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.
350th Spectrum Warfare Wing Welcomes New Commander
The 350th Spectrum Warfare Wing celebrated the arrival of its new commander during a change of command ceremony on July 9. Col. Josh Koslov, who has led the wing since 2022, handed over command to Col. Larry Fenner Jr. The ceremony was presided over by Maj. Gen. Case Cunningham highlighted the strategic importance of the wing in high-end warfighting. Under Koslov’s leadership, the wing saw significant developments, including the formation of new units and the execution of its first internal exercise, Rapid Raven 24-1. With extensive experience in electronic warfare, Col. Fenner is set to lead the wing to new heights.
Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast Family Birth Place Recognized Nationally
For the fourth year in a row, Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast has earned a place on Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Maternity Care Hospitals at the highest five-ribbon level. Based on nationwide online surveys, medical key performance indicators, and patient satisfaction data, this distinction highlights facilities that excel in providing exceptional care to mothers, newborns, and their families. Sacred Heart’s facilities have also participated in Florida’s first postpartum wristband initiative, renewed their Baby-Friendly designation, and house the only NICU serving Walton and Okaloosa counties. The Sacred Heart health system has also been named one of the top 15 health systems in the country for 2024 by Fortune and PINC AI.
NHS Alumnus Graduates From United States Merchant Marine Academy
Ravis S. Delrie, son of Jason and Carolyn Delrie of Niceville, recently graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) at Kings Point, New York. Delrie earned a Bachelor of Science degree, a commission in the U.S. armed forces, and qualified as a Merchant Marine officer. The USMMA is one of the five U.S. federal service academies renowned for its rigorous academic and physical qualifications and requires nominations from Congress members. Delrie received nominations from Senators Marco Rubio, Rick Scott, and Representative Matt Gaetz. He will serve as a Third Mate in the U.S. Merchant Marine and a U.S. Navy Strategic Sealift Officer. The Academy’s commencement featured White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, and this year marked the 50th anniversary of women entering the USMMA.
Niceville Local Will Compete In 2024 Warrior Games
Air Force Tech. Sgt. veteran Philip Anderson has found a renewed sense of purpose and strength through adaptive sports as he competes in the 2024 Warrior Games. After medically retiring in 2021 due to back injuries and PTSD, Anderson discovered adaptive sports through the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program, which played a crucial role in his recovery and reintegration. His journey to the Games is a testament to resilience, determination, and the transformative power of sports.
Construction Begins On Photo-luminescent Sidewalk
Okaloosa County officials and local leaders gathered at the entrance of John Beasley Park on Monday, July 8, 2024, to celebrate the commencement of construction for a new multi-use path spanning approximately 4 miles between Brooks Bridge and Marler (Destin) Bridge. This 12-foot-wide path will be constructed on the south side of U.S. Highway 98 and feature photoluminescent stone for nighttime illumination. Funded by tourism revenue and an FDOT grant, the project is set for completion by early 2025.
Northwest Florida State College Partners With Territorium
Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Territorium to advance skills-based education and hiring practices in the region. The collaboration will leverage Territorium’s LifeJourney solution, featuring a Learning and Employment Record (LER), a skills-first digital wallet, AI-powered career pathways, and a Comprehensive Learner Record (CLR) of achievements. This initiative aims to empower students with comprehensive ownership of their educational progress and skills, aligning with modern workforce demands.
Okaloosa County Places In Top 10 In State FAST Testing
The Florida Department of Education released the 2023-24 results for the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST) and End of Course Exams on July 1, 2024. Okaloosa Schools ranked 10th out of 67 districts, with top performances in 5th, 7th, and 8th-grade Reading, 7th and 8th-grade Mathematics, and 8th-grade Science. Superintendent Marcus Chambers praised the dedication of the school community and highlighted the need for ongoing improvement despite some areas where pass rates fell below the state average.
