Community Corner

🌱 How will Ruckel’s new assistant principal shape students’ school experience?

Also, don't miss Putting Green Open Play on the Niceville Patch calendar

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Thursday December 11th Patch AM
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Hello Niceville! Here's our latest buzz. Let's get into it. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How will Ruckel’s new assistant principal shape students’ school experience?
  • Where’s the best spot to watch Niceville’s glowing Christmas Boat Parade?

Today's riddle: What did one tuna say to the other after getting caught stealing files from work? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Find out what's happening in Nicevillefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high of 59 and low of 42 degrees.
  • Friday: Mostly sunny and pleasant, temps: high: 72, low: 52.
  • Saturday: Pleasant with clouds and sun, with a high of 73 and low of 54 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• Ruckel Middle School welcomes assistant principal Damian Sotelo (niceville.com) — Niceville families at Ruckel Middle School will see a new face in leadership as retired Air Force veteran and educator Damian Sotelo steps in as assistant principal. With teaching experience at Ruckel, Niceville High, and other Okaloosa schools, he brings a county-wide perspective and strong military-honed leadership skills to support student success and a positive learning environment.
   

Find out what's happening in Nicevillefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

• Christmas Boat Parade set for Dec. 21 on Boggy Bayou (niceville.com) — Niceville and Valparaiso residents can mark their calendars for the Christmas Boat Parade on Boggy Bayou, set for Sunday, December 21, 2025. Hosted by the Niceville–Valparaiso Rotary Club, the evening event features decorated boats, shoreline viewing spots, and an awards ceremony, with proceeds supporting local holiday meals and community service projects.
   

📸 Around Niceville

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Niceville

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

📣 Niceville Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

    Thursday December 11
  • Art at the Library
    Valparaiso Community Library , 459 Valparaiso Pkwy , Valparaiso
    10:00 am
    • Friday December 12
  • Live Nativity at VFC
    571 Valparaiso Pkwy , Valparaiso
    6:30 pm
    • Saturday December 13
  • Yule of Yesteryear
    Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida , 115 Westview Ave , Valparaiso
    10:00 am
    • Sunday December 14
  • Sunday Worship
    New Hope Baptist Church , 108 Aurora St. , Valparaiso
    5:00 am

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • UPDATE**** HE IS FOUND❤️❤️❤️
    LOST CAT‼️ In Bluewater bay off of Lancaster. Please help me find my boy, his name is Smokey, he got out last night. I am so heartbroken right now… (Nextdoor Lancaster)
  • I need to take my pup to vet and undecided who to take her too.
    She's a patient at both Parkway and Midbay. In your opinion which one would give her best care but not very costly ? She would need x-ray to start… (Nextdoor Bluewater Bay)
  • Ryan Cabaniss - State Farm Agent posted a job opening for Account Representative - State Farm Agent Team Member in Niceville. Apply here.
  • McDonald's posted a job opening for Shift Manager in Niceville. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Niceville here.

🗞 Nearby News

Destin

  • Destin's original Alvin's Island is making a comeback (thedestinlog.com)
  • South Walton moves up, Destin finds home in FHSAA reclassification (nwfdailynews.com)
  • Silver Ships delivers 52' fireboat to Destin Fire Control District (workboat.com)

Fort Walton Beach

  • HOW I WORK: An inside look at how FWBHS's Courtney Barnes brings creativity, connection, and energy to every part of her day (getthecoast.com)

Ok Niceville! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I could get canned for this!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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