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The region that encompasses Northwest Florida’s West Bay has

beautiful beaches, warm climate, exceptional quality of life, a

stabilized economy and an abundance of educational

opportunities.

STRONG MILITARY PRESENCEThe large military presence surrounding the region provides a stabilizing influence to the local economy. The military bases serve as a catalyst for attracting a strong cluster of defense contractors and aviation and aerospace companies. The region’s military bases include:

Eglin Air Force Base - Okaloosa CountyNaval Support Activity Panama City – Bay CountyTyndall Air Force Base – Bay County

Because of the area’s strong military presence, two military support organizations have been created for the sustainment, growth and continued success of the local defense industry.

The Northwest Florida Defense Coalition and the Bay Defense Alliance work closely with defense and congressional leadership to ensure that these military installations, missions, ranges and personnel are properly marketed, funded and defended in an era of military downsizing.

EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

Northwest Florida’s public school systems are generally accepted as the best in the state. The Okaloosa School District has been consistently rated the number one school district in Florida every year since the state initiated its school district rating system, and we are proud of the other districts that have joined Okaloosa schools in the state’s top 10.

What is being adopted nationally as the new model for career preparation is the CHOICE™ Career Academy, founded and developed at Okaloosa schools. The CHOICE Academies combine rigorous coursework with skills training and are being implemented in school districts throughout Northwest Florida with a special concentration on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) disciplines. Through these programs, students achieve high school credit, college credit, and industry-recognized certification upon successful completion. At Haney Technical High School, students attend Aviation Maintenance classes and receive FAA certifications. Niceville High School’s IT Career Academy has been recognized as the nation’s top IT certification testing facility and is graduating the nation’s first high school student with full Oracle certifications.

Northwest Florida’s West Bay Higher Education & Training Providers

Northwest Florida offers outstanding undergraduate and postgraduate educational opportunities at our universities and colleges. The region is home to nationally recognized colleges and universities such as Florida State University, Troy State, and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and numerous other community college and technical center that offer additional advanced training opportunities.

Both graduate and undergraduate students get the opportunity to study and work alongside some of the nation’s top researchers at highly specialized institutions such as the University of Florida’s Research and Engineering Education Facility (R.E.E.F.). These facilities are providing cutting-edge research and development that is driving the region’s technology development.

Chipola CollegeEmbry-Riddle Aeronautical UniversityFlorida Baptist Theological CollegeFlorida State UniverisityGulf Coast Community CollegeNorthwest Florida State CollegeOkaloosa Applied Tech CenterSaint Leo UniversityTom P. Haney Vocational Technical CenterTroy State UniversityTroy UniversityUniversity Of ArkansasWalton Career Development CenterWashington-Holmes Technical Center

MariannaEglin Afb, Hurlburt Field, Tyndall AFBGracevillePanama CityPanama City, Port St. JoeNicevilleFort Walton BeachEglin AFBPanama CityEglin AFB, Tyndall AFB, Hurlburt Field, Fort Walton BeachFt. Walton Beach, Panama City, Eglin AFB, Hurlburt Field, MariannaHurlburt FieldDefuniak SpringsChipley

Source: Florida Department of Education

PROVIDER NAME LOCATION(S)

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PRIME TOURIST DESTINATIONSFamous for the pristine beaches, beautiful nature preserves and

entertainment venues, the area’s booming tourist industry offers great business opportunities as well as a dynamic, growing market for

companies. The fruitful economies along Northwest Florida have been built upon the solid tourist activity that the sugary-white sands and emerald waters

have generated over the years.

EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY OF LIFEThe area’s quality of life is why so many people choose to

live, work or locate their business here. Situated just north of the Gulf Coast along some of the most beautiful white sand

beaches in the world coupled with great freshwater and saltwater fishing and a variety of sporting and cultural

activities, this area offers both economic opportunity and a high quality of life for permanent residents, as

well as an attractive place for visitors.

The area boasts a number of festivals, theatrical productions, ballets, concerts, art exhibits and

athletic events throughout the year. There are other recreational activities to enjoy such

as diving on optimal sites like natural and artificial reefs and shipwrecks, fishing in

tournaments like the Bay Point Invitational Billfish Tournament and golfing at a

variety of top-rated golf courses.