Niceville News: Local Updates & Community Announcements

COMMUNITY NEWS

Grace Fulcher smiles while holding a violin in an outdoor portrait. The image is used to promote Amazing Grace and the Wishing Tree, a children's book written in her memory.

Niceville author honors daughter with children’s book

June 26, 2026

NICEVILLE, Fla. — A Niceville author has published a children’s book inspired by her late daughter, with proceeds benefiting pediatric cancer research and copies…

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

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

A Niceville Police Department patrol SUV is parked near a brick sign outside a police facility in Niceville, Florida.

Multi-agency search ends with patient found near Bayou Plaza

June 6, 2026

Campaign banner featuring Brett Hinely, candidate for Okaloosa County School Board District 5, with the slogan "Here for Our Schools."

LOCAL NEWS & EVENTS

Community leaders, Eglin Federal Credit Union officials, and employees gather outside the new DeFuniak Springs branch during a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the facility's grand opening.

Eglin FCU opens new DeFuniak Springs branch

June 28, 2026

DEFUNIAK SPRINGS, Fla. — Eglin Federal Credit Union has expanded its presence in Walton County with the opening of a new full-service branch in…

FDOT Okaloosa-Walton traffic advisory graphic showing road work alert

FDOT announces weekly traffic impacts in Okaloosa, Walton

June 28, 2026

Florida Department of Health advisory notice with a Florida state outline.

Water quality advisory issued for Marler Park beach

June 26, 2026

Niceville Fire Department to offer CPR training Aug. 10

June 24, 2026

SCHOOL NEWS

Okaloosa students earn top honors in America 250 contest

June 10, 2026

NICEVILLE, Fla. — Two Okaloosa County middle school students have earned top honors in a history writing contest tied to the nation’s upcoming 250th…

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

Destin Elementary School kindergartner Claire Grelle smiles beside her framed award-winning artwork during a student recognition event.

Destin kindergartner among six statewide art winners

May 22, 2026

Niceville.com Community Partner

LOCAL MILITARY NEWS

Keithley takes command of Eglin’s 96th Test Wing

June 25, 2026

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. — Col. Chris Keithley assumed command of the 96th Test Wing during a June 16 change of command ceremony…

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

Caption: Due to military testing and training on the Eglin reservation, the beach on Santa Rosa Island from Fort Walton Beach to Navarre Beach is closed to all public access. (U.S. Air Force photo/Ilka Cole) Alt text: A warning sign marks a closed area on Santa Rosa Island, where public access is prohibited because of military testing and training on the Eglin reservation. Title: Warning sign marks closed area on Santa Rosa Island Description: A warning sign stands on Santa Rosa Island within the Eglin reservation. The beach from Fort Walton Beach to Navarre Beach is closed to public access because of ongoing military testing and training activities

Unauthorized entry into Eglin test areas can be costly

June 8, 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

THINGS TO DO

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.

CRIME / PUBLIC SAFETY

Niceville teens invited to Fatal Vision driving course on Saturday

June 17, 2026

NICEVILLE, Fla. — The Niceville Police Department will host a free Fatal Vision Impaired Driving…

We See You: Women veterans get their stories seen

June 4, 2026

Flyer promoting the Troop 157 pancake breakfast on May 16 at American Legion Post 221 in Niceville.

Niceville Scouts hosting $5 pancake breakfast May 16

May 13, 2026

Dancers from Inspire Ballet and Fine Arts pose in costume promoting the “Paul, The Apostle” performance set for May 2, 2026, at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center.

200 dancers bring “Paul the Apostle” to stage Saturday

April 30, 2026

City of Niceville summer internship program graphic with application deadline and department listings

Last call: Niceville internships close April 30 for summer

April 28, 2026

Red Light Therapy at Body Dynamic Solutions in Niceville. Safe, non-invasive therapy with no drugs, no pain, and no known side effects. Call for a complimentary consultation and introductory session at (850) 339-4300. Located at 4566 E Highway 20, Suite 103, Niceville, Florida.

Niceville.com Community Partner

OUTDOORS

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Water quality advisory issued for Marler Park beach

June 26, 2026

FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County has issued a water quality health advisory for Marler Park after…

Marler Park under water quality advisory

June 12, 2026

senior master gardener with a mother and child in a greenhouse growing vegetables

Master Gardener volunteer training applications now open

June 11, 2026

Unauthorized entry into Eglin test areas can be costly

June 8, 2026

Eglin schedules munitions testing south of Destin Pass

May 31, 2026

The truth about password managers and spam

June 28, 2026

NICEVILLE, Fla — In this week’s edition of It’s Geek To Me, Jeff Werner explains the difference between password manager passwords and email aliases,…

LOCAL NEWS & EVENTS

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