Josh Pulliam and the Vikes have epic spring game lineup as they row hard to Valhalla
Fort Walton Beach High School head football coach Josh Pulliam, a local who graduated from Choctawhatchee High School, returned to Okaloosa County after playing college ball and coaching at USF to rebuild the Vikings program. Now leading the team, Pulliam is focused on developing his players into better men through “small daily disciplines,” guided by the mantra “chop wood and carry water”. Despite the program having been “down for a little bit,” he notes that the community passion remains, and the Vikings are “rising from the ashes” with a committed staff. Looking ahead, the Vikings plan for offensive creativity, utilizing versatile players like Lavin McDaniel and Cannon Wilbur, while rebuilding a sound, aggressive defense. The coach is urging the community to come out and support the team at the upcoming spring game against Crestview, Mosley, and Pine Forest.
380 Students, One Big Message: Success Doesn’t Look Just One Way
Okaloosa County Schools honored 380 seniors during its largest CTE Signing Day, highlighting students headed to college, careers, and military service.
Social Media Turns High School Speaker Into Political Flashpoint
A guest speaker invited by a student-led club at Fort Walton Beach High School has ignited the first major debate in the race for the District 1 seat on the Okaloosa County School Board.
Okaloosa Schools Post Powerful Academic Gains, Higher Graduation Rates
Okaloosa County School District leaders are celebrating strong academic performance, rising graduation rates, and major campus improvements following the first semester of the school year.
Outstanding Achievement: Okaloosa High Schools Dominate National AP Honor Roll
Three Okaloosa County high schools earned national recognition on the 2025 AP School Honor Roll for expanding access to advanced coursework.
Emotional Tribute as Okaloosa Students Shine in Powerful MLK Speech and Art Contest
Okaloosa County students were honored for powerful speeches and artwork celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy during the district’s 2026 contest.
Education Champion: Kimberly Day-Scanlon Earns Teacher of the Year Title
Okaloosa County names Kimberly Day-Scanlon of Kenwood Elementary as 2027 Teacher of the Year, honoring excellence in special education.
Mary Esther leaders mobilize to fight proposed closure of elementary school
Mary Esther officials and residents are mounting a public pushback against the Okaloosa County School District’s proposal to close Mary Esther Elementary, arguing the nearly 60-year-old school is central to the city’s identity, family stability and military readiness.
FWB High’s Lindsey Smith Named Florida’s Top Administrator for 2026
Fort Walton Beach High Principal Lindsey Smith is honored as the 2026 Bill Montford Administrator of the Year for her leadership in advancing STEM education.
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.
