Sun Belt Basketball Tournament Returns to Pensacola
The Sun Belt Conference Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships return to Pensacola from March 4-10, featuring 14 teams competing for a spot in the NCAA tournament and associated family-friendly events.
Emerald Coast Quilt Show Returns to Fort Walton Beach in March
The Flying Needles Quilt Guild of Niceville is hosting the Emerald Coast Quilt Show on March 7-8, 2025, at the Northwest Florida Fairgrounds, featuring quilt displays, vendors, a Quilts of Valor presentation to support veterans, and community service projects.
Okaloosa Students Invited to College & Career Fairs in March
Two College & Career Fairs will be held in Okaloosa County in March, offering students a chance to connect with colleges, employers, and military representatives.
SS United States to Depart Philadelphia, Begin Transformation into Artificial Reef
The SS United States will depart Philadelphia on Feb. 17, 2025, for Mobile, Alabama, where it will undergo a year-long preparation to become the world’s largest artificial reef. Once deployed off the Destin-Fort Walton Beach coast, the reef will support marine life and boost diving and fishing tourism.
Dance Facets to Showcase NWFSC Talent in Annual Performance
The NWFSC Dance Department will present its annual Dance Facets showcase on April 25-26, featuring a mix of student, faculty, and guest choreography in multiple dance styles.
Florida Sets New Tourism Record with 142.9 Million Visitors in 2024
Florida broke its all-time tourism record in 2024, welcoming 142.9 million visitors, a 1.6% increase from the previous year, with growth in domestic, international, and Canadian travelers.
Range Road 213 now considered Closed Area
A section of Range Road 213 at Eglin Air Force Base is now a Closed Area, restricting public and recreational traffic to ensure security and safety. Only authorized personnel, including military and utility workers, may use the road. Enforcement measures include increased patrols, new signage, and potential fines for violations.
Jack Schlechter Appointed to First Judicial Circuit Court
Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Judge Jack Schlechter to the First Judicial Circuit Court, filling a vacancy created by Judge Bergosh’s retirement. Schlechter has served as an Okaloosa County judge since 2022 and previously worked as a prosecutor and private attorney.
ANOTHER delay hampers SS United States trip to the bottom of the Gulf.
The SS United States is set to leave Philadelphia on February 8, 2025, en route to Mobile, Alabama, where contractors will prepare it for deployment as the world’s largest artificial reef. The transformation will take approximately a year, with the final reef location expected to be 20 nautical miles south of Destin-Fort Walton Beach. Okaloosa County will also develop a museum to preserve the ship’s history.
Emerald Coast Chamber Music Festival Announces Free Admission for 5th Season
The Emerald Coast Chamber Music Festival is celebrating its fifth season with a lineup of classical concerts from May 17 to June 1, 2025, in Niceville, FL. All concert tickets will be free, while masterclasses remain paid. The festival will feature internationally acclaimed musicians and student performances.
