Okaloosa County to Begin Animal Control Services on September 23
Animal control services for unincorporated areas of the County will change beginning September 23, 2026. The City of Crestview, through its Animal Services Division of the Crestview Police Department, will deliver these services in all areas north of Eglin Air Force Base. The number for north animal services by the City of Crestview is (850) 682-2055. Okaloosa County, through its Animal Control Division of the Public Safety Department, will serve unincorporated areas South of Eglin Air Force Base. The
Take Stock in Children Okaloosa County Receives Prestigious Luminary Award
Take Stock in Children Okaloosa County has received the prestigious Luminary Award at the annual Take Stock in Children Conference in Orlando, in recognition of the program’s outstanding service and support for its 2025–2026 student cohort. The Luminary Award reflects the collective efforts of Take Stock in Children Okaloosa County staff, mentors, students, families, and community partners who work together to help students achieve their educational goals and prepare for success beyond high school. To
Media Release: Charter and Cox Communications finalize transaction bringing Spectrum brand to Cox markets in mid-September
Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: CHTR) (along with its subsidiaries, “Charter”) today announced that it has completed its previously announced transaction with Cox Communications (“Cox”) and the acquisition of Liberty Broadband Corporation (“Liberty Broadband”). These transformative transactions create the leading broadband and video company in the nation and the fastest growing mobile provider in its footprint, with seamless connectivity and video entertainment, and high-quality customer service
Destin High Shark Shop Reopens with Spirit Wear, School Supplies and More
On Thursday, Aug. 6, Destin High School celebrated the grand reopening of its Shark Shop with a ribbon cutting. With school starting next week, students, parents, alumni and community members are invited to stock up on their favorite DHS spirit wear and gear. Merchandise includes t-shirts, letterman jackets, hoodies, jewelry, accessories, school supplies and more. The Destin High School Shark Shop is located inside the school at 4325 Commons Dr. W., in Destin. Items may also be purchased online at
Okaloosa County School District Celebrates Student Achievement at Take Stock in Children S.T.A.R.S.
The Okaloosa County School District proudly celebrated the achievements of students in the Take Stock in Children (TSIC) program at the annual S.T.A.R.S. Ceremony. The Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation (OPSF) proudly supports this event. The event recognized 12 incoming freshmen starting their Take Stock in Children journey and 19 graduating seniors who completed the program to earn a two-year college scholarship. These scholarships reflect years of dedication and hard work. Lori Lipnicky, TSIC College
LIVE NOW: DHS Coca-Cola Case Sale Fundraiser going on NOW through May 1st
Our Coca-Cola Fundraiser is happening now through May 1! Skip the grocery store and stock up while supporting our students and staff. Every case purchased sends proceeds directly back to DHS programs. &##128073; Order here: https://www.cocacolaunitedd2c.com/DestinHS&##128197; Sales Window: April 17 – May 1&##128230; Pickup: May 8 | 2:00–3:00 PM&##128205; Location: Outside DHS (4325 Commons Dr W) Why participate? Every Coca-Cola purchase helps fund student activities, academics, and school
January 2026 Update from One Okaloosa EDC
By Nathan Sparks, CEcD Executive Director of One Okaloosa EDC Welcome to 2026! I have noticed two themes as I’ve spoken with many of our investors and partners during the first couple weeks of the New Year. First, everyone is already dialed in and extremely busy. In other words, there’s been no “easing in” to the year. Second, there is a real level of optimism for 2026 among the business leaders of our community. This was readily apparent during our Jan. 8 Business Leadership Council meeting (which, by
Black Friday at Gulfarium Happening Now
Black Friday – Gift Shop Sale – 25% OFF Entire Store No Admission Needed to Shop! Looking for the perfect holiday gifts while supporting local businesses? Our Annual Black Friday Gift Shop Sale starts tomorrow! Dates: November 24 - 30 Discount: 25% off everything in the store – gifts, toys, games, stuffed animals, jewelry, apparel, and more! With 1,000s of items on sale, it’s the best time to stock up on holiday gifts for family and friends, shop local and support our community! Remember, you don’t
Okaloosa County Moves Toward Historic Regional Partnership in SS United States Artificial Reef Project
Destin-Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners are proud to announce a regional collaboration between Visit Pensacola and Coastal Conservation Association Florida (CCA), to promote the deployment and long-term tourism and environmental benefits associated with the SS United States as the World’s Largest Artificial Reef. Okaloosa County Commissioners unanimously voted to approve agreements with Visit Pensacola and CCA as partners in the SS United States artificial reef project that will
