-solving experiences. While the program aims to bridge learning gaps and ignite interest in STEM subjects, it also raises concerns about increased screen time for students and the long-term effectiveness of VR in maintaining student engagement.
TalkingParents Earns #3 On Top 100 Companies To Work For List
TalkingParents has been honored as one of Florida’s Best Small Companies To Work For, securing a prestigious top 5 position in its inaugural year on the list. This recognition comes from the annual Best Companies To Work For In Florida list, featured in the August issue of Florida Trend magazine. Based on workplace policies, practices, and employee satisfaction, the list ranks 100 companies across small, medium, and large employer categories.
Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast Earns 5-Star Ranking
Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast has achieved a ‘5-star rating’ in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) 2024 Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings. This prestigious rating reflects the hospital’s commitment to high-quality care, patient safety, and excellent patient experience. Ascension Hospitals surpassed the national average in 2024 with an improved average star rating of 3.48, up from 3.27 in 2023. Trey Abshier, President and CEO of Sacred Heart Emerald Coast, attributes this achievement to the dedication of their caregivers and associates.
Okaloosa County Wins Appeal Against Timberview Helicopters
Okaloosa County won an appeal in a lawsuit filed by Timberview Helicopters regarding the termination of their agreement.
Eglin AFB Announces Construction of New Daycare Facility in Crestview. Here’s When It Opens:
In response to the growing childcare needs of military families near Eglin Air Force Base, the Air Force announced plans to build a new child development center (CDC) in Crestview, Florida, slated for completion by 2028. The project is part of a broader effort to expand childcare access, including increasing staffing, restoring facilities, and collaborating with local providers to enhance care options for military families.
Medical Professionals Warn of Effects of Excessive Heat During Summer Months
With significant threats of excessive heat looming over Florida in the coming days, local hospitals are preparing for a potential influx of patients suffering from heat exhaustion and life-threatening heat stroke. The primary cause of concern is the high humidity levels, which, when combined with rising air temperatures, create dangerously hot conditions. “We tend to set aside the dangers of heat when we don’t hear about extreme or record-breaking temperatures, but with high humidity, the heat index can sneak up on people and have just as big an impact,” explained Dr. Erik Petersen, a board-certified emergency medicine physician at HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital.
Florida Governor Announces 2024 Back to School Sales Tax Holiday
Get ready to save big this school year! Governor Ron DeSantis announces the Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday—don’t miss out on incredible savings on everything your student needs, from notebooks to laptops!
Deputies Raid Niceville House, Arrest Teen for Child Porn Possession
Members of the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Unit, in collaboration with the Multi-Agency Drug Task Force, executed a search warrant at a residence on Fir Avenue today.
Multi-Agency drug Force Makes Trafficking Arrest
In a significant operation, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office Multi-Agency Drug Task Force, aided by the Criminal Investigations Section, executed a narcotics search warrant at 8540 Highway 189. The search yielded a substantial seizure of illegal drugs, including fentanyl, cocaine, psychedelic mushrooms, and approximately eight pounds of marijuana. Kevin Lee McKinney, 45, has been arrested and charged with multiple drug-related offenses.
Okaloosa County Holds Public Flood Vulnerability Meeting
Okaloosa County, in collaboration with Jacobs Engineering, will host the first public meeting for the Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Planning Project on Tuesday, July 30th, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Okaloosa County Administrative Building Training Room. The event is open to all residents interested in learning about future flood mitigation efforts and the potential impacts of flood events on the community.
