May 25, 2017

Archive

Grace Rides growing in leaps and bounds

After nearly two years of searching for the right property, and nearly two more of planning and permits, Grace Rides finally has its building permit approval and has begun site work to build a new barn facility for its expanding equine-assisted therapies and activities and equine-assisted learning programs in DeFuniak Springs. Soon, more kids with challenges throughout the panhandle can be served, plus programs can be added to serve veterans and military, to provide work-study (barn management and organic gardening)...

E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center offering summer hours and day camps

The E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center will be offering summer hours June and July, and children’s summer day camps June – August. Fun comes naturally at the Biophilia Center as they offering a large selection of summer day camps to choose from. Whether it be a week-long experience or a single-day adventure, the E.O.Wilson Biophilia Center is sure to keep your campers exploring science, nature, and the arts while they are out of school.  Make sure to register your camper early and...

Florida Audubon seeking shorebird stewards for area state parks

Do you like the beach? Do you want to help our coastal wildlife survive? Become a part of the statewide efforts to help protect Florida’s beach-nesting shorebirds. It’s that time of year again when Florida’s rare shorebirds are nesting on our beaches and bird stewards are needed. Did you know beach-nesting birds like Snowy Plovers, Black Skimmers, American Oystercatchers and Least Terns lay their eggs on top of the sand and raise their young on our local beaches? Chicks less...

Walton County Memorial Day services May 29

Gum Creek Cemetery DeFuniak Springs 8 a.m. Gum Creek Cemetery, one of the oldest in Walton County, is thought to be at least 160 years old. As such, it marks the final resting place of veterans from American’s wars all the way back to the early 19th Century, with 12 known Civil War veterans and one confirmed Seminole War veteran. There are many veterans from 20th century conflicts, from World War I throughout the Korean War, buried in the cemetery...

Old Nick’s Redfish Round Up 2017 tournament results

The Old Nick’s Redfish Round Up on May 20 was the largest redfish tournament in the Florida Panhandle to date. With 75 teams entering the 12th annual event, anglers from across the panhandle competed for more than $15,000 in prize money. OVERALL DIVISION 1st Place – Bobby Weir & Matt Schoen; 14.8 lbs. 2nd Place – Fred Myers & Justin Leake; 14.26 lbs. 3rd Place – Trevor Taylor & Jon Morris; 13.13 lbs. 4th Place – Jack Foley & Kevin...

Nature lovers celebrate 25 years of South Walton conservation land

As our community  grows, many residents and visitors continue to be in awe of the extraordinary amount of recreation land we have in South Walton county. However, some newcomers have no idea how we acquired such a vast and beautiful landscape enjoyed by many. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park and Point Washington State Forest almost didn’t happen. Thanks to the support from organizations such as The Nature Conservancy, an energetic group of advocates from 4-Mile Village, local conservation group Beach...

Health advisory issued for Morrison Springs

The Health Advisory is issued on May 17, 2017, for Morrison Springs. The Advisory is issued based on the criteria for fecal indicator bacteria. This should be considered a potential health risk to the bathing public and swimming is not recommended. Samples taken are above the public health threshold for fecal indicator bacteria. Water quality exceedances are based upon the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) recommended standard of no more than 61 Enterococci CFU/100mL, or 235 E. coli CFU/100mL in...

Geocaching event at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park every Wednesday

Time: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Topsail Hill State Park invites you to enjoy their “one of a kind” geocache program every Wednesday through Nov. 8. Visitors can check in at the Camp Store and pick up the geocache packet. This activity will take you to various points throughout the Preserve. Note: the hiking and biking trails are easy to moderate in difficulty, some are paved, sand and gravel, or hard pack. What is Geocaching? It is an outdoor recreational activity,...