July 22, 2011

Archive

Champions run in the family at Ultimate Archery

Local family world-class competitive archers If you are looking to meet world-class champion archers in Northwest Florida, you don’t have to go far out of Walton County to find them. Great sportsmanship hits the target with the Marlow family in Ebro. Mike Marlow, wife Linda and their two sons Tyler and Jacob have taken their favorite pastime to the ultimate level. Competing in archery tournaments across the country, the family has won four state titles, one sectional National Field Archery...

Walton County fishing report for July 20

Reeling in some good size king mackerel Salt: Reeling in some good size king mackerel in the 30 lb. range along with triggerfish, vermillion snapper and red grouper. Inshore Gulf report brought to you by Capt. Kerry Jones of Not A Dog Charters. Bay: Lots of redfish being caught in the early morning hours before 7 a.m.; reeling in using live shrimp and silver MirroDines. River: Folks headed out to the river catching catfish and bluegill with popping bugs. Danny...

Beginning bird watching program at Florida State College Aug. 4

Learn the basics of birding from an expert The Choctawhatchee Audubon Society kicks off it’s exciting 2011-2012 schedule with a program on beginning bird watching with master birder, Lenny Fenimore. This will be a great opportunity for those who might have an interest to gain the knowledge and practical tips which are necessary for enjoying the hobby. Birds can be elusive subjects for study, and Lenny’s presentation will arm the newcomer with tools which will help to avoid disappointment and...

AGLA Charity Bass Tournament Aug. 6

Registration must be received before 7 p.m. Aug. 5 Grab your luckiest pole and most reliable lure, the 2011 AGLA Bass Tournament is set for August 6 at Marina Village in Freeport.  A $3,000 payout is at stake for the winners of this annual tournament in memory of local angler Bob Zdenek. Attendees will each have two anglers per boat and will depart at first light.  There will be plenty of family fun planned while the anglers are out fishing. ...

Non-native lionfish spells trouble for reef habitats and marine fish

Population spreading, NOAA, FWC seek information From the Desk of the FWC – By Stan Kirkland, FWC It sounds like something out of a B-rated horror movie but a non-native predatory fish called the lionfish has become established in marine waters of the southeastern United States and Caribbean, and may spell trouble for many marine fish. The first report of a lionfish was near Dania Beach off southeast Florida in 1985.  Lionfish populations have increased since then and the species...

Get in free at a Florida State Park July 17

Celebrate National Recreation and Parks month at a park near you In honor of July being recognized as National Recreation and Parks Month, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida Park Service invites visitors to explore Florida’s 160 state parks this Sunday, July 17, 2011 free of charge. All 160 Florida State Parks (except Skyway Fishing Pier) will offer free day-use entry for this day only. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, including Buccaneer Bay, as well as Ellie Schiller Homosassa...

Brush fire raged in Santa Rosa Beach

Fire now contained Updated 6:50 p.m. A several acre brush fire raged in Santa Rosa Beach July 14 near the South Walton High School. The fire was located between the rear of the high school and J.D. Miller Road. There were no evacuations ordered according to Asst. Chief Mark Anderson. Both South Walton Fire District and Dept. of Forestry worked the scene along with assistance from Okaloosa, Ocean City, Fort Walton, Freeport Fire and Walton County Emergency Management. South Walton...

Walton County fishing report for July 13

Black drum, redfish and speckled trout in the bay, red snapper in the Gulf for a few more days! Head out to the Gulf, snapper season ends July 18 Salt: The bite is still on for red snapper and fishing is great! Folks are catching their limit in no time. Also reeling in some king mackerel a few triggerfish, vermillion and white snappers. Lots of herring along the shoreline. Inshore Gulf report brought to you by Capt. Kerry Jones of...