December 22, 2014

Archive

Hard Labor Creek Off Road Park in Chipley offers miles of trails

CURRENTLY CLOSED Are you into off road trail riding? Northwest Florida’s newest offering in Chipley might have just what you’re looking for. Hard Labor Creek Off Road Park opened in 2010 by off road bike enthusiasts Ted Everett and Dexter Leadbeater. Custom groomed trails transverse and wind around more than 700 acres in the pinewoods off Hwy. 277. “It’s all about the passion,” said Leadbeater, a life long fan of the sport. The trails are designed for all skill levels...

Learn about campfire cooking at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Dec. 27

Date/time: Saturday December 27, 4:30 – 6 p.m. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park invites you to learn about campfires and campfire cooking. This all ages program will take place outside at one of our tent camping sites. You will learn safety, cooking techniques, and a host of other useful ideas that will make your campfires more enjoyable. Enter the park through the main gate and the staff will direct you to the park’s clubhouse. A $6.00 entry admission per vehicle...

South Walton Fire District Polar Bear Plunge Jan 1

The South Walton Fire District in conjunction with Gulf Place will be hosting their 2nd Annual Polar Bear Plunge on New Year’s Day 2015. Time/Location:  Registration starts at 11 a.m. at Gulf Place.  “Plunge” starts at 1 p.m. sharp. Gulf Place is located at the intersection of S. County Highway 393 and 30-A. $20 donation – All proceeds will benefit the SWFD Department Relations Committee (DRC). The DRC purchases fire/life safety educational-promotional items for community based educational programs that are...

Choctawhatchee and Bay Audubon programs and events for January 2015

Choctawhatchee Audubon programs and events: 8 January: Monthly meeting and program “Adaptive Wild land Fire Management at Eglin AFB” by Brett Williams, Fire Management Office, Eglin AFB Florida.  The presentation will be an introduction to the importance of fire to the longleaf pine ecosystem and the rare species it supports and how prescribed fire supports the military mission at Eglin AFB.  Eglin AFB’s science-based approach to managing fire and the tools the Eglin fire team uses to measure ecological restoration success...

Walton county fishing report for Dec. 17

Fishing is good! Choctawhatchee Bay area: Trout bit still on, however on the smaller size and biting on Zoom flutes. Sheepshead along the causeway. River: Crappie biting good along the river. Hunting: Duck hunt and hog hunt on.  Coyotes have been troublesome for some and seem to be in abundance this year. 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...

Merchants of Seaside hosting family fun New Year’s Eve

The Merchants of Seaside are proud to present a fantastic, family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration in the twinkling, holiday town of Seaside. On Wed., Dec. 31, the 5th Annual Countdown Seaside activities will welcome in 2015 with live entertainment, kid’s art projects, street performers and fireworks over the Gulf of Mexico. Festivities begin at 7 p.m. and last until the last firework lights up the sky. For kids of all ages, Abrakadoodle will be on hand from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. offering unique...

30A Songwriters Festival is set for January 16, 17 and 18

The sixth annual 30A Songwriters Festival is set for January 16, 17 and 18, 2015 in South Walton County. The initial line-up for the 2015 celebration of singers and songs features performances from esteemed artists Graham Nash, Indigo Girls, Leon Russell, Jason Isbell, Shawn Mullins, Sara Watkins (Nickel Creek), Glen Phillips (Toad the Wet Sprocket). Also confirmed are Jeffrey Steele, Chely Wright, Bobby Bare Jr., Steve Poltz, Angaleena Presley, Over the Rhine, Jesse Harris, Mary Gauthier, Hayes Carll, Bob Schneider, Ellis Paul, Allison Moorer,...

Learn about sharks and dolphins at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Dec. 20

Date/time: Saturday December 20, 1 -2 p.m. Often times these two animals can be seen from the beach, this program will help you identify the differences between the two which will help you discover who’s who. There will be a discussion on what to look for and certain behaviors that can useful in spotting both creatures from the beach. Enter the park through the main gate and the staff will direct you to the park’s clubhouse. A $6.00 entry admission...