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Engineering Excellence on Display at Niceville High School Staff Reports November 10, 2025 4:05 pm Niceville, Okaloosa County, Schools and Education In Brief: : Who: Students of Niceville High School, Richard Hernandez (Teacher), Superintendent Marcus Chambers, Assistant Superintendent John Spolski, School Board Member Brett Hinely, Mary Colleen Johnson, Eleanor Ballard, Lana Dorey, Lillian Kifer, Julia Milz, Gabriel Craig What: Annual Engineering Challenge Project on rising sea levels and storm surge, showcasing student research and solutions When: November 4, 2025 Where: Niceville High School, Florida Why: To connect classroom learning with real-world global issues and develop critical thinking, collaboration, and innovative problem-solving skills   Students Tackle Rising Sea Levels and Storm Surge with Innovative Solutions Niceville, Fla. — On November 4, 2025, students at Niceville High School presented their annual Engineering Challenge Project, demonstrating innovation, teamwork, and problem-solving skills in front of elected officials, district leaders, and community members. The event highlighted weeks of rigorous research, writing, and collaboration, as students explored complex scientific and societal issues. This year’s challenge, titled “The Impact of Rising Sea Levels and Storm Surge on Florida,” tasked students with analyzing decades of predictive data, evaluating policy and infrastructure needs, and proposing practical, cost-effective mitigation strategies. Students drew on real-world scenarios to examine the effects of climate change on coastal communities, considering both environmental and economic impacts. Under the direction of Richard Hernandez, Gifted and AICE Global Perspectives teacher, students engaged in a multi-step research process that included consulting with engineers, analyzing historical storm-surge and sea-level... Read More

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Okaloosa County School District Announces 2025 Sunshine State Scholars Staff Reports November 10, 2025 2:54 pm Crestview, Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, Okaloosa County, Schools and Education In Brief: Who: Penelope Gordon, Emma Michel, Adonaiah White, Superintendent Marcus Chambers What: Named 2025 Sunshine State Scholars in STEM fields When: 2025 academic year; program involves a two-day event in Orlando Where: Okaloosa County, Florida; Orlando, Florida, for the program event Why: To recognize top-performing STEM students and provide networking and educational opportunities Penelope Gordon and Emma Michel Recognized for Excellence in STEM, Adonaiah White Named Alternate Okaloosa County, Fla. — The Okaloosa County School District (OCSD) has announced its 2025 Sunshine State Scholars, highlighting the academic achievements of students pursuing careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Penelope Gordon from Fort Walton Beach High School and Emma Michel from Niceville High School have been selected as the district’s primary scholars. Adonaiah White from Crestview High School has been named the district’s alternate scholar. The Sunshine State Scholars Program is an annual initiative by the Florida Department of Education that recognizes the top 11th-grade students in each district who demonstrate exceptional aptitude and commitment to STEM fields. Each district selects its most outstanding STEM students to participate in a two-day program in Orlando. During the event, students have the opportunity to network with STEM-focused employers and college representatives, explore educational and career pathways, and be formally honored for their achievements and aspirations. Superintendent Marcus Chambers praised the students for their accomplishments and... Read More

Fort Lauderdale Man Arrested in $505,000 Walton County Utility Check Fraud Staff Reports November 10, 2025 2:24 pm Crime, Walton County In Brief: Brandon Loud, 32, was arrested in Walton County for depositing a $505,400 fraudulent utility check. An investigation uncovered two additional stolen checks, totaling $200,000, linked to identity theft. Sheriff Michael Adkinson urged the public to monitor their accounts, enable two-factor authentication, and report any suspicious activity. Investigation Reveals Multiple Stolen Checks and Identity Theft Links WALTON COUNTY, FLA — A Fort Lauderdale man has been arrested in connection with a $505,400 check fraud scheme targeting a Walton County utility company. Brandon Loud, 32, is currently in custody at the Walton County Jail, with a bond set at $100,000, following an extensive investigation by the Walton County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Bureau. The investigation began after a utility company in Santa Rosa Beach reported that a check mailed on August 4, 2025, to a legitimate vendor had been stolen and altered. Instead of reaching the intended recipient, a counterfeit version of the check made payable to Loud was deposited into a JPMorgan Chase account in his name on August 5, 2025. “Cases like this demonstrate how quickly financial crimes can escalate into six-figure fraud,” said Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson. “We want our residents and businesses to be vigilant and proactive in protecting their accounts.” Investigation DetailsSurveillance footage from a Chase Bank branch in Minneapolis, Minnesota, confirmed Loud as the person depositing the fraudulent check. Additional investigation revealed... Read More

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