Northwest Florida State College Celebrates Legislative Investments in Workforce Education and Region
Northwest Florida State College is celebrating significant legislative support in the Florida's new state budget which took effect July 1, including an additional $5 million for a new College Workforce Innovation Center and $1.5 million to expand hospitality education at the South Walton Center. The additional $5 million for the Workforce Innovation Center builds on last year’s $5 million state investment, bringing the total state appropriation for the project to $10 million. Together, these investments
Northwest Florida State College Welcomes Two New Members to the Board of Trustees; Two Current Members Reappointed by Governor Ron DeSantis
Governor Ron DeSantis has appointed Todd Jackson and Jonathan Ochs and reappointed Megan Harrison and Dr. Jon Ward to the District Board of Trustees of Northwest Florida State College, subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate. The District Board of Trustees of Northwest Florida State College serves as the governing body of the college, providing oversight of institutional policy, fiscal stewardship, strategic planning, and presidential leadership while helping ensure the College remains responsive to
Destin Elementary Kindergarten Student Named One of Six Statewide Winners in America250FL Art Contest
The Okaloosa County School District proudly announces that Destin Elementary School kindergartner Claire Grelle is one of six statewide winners in the Florida Department of Education and Volunteer Florida’s America250FL Art Contest. The America250FL Art Contest, created for the nation’s 250th anniversary, invited Florida kindergarten through fifth-grade students to submit artwork showing how Florida has contributed to America. Students reflected on the state’s history, heritage, and impact through creative
Okaloosa Technical College Designated as a Collegiate Purple Star Campus
Okaloosa Technical College (OTC) has been officially designated as a Collegiate Purple Star Campus by the Florida Department of Education, recognizing the institution’s strong commitment to supporting active‐duty military members, veterans, and their families as they transition into college and career pathways. The designation was confirmed in a letter from Kathryn S. Hebda, Chancellor of the Florida College System, who noted that Florida is committed to being the most military-friendly state in the nation.
Okaloosa County Schools Earn Purple Star Schools of Distinction for the Second Time
The Okaloosa County School District (OCSD) is proud to announce that all district schools have renewed their status as Florida Purple Star Schools of Distinction, demonstrating a districtwide commitment to helping military-connected students navigate transitions and achieve success in their educational journey. Additionally, OCSD is a Florida Purple Star District of Distinction, one of only five school districts in the state to earn this honor. With one of the largest populations of military-connected
Northwest Florida State College Earns Prestigious Collegiate Purple Star Campus Designation
Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) has been officially designated as a Florida Collegiate Purple Star Campus Designation by the Florida Department of Education. The designation recognizes NWFSC’s steadfast commitment to supporting active-duty military members, veterans, and their families throughout their academic journey. “The Collegiate Purple Star Campus Designation is a reflection of our deep-rooted commitment at Northwest Florida State College to those men and women who serve and have served our
Okaloosa County Applauds State’s Investment in Preserving Destin’s Waterfront for Public Use
Okaloosa County today thanked Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet for approving the purchase of waterfront property in Destin, preserving land for public access that would otherwise have been lost forever to private development. “Thank you, Governor DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet, for recognizing the tremendous value of this land and approving an investment that will expand public access of the coastline for Floridians,” said Okaloosa County Board Chairman Paul Mixon. “The state
Superintendent Marcus Chambers Elected President of the Florida High School Athletic Association
The Okaloosa County School District is proud to announce that Superintendent Marcus Chambers has been elected to serve as president of the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Board of Directors. The election took place during the board’s meeting held on Monday, Sept. 23, in Gainesville. The FHSAA Board of Directors serves as the executive authority of the association. Composed of 13 members, elected by the membership or appointed by the Governor of Florida and confirmed by the Senate, the board
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with Creative Contests and Classroom Connections
The Okaloosa County School District (OCSD) is proud to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, observed from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. This annual celebration honors the rich cultural contributions of Hispanic Americans and their lasting impact on Florida’s history and success. To mark the occasion, OCSD is hosting its annual door decorating, art, and essay contests, inviting students and staff to express their appreciation for Hispanic heritage creatively. These activities not only highlight culture but also
Seacoast Collegiate High School and Northwest Florida State College Celebrate the Opening of Expanded South Walton Center
A new era of education has officially begun in Walton County. On August 28, 2025, Seacoast Collegiate High School (SCHS), the high school under the SEASIDE SCHOOL™, and Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) held a celebratory ribbon cutting with the Walton Area Chamber of Commerce to mark the grand opening of the newly expanded Northwest Florida State College South Walton Center – home to brand new College facilities and Seacoast Collegiate High School. The event brought together key state and local
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
