Environment

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International Coastal Clean Up Day Sept. 17

Find a location near you and help clean up our Northwest Florida waterways. Santa Rosa Beach Blue Mountain Beach – Surfrider Foundation’s Emerald Coast chapter invites you to participate in the world’s biggest beach cleanup – the International Coastal Cleanup. Last year, more than 800,000 volunteers around the word collected more than 18 million pounds of trash. Join us and protect what you love. Surfriders will be meeting from 9 – 11 a.m. at the Blue Mountain Beach access in...

Giant owl decoy takes up residence on Clyde B. Wells Bridge

Whooo is that owl and what is he doing on the bridge? In mid-July Freeport resident Marilue Maris noticed something horrifying while driving over the Clyde B. Wells Bridge. Dozens of dead starlings were scatted across the northern span of the bridge. Worried, Maris reached out to Florida Audubon, Walton County Public Works, and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). FDOT took action and installed an owl decoy to help mitigate the precarious situation for the starlings. Tanya Sanders Branton,...

Health advisory issued for Morrison Springs

Advisory rescinded Aug. 23, 2016 A health advisory is issued August 10, 2016, for Morrison Springs.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...

Rest eternally among long leaf pines at Glendale Memorial Nature Preserve

A subject not easily addressed is end of life burial decisions. Fortunately, there are several options outside of what once was considered the norm. Burial trends are shifting according to the National Funeral Directors Association, as more burials reflect consumer lifestyles returning to simplicity. One such choice on the rise is eco-friendly green burials. A green burial is defined as a natural return to the earth without embalming, using a biodegradable casket, or, no casket at all. Located in the...

Health advisory issued for Morrison Springs July 20

UPDATE July 22 -Effective immediately, the Florida Department of Health in Walton County is rescinding the July 20, 2016 health advisory for the Morrison Springs bathing place. DOH Walton feels that water quality in this area has improved considerably due to the reduction in bacteria levels. DOH will continue to monitor the water quality in this area monthly and routinely advise the public of results.  For more information, contact the DOH Walton at 850-892-8021. Walton County July 20, 2016 –...

Kellogg Park: A south Walton nature lovers’ generous legacy remains mostly ignored

Santa Rosa Beach residents Patricia and Louis Kellogg lived long and fulfilling lives. After raising five children, the outdoor enthusiasts enjoyed their retirement on the Choctawhatchee Bay. With a passion for nature and double masters degree in education, Patricia Kellogg donated much of her time to developing reading programs for children at the Santa Rosa Beach Coastal Branch Library. She was also an active member of the Choctawhatchee Audubon Society (CAS). Kellogg enjoyed sharing the wonders of nature to such...

Northwest Florida Water Management District awarded $15.3 million for springs projects

Funding targets springs in five local counties HAVANA – The Northwest Florida Water Management District received more than $15.3 million for springs-related projects from Governor Rick Scott’s 2016-17 Florida First Budget. The money, which comes through the Department of Environmental Protection, will be used to fund eight springs restoration and protection projects in Bay, Jackson, Leon, Wakulla, and Washington counties. “Governor Scott, DEP Secretary Jon Steverson and the Florida Legislature have once again shown their commitment to restoring and protecting...