New Catholic School To Open in Niceville in 2025

The Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee has approved Holy Family Catholic Academy in Niceville, opening as a K-4 school this fall with plans to expand to K-8, and will host an open house on February 2.
Niceville Becomes A Winter Wonderland After Record Snow

Niceville got almost as much snow in 24 hours as it did in the last 100 years.
Someone Threatened to Blow Up A Bomb At Matt Gaetz’s Home. Here’s What We Know:

Someone threatened to explode a bomb at a home connected with Former Congressman Matt Gaetz.
OPINION: Merge Valparaiso and Niceville – But Leave Bluewater Out of It

Thomas Dwyer argues that Valparaiso and Niceville should merge – but Bluewater Bay should be kept out of any future city.
Val-p Leader: “If We Don’t So Something, We Are Going To Tax Ourselves Out of Existence”

A Valparaiso city leader says the choices are simple: either get land from Eglin to increase the tax base, or watch the city die a slow death.
Okaloosa State Rep Given Eagle Scouts’ Top Award

Florida Rep. Patt Maney was awarded the prestigious Distinguished Eagle Scout Award, recognizing his extensive national-level service and community contributions.
Florida Man Robs Bank in Flip Flops, Hides Cash in Maserati

A 66-year-old Destin resident, Charles Gallagher, has been arrested for allegedly robbing a Truist Bank on Emerald Coast Parkway using a note to demand cash. Authorities found his black 2017 Maserati with concealed identifiers, along with cash, a surgical mask, and glasses. Gallagher, who has faced financial difficulties since 2017, is held without bond on charges of robbery without a weapon, facing up to 15 years in prison if convicted.
Under Cloud of Controversy, STEMM Principal to Lead Education Efforts at Okaloosa DJJ Facility

In a move that sparked public outcry and emotional testimonies, the Okaloosa County School Board approved the transfer of Dr. Scheree Martin from Okaloosa STEMM Academy to a leadership position at the Department of Juvenile Justice facility south of Crestview. Despite unanimous support from the board, except for the absent Tim Bryant, parents vociferously opposed the transfer, citing Martin’s controversial past with children with autism at STEMM Academy. Superintendent Marcus Chambers defended the decision, emphasizing the district’s commitment to addressing misconduct while navigating complex personnel decisions.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING: Could This Move Spell the Beginning of the End of The Okaloosa Housing Crisis?

The Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners unanimously voted to send a letter to Eglin Air Force Base Commander General Jeffery Geraghty, seeking his support to acquire a 200-acre parcel currently serving as Eglin’s golf course. The county aims to use this land for affordable housing and commercial space in a community with a median home sale price of $450,000. This initiative follows a collaborative meeting in March between local government leaders and the Air Force to discuss potential land acquisitions.
Hundreds at Hurlburt Gather to Remember AC-130J Gunner Killed By Okaloosa Sheriff’s Deputy

Scores of airmen, civilians, and contractors descended on Hurlburt Monday morning to pay their respects to Senior Airman Roger Fortson in a common-access-card-only event held at the base. Hundreds of airmen attended the ceremonyβso many overflow bleachers had to be set out on the flight line. The balance of the 4th Special Operations Squadron, Fortson’s unit, escorted the Fortson family to their seats at the memorial. Colonel Patrick Dierig gave the keynote address, aiming to help heal the airmen of the 4th Special Operations Squadron and beyond. The event was broadcast live so deployed airmen could also watch.