Okaloosa Technical College Now Accepting Bids for Student-Built Tiny Homes Staff Reports November 14, 2025 10:30 am Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa County, Schools and Education In Brief: Who: Okaloosa Technical College students and Director Jon Williams What: Bidding opened for four student-built tiny homes When: Now through November 19 at 3:30 p.m. Where: Okaloosa Technical College, Okaloosa County Why: To give students real-world, hands-on experience while providing high-quality homes to the community Okaloosa Technical College (OTC) is inviting community members, builders, and tiny-home enthusiasts to submit bids for four newly completed student-built tiny homes. Bids will be accepted through Wednesday, November 19, at 3:30 p.m., with interested buyers encouraged to request a bid packet early due to expected high interest. The tiny homes—each uniquely crafted—represent the culmination of months of hands-on work by OTC students enrolled in several skilled trade programs. These programs include Building Trades, Carpentry, Electrical, and HVAC, giving students an opportunity to collaborate across disciplines in a real jobsite-style environment. OTC Director Jon Williams said the program is one of the college’s longest-running and most successful forms of experiential learning. “Okaloosa Technical College has been building these and similar houses for decades,” Williams explained. “When it comes to skilled labor and trades, there is no better way to learn than by doing. Projects like this give students the confidence, craftsmanship, and teamwork experience they’ll carry into the workforce.”  Each tiny home is built to reflect high-quality construction standards learned through OTC’s curriculum. Students are responsible for framing,... Read More

Luke Bryan & Ella Langley Join Forces For A Christmas Hit Country music stars Luke Bryan and Ella Langley are getting in the Christmas spirit! The duo are set to release their brand new “Winter Wonderland” collaboration Thursday (November 13) at midnight. Ella is rapidly establishing herself as one of country music’s rising stars. Tied […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

Destin High School Launches First “Holly Jolly Market” at Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation Amphitheatre Staff Reports November 13, 2025 1:51 pm Arts, Destin, Okaloosa County, Schools and Education In Brief: Destin High School will host its first Holly Jolly Market on December 6, featuring performances, vendors, and holiday activities. A $5 wristband gives children access to all activities in the children’s holiday zone, including games, face painting, and photos with Santa. Proceeds from the event support Destin High School programs in academics, arts, athletics, and enrichment opportunities. DESTIN, FL — Destin High School is preparing to bring holiday cheer to the community with its first annual Holly Jolly Market on Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation Amphitheatre. The event will feature a full day of family-friendly entertainment, shopping, and festive activities, all designed to celebrate the holiday season while supporting programs at Destin High School. The Holly Jolly Market will highlight the talents and creativity of Destin High students through a variety of live performances throughout the day, including music, theater, and other artistic showcases. In addition to student entertainment, local food trucks will offer favorites from the area, and unique shopping experiences will be available from local artisans and vendors. A dedicated children’s holiday zone will feature activities for young attendees, including games, face painting, and photos with Santa. A $5 wristband provides access to all children’s activities for the entire day. Organizers hope the zone will create a... Read More

Car chase ends at Eglin Air Force Base west gate, suspect in custody Staff Reports November 13, 2025 1:45 pm Eglin Air Force Base In Brief: Deputies say the suspect led them on a high-speed chase ending at Eglin’s west gate The pursuit began after a pedestrian was struck and seriously injured on Beal Parkway Hours later, Eglin Air Force Base went on lockdown after a reported bomb threat EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE — A 35-year-old Shalimar man was arrested Wednesday after the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) said he struck a pedestrian and led deputies on a chase that ended at the west gate of Eglin Air Force Base. According to an arrest affidavit from the OCSO, George Henry Harchar was involved in a hit-and-run with a pedestrian at around noon near 916 Beal Parkway in Fort Walton Beach. The pedestrian, according to the report, suffered significant injuries. A deputy later spotted a vehicle with a heavy hood and windshield damage and smoke coming from the engine. Harchar allegedly refused to stop, leading deputies on a chase past the Air Force Armament Museum and toward Eglin, at which point Harchar hit a barrier near the base gate. Deputies said Harchar got out of the vehicle but ignored commands to show his hands and stepped toward them. He was tased and taken into custody. OCSO charges Harchar with fleeing and eluding with lights and sirens activated and resisting an officer without violence. He also faces hit-and-run charges from the Florida... Read More

Okaloosa Schools face North-South divide as enrollment drops in Fort Walton, Destin; surges in Crestview Collin Bestor November 13, 2025 12:45 pm Schools and Education In Brief: Northern Okaloosa schools are growing fast — while southern campuses lose students District may consider boundary changes or consolidations to manage enrollment shifts Voucher expansion and homeschooling are accelerating public school losses NICEVILLE — A widening demographic divide between north and south Okaloosa County is reshaping the school district’s enrollment map and could soon force officials to make tough financial and facility decisions.   During an Okaloosa County School Board workshop on Monday, Assistant Superintendent John Spolski outlined data showing steady student growth in the northern part of the county, centered on Crestview, while schools in the South — including Fort Walton Beach, Destin, and Niceville — continue to experience student losses.   “We have a tale of two regions,” Spolski said. “Everything north of the Shoal River is going through enormous growth … and the South is a totally different tale. We’re seeing extreme constriction.”   A County divided by the Shoal River   The district’s long-term projections, developed in collaboration with consulting firm MGT and verified using internal data, indicate that Crestview’s elementary population is expected to increase by 851 students over the next 11 years, representing a rise of approximately 77 students per year across seven elementary schools.   By contrast, elementary schools in the central and southern zones — including areas such as Niceville, Fort Walton Beach, and Destin... Read More

