The local desk · Okaloosa County
We read the county, the cities and the outlets that cover them, then brief it in our own words with a link to everyone who reported it. Updated every hour.
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The Holley-Navarre Water System board approved a $105,000 engineering contract in April to design a replacement bridge at Hole 3 of the Club at Hidden Creek golf course. Southern Site and Utility Design will provide the design services for the timber bridge.
Niceville defeated Choctaw 3-2 in a competitive volleyball match Thursday, overcoming a 4-1 deficit in the final set with a 6-0 run to secure victory. The win positions the Lady Eagles as a top team in the area, improving their record to 11-3.
The Naval Junior ROTC program at Navarre High held a ceremony Friday morning to commemorate the September 11 attacks, featuring a documentary about the 2001 tragedy for attendees in the school cafeteria.
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The Okaloosa County School District is observing Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 through October 15 with a door decorating and art contest for students. The district is also encouraging participation in state-level art and essay competitions sponsored by the Florida Department of Education and Volunteer Florida.
Okaloosa County commissioners approved a contract with Niceville Animal Clinic to provide sheltering and veterinary services in unincorporated areas south of Eglin Air Force Base beginning September 2026, when the county's nearly 20-year relationship with PAWS ends. The agreement establishes a $4,000 monthly sheltering stipend with estimated annual operating costs between $120,000 and $180,000.
The Destin City Council voted Tuesday to direct its attorney to draft an ordinance requiring council approval before license plate reader cameras can be placed on city roads or property. The move follows Florida's statewide order revoking permits for the devices on state highways and the Okaloosa County Sheriff's decision to remove all Flock Safety cameras countywide.
The Town of Shalimar designated Sept. 13 as "The Church at Shalimar Day" through a town commission resolution, recognizing the congregation that began in 1951 as one of the community's founding institutions. The church will mark the milestone with a special service and luncheon on that date.
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A 46-year-old paraprofessional at Lewis School in Valparaiso was arrested on a child abuse charge after allegedly striking a 5-year-old autistic student in the face. Two witnesses told investigators they saw the paraprofessional's hand make contact with the child's face hard enough to turn the child's head, though the paraprofessional denied making contact.
The Niceville Fire Department is conducting its first-ever community survey to gather feedback for a three-to-five-year strategic plan. The anonymous survey, which takes 10 to 15 minutes, aims to identify the department's strengths, improvement areas, and operational priorities based on resident and worker input.
Ricki DeSantis, a Navarre resident who worked in finance in New York City, was near the World Trade Center towers during the September 11 attacks and was exposed to toxic materials including asbestos and heavy metals. He continues to deal with health complications from that day of exposure.
Crestview High School's "Big Red Machine" marching band has received the Phi Beta Mu Earl D. Irons Program of Distinction Award, a national honor recognizing excellence in the ensemble.
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The city partnered with InvoiceCloud to offer customers chances to win Visa gift cards by enrolling in paperless billing or automatic payments. The sweepstakes runs through October 31, with 39 total prizes ranging from $50 to $250.