Holiday Toy and Gift Requests by ECCAC for Children in Need
With the holiday season just around the corner, the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) is putting out a call for help from the community and businesses to deliver unwrapped toys and gifts to stock ECCAC’s Toy Rooms for area children in need, from ages newborn to 18. With two ECCAC Centers, the Julie Sacco Porterfield Family Center in Niceville and the Pierce Family Center in DeFuniak Springs, toys and gifts are being collected from now up until December 22nd. However, they would like to
Okaloosa Take Stock in Children Program Earns Gold Level and Luminary Award Recognition
The Okaloosa County School District is proud to announce that the state TSIC office has awarded its Take Stock in Children (TSIC) program Gold Level recognition and has achieved the prestigious Luminary Award for earning a perfect score of 100% on the 2024–2025 Balanced Scorecard assessment. This honor places Okaloosa among the top-performing TSIC programs statewide. It reflects the dedication of mentors, College Success Coaches, and district staff who work tirelessly to support at-risk students with
Stock the Pantry: Okaloosa Vs. Walton
Since 2010, Food For Thought Outreach has been committed to serving the food-insecure children of Walton and Okaloosa Counties. Our mission is to remove the negative impacts of hunger and empower children to get the most out of their education and development by providing them with weekly access to healthy, easy-to-prepare foods. The 2025-26 School Year marks our 15th school year serving the children who need us the most in our community. Because we know hungry children can’t learn. Children who don’t
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Take Stock in Children Seeking Mentors for Okaloosa High School Students
The Okaloosa County Take Stock in Children (TSIC) program is currently seeking caring, committed mentors to guide and support local high school students in grades 9–11 during the upcoming school year. Mentors play a crucial role in helping students stay on track academically, build confidence, and plan for a successful future. This is a powerful opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the life of a student—right here in our community. "We invite community members to search their hearts and consider
Celebrating 29 Years of Success with Take Stock in Children
For nearly three decades, Take Stock in Children has transformed students' futures—and this year was no exception. The Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation proudly hosted the Take Stock in Children S.T.A.R.S. Ceremony at the Niceville Community Center on Monday, May 12, celebrating 29 years of impact through this transformative program. Seventeen graduating seniors were honored for completing the Take Stock in Children program and were awarded more than $700,000 in scholarships, including their two-year
DHS World's Finest Chocolate Fundraiser
Dear DHS Families, Our World’s Finest Chocolate fundraiser is wrapping up, and we’re offering a sweet deal to close it out! For a limited time, you can purchase a full box of chocolate (normally $60) for just $40!Order now: igfn.us/form/gx9JsA Pick up your boxes at the Destin High School Main Office This is your last chance to support DHS and stock up on delicious chocolate before it's gone. Get yours today and help us make an impact for our students! Thank you for your support! Go Sharks! Destin
Eglin Federal Credit Union infuses $1.9M into the Community Through Local Nonprofits
Eglin Federal Credit Union is spreading holiday cheer by donating $1.9 million into the community through local nonprofits. Monetary donations were made to the Air Force Enlisted Village, Children in Crisis, Emerald Coast Fitness Foundation, Fisher House of the Emerald Coast, Fresh Start for Children and Families, Habitat for Humanity of Okaloosa County, Habitat for Humanity of Walton County, Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation, the Southeastern Credit Union Foundation and the United Way Emerald
Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County Announces Newest Art In Public Spaces Project Celebrating Walton County Fair Centennial
The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) is proud to announce that local artist Sarah Page has been selected from the CAA’s pre-vetted Public Artist Directory and commissioned to create a vibrant large-scale mural at the Walton County Fairgrounds located at 790 N. 9th Street in DeFuniak Springs. With support from the Walton County Tourism Department, the CAA partnered with the Walton County Fair Board to produce this installation as part of the fair’s upcoming Centennial Celebration. Measuring
11th Annual Stock the Pantry Party Is A Success
Food For Thought thanks the dedicated teams and generous sponsors for making the 11th Annual Stock the Pantry Party a success! More than 37,000 food items were donated and more than $35,000 was raised.
