Florida SBDC Network Hosts Florida Small Business Day at the Capitol
Florida SBDC Network State Office (Pensacola, Fla.) – The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network, the state’s principal provider of small business assistance, hosted its annual Florida Small Business Day at the Capitol yesterday, Wednesday, March 26th. Held at the Florida State Capitol Courtyard, this event highlighted the critical role small businesses play in Florida’s economy and provided an opportunity for small business owners and resource providers to showcase products and
Okaloosa County School District First Semester Highlights 2024-2025
As we enter a new semester, it is my pleasure to share the incredible achievements and milestones of the first half of the school year with our families and community members. It is truly inspiring to witness our students excel in academics, the arts, and athletics while our teachers and staff dedicate themselves to fostering a positive and dynamic learning environment. These highlights are a testament to everyone's collective hard work and commitment to the Okaloosa County School District. Let's take a
Okaloosa County Schools to Celebrate the Legacy of President Jimmy Carter in the Classroom
President Jimmy Carter, who served from 1977 to 1981, passed away on Dec. 29, 2024, at the age of 100. An executive order issued by President Joe Biden on Monday, Dec. 30, designates a National Day of Mourning to honor President Carter's legacy. The Okaloosa County School District will remain open on Thursday, Jan. 9, including Eglin Elementary School, located on Eglin Air Force Base. Superintendent Marcus Chambers emphasized the district's commitment to honoring President Carter's legacy: "President
Okaloosa County School District Earns Prestigious Purple Star District Designation
Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that the Okaloosa County School District has been named one of only five districts in Florida to earn the prestigious Purple Star District designation. This honor reflects the district’s unwavering dedication to supporting military-connected students and their families, ensuring smooth transitions, access to vital resources, and academic success. The Purple Star District designation means that every Okaloosa County School District school has met the rigorous
Northwest Florida State College Confirms Commissioner Melvin P. “Mel” Ponder as President Starting January 2, 2025
The District Board of Trustees of Northwest Florida State College voted to confirm Commissioner Melvin P. “Mel” Ponder as the next President of Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) at the Board’s Nov. 19 Board meeting. President-Elect Ponder will begin as NWFSC President on January 2, 2025. The Board of Trustees selected President-Elect Ponder as the fifth president of Northwest Florida State College following an approximately six-month search with more than 100 candidates, which yielded four
Florida Ranks #1 in Education Freedom for Third Year in a Row
Today, the Heritage Foundation announced that Florida ranks #1 in Education Freedom for the third year in a row. This achievement is a direct result of Florida’s priorities to expand school choice, support parental rights in education, and ensure that families can make the best educational choice for their individual child. The Education Freedom Report Card began in 2022, and Florida has earned the top ranking every year since its inception. “Florida has enacted policies that allow parents to direct where
Eglin Federal Credit Union Partners with Okaloosa County School District to Bring Financial Literacy
Eglin Federal Credit Union and the Okaloosa County School District teamed up to bring financial literacy to high school students. Approximately 60 high school students from the 9th to 12th grades participated in lessons facilitated by Eglin Federal Credit Union’s VP Membership and Community Development, Neko Stubblefield, at Crestview High School on April 9. The personal financial literacy course covers a wide range of topics, from opening a checking or savings account to planning for retirement. “Eglin
SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to Businesses and Residents of Florida Affected by Severe Storms and Tornadoes
Florida businesses and residents affected by severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes on Jan. 8-9 are eligible to apply for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration, SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman announced today. Administrator Guzman made the loans available in response to a letter from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ authorized representative Kevin Guthrie, on March 25 requesting a disaster declaration by the SBA. Businesses and residents in the declared
Okaloosa County School District to Host 2024 Career and Technical Education Career and College Signing Day
Okaloosa County School District Superintendent Marcus Chambers and the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Department invite media members to the 5th Annual Career and College Signing Day. The event will occur on Thursday, March 28, from 10 a.m. to noon at Mattie Kelley Arts Center, 100 E College Blvd, Niceville. This event will recognize the necessary steps our CTE students are taking to continue their career and technical education after high school, ensuring a skilled future workforce for our community
NWFSC Announces Money-Back Guarantee Program for Three Critical Workforce Programs: Nursing, Radiography, Paramedic
Today, President Stephenson announced a Money-Back Guarantee on three critical workforce programs. Students enrolled in the Northwest Florida State College’s nursing, radiography, or paramedic programs are now guaranteed their money back—a full refund of all tuition costs—if they are unable to find a job in the related field within six months of graduation. “The Money-Back Guarantee Program is a testament to the quality of our faculty and staff and the college’s commitment to get students jobs
FL Governor Ron DeSantis Appoints Five Board Members to NWFSC’s Board of Trustees
Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida has made five key appointments to the Board of Trustees at Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC). Cory Fosdyck, Senior Vice President, and Senior Resident Director for Merrill Lynch is dedicated to community service. He’s spearheaded initiatives at the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center, offered his expertise to Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital, and once led the Walton County Chamber of Commerce. He is a Senior Vice President and Senior Resident Director for Merrill
State of FloridaAwards $9M for Seacoast Collegiate High School & Northwest Florida State College's Dual Enrollment & Workforce Development Center
The Seaside School, Inc., in partnership with Northwest Florida State College, announces a significant milestone in its mission to transform educational opportunities in Walton County. The partnership between The Seaside School, Inc., a public charter school, and Northwest Florida State College has garnered the approval of $9 million in state funding, facilitating the expansion of Seacoast Collegiate High School and the creation of a Dual Enrollment & Workforce Development Center. This transformational
Okaloosa County Approved for Nearly $9M in State Funding
Four of the legislative priorities submitted by the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners to the Florida Legislature were approved in the State’s $115 billion budget that was signed Thursday by Gov. Ron DeSantis, for fiscal year-2023-24. Okaloosa County’s projects total $8,975,000 in state funding. Projects include: • $350,000 for continued support of the Okaloosa-Walton Mental Health and Substance Abuse Pre-Trial Diversion Program • $1.25 million for a special needs ball field and park • $7
Cox Recognizes Inspirational Student Heroes in Okaloosa County
Yesterday, Cox Communications hosted the annual Cox Inspirational Student Hero Awards in Okaloosa County, recognizing 37 students who have overcome extreme hardships in their lives. The Heroes were recognized at a ceremony on Wednesday, May 10, at Northwest Florida State College in Niceville. “Hearing the struggles these students have endured reminds us how difficult life can be, but our response to those adversities is what really matters,” said Cox Gulf Coast Market vice president David Deliman. “It’s
