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Fire

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1. Why are there three different fire departments in Niceville?

The three departments in Niceville are the City of Niceville Fire Department, East Niceville Fire District, and North Bay Fire District.

1. The City is the primary department for the incorporated areas of Niceville, all of SR285 up to the Walton County line and SR85 North up to Mile Marker 21, and half way down SR123
2. East Niceville Fire District has the unincorporated areas within the City of Niceville
3. North Bay Fire District is responsible for the area of Blue Water Bay

Even though we are three separate departments, we rely on each other to assist on all structure fires and when one of our trucks is busy on another call we cover for each other by operating within a Mutual Aid Agreement. For more information, contact us at 850-279-6436.

2. Why do the 911 operators ask so many questions?

The dispatcher you speak with on the telephone is typing information into a computer. Another communications officer is relaying that information, via radio, to the responding Firefighters. The 911 operator will ask certain questions in a particular order to most efficiently fill in the fields on the computer screen. Once a few preliminary questions have been answered, the operator will be in a better position to provide more details or narrative information, such as a the extent of the fire or is anyone still in the burning structure. 

The Niceville Fire Department suggests calling 911 from a cell phone or another phone outside the residence to expedite the evacuation.  Never go back into a structure after you have left it. Many people have died in fires after they had already gotten out once but made the ultimate mistake by re-entering the burning structure. The responding Firefighters may have specific questions regarding the situation while they are en route. Unless you are in an unsafe location, it is in your best interest to remain on the line until the 911 operator has obtained all of the information and the operator may ask you to remain on the line until the Firefighters arrives. For more information, contact us at 850-279-6436.

3. I called the EMS, why did the Fire Department show up?

The Niceville Fire Department provides Basic Life Support (BLS) First Response for Okaloosa County Emergency Medical Services. By providing this valuable service, we are able to arrive on scene many times prior to the ambulance and initiate life saving treatment until the ambulance can arrive. 

All fire department vehicles whether administrative or emergency response vehicles carry first aid kits, oxygen and defibrillators which can provide electric shock to heart attack victims to hopefully get the heart back into a manageable rhythm. When you call 911 the dispatcher who is Emergency Medical Dispatcher trained will ask you several questions after dispatching the trucks and can then give you certain treatment procedures to include CPR instructions over the phone. Getting trucks to the scene is never delayed by dispatchers asking too many questions. For more information, contact us at 850-279-6436.

4. Why do I see fire trucks at vehicle accidents when there is no fire?

Just like medical calls, the fire department first responds on all accidents with confirmed injuries or confirmed leakage. We also respond if there is unknown leakage or injuries. Both of our fire engines carry special equipment to deal with vehicle accidents to include the "Jaws of Life." There are several hazards involved with a vehicle accident besides fire or leaking gas. 

Some of those hazards include hot fluids from the engine compartment, battery acids, air bags that have not deployed, and extremely high voltage wires from the new hybrid vehicles. Our philosophy on every call we go on is that it's better to respond and not be needed than to not respond and be needed. For more information, contact us at 850-279-6436.

5. How can I obtain a fire report?

Fire reports may be obtained by calling our station at 850-279-6436 during administrative business hours Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Reports are available to the occupant, owner or a representing insurance company. Reports are also available by written request. There is no fee for city residents but there is a $5 fee for insurance agencies or those who do not reside within the city limits.

6. Can the fire department unlock my car if I have locked the keys inside?

It is the policy of the Niceville Fire Department to only open a locked car if there is someone locked inside. The Fire Department will make you sign a waiver releasing them of any liability for damages caused by our attempt to unlock your vehicle. If there is nobody inside the vehicle, you must call a locksmith. For more information, contact us at 850-279-6436.

7. Can I burn yard debris in my yard?

No.  Burn rules are governed by the Florida Division of Forestry.  There is no residence located inside the City of Niceville that meets their requirements to burn yard debris.

Florida Burn Laws

8. What is the best fire extinguisher for my home?

We recommend a 5lb Class ABC extinguisher for the home.  Place one in the kitchen area but not over the stove and one in the garage that is easily accessible.

