Community Archive

The Florida Lottery has announced that Roy Boyer II, 54, of Shalimar, claimed a $1 million prize from the $20 MONOPOLY DOUBLER Scratch-Off game at the Lottery’s Pensacola District Office. He chose to receive his winnings as a one-time, lump-sum payment of $798,985.00.

In the close-knit community of Crestview, Hailey’s Helping Hearts has become more than just a nonprofit — it stands as a testament to the spirit and compassion of a remarkable teen. Founded by Hailey Rose Thale, whose dream was to make a difference in the lives of those in need, the organization continues to thrive tremendously under the care of her mother, Mary Hutcheson.

Summer may be winding down according to the calendar, but certainly not according to the weather. Here’s some interesting milestones in our city’s history to mull over while enjoying a sweet tea on the porch. We’ll take a glance at the end of August first:

The 2024-25 Great Outdoors Initiative meant to increase public access, recreation and lodging at Florida State Parks has been met with mixed emotions and backlash since it was announced by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection on Aug. 19. Now the plan is likely heading back to the drawing board.

The highest-priority features of Okaloosa County’s future “Patriots Park” next to the Shoal River by south Crestview will be hiking, walking, and biking trails.

The new Southside Primary principal, Amy Bowles, says all the learning, education and life circumstances brought her to the school at the right time and in the right way.

In what we know as Ephesians 6:12, the Apostle Paul wrote, as found in the Good News Bible, “For we are not fighting against human beings but against the wicked spiritual forces in the heavenly world, the rulers, authorities, and cosmic powers of this dark age.”

A train-themed playground at Crestview’s Wilson Street Park is expected to open by the end of September, according to City Manager Tim Bolduc.
And next spring, “Iggy’s Island,” a mini golf course that will include other amenities, is anticipated to open nearby.

The new school year began today under a clear sky in Crestview.
Best wishes to all students and school staff for the year ahead.

Okaloosa County has taken a major step forward in expanding wastewater treatment capacity for future north county needs by issuing an intent to award to J&P Construction Co. to build the Shoal River Ranch Water Reclamation Facility.