July 12, 2013

Archive

Ponce de Leon Springs State Park swimming area closed due to flooding

Update: Swimming area reopened July 19 Swimming in the spring at Ponce de Leon Springs State Park is currently closed due to flooding from recent rains. The area is closed from flooding on the Choctawhatchee River backing up to Sandy Creek. Park ranger Aaron Miller hopes the water will recede by early next week if no further rains affect the area. “The water started to go down after the heavy rains, but recent rains north of us flooded the swimming...

Walton County Health Department issues advisory for Grayton Beach

As of July 11, 2013 – Advisory issued for Grayton Beach Access The Florida Department of Health in Walton County conducts regularly scheduled saltwater beach water quality monitoring at seven sites through the Healthy Beaches Monitoring Program. Samples are collected from March through the end of October. The water samples are 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...

Santa Rosa Beach artist Joe Elmore brings natural elements to life

Imagine seeing a face, body, or animal in a piece of wood every time you take a good look at it. It is a common occurrence in the artful world of Santa Rosa Beach artist Joe Elmore. Sizing up the wood, cranking up the chainsaw and producing a work of art in minutes is just one of Elmore’s many creative talents. Growing up in the oil and farming town of Taft, California Elmore knew from a young age he wanted...

Second annual Surfrider Kid’s Surf Classic July 20

A surfing contest just for kids! When: July 20, 2013 (rain date is July 21, Sunday)
Time: 8 a.m. until champions are crowned Location: June White Decker Park (near Back Porch restaurant)
Age Divisions: Super Grom (8 and under), Grom (10 to 13) Cost: $25 – includes event t-shirt The Emerald Coast Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation, is stoked to announce the 2nd annual Kid’s Surf Classic.   For many it will be a first time surfing experience and for some, a chance to...

Walton County fishing report for July 10

Fishing is good! Choctawhatchee Bay: A fair amount of good size black drum, speckled trout and bull sharks in the bay. Creeks/river: Large blue catfish being caught on bush hooks. 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 here to find out more about Copeland’s. Copeland’s Gun and Tackle Shop 17290 U.S. Hwy. 331 S Freeport, Florida 32439 (850) 835-4277 Store hours: Mon. –...

Town of Seaside hosting scavenger hunt contest for Truman Show fans

SEASIDE celebrates the 15th anniversary of The Truman Show Seaside® is hosting a scavenger hunt to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the movie “The Truman Show” which was filmed in SEASIDE with its first screening in June 1998. To celebrate, SEASIDE is hosting a contest for all Truman Show fans wanting to explore SEASIDE and the various sites and artifacts left behind from the set. To play, contestants simply grab their cameras or camera phones and find each of the...

Choctawhatchee River expected to crest at 18.4 ft. on Monday

Major flooding on the Choctawhatchee River has occurred due to recent heavy amounts of rainfall. The river is expected to crest at 18.4 ft. on Monday, July 8, 2013. The river is expected to remain at a major flood stage through July 12. Recent heavy rains closed many roads along the river and several other low lying areas in Walton over the last week. Click here to view river reading....