Niceville News: Local Updates & Community Announcements

COMMUNITY NEWS

Road crews pave a rural Okaloosa County road as a roller follows behind the paving equipment.

Infrastructure surtax helps pave 180 miles of Okaloosa roads

October 2, 2026

OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. — More than 180 miles of county-maintained dirt roads have been stabilized and paved in Okaloosa County since an ambitious road…

Mid-Bay Bridge Rotary Oktoberfest graphic promoting food, beer, music, children’s activities and vendors in Niceville.

Oktoberfest brings German food, music and more to Niceville

September 24, 2026

Okaloosa County Animal Control graphic featuring dogs and a kitten with the Okaloosa County seal.

Who to call for animal control in Okaloosa County starting Sept. 23

September 22, 2026

Niceville Fire Department Strategic Planning Survey graphic featuring a fire engine, battalion vehicle and department emblem.

Niceville Fire Department seeks community input on future plans

September 18, 2026

Eglin Federal Credit Union auto loan banner featuring two women beside a blue Ford Bronco and promoting new and used auto loan rates as low as 4.74% APR.

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LOCAL NEWS & EVENTS

FDOT Okaloosa-Walton traffic advisory graphic showing road work alert

FDOT announces Okaloosa, Walton traffic impacts for the week

October 4, 2026

OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. — Drivers in Okaloosa and Walton counties can expect lane closures and other traffic disruptions this week as crews continue construction,…

Eglin Federal Credit Union employees celebrate Mary Calvert’s 25 years of service as she holds a framed certificate of achievement.

Standout Eglin FCU employee celebrates 25-year milestone

October 4, 2026

Eglin Federal Credit Union Marketing Department team members gather with the 2026 SPRF Lantern Award of Merit.

Regional award recognizes Eglin FCU marketing campaign

September 29, 2026

Caleb D. Hammonds holds his third-place award at the Toastmasters District 77 Humorous Speech Contest in May 2026.

Finding their voice: Niceville club helps speakers build confidence

September 24, 2026

SCHOOL NEWS

Brett Hinely stands at a marina in Bluewater Bay.

Hinely, Evanchyk win Okaloosa County School Board races

August 19, 2026

OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. — Okaloosa County voters elected two incumbent School Board members to four-year terms Tuesday, reelecting Linda Evanchyk to the District 3…

School bus driver seated behind the wheel of a yellow school bus.

Okaloosa County 2026–27 school calendar, holidays, breaks

August 10, 2026

Stuff the Bus drive returns across Okaloosa County

July 31, 2026

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

Deer Moss Creek® advertisement by Ruckel Properties, Inc. promoting available homes and lots.

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LOCAL MILITARY NEWS

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 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

COMMUNITY NEWS

Oktoberfest brings German food, music and more to Niceville

September 24, 2026

NICEVILLE, Fla. — Bratwurst, German beer, live music and plenty of family fun are coming…

America 250 Heritage Festival and Scouting Expo graphic promoting the Oct. 10, 2026, event in Fort Walton Beach.

Heritage Festival, Scouting Expo to mark America’s 250th birthday

September 22, 2026

America 250 Veterans & Patriots Grand Parade graphic featuring grand marshal Mia Manganello and the Okaloosa County America 250 Commission emblem.

Olympic medalist to lead America 250 Grand Parade in Crestview

September 10, 2026

Book Sale sign outside the Niceville Community Center advertising the annual Friends of the Niceville Library BIG Book Sale.

Niceville BIG Book Sale and Bake Sale set for Saturday

September 9, 2026

Paddle Rodeo graphic for Bluewater Bay Marina featuring paddle boarders, outrigger canoes and surf skis on the water. The event is Saturday, September 5, at 10 a.m.

Bluewater Paddle Rodeo offers chance to try variety of paddle craft

September 2, 2026

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OUTDOORS

MARKETPLACE NEWS

Bluewater Paddle Rodeo offers chance to try variety of paddle craft

September 2, 2026

NICEVILLE, Fla. — Paddle enthusiasts and newcomers alike are invited to Bluewater Bay Marina on Saturday, September 5, for a Paddle Rodeo offering participants…

Florida State Parks Foundation representatives, Florida State Parks officials and park rangers gather with new e-bikes being distributed for ranger use across Florida state parks.

Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park to receive new ranger e-bike

September 1, 2026

A bay scallop shell rests in a person’s hand after being recovered during the Great Scallop Count in Choctawhatchee Bay.

Great Scallop Count finds signs of scallops in Choctawhatchee Bay

August 27, 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

FDOT announces Okaloosa, Walton traffic impacts for the week

October 4, 2026

OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. — Drivers in Okaloosa and Walton counties can expect lane closures and other traffic disruptions this week as crews continue construction,…

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