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.
These tremendous Niceville grads have THIS huge advantage over other West Point cadets:
Three Niceville High School alumni—Logan Michel, Jace Schmidt, and Jocelyn Wheeler—have all earned appointments to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point’s Class of 2030, an extremely rare achievement for a single graduating class. Though they didn’t start as close friends, they formed a crucial support network to navigate the intense, 12-month-long application process, including securing necessary nominations. Each cadet was drawn to West Point for different reasons—Jocelyn for better medical opportunities, Jace for the balance of academics and athletics, and Logan for the call to Army infantry and service. They now face the physical and mental demands of “Beast Barracks” together, knowing that while the next six weeks will be difficult, they won’t be alone.
Today in History: The Mid-Bay Bridge opens with stampede of runners
On June 27, 1993, 5,200 runners from across the country came to inaugurate the Mid-Bay Bridge with a 5K run across the span. Florida Governor ‘Walkin Lawton’ Chiles pulled the trigger on the starting gun and set the runners on their way to Destin across the 3.6 mile structure above the Choctawhatchee Bay. The bridge, which was built for $81 million and initially cost $2 to cross each way, cut off about 25 minutes of travel time and was finished five months ahead of schedule.
Stuff the Bus Drive Gives Hope to Families in Need
The annual Stuff the Bus campaign returns Aug. 1, collecting school supplies at Walmart stores across Okaloosa County to help students start the year ready to learn.
‘Let me take that weight’: Congressional candidate Gay Valimont hears voter concerns at Niceville meet-up
In Brief: Florida congressional candidate Gay Valimont held an open discussion at Tango 3 Coffee Roasters on Saturday, inviting residents of the area to share their biggest concerns and considerations they’ll take to the polls on Nov. 3. Running for Florida’s 1st district, encompassing the western panhandle, Valimont lives in Pensacola. “All over the state […]
Here are Niceville’s goals under new Principal Amy Meyer:
“It really gave me that mindset to say: kids develop at all different rates and all learn in different ways,” Meyer said, reflecting on her early teaching days. That experience etched itself into her philosophy as an educator and now as Niceville High School’s new principal: you never give up on kids. You don’t lock them into who they are at seven, twelve, or fifteen. You keep trying different ways to reach them — and you assume they can grow.
City Manager secures lease agreement for Twin Oaks Park
After years of discussion, the Niceville City Council unanimously approved a resolution to execute a 30-year lease agreement with the U.S. Department of Air Force for the Twin Oaks Park Mullet Festival Site at Tuesday’s meeting. City Manager David Deitch said he’d been negotiating with Eglin Air Force Base, which owns the land, for “almost […]
A mysterious newcomer crashes the Walton Commission race.
A fourth candidate, Frederick Carley, has entered the race for Walton County Commissioner District 4 as a write-in candidate. His entry effectively closes the August 18 Republican primary, restricting voting access to registered Republicans and impacting the contest between incumbent Donna Johns, Jim Bagby, and James Calkins.
Niceville seniors demand return of senior-only hours at pickleball courts
Hundreds of Niceville seniors are petitioning to restore senior-only pickleball hours, citing safety and accessibility concerns after the courts were opened to the public, while city officials argue the change is necessary to address overcrowding and have proposed a compromise.
Maney explains his painful vote on controversial property tax proposal
State Rep. Patt Maney warns that a proposed property tax amendment could cause significant revenue losses for local governments, including fire districts and cities in Okaloosa County. He cautions that the measure lacks a clear funding replacement plan and could unfairly shift the tax burden onto renters and small businesses.
