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Good morning!
Here’s what we’re covering today:
Fort Walton Beach council candidates tackle growth and budget concerns at a public forum, while Okaloosa’s superintendent shares district accomplishments. A major resurfacing project is underway on SR 285, experts outline real estate trends for 2025, and our community mourns the loss of an Edwins Elementary staff member.
- NATIONAL CHAMPS: The Ruckel Middle School Rams won the UCA Nationals in the Large Junior High Performance category on Saturday in Orlando. Congrats!
- NEW JUDGE: Niceville’s Jack Schlechter has been appointed by Gov. DeSantis to serve as Judge on the First Judicial Circuit Court. Schlechter has served as a County Court Judge for Okaloosa since 2022. Previously, he was an attorney at AnchorsGordon, P.A. He fills the judicial vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Bergosh.
SCHOOL
Okaloosa superintendent highlights district achievements in semester review
Okaloosa County School District Superintendent Marcus Chambers released a comprehensive review of the district’s first semester achievements, highlighting continued academic excellence and expansion of educational programs.
- In his update to families and community members, Chambers began by highlighting how the district has maintained its A-rating from the Florida Department of Education for the 2024-2025 school year. This achievement places Okaloosa among only three Florida districts to earn an A every year since the state began assigning school grades in 2014.
“This accomplishment reflects the dedication and perseverance of our students, teachers, staff, and administrators,” Chambers said in his report. “Their unwavering support and commitment to education make achievements like this possible.”
The superintendent highlighted several schools’ long-running academic excellence, including Destin Middle School and Ruckel Middle School’s 23-year streak of A grades, and Destin Elementary’s 22-year record of top marks.
A major milestone occurred on December 19, 2024, with the groundbreaking of Pineview K-8 School, the district’s first new school since 2009. The facility, set to open in August 2026, will address enrollment pressures in the Crestview area.
- Chambers noted the project was made possible through resources freed up by a voter-approved half-cent sales tax.
The report detailed significant student achievements across academics, arts, and athletics. Niceville and Fort Walton Beach High Schools earned Silver status on the 2024 College Board AP School Honor Roll. Four students received National Merit Scholar recognition: Lily Suttlemyre and William Cupp from Niceville High School, and Jonathan Curtis and Tina Le from Choctawhatchee High School.
In athletics, Baker School’s volleyball team claimed their 22nd consecutive District title, while Choctawhatchee High School’s football team advanced to the Elite 8 as Football District Champions. Niceville’s football team reached the Final 4 as Regional Champions.
- Chambers also announced the launch of new esports programs at multiple schools, including Choctawhatchee, Crestview, Fort Walton Beach, and Niceville High Schools, along with STEMM Academy and Shoal River Middle School. The initiative aims to create pathways for college scholarships and careers in technology.
The superintendent’s report highlighted the district’s recent designation as a Purple Star District by Governor Ron DeSantis, making it one of five districts in Florida recognized for supporting military-connected students and families. Okaloosa serves the highest percentage of military students in Florida.
The semester review detailed numerous capital improvement projects completed through the half-cent sales tax program approved in 2020, including new multipurpose buildings at Baker School, Choctawhatchee High School, Crestview High School, and Niceville High School.
- “The first semester has been nothing short of remarkable, filled with achievements that highlight the strength and spirit of our school district,” Chambers added. “Thank you for your continued support in making Okaloosa County a place where education thrives.”
Looking ahead, Chambers outlined plans to expand Career and Technical Education programs, particularly in AI and Machine Learning, while developing partnerships with One Okaloosa EDC for student internships and apprenticeships.
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TRAFFIC
State Road 285 resurfacing project begins, prompts nighttime lane closures
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) launched a resurfacing project on State Road 285 from College Boulevard to the Walton County line through Okaloosa County on Sunday, with nighttime lane closures beginning February 9.
- The lane closures will be in effect from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. throughout the duration of the project, with one lane remaining open to traffic at all times. During active construction periods, the speed limit will be reduced to 45 mph.
FDOT officials note that all construction activities are weather dependent and may face delays or rescheduling if inclement weather occurs.
Motorists are urged to exercise caution while traveling through the work zone, particularly during nighttime hours, and to remain alert for construction workers and equipment moving in and out of the roadway.
NEWS
Staff member found deceased outside Edwins Elementary School
A staff member at Edwins Elementary School was found deceased on campus early Friday morning, prompting a multi-agency response.
