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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

  With many couples looking to celebrate their love, Panama City Beach is the ideal destination for a quick getaway or an intimate beach wedding. Known as the Real. Fun. Beach., our beautiful coastal setting provides the perfect backdrop for those commemorating special moments or planning small   Read More

Miranda Lambert & Parker McCollum Host “Band Together Texas” For Texas Flood Victims Country stars Miranda Lambert and Parker McCollum hosted a benefit concert called “Band Together Texas” on August 17. The event, which supported those devastated by the floods in central Texas last month, was an incredible success, raising $8.5 million. The concert featured a number of big […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

Miranda Lambert Celebrates Her 42nd Birthday Miranda Lambert is celebrating another year older and wiser. The country singer recently turned 42-years-young! Her sweet husband, Brendan McLoughlin, shared a heartfelt post in honor of her big day. “Happy Birthday to the most loving, talented and caring person I’ve ever met @mirandalambert,” he wrote. “The world is a […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

Eglin Air Force Base on lockdown due to bomb threat, sources say Staff Reports November 12, 2025 2:50 pm Eglin Air Force Base EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE — A source with knowledge of the situation has told Mid Bay News that Eglin Air Force Base is on lockdown due to a bomb threat. According to the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office on Facebook, expect travel delays in and around the base. This story will be updated as more information is available.   Update: 3:34 p.m. Lockdown is over.  Update: 3:04 p.m. Buildings in question are near the 96th Test Wing flight line. As of 3:06 p.m., the lockdown has not been lifted.  Update: 2:46 p.m.Shelter in-place message sent out to 42 buildings on Eglin Air Force Base, per a basewide message obtained by Mid Bay News. Update: 2:43 p.m. Mid Bay News is currently trying to get more information by calling Eglin’s Public Affairs office. Due to the government shutdown, the Public Affairs office is not running at full capacity.  More Local News Schools and Education Okaloosa School Board reviews legislative priorities ahead of upcoming state session Arts Okaloosa County Celebrates 2025–2026 Art in the Capitol Winners Charities and Nonprofits A Community Effort to Help Those Affected by the Government Shutdown Load More The post Eglin Air Force Base on lockdown due to bomb threat, sources say appeared first on Mid Bay News. Read More