Niceville News: Local Updates & Community Announcements

COMMUNITY NEWS

Recipients of the 2026 Okaloosa Saves Teach a Child to Save campaign pose with Okaloosa County commissioners, Okaloosa Saves board members and participating financial institution representatives after being recognized during the July 21, 2026, Okaloosa County Commission meeting in Fort Walton Beach.

Okaloosa Saves campaign helps children save more than $42,000

July 22, 2026

FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. — Nearly 190 children from Okaloosa and Walton counties deposited more than $42,000 into their savings accounts this spring through…

Exterior front entrance of Zook Chiropractic clinic in a beige retail building with large "Zook Chiropractic" signage above the storefront, covered walkway, and parking spaces in front.

Zook Chiropractic celebrates 35 years in Niceville with anniversary week

July 17, 2026

National Civics Bee state finalist Emma C. holds her State Certificate of Achievement while posing with two state Civics Bee officials.

Three local students represent region at Civics Bee state finals

July 15, 2026

Okaloosa Saves earns national Savings Champion award

July 8, 2026

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LOCAL NEWS & EVENTS

U.S. Air Force Col. Ryan Hayde, left, passes the 505th Test and Training Group guidon to Col. William Gery during a change of command ceremony at Hurlburt Field on July 2, 2026.

505th Test and Training Group welcomes new commander

July 24, 2026

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. — The 505th Test and Training Group welcomed a new commander July 2 as Col. William “Echo” Gery assumed leadership of…

Graphic for “It’s Geek to Me” by Jeff Werner with tech-themed design elements and smartphones

Why Windows restarts and how to stop the interruptions

July 23, 2026

A Florida Department of Health infographic explains how to prevent mosquito-borne illnesses by using insect repellent, eliminating standing water, repairing window screens and protecting homes from mosquitoes.

Health officials urge protection against mosquito-borne illnesses

July 22, 2026

A bright cloud-to-ground lightning strike branches across a stormy purple sky above a rural landscape at night.

Lightning safety Q&A: UF/IFAS experts share lifesaving advice

July 16, 2026

SCHOOL NEWS

Baker High School graduate Jayden Wasson holds a ceremonial $1,500 Roy Warner Memorial Scholarship check from Frances Roy Agency at a baseball field.

Baker graduate awarded Roy Warner Memorial Scholarship

June 30, 2026

BAKER, Fla. — A Baker High School graduate has received the 2026 Roy Warner Memorial Scholarship, a $1,500 award recognizing students pursuing careers in…

Graphic announcing the winners of the America 250 History Writing Contest, featuring patriotic red, white, and blue colors, American flags, stars, balloons, and text referencing the significance and impact of the Declaration of Independence.

Okaloosa students earn top honors in America 250 contest

June 10, 2026

Craig Kinsley stands with Okaloosa County School District leaders and colleagues after being named assistant principal of Lewis School.

Craig Kinsley named assistant principal of Lewis School

June 1, 2026

Ruckel Middle School student Dean Penberthy stands with school leaders and educators after reportedly winning statewide recognition in the Math Nation Show What You Know Showdown competition.

Ruckel student wins statewide Math Nation competition

May 29, 2026

Wide digital banner advertisement for Eglin Federal Credit Union Mastercard rates starting at 7.9% APR.

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LOCAL MILITARY NEWS

505th Test and Training Group welcomes new commander

July 24, 2026

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. — The 505th Test and Training Group welcomed a new commander July 2 as Col. William “Echo” Gery assumed leadership of…

Graphic featuring the Eglin Air Force Base crest with the words "For Your Information" on a blue digital camouflage background.

Boaters advised of Eglin munitions testing in bay

June 30, 2026

Maj. Gen. Scott A. Cain presents the 96th Test Wing guidon to Col. Chris Keithley during a change of command ceremony at the McKinley Climatic Lab at Eglin Air Force Base on June 16, 2026.

Keithley takes command of Eglin’s 96th Test Wing

June 25, 2026

U.S. Air Force Col. Terry Hjerpe transfers the 505th Communications Squadron guidon during a change of command ceremony at Hurlburt Field as Lt. Col. Justin Raynor assumes command from outgoing commander Lt. Col. Crystal Lusardi on June 18, 2026.

Raynor takes command of 505th Communications Squadron

June 25, 2026

THINGS TO DO

Larry Williams, Residential Horticulture Agent with the Okaloosa County Extension, University of Florida/IFAS

HOME & GARDEN

Lawn care seminars to help homeowners solve common problems

July 15, 2026

OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. — North Florida lawns can be challenging, but homeowners can learn how…

Fourth of July celebrations planned across Okaloosa County

July 1, 2026

Promotional graphic for the 2026 Light Up the Bayou Independence Day fireworks celebration honoring America's 250th birthday over Boggy Bayou.

Community-funded July 4th fireworks return to Niceville

June 29, 2026

Promotional graphic for the Niceville Police Department's Fatal Vision Teen Driving Challenge featuring traffic cones, impaired-vision goggles, a pedal-powered cart, and information about the free driving safety course for teens ages 14 to 18.

Niceville teens invited to Fatal Vision driving course on Saturday

June 17, 2026

Promotional graphic for the Honor H.E.R. Foundation's "We See You" Women Veterans Photo Exhibit Reveal featuring an American flag background and event title.

We See You: Women veterans get their stories seen

June 4, 2026

Trucordia insurance banner ad with contact information in Niceville

Niceville.com Community Partner

OUTDOORS

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Health officials urge protection against mosquito-borne illnesses

July 22, 2026

OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County is urging residents and visitors to take simple precautions against mosquito bites…