William Kiker Wins Second National Debate Title

William Kiker Wins Second National Debate Title Staff Reports June 4, 2025 10:35 am Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa County, Schools and Education In Brief: 🎓 Fort Walton Beach High School senior William Kiker has made national history by winning the Incubate Debate National Championship for the second time — the first student to ever do […]
Governor Appoints Zack Smith to UWF Board of Trustees

Governor Ron DeSantis has appointed Pensacola native Zack Smith to the University of West Florida Board of Trustees, providing the board with local legal expertise. Smith serves as Senior Legal Fellow and Manager of the Supreme Court and Appellate Advocacy Program at The Heritage Foundation, an American conservative think tank based in Washington, D.C. He also serves as a […]
Sacred Heart Emerald Coast Recognized Among Top Maternity Hospitals in U.S. for Fifth Year

Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast has been named one of America’s Best Maternity Care Hospitals by Newsweek for the fifth year, with additional national recognition for its maternal care services and regional NICU access.
Rocky Bayou Christian Student Celebrated for Saving Classmate’s Life

A local sixth grader’s quick thinking turned a lunchroom emergency into a lifesaving moment—see how Charlotte Walsh earned recognition from Niceville Police!
Niceville High School Principal Named Regional Director for Education Leadership Group

Niceville High School Principal Charlie Marello has been appointed the Northwest Florida Regional Director for the Florida Association of Secondary School Principals (FASSP), where he will support and advocate for school administrators across the region.
Okaloosa County Students Recognized for Achievements at State Science Fair

Fifteen Okaloosa County students earned awards at the State Science Fair, competing against nearly 700 students and receiving recognition in multiple categories and special awards.
Okaloosa to Do “Deeper Audit” After Letter From Chairman

Is Okaloosa County wasting taxpayer money? Commissioners weigh in as the county freezes hiring and undergoes an internal audit—some welcome the scrutiny, while others say it’s unnecessary and frustrating.