Lewis School Aide Charged with Abusing Student.
An Okaloosa County paraprofessional, Heather Bildstein, was arrested for allegedly striking a 5-year-old autistic student in the face at Lewis School in Valparaiso. While Bildstein denied the allegation, witnesses confirmed the incident, leading to a charge of Child Abuse Without Great Harm. The school district placed her on administrative leave.
Proud Moment: Fort Walton Beach Senior Named National Merit Semifinalist
Fort Walton Beach High School senior Keira Foy has been named a Semifinalist in the 2027 National Merit®Scholarship Program. Foy is among more than 16,000 Semifinalists nationwide selected from more than 1.2million students who entered the competition by taking the 2025 PSAT/NMSQT® in the fall of their junioryear. The Semifinalists represent less than one percent […]
OCSD Summer Feeding Program Serves More Than 71,000 Meals to Students
The Okaloosa County School District served 71,774 breakfasts and lunches through its 2026 Summer Feeding Program. The initiative helped ensure students had access to nutritious meals while school was out, with support from Food Services staff, school employees, athletic programs and participating schools across the county.
Suspect killed in Crestview SWAT standoff may have intended to attack nearby school, Sheriff says
A man killed during a Crestview SWAT standoff may have intended to attack a nearby school, according to Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden. Investigators discovered weapons, ammunition, gas masks and IEDs inside the suspect’s home after he opened fire on police executing a Risk Protection Order.
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.
Federal complaints filed against Okaloosa County School District
A local advocacy group has filed complaints with the State Attorney and U.S. Department of Justice alleging the Okaloosa County School District violated Florida’s Sunshine Law and failed to properly investigate allegations involving senior administrators. District officials have not yet responded, and the complaints remain under review.
Okaloosa County reconsiders funding for district School Resource Officers
Okaloosa County commissioners are reviewing their long-standing agreement to split School Resource Officer costs with the school district after officials said state Safe Schools funding may have shifted the financial burden heavily onto county taxpayers. The board plans to review seven years of funding data before deciding whether changes are needed.
Meet Niceville’s New Distinguished Young Woman for 2027
Niceville High School senior Julia Milz has been selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of Okaloosa County for 2027, earning recognition for her academic excellence, leadership and character.
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.
Supporting Community in Difficult Seasons of Life – Resources and Conversation Bring Hope for Loss at Coastal Branch Library Gathering
Community leaders, advocates, and families gathered at the Coastal Branch Library to share stories, resources, and hope for those facing suicide, dementia, and life’s toughest challenges.
