December 20, 2016

Archive

Gulf Power provides lofty habitats for nesting ospreys

Ospreys are a common sight along our coastline, soaring high, patrolling waterways, and fabricating enormous stick nests. These large hawks do well around humans, and typically nest in high locations. Power transmission lines provide the perfect spot; however are a dangerous hazard for the birds and the lines. Since the early 1990s, Gulf Power has been providing a fitting solution, creating suitable habitats by constructing platforms to relocate breeding pair ospreys. In the Gulf Power service area – from the...

Choctawhatchee River Section of the Florida National Scenic Trail now open

Dec. 14, 2016 – Tom Daniel, Trail Coordinator for the Choctawhatchee Chapter, Florida Trail Association has announced a new section of the Florida National Scenic Trail (FNST) in Walton County is now open. “Our volunteers have been working on this Florida National Scenic Trail (FNST) segment since 2009. The recent completion of the 245 foot boardwalk at Cypress Creek allows us to finally open the trail.  The boardwalk permits hikers to safely cross until the Choctawhatchee River reaches flood stage...

Enjoy a guided First Day Hike at an area Florida State Park Jan. 1

Head outdoors for a ranger-guided hike at the First Day Hikes tradition at Florida State Parks on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017. Here is a list of hikes across northwest Florida: Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Time: 9 – 11:30 a.m. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park invites you to join us for a pet and family friendly Ranger Led First Day Hike!  This hike will take place on the north side of the Turpentine Trail, on this trail participants will learn...

New Year’s Eve celebrations along the coast Dec. 31

Seaside New Year’s Eve celebration Dec. 31 Celebrate New Year’s in Seaside with fun children’s activities and street performers along with a fantastic fireworks show at midnight and everyone will have a blast ringing in 2017. Date/time: Saturday, December 31, 7 p.m. – 12 a.m. – Seaside Amphitheater Gulf of Mexico Fireworks Show – Midnight New Year’s eve celebration at The Village of Baytowne Wharf Date/time: Saturday, December 31, 6 p.m. – 1 a.m. The Village of Baytowne Wharf will...

Know the law before flying a recreational drone

Drones have become a popular recreational activity for many ages. Although they may be a great gift for children and adults alike, there are some legal requirements in order to fly unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has specific requirements regarding flying of UAVs. Know Before You Fly has helpful information about regulations and flying responsibly. Here is some helpful information to help get your started: • You do not need permission from the FAA to fly...

Walton County fishing report for Dec. 8

Fishing is good Bay/river: Good trout bites at the mouth of the river. Still good redfish bites and some big ones. Hybrids. River: Crappie 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. – Fri.: 6 a.m. – 5:30 p.m....

Northwest Florida Water Management District awards nearly $1 million for water supply projects

Freeport, DeFuniak Springs, Caryville, and Laurel Hill to receive funds HAVANA – The Northwest Florida Water Management District’s Governing Board approved more than $974,000 in grant funding for water supply development projects across northwest Florida. This funding was awarded as part of a competitive grant program to help local governments and non-profit utilities address local water supply challenges and meet regional water supply protection and management needs. Since 2013, the District has awarded approximately $20.6 million in grant funding to...

Tuba Christmas, Ice Skating Extravaganza at Village of Baytowne Wharf Dec. 10

Date/time: Saturday, December 10, 5 – 8 p.m. Location: Events Plaza Stage The Village of Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin Resort will be hosting an evening of holiday entertainment on Saturday, Dec. 10. Playground Music Center presents a Tuba Christmas where more than 30 brass instruments play some of your favorite holiday classics starting at 5 p.m. Then Baytowne will host two ice skating shows with figure skating pair Jennifer Don and Ryan Berning. It will be a fun night for...