Hope Behind Bars: How Some in Okaloosa County are Igniting Change
Inside the Okaloosa County Jail, inmates in the Anchored program are choosing accountability, healing, and hope—addressing trauma and addiction to break the cycle for good.
FWBHS Students Debut Tiny House, Gear Up for International Competition
Fort Walton Beach High School’s Building Trades students gave district leaders and community members an inside look at their in-progress tiny house project during a special preview event this week. The showcase highlighted the students’ growing expertise in carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, and finishing — skills they’ll put to the test when they compete at the 2026 International Builders’ Show® in Orlando.
A Community Effort to Help Those Affected by the Government Shutdown
Crestview residents have united to support neighbors affected by the government shutdown through a new volunteer group called Friends Taking Care of Friends. The group’s Free Food Friday events provide hot meals and groceries each week at the Old Spanish Trail Amphitheater, helping families in need through the end of the year.
Bishop William A. Wack Directs $50,000 of Diocesan Funding to Food Pantries in Northwest Florida
Bishop William A. Wack of the Catholic Diocese of Pensacola–Tallahassee has directed $50,000 to Catholic Charities food pantries across Northwest Florida to help meet growing demand for food assistance following federal aid shortfalls.
Niceville Good Neighbor: Susie Green!
Susie Green, a dedicated band mom and volunteer, earned the Niceville Good Neighbor award for her unwavering commitment to supporting local youth through the NHS Eagle Pride Band Boosters.
Scenic Walton Urges Community Support to Save Specialty License Plate Funding
Scenic Walton’s mission to preserve Walton County’s beauty and safety is jeopardized by low specialty license plate sales, making community support essential to secure vital funding for local improvement projects.
LiveOak Fiber, Fort Walton Beach Chamber Team Up to Support Military Families During Shutdown
LiveOak Fiber and the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce are providing 10,000 pounds of groceries to military families at Hurlburt Field on October 15, 2025, amid the federal government shutdown. Eligible DoD-affiliated families can pick up food in a drive-through distribution.
Eglin Federal Credit Union Rows for Hope: $50K Raised to Fight Suicide
Eglin Federal Credit Union has donated more than $50,000 over three years to support Bring Hope Now’s suicide prevention programs, raising funds through employee-led initiatives and sponsorship of the annual Dragon Boat Race and Festival in Fort Walton Beach.
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 Schools launch ‘Support to Soar’ program to boost classroom resources
A new community effort in Okaloosa County is helping classrooms soar by providing students with the supplies and snacks they need to thrive.