9. Can I bring my expired medicine or used syringes to the fire station to dispose of them?

No.  The Niceville Fire Department is not an authorized disposal site.  Click here for more info.

https://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm101653.htm

10. What should I know about smoke detectors?

• Have a working smoke alarm outside each sleeping area, inside each sleeping area, and on each level of your home.
• Test smoke alarms monthly and change the batteries at least twice a year.  We recommend changing your battery when you change the clocks in the spring and fall.  Do not change the battery if you have a lithium battery. The alarm will let out a periodic "chirping" sound when it needs a new battery.
• Install smoke alarms away from air vents.
• Install smoke alarms on the ceiling or wall, at least 4 inches from the corners.
• When affixed to walls, smoke alarms should be between 4 and 12 inches from the ceiling.
• Never disable or remove smoke alarm batteries.

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Footer FAQs

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1. When and where are City Council Meetings held?

Regular Council meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at 6:00PM in the Council Chambers at 208 N. Partin Dr. Special Council meetings are publicly advertised as to date and time.
The public is invited.

2. When is the next free shredding event?

The Niceville Public Library tries to schedule Community Shredding Events every other month. Once the next date is confirmed, the event will be advertised on our homepage under the "Niceville News" information carousel. You will also be able to find it on the City's event calendar by using the search term "shredding."

3. How do I report a problem with a street light?

To report a damaged or non-working street light, please call Florida Power & Light at 800-225-5797 or follow this LINK to report online. Information such as pole location or pole tag number will be helpful.

4. When is Little League baseball/softball registration?

Online registration begins in December here: Niceville Valparaiso Little League.
In-person registration is held at Ruckel Middle School. Visit the NVLL website for more information.

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Library

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1. Where are the other Okaloosa County libraries located?

The Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative is comprised of six member libraries.  For details, visit the Library Info page or contact us at 850-279-6436 ext. 1500.

2. How do I get a library card?

Each Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative member library (Crestview, Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Mary Esther, Niceville and Valparaiso) issues its own cards. You can apply at any member library regardless of where you live in Okaloosa County (one account per customer) and your card is honored at all six locations. Online services linked in ReadOkaloosa.org are available to all members (individual libraries may purchase additional content available exclusively to their cardholders).

For more details, including online registration information, click here or call us at 850-279-6436 ext. 1500.

3. Can I view my library account online?

You may access your account online by visiting the OCPLC website and clicking "Sign In."  You will need the barcode number on the back of your library card and a PIN to log in.  The default PIN is the last 4 digits of your phone number on record.  If you have any problems, please call 850-279-6436 ext. 1500. 

4. How many items can I check out from the Niceville Library, and for how long?

Each patron may check out up to 15 items (limit three video games).

All items are checked out for a period of two weeks.

Each item is eligible for two renewals unless it is on hold for another patron.  Video games may be renewed once.

The library no longer charges overdue fees on any item except the telescope ($5 per day).  Overdue notices are mailed or emailed weekly.  Patrons will be billed the replacement fee for any item not returned after the third notice. 

For more information, contact us at 850-279-6436 ext. 1500.

5. How can I renew my checkouts?

You can renew items online by accessing your account at ReadOkaloosa.org or calling your library.  Be aware that items which have already been renewed may not be available for additional renewals.  In addition, items on hold for another patron cannot be renewed.

6. How much does the Niceville Library charge for late/overdue materials?

The library no longer charges overdue fees on any item except the telescope ($5 per day).  Overdue notices are mailed or emailed weekly.  Patrons will be billed the replacement fee for any item not returned after the third notice.

7. What is my PIN and how do I get one?

When accessing your account online, you will need to enter your library card number and a PIN.  The default PIN is the last 4 digits of your phone number on record.  After logging in, change your PIN by clicking "Reset PIN/Password" in your account settings.

8. Where can I return my items?

Items checked out from the Niceville Public Library may be returned to any OCPLC member library.  Book drops are located at all locations, including the Library Spot Lending Machine in Baker.  The Niceville Library is not responsible for items left in book drops.

