‘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.
Niceville Moves Quickly to Fill Head Coach Position
Niceville High is moving quickly to hire a new football coach following the sudden resignation of Richard Morgan after one season.
Small-Town Generosity Creates A Big Impact for Shalimar Students
The Shalimar Library & Thrift Shop donated $3,000 to Shalimar Elementary, funding library materials and classroom supplies for students in need.
A Remarkable Community Gift Is Changing Lives in Local Classrooms
The Fort Walton Beach Moose Lodge has donated more than $17,000 since 2022 to help eliminate student lunch debt at Okaloosa County elementary schools.
New Challenger Jerry Buckman Emerges in High-Stakes School Board Election
Jerry Buckman, a retired Air Force colonel and longtime resident, has announced his candidacy for Okaloosa School Board District One.
Exceptional Leadership Powers Niceville Cadets to a Rare Perfect Inspection
Perfect score. Historic achievement. Niceville High School’s AFJROTC cadets just set the standard for excellence.
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.
Okaloosa County Schools Revisit Start Times Amid Concerns Over Teen Health and Bus Shortages
Okaloosa County Schools Revisit Start Times Amid Concerns Over Teen Health and Bus Shortages Staff Reports January 14, 2026 11:42 am Uncategorized NICEVILLE — As Florida lawmakers retreat from a mandate that would have forced later start times for middle and high schools, a renewed debate unfolded on Monday as members of the Okaloosa County […]
Okaloosa School Board schedules hearing on proposal to close Mary Esther, Longwood Elementary Schools
With classrooms emptying and budgets tightening, Okaloosa school leaders say they’re out of options — but families argue the cost of closure goes far beyond the numbers.
From Norriego Point to CO2 pipelines: The Stories That Defined the Emerald Coast in 2025
An $83 million land deal, shuttered schools, snow-covered beaches: Here are the stories that stood out in 2025.
