Environment

Category

County seeks public input on coastal dune lake environmental assessment

The Walton County Environmental Department is pleased to announce that the Coastal Dune Lake Environmental Assessment has been received by Jones Edmunds, an environmental science consulting firm. The report can be found at the following link: CDL Environmental Assessment. Environmental Department Staff are soliciting public comments on the report until close of business on Friday, August 23, 2018. All comments should be sent to Melinda Gates, Coastal Resource Liaison, at gatmelinda@co.walton.fl.us. About the Lakes Walton County is home to 15...

Help FWC biologists restore oyster reefs in St. Andrew’s Bay

Join the Aquatic Habitat Restoration and Conservation Section of FWC in monitoring efforts of an oyster reef in Bay County. Funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, this project is designed to restore over 4 acres of oyster reef habitat and foster the recovery of over 200 acres of seagrass habitat. The goals of this effort include enhancing the local oyster population and creating fisheries habitat. The improved oyster population should also improve water clarity and quality. Overview: Join...

Native American history program at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Aug. 17

Join Topsail Hill Preserve State Park and the Indian Temple Mound Museum on August 17, 2018 from 10 – 11 a.m. and learn about Native Americans who have called the Florida Panhandle home, and their way of life.  This program is free. Topsail Talks is a monthly educational discovery series with presentations from organizations and government agencies from outside the park. Participation Requirements Topsail Hill Preserve State Park sends out periodic emails regarding programs, events, news and volunteer opportunities. You can...

Florida water lecture at South Walton High School July 25

Safe Water for Walton is hosting TEDx speaker and renowned global environmental writer Cynthia Barnett on July 25. The event will be held at the South Walton High School Auditorium in Santa Rosa Beach starting with a reception at 5:30 p.m., lecture at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 and must be purchased in advance here. Barnett will be speaking about: What is the history of water in Florida? What about those majestic freshwater springs that gush millions of gallons of...

Learn about prescribed fire at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park July 20

Join Topsail Hill Preserve State Park and the Florida Forest Service on July 20, 2018 from 10 – 11:00 a.m. to learn about prescribed fires and their benefits to the forest and surrounding ecosystems. This program is free with regular park admission. Topsail Talks is a monthly educational discovery series with presentations from organizations and government agencies from outside the park on the third Friday of the month at 10am in the clubhouse. Future dates and topics are “Native American History...

Health Department issues mosquito borne illnesses advisory

Walton County, Fla.—The Florida Department of Health in Walton County (DOH-Walton) today advised residents there has been an increase in mosquito-borne disease activity in areas of Walton County. Several sentinel chicken flocks have tested positive for West Nile virus infection in South Walton. The risk of transmission to humans has increased. South Walton County Mosquito Control, North Walton Mosquito Control and DOH-Walton continue surveillance and prevention efforts. DOH-Walton reminds residents and visitors to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and to...

Health advisory issued for Grayton Beach

The Florida Department of Health in Walton County (DOH-Walton) 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, which may come from storm water...