9. What should I do if I lose or damage an item owned by the Niceville Public Library?

Over the course of being a Niceville Library user, you may end up damaging or losing library material.  We understand that accidents happen to all of us. If you lose or damage an item owned by our library, we would prefer that you purchase an item identical to the one you are replacing and bring it to us for processing.  You could also choose to pay for the item.  Please call the library at 850-279-6436 ext. 1500 or visit the front desk to report the item lost or damaged. If you find an item that you have already paid the replacement cost for, you may receive a refund, minus a processing fee.

10. Why isn't my library card working? Why can't I place a hold?

There are a few situations where your library card will no longer be able to place holds, check out items, use the online resource databases, or other functions. To find out the specific reason your card may not be working, please contact the Library at 850-279-6436 ext. 1500.  You can also email us or stop by the front desk.

Possible causes include:

• Your card privileges may have expired.  Please contact the library to verify your account information is up-to-date and renew your privileges if necessary.
• If your account has more than $10 in total fees, you may not be able to place holds, use our online resources, or check out items.

11. Does the Niceville Library have computers I can use?

Computers with internet access and word processing capabilities are available to the public.  A card from any OCPLC member library provides access to our internet computers.  Adults without a library card must show picture ID at the Circulation Desk each visit to be signed on with a guest pass.  A child without a card must have a parent request access for them.  Filtered internet computers and AWE learning stations equipped with educational games and programs are available in the Youth Services area.  If you wish to restrict your child's access to internet computers, please notify staff at the front desk.

12. Does the Niceville Library have WiFi or wireless printing?

Yes to both.  Look for our WiFi information sheets around the library which include passwords and instructions for accessing both our wireless internet and wireless printing networks.

13. What should I do if I lose my library card?

If you have lost your library card, please contact our library right away.  You can call us 850-279-6436 ext. 1500 or come to our Circulation Desk for assistance.  You are responsible for all materials checked out on your library card, so please treat it as you would a credit card.  Once the lost card has been cancelled, a new card may be obtained with photo ID. In addition, if you lose your card twice there will be a $5 replacement fee.

14. Do you have programs for children?

There are monthly children's programs offered at our library.  For more information visit the Youth Services programs page, see our calendar of events, or contact Youth Services at 850-279-6436 ext. 1514.

15. Does the Niceville Library offer meeting spaces and quiet study rooms?

We have two study rooms available with a computer in each.  There is also small conference room that can accommodate up to 8 people. To reserve one of the rooms, please call 850-279-6436 ext. 1500.  Reservations are limited to two hours and can be scheduled no more than two weeks in advance.  You may also check at the Circulation Desk for availability. 

16. Does the Niceville Public Library offer test proctoring?

The Niceville Public Library provides exam-proctoring services in support of lifelong learning goals. This service is provided as a courtesy to patrons and is subject to the availability of staff to administer the examination. The Niceville Public Library may refer students to other institutions that provide proctoring service when conditions cannot be met or a library staff member is not available to provide this service.

Limitations:

• This service is only available for high school and university or college students.
• The Library does not proctor for business licenses.
• The Library does not proctor tests taking more than three hours.
• The Library does not proctor tests requiring extra software.  Students should verify that online tests would be available at the requested test time.  
• Anyone who misses three scheduled appointments without notification prior to test time will be denied future test proctoring at the Library.

17. How can I show my art at the Niceville Public Library?

The Niceville Public Library has display spaces available for individuals and organizations to display their art, crafts or collections.  Click here for more details.

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Police

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1. How can I have my fingerprints taken for employment and/or licensing?

Fingerprint cards are provided by the employer or licensing agency that is requiring you to have them done. The Niceville Police Department does not provide applicant cards. All personal information should be filled out completely in black ink on the front of the fingerprint card prior to coming to the police department. There is a $5 per card charge for this service, and should be in correct change, since monies are turned in on a regular basis, and change is not always available. Government issued photo identification is also required (Military Identification, State Driver's License, Etc.)

