January 18, 2010

Archive

FWC responds to widespread cold-weather saltwater fish kills with temporary closures

Snook closure extended until September, temporarily closes bonefish and tarpon season until April Catch-and-release fishing still allowed •    Executive Order 10-02 (Dead Fish) Click here •    Executive Order 10-03 (Snook, Tarpon, Bonefish) Click here The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has issued executive orders to protect Florida’s snook, bonefish and tarpon fisheries from further harm caused by the recent prolonged cold weather in the state, which has caused widespread saltwater fish kills.  The FWC has received numerous reports...

Hootie hoo are you?

Screech owl peers out wearingly from its tree home This Eastern Screech Owl was photographed in the Mack Bayou area of Santa Rosa Beach. He (she) sat patiently as the photographer climbed into the bed of a pick-up, then up on the toolbox to grab the shot. Although the photo is not recent, it was the third consecutive spring the owl had made this tree its home. A slightly cropped version of this photo appeared in an ad in the...

Florida State Parks announces ‘Go Play Weekday’ deal

Several Panhandle area park fees reduced to 75 cents Mon. – Thurs. Jan. 18 – Feb. 25 TALLAHASSEE— The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Florida Park Service will begin a new promotion, Go Play Weekday, starting Monday, January 18, 2010 in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Throughout the year, Go Play Weekday specials will highlight parks in each region of the state. During the promotional months, visitors pay 75¢ admission Monday through Thursday at featured state parks....

Walton County Commissioners approve new beach vehicle permit ordinance

New changes eliminates non-residents without existing permit, limits boat captains to 20 Walton County Commissioners voted 5-0 in favor of a new beach permit ordinance on Jan. 12, tightening the amount of beach access permits issued.  The new ordinance prohibits non-residents from attaining new permits unless they already have current permit issued. In addition, there will be no more than 20 charter fishing operation permits issued, and charter operations must pay additional fee for trailer. Highlights of the new ordinance...

Endangered whooping cranes winter at St. Marks NWR in Wakulla County

St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge winter home to endangered birds On Jan. 13, Operation Migration successfully escorted 10 young endangered whooping cranes more than 1,100 miles to the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge in Wakulla County, Fla. Initially, 20 young cranes left Necedah National Wildlife Refuge in Wisconsin on Oct. 23, 2009. The group was split in two in Jefferson County, Fla., with the second half now on their way to winter at the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge, just south...

Have breakfast with a Park Ranger at Topsail Feb. 6

Learn about park wildlife at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Location: Topsail Hill Preserve State Park on Scenic Road 30A Saturday, Feb. 6 – 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Come and join the Rangers of Topsail Hill and ask them all the questions you can think of about park wildlife.  To cover the cost of food please bring $4, which goes to Friends of Topsail Hill Preserve State Park to enhance the park or bring your own breakfast. Park at...

Ice builds up along the shores of coastal dune lakes in Walton County

Icy coastal dune lake Freezing temperatures over the last several days have provided frosty conditions in Walton County, as some of the local coastal dune lakes have had a build up of ice along the shorelines. Fortunately, the local weather temperatures are expected to improve. This photo was taken along Western Lake on Jan. 11 by local photographer Brandan Babineaux. Thanks for sharing Brandan! To learn more about Brandan’s photography, go to www.brandanbabineaux.com...

Local turtle volunteers assist in cold-stunned turtle rescue at St. Joe Bay

South Walton Turtle Watch group helps out at Gulf World South Walton Turtle Watch was called to action this weekend to assist Gulf World staff and other area volunteers with a turtle rescue at St. Joe Bay. More than 650 cold-stunned turtles were rescued and brought to Gulf World in Panama City. Sharon Maxwell led the team of 10 South Walton Turtle Watch volunteers assisting with documenting individual statistics, and caring for the sicker of the group. Sad news, as...