A Bed 4 Me Celebrates 3,000th Delivery To Needy Child.
A Bed 4 Me, a Niceville-area non-profit, celebrated the delivery of its 3,000th bed to a child in need during a special event at 3rd Planet Brewing. The organization, which provides beds, bedding, and pillows to children living in poverty, continues to rely on community support as it looks forward to helping even more families.
After Election Night – One Race Separated By Just 13 Votes
Election results are mostly in for Okaloosa County, with some close races still pending final counts. Sherri Cox is leading a tight race for District 3 County Commissioner, while incumbents Eric Aden and Paul Mixon secured decisive wins. Drew Palmer narrowly defeated Mary Anne Windes in District 5, and Parker Destin won a seat on the Okaloosa School Board.
Niceville Police: July Sees Very Low Crime Numbers
Interim Niceville Police Chief Rob Lovering announced to the city council that this would be his last as chief as the city nears its decision on a permanent replacement. Under Lovering’s leadership, the department has enhanced community relations, hosting events like a women’s self-defense class and a Scouting merit badge workshop. Despite a decrease in arrests, the department handled over 2,000 calls and 43 accidents in July, continuing a trend of high demand for police services.
7th Group Soldiers Keep A Wary Eye as Unrest In Venezuela Intensifies
The 7th Group Special Forces recently returned from Honduras but are on alert due to increasing instability in Venezuela. They face the dual challenge of preparing for potential intervention in Venezuela’s crisis and adapting to new large-scale combat operations (LSCO) against near-peer adversaries like China and Russia.
Okaloosa County Wins Appeal Against Timberview Helicopters
Okaloosa County won an appeal in a lawsuit filed by Timberview Helicopters regarding the termination of their agreement.
ALICE In Wonderland: The Hidden Struggle for Survival in Niceville
Luis Torres, a Niceville Walmart employee and father, embodies the struggles of the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) population, facing challenges with childcare and housing. High childcare costs and restrictive housing options push many working-class families like his to the brink of financial instability. Local leaders, including City Manager David Deitch, are exploring solutions to alleviate these burdens, such as increasing affordable housing inventory and advocating for policy changes to support these families.
Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast Family Birth Place Recognized Nationally
For the fourth year in a row, Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast has earned a place on Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Maternity Care Hospitals at the highest five-ribbon level. Based on nationwide online surveys, medical key performance indicators, and patient satisfaction data, this distinction highlights facilities that excel in providing exceptional care to mothers, newborns, and their families. Sacred Heart’s facilities have also participated in Florida’s first postpartum wristband initiative, renewed their Baby-Friendly designation, and house the only NICU serving Walton and Okaloosa counties. The Sacred Heart health system has also been named one of the top 15 health systems in the country for 2024 by Fortune and PINC AI.
Northwest Florida State College Launches AI Initiative
Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) is excited to announce the launch of its new AI Initiative, led by the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning (CITL). This program aims to equip faculty and students with the knowledge and skills to thrive in an AI-driven world. In partnership with AI for Education, NWFSC will deliver training and workshops to enhance teaching practices and prepare students for future careers. The initiative includes workshops on generative AI, AI policy development, prompt engineering, AI pedagogical strategies, and redefining assessment in the age of AI. An AI Fellows program and a student AI competition will further promote AI integration and innovation.
These Freedom Seekers Made Their Final Stand at the Black Alamo – 50 years before the Civil War!
In the heart of Florida’s Panhandle, a hidden gem lies at Prospect Bluff, where Fort Gadsden stands as a silent witness to a tumultuous past. Once a refuge for escaped enslaved people and Creek Indians, this historic site played a pivotal role during the War of 1812. Today, ongoing archaeological efforts aim to unearth the stories of those who fought for freedom in what some call the “Black Alamo.”
College dedicates newly renovated Sikes exhibit
The legacy of Bob Sikes, the legendary politician who served Florida’s District 1 in the U.S. House of Representatives for nearly four decades, is being celebrated with a newly renovated exhibition at Northwest Florida State College’s Robert L.F. Sikes Center in Crestview. Local dignitaries and the public gathered for the dedication of the exhibit, which features artifacts from Sikes’ illustrious career, including campaign memorabilia and a collection of taxidermied raccoons, a nod to his nickname “The He-Coon.” NWFSC President Devin Stephenson and current District 1 Rep. Matt Gaetz highlighted Sikes’ enduring impact on the region and the significance of his contributions.
