Beaches

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Learn how to surf fish at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park July 31

Date/time: Friday July 31st, 2015, 1 – 2:30 p.m. Surf fishing is a popular sport along the beaches of Topsail Hill. This program will teach you what types of bait will work, what times of year certain fish can be caught, and common fish you can catch from the beach. Fishing gear is optional, the park has fishing gear. This program will take place at the Beach Access, park in the Day Use parking area and catch the 1:00pm Tram...

Leatherback sea turtle nests at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park

This past Sunday,  South Walton received a very special visitor. Along the beach of Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, a leatherback sea turtle came ashore to nest.  Leatherbacks are the largest of all sea turtles in Florida, and are endangered. The track from the beach to the nest was 7 feet across. The nest’s body pit was 18 feet across, Assistant Park Manager, George Royal informed us. Nesting leatherbacks are a rarity in the Florida Panhandle, with less than a...

Free admission to Topsail Hill Preserve State Park May 22 – Sept. 7

Beginning May 22, 2015 regular day-use admission fees will be waived for public entrance to Topsail Hill State Park through a reimbursement program administered by Visit South Walton (VSW). The program will be in effect May 22, 2015 until September 7, 2015 with VSW reimbursing the state park up to $25,000 for entrance fees during this time for visitors and residents. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park’s tram service shall operate service each day 9:00 a.m. until sunset at least twice...

World Turtle Day event at South Walton County Coastal Branch Library May 19

Date/time: May 19, 4 p.m. Friends of South Walton Sea Turtles an all-volunteer nonprofit group is kicking off efforts to meet their mission of sea turtle conservation through awareness and education with a special event to celebrate World Turtle Day at the South Walton County Coastal Branch Library on May 19th. World Turtle Day is celebrated around the globe on May 23 each year. Sponsored since 2000 by the American Tortoise Rescue to bring attention to and increase knowledge about and...

South Walton Fire District lifeguards take to the beaches of south Walton March 14

Season runs March 14 – Sept. 27 The South Walton Fire District lifeguards take to the beaches to protect our swimmers on Saturday, March 14. This is the 10th season that the Beach Safety and Education Program, a partnership between the SWFD and the South Walton Tourist Development Council (TDC), will be in place. Staffing of the lifeguard towers will take place from March 14th – September 27th 2015. There are a total of 28 lifeguards at 10 locations from...

Free entry to Florida State parks Nov. 11

In honor of Veterans Day, there will be free entry for everyone at state parks* on Tuesday, Nov. 11. The Florida Park Service encourages residents and visitors to celebrate veterans and active military personnel by bringing them to one of the 171 state parks and trails to enjoy outdoor activities. To learn more about our local State Parks click the links below: Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Grayton Beach State Park Eden Gardens State Park Deer Lake State Park Camp Helen State...

Learn the basics of surf fishing at Grayton Beach State Park Oct. 8

Hosted by Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance, Discover Roads Less Traveled eco-tours will introduce you to some very special places in Walton county. Time: 10 – 11:30 a.m. Guide: Park Ranger Patrick Hartsfield Park Ranger Hartsfield will demonstrate and instruct the basic skills needed for enjoying surf fishing. Learn how to catch bait, the proper technique when baiting your hook, and the different kinds of equipment and techniques used in surf fishing. Participants will also learn the dos and don’ts of surf...