Beaches

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Exhausted baby alligator rescued from the Gulf of Mexico

An unusual occurrence had beach goers a bit startled June 16, 2013 at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park. A 2 1/2 ft. long young alligator was struggling just offshore when park ranger Tammy Matthews got a phone call. “I was driving the tram and got a report of an alligator on the beach. 
When I got there, some visitors told me that he kept trying to come ashore, then someone would run over to look and spook him back out....

Tropical storm Andrea creates strong surf conditions in South Walton

Water closed to the public in South Walton The beach flags for South Walton’s beaches will fly at DOUBLE RED today, June 6, 2013. Extremely dangerous rip currents are forecast to remain through until Friday morning. Please do not enter the surf. The high surf conditions are due to Tropical Storm Andrea. RIP CURRENT DEVELOPMENT PROBABILITY AND RIP CURRENT STRENGTH: very high: very high risk of life threatening rip currents means that wind, wave and tidal conditions all support the...

Learn surf fishing at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park May 21

Time: 10 a.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 10 a.m. Tram to the beach. The program...

Hands Across the Sand coming to Santa Rosa Beach May 18

Join Hands to end our dependence on dangerous, dirty fuels.  Join Hands to end global warming and climate change.  Join Hands to embrace Clean Energy.  ”It’s the most important thing we can do as human beings” Dave Rauschkolb, founder. This will again be a gathering in solidarity of people all over the world who care about preserving our precious oceans, oxygen, drinking water and food from dangerous, dirty fuels. The global movement “Hands Across the Sand” will be gathering at Noon...

Walton County beach sampling results for April 23, 2013

Two advisories issued for this sampling period 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 an indication of fecal pollution,...

Operatic sounds fill the air at Grayton Beach State Park restroom

Canadian singer brings joyful voice to beach Grayton Beach State Park is a favorite recreation area for both visitors and locals in South Walton. Exploring the beach and coastal dune trails at the park is always a delightful outdoor experience. However, there are two weeks out of the year visitors may experience an unusual treat at the park – the sounds of classical melodies emanating from the beach access restroom. On any given morning in late April or early May,...

Learn about sea turtles at Topsail May 3

Time: 2:30 p.m. The majestic Sea Turtles are getting ready to begin another reproductive season. Last year was one of the best on record at the park. Learn the facts about common Sea Turtles at Topsail.  Be a part of an enlightening program and see what you can do to help preserve these awe inspiring creatures of the sea. Park at the Day-Use area on Hwy 30A and take a short walk with park staff to the clubhouse $6.00 entry...