The hard-to-find history of Northwest Florida State College
On August 17, 1964, Northwest Florida State College opened its doors as Okaloosa-Walton Junior College. Operating out of a building now housing the Northwest Florida Heritage Museum, the school far exceeded expectations, enrolling over 1,300 students in its first year despite original projections of only 150. Here’s the history of Northwest Florida State College.
Chambers criticizes ‘smear campaign’ in social media post
Okaloosa County School District Superintendent Marcus Chambers has publicly responded to allegations of misconduct involving district hiring, investigations and employee conduct. In a social media post, Chambers called the accusations unfounded and criticized opponents he says have targeted his family. The allegations remain a subject of scrutiny among local residents and advocacy groups.
Okaloosa School District shares former student data for recruitment campaign
The Okaloosa County School District is spending nearly $100,000 to recruit students back into public schools after enrollment declines tied to expanded school choice. Mid Bay News examines how the campaign works, what taxpayer dollars are funding, what student information was shared with a third-party company, and whether the effort is paying off.
Okaloosa School Board Approves Security Changes and a Defining Transition
The Okaloosa County School Board approved updated visitor procedures for school campuses while extending a final year of specialized education services for one Walton County student. The move standardizes security protocols districtwide and marks the conclusion of a partnership that provided specialized programs before Walton County developed similar services locally.
Okaloosa’s Inspiring Project SEARCH Program Celebrates Global Achievement
Okaloosa County’s Project SEARCH program has earned statewide and international recognition for helping students with disabilities successfully transition into the workforce.
Okaloosa Schools Continue Incredible ‘A’ Streak with Strong Academic Gains
Okaloosa County Schools earned another statewide “A” rating after improving student achievement, graduation rates, and academic performance across nearly every category.
JD Peacock believes he’s the right guy for Okaloosa School Board. Here’s Why:
Former Okaloosa County Clerk of Court and longtime sheriff’s office leader JD Peacock explains why he’s running for Okaloosa County School Board District 1, outlining his priorities of student safety, stronger fiscal oversight, and better support for teachers. In this interview, he addresses teacher pay gaps with Walton County, the closure of Longwood and Mary Esther Elementary, school choice and competition, and how the district should plan for growth in Crestview.
Perfect Score and Ice Cream: How One Student Won Big
An eighth-grade student at Ruckel Middle School earned statewide recognition after scoring perfectly in Florida’s Math Nation competition.
‘Our Kids Deserve Better’: Reed Lays Out His Plan to Fix Okaloosa Schools
Okaloosa County School Board candidate Mitch Reed says the district needs to get “lean and mean” — cutting bureaucracy, boosting teacher pay, and putting reading, writing, and critical thinking ahead of screens in elementary classrooms. In a sit-down with journalist Christopher Saul, Reed lays out his case for site-based management, tougher transparency rules, and long-term planning for aging school buildings, arguing that taxpayers deserve clear answers and teachers deserve better support.
Okaloosa County School District Announces 2025 Sunshine State Scholars
Penelope Gordon and Emma Michel have been named Okaloosa County’s 2025 Sunshine State Scholars, with Adonaiah White named as the alternate, recognizing their achievements in STEM and providing opportunities to connect with colleges and employers in Orlando.
