August 15, 2012

Archive

Walton County fishing report for Aug. 15

Fishing is great Choctawhatchee Bay: A lot of fresh water infiltrating the Bay, so you need to fish a bit deeper. Folks catching silver trout, speckled trout, redfish and black drum. Creeks/river: Bass is on for those using crank bait. Hunting: Folks are warming up for bow season. Copeland’s has some new Bowtechs now in stock. Click here for fishing forecast Bay and river report brought to you by Copeland’s. “Where the locals shop and the tourists are welcome.” Click...

FWC increases lionfish harvest opportunities, asks public to help

Invasive, non-native species no longer has bag limits The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) announced changes to the lionfish harvest at a media event today in Coral Gables. Harvesting invasive lionfish no longer will require a fishing license when using certain gear, and there is no recreational or commercial bag limit. The FWC is taking these actions to encourage more Floridians and visitors to harvest lionfish. “The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission hopes that by increasing the...

Learn about native snakes at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Aug. 17

Time – 1:30 p.m. Come and join the park for a presentation of native snakes. Learn the differences between venomous and non-venomous snakes and how they help the environment. Park at the Day-Use area off Hwy 30A and take a short hike to the clubhouse. All programs require a $6.00 entry admission per vehicle into the park. Outside tours canceled during severe weather. Call 850-267-8330 for more information. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is located at 7525 W. Scenic Highway...

Learn about coastal dune lakes at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Aug. 24

Time: 1:30 p.m. Location: Topsail Hill Preserve State Park on Scenic Road 30A. ::MAP:: Come and join an exciting interpretive on Topsail Hill Preserve State Park’s imperiled coastal dune lakes.  Learn about these important rare freshwater lakes that exist right here in Walton County.  Park at the Day-Use area off of Hwy 30A and take a short hike to the clubhouse. Fees: Program included in the park admission fee of $6.00 per vehicle. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is located at...

Volunteers needed for shorebird surveys

Learn about bird identification with a biologist Now that the breeding season is winding down help will be needed to do non-breeding and migratory shorebird surveys along our coastal waterways. The surveys are conducted at nearly all the coastal state parks in the Florida Panhandle. While bird knowledge is always a plus, no bird expertise is needed to help as you will be assisting Department of Environmental Protection biologists. Surveys will be going on from Aug. through Feb., and you can...

Alys Beach 5K Fun Run Sept. 2, 2012

Fun run for all ages! Grab your running shoes, the race to Labor Day weekend is on. On Sunday, Sept. 2, Alys Beach will hold its inaugural Alys Beach 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run. Located along Scenic Highway 30A in Northwest Florida, Alys Beach is a popular location for family beach vacations and holiday getaways and the 2012 Labor Day weekend will be packed with fun for the entire family. “Since health and fitness is such an integral part of...

Walton County fishing report for Aug. 8

Fishing is great Choctawhatchee Bay: Top water bite starting early in the morning. Folks catching a good bit of redfish, trout, black drum is near the causeway. Creeks/river: Bass is on for those using crank bait. Catfish upturn after rain. Hunting: Folks are warming up for bow season. Copeland’s has some new Bowtechs now in stock. Click here for fishing forecast Bay and river report brought to you by Copeland’s. “Where the locals shop and the tourists are welcome.” Click...

Walton County Health Department beach water quality report for Aug. 7, 2012

The Walton County Health Department conducts regularly scheduled saltwater beach water quality monitoring at seven sites through the Healthy Beaches Monitoring Program.  The water samples are being analyzed for enteric bacteria (enterococci) that normally inhabit the intestinal tract of humans and animals, which may cause human disease, infections, or rashes.  The presence of enteric bacteria is an indication of fecal pollution, which may come from stormwater runoff, pets and wildlife, and human sewage.  The purpose of the Healthy Beaches Monitoring...