- The Fort Walton Beach Police Department is investigating the death after being notified by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office of a deceased adult male found in front of the school, according to a police press release. No foul play is suspected, and officials say there is no threat to public safety.
“It is with a heavy heart that I inform you of the passing of one of our beloved staff members this morning on our school campus,” Principal Kaye Armstrong said in a message to families.
Emergency responders worked to minimize exposure to what they described as a potentially traumatic scene. The response involved coordination between the Fort Walton Beach Police Department, Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, District One Medical Examiner’s Office, and Okaloosa Emergency Medical Services.
- “Throughout this situation, there were no safety concerns for our students, staff, or the greater community,” said Superintendent Marcus Chambers in a statement. He expressed gratitude to law enforcement and school staff for their “unwavering support and compassion during this heartbreaking moment.”
“We ask that you keep the family, friends, and all those affected by this loss in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time,” Chambers added.
REAL ESTATE
Seven key trends for Okaloosa County’s 2025 real estate market
As the local housing market continues to evolve, a veteran real estate expert has identified seven key trends that will shape Okaloosa County’s housing landscape in 2025.
- Keith Wood, Vice President and Head of Business Development at ERA American Real Estate, sees positive signs for both buyers and sellers in the current market. “We live in a place that people pay handsomely to visit,” Wood said, describing the region’s enduring appeal.
According to Wood’s analysis, the first major shift is increased housing inventory. “There are more homes for sale in our market now compared to last year,” he said. This expansion of available properties has created a less competitive environment, giving buyers more time to make decisions and increased negotiating power for items like repairs, closing costs, and agent commissions.
The second trend involves consumers’ adaptation to current lending conditions. “The rock bottom COVID-era mortgage rates of 3% are not coming back, and consumers are finally normalizing mortgage rates in the 6-7% range,” Wood explained.
- This acceptance has helped buyers focus on homes at price points they can afford in the current lending environment.
A third significant development is the shifting competition in the market. Wood noted a decrease in cash buyers and property flippers, creating more opportunities for traditional homebuyers.
“Flippers must now be more deliberate about their investments,” he said. “They can no longer rely on the ‘if you build it, they will come’ mindset.”
- While investors will still target properties needing major repairs such as new roofs or HVAC systems, Wood sees particular promise for buyers interested in homes needing minor cosmetic updates. “If you’ve ever considered taking on a project home to make it your own, 2025 may be the perfect time,” he said.
The fourth trend benefits current homeowners. Wood pointed out that continued appreciation of home values has led to considerable equity accumulation, increasing buying power for existing homeowners. This equity can be used to buy down interest rates or make larger down payments, potentially lowering monthly payments.
The fifth key point focuses on market stability. “We are in no danger of a housing market crash, where prices drop significantly, and people end up owing more on their mortgage than the home is now worth,” Wood explained.
For his sixth observation, Wood emphasized the constant nature of life changes driving market activity. “People get married, have children, get promotions, retire or relocate,” he said, noting that these major milestones often trigger housing moves.
- The final trend involves upcoming reforms in Florida’s home insurance industry. Wood pointed to efforts by the state legislature to modify litigation processes that have led to increased premiums, addressing a cost factor that has priced many potential buyers out of the market.
Wood, who has witnessed the area’s evolution firsthand, remains optimistic about the region’s housing market. “Our soft white sandy beaches and endless views of turquoise water are truly unrivalled. Simply put, we live in paradise,” he said.
For more information about buying or selling homes in Northwest Florida, residents can visit erareal.com.
POLITICS
Growth, budget constraints dominate Fort Walton Beach council candidate forum
Seven candidates seeking three Fort Walton Beach City Council seats engaged in substantive discussion during last Tuesday’s public forum, addressing challenges from the city’s new 3% budget cap to housing affordability and infrastructure development.
- The forum was hosted by the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors and the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce at The Beach Weekend venue.
Incumbent Travis Smith joined candidates Brandon Bishop, Logan Browning, Jason Harwell, Benjamin Merrell, Debi “Debra” Riley, and Sonya Faison-Vazquez in presenting their qualifications and plans for the city’s future.
Key topics included the search for a new city manager, waterfront access improvements, strategies for balanced growth while maintaining Fort Walton Beach’s character, and of course, the new budget restrictions.
- Candidates offered varying approaches to housing solutions and development, while showing unanimous support for the Around the Mound project. Discussion also centered on downtown revitalization and expanding recreational opportunities for residents.
The municipal election is set for March 11, with early voting beginning March 3.
Click here to read the full recap
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