Okaloosa School Board reviews legislative priorities ahead of upcoming state session Collin Bestor November 13, 2025 12:30 pm Schools and Education In Brief: School board pushes for fairer state funding and relief from costly mandates District leaders urge stronger support for mental health and behavior services Teachers face mounting certification costs and hiring challenges amid shortages NICEVILLE — The Okaloosa County School Board outlined its 2025-26 legislative priorities on Monday, calling for reforms to Florida’s school funding model, expanding support for safety and mental health programs and relief from regulations that the district says hinder teacher retention and classroom instruction.   The meeting focused on what Chambers described as “specific, targeted priorities” to ensure the districts’ stability amid tightening budgets and growing state mandates.   Assistant Superintendent Lee Hale said the district worked with Oak Strategies, the Florida Association of District School Superintendents, and other districts to align Okaloosa’s goals with broader state education efforts.   Chambers said the district’s priorities fall into five categories: funding, school safety, student services and mental health, reducing regulation, and workforce recruitment and retention.   At the top of Okaloosa’s agenda is a call to increase the Base Student Allocation (BSA), which Chambers said rose only $41.62 per student last year — far short of what districts need to cover increasing costs in retirement, insurance and salaries.   “In essence, we’re going backwards,” Chambers said, noting that even a minimal 1% raise for staff would cost $108 per student.   Chambers also criticized how... Read More

He Forgot The Ring, But He Still Got The Girl “She makes a Monday feel like Friday night. She makes the winter feel like spring. She makes this complicated world make sense, and she makes this country boy feel like a king.” “She Makes” by country artist Zach Top is all about how the Lord […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

Okaloosa County Celebrates 2025–2026 Art in the Capitol Winners Staff Reports November 13, 2025 10:13 am Arts, Niceville, Okaloosa County, Schools and Education In Brief: Who: Students Hannah Leitheiser, Olivia McClain, Ahymn Kim, Emma Hilleary; teachers Ms. Eden Preston, Ms. Lindsey Gafford, Ms. Gina Watson; Superintendent Marcus Chambers What: 2025–2026 Art in the Capitol Competition winners When: 2025–2026 school year; artwork displayed during the 2026 Florida Legislative Session Where: Okaloosa County schools; Florida Capitol in Tallahassee Why: To recognize and showcase the artistic talent of middle school students across Florida NICEVILLE, FL — The Okaloosa County School District (OCSD) is proud to recognize the achievements of its middle school students in the 2025–2026 Art in the Capitol Competition, a statewide visual arts contest for students in grades 6–8. The competition provides young artists with an opportunity to showcase their creativity and have their work displayed at the Florida Capitol in Tallahassee during the legislative session. This year, Hannah Leitheiser of Liza Jackson Preparatory School was named Best in Show. Her artwork will represent Okaloosa County at the Florida Capitol in the 2026 Legislative Session. Leitheiser is a student of Ms. Eden Preston, who has guided her through the creative process. Other district winners include: 1st Place: Olivia McClain, Lewis School, teacher Ms. Lindsey Gafford 2nd Place: Ahymn Kim, Ruckel Middle School, teacher Ms. Gina Watson 3rd Place: Emma Hilleary, Ruckel Middle School, teacher Ms. Gina Watson Superintendent Marcus Chambers praised the students and their teachers for their dedication and creativity.... Read More

When Does Season 29 Of The Voice Premiere, And Who Are The Coaches? Season 28 of The Voice is still underway, but they’re already making plans for the premiere of Season 29! In fact, we knew some key details about Season 29 before Season 28 even started. In July, The Voice announced that Season 29 […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

A Community Effort to Help Those Affected by the Government Shutdown Staff Reports November 13, 2025 9:23 am Charities and Nonprofits, Crestview In Brief: Who: Crestview residents led by Katrina Raines and supported by retired deputy Jeremy Gilbert and city staff What: Weekly Free Food Friday events offering meals and nonperishable food to families in need When: Every Friday through the end of 2025, starting November 7 Where: Old Spanish Trail Amphitheater, 205 Stillwell Blvd., Crestview Why: To support individuals and families facing hardship due to the government shutdown Crestview, FL — Residents of Crestview have come together to support families and individuals impacted by the ongoing government shutdown. What started as a single Facebook post by local resident Katrina Raines has grown into a community-wide volunteer effort called Friends Taking Care of Friends, aimed at providing meals and essential supplies to those in need. “This is something that the Lord laid on my heart,” Raines said. “All I did was make a post on Facebook. This is a community effort — it’s not just me.” The post quickly gained traction, drawing responses from neighbors, church groups, and civic organizations throughout Crestview. Volunteers began coordinating through social media, pooling donations of food, bottled water, and supplies to serve affected families and federal employees furloughed during the shutdown. The group’s first event, held on Friday, November 7, 2025, at the Old Spanish Trail Amphitheater (205 Stillwell Blvd.), drew more than 300 families. Volunteers served spaghetti dinners and distributed canned goods, fresh... Read More