This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For more information, contact us at 850-279-6436.

2. How do I get a copy of a police report?

Learn how to get a Police report on our Reports page.

3. What can you tell me about worthless checks?

There are several types of worthless checks: stop payment, closed account, forgery, and insufficient funds. Checks that are returned by the bank because of a stop payment, written on a closed account, of forged are all considered criminal in nature, and should be brought to the Niceville police department, along with any additional information pertaining to the transaction.

Insufficient funds checks are handled directly by the state attorney's office at 1-b 9th avenue in Shalimar, Florida across from the Shalimar Courthouse Annex. For more information about reporting an insufficient funds check, contact the State Attorney's office at 850-651-7260.

4. What can you tell me about background checks?

Criminal history background checks are available in person at the administration office of the Niceville Police Department Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m.  This background check will give only information pertaining to arrests made by the Niceville Police Department.

For a statewide criminal history, we suggest you go to Florida Department of Law Enforcement website and follow their links.  Be aware there is a charge for their service, however information will be provided to all arrests made in the State of Florida, not just the City of Niceville. For criminal history information in another state, we suggest you use an internet search engine of your choice and enter '(state) criminal history records'. For more information, contact us at 850-279-6436.

5. There is a bear in my yard, what do I do?

If you have a bear in your area that is a nuisance, please contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC)'s Northwest Regional Office at 850-265-3676.  View additional information on what to do, how to avoid attracting bears, and more.

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Recreation

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1. When does Little League Baseball/Softball Registration occur ?

Online registration begins in December at Niceville Valparaiso Little League . Onsite registration will be held at Ruckel Middle School (TBA)

2. When does adult softball start ?

Adult leagues are held from April to June and August to September. Contact Jim Baughman at jbaughman@niceville.org  

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Streets Department

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1. Who do I call to report pot holes ?

Public Works office at 850-279-6436, Ext. 2004.

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Water & Sewer Department

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1. How do I know my water is safe to drink?

There are very strict state and federal guidelines for producing safe drinking water. Our water must meet or exceed all these requirements. The primary legislation governing drinking water quality is the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). To ensure the highest quality, the SDWA requires each public water utility to implement a regular program of sample collection and laboratory analysis. Contaminants that can cause acute health effects are monitored daily. Other contaminants are monitored weekly and still others, monthly testing and monitoring results are reported regularly to The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) which work closely together to see that all requirements are followed. Strict adherence to monitoring and testing are the best guarantees for safe drinking water.

The City of Niceville publishes a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) annually to inform the public of our water quality. This is mailed to each customer. 

2. What type of treatment is done to my drinking water?

Chlorine is added for disinfection and odor control, a minimum chlorine residual of 0.2 parts per million is maintained throughout the water system to insure water quality. Fluoride is also added and maintained to an optimum level of 0.8 parts per million as recommended by the U.S Department of Health and Human Services.

3. What are the characteristics of my water?

These are the most common requested water analysis:

• pH: 7.8
• Sodium: 8 milligrams per liter or parts per million
• Total hardness: 128 milligrams per liter or 8 grains per gallon

4. What if I have a sewer problem?

If it is only one fixture in your home that is backed up and you are not familiar with plumbing you may want to call a plumber. If you have a problem with your entire system, please contact the Water and Sewer Department. We can evaluate the problem, at no cost to you, by inspecting the sewer clean-out / access and determine if the problem should be corrected by the City or by your plumber.

5. How do I turn the water off to my house?

You should have a main valve located outside your home for this purpose. You should familiarize yourself with this valve now and test it's proper operation instead of being faced with this problem in an emergency. The City of Niceville will promptly respond to any and every call for assistance but during emergency situations every minute counts, a broken line within your home can flood several rooms in a matter of minutes.

6. How do I determine if I have a water leak?

Make sure all fixtures inside and outside your home are turned off. Then you can go out to your water meter open the lid and check to see if any dial is moving. You may need to observe this for several minutes. When no water is being used nothing should be moving. Even a small leak over a 24 hour period will amount to several gallons and a larger water and sewer bill.