Environment

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Morrison Springs swimming advisory rescinded

Water now safe for swimming, diving Effective Feb. 12, 2014, the Florida Department of Health in Walton County is rescinding the May 31, 2013 swim 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. Morrison...

Learn about exotic plants at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Feb. 16

Time 2 p.m. Come learn about our non-native plant visitors at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park. You may have some right in your own back yard, this program will teach you how to identify and get rid of plants that do not belong. Lots of time and money are spent on eradication of these plants, find out how you can help. Park entry fee is $6 per vehicle; the program will take place at the clubhouse. A $6.00 entry admission...

Cold weather aids 2014 Florida State-wide manatee count

Biologists with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reported a preliminary count of 4,831 manatees in Florida during this year’s statewide aerial survey, conducted in late January. Over two days (Jan. 24 and 27), a team of 20 observers from nine organizations counted 2,317 manatees on Florida’s east coast and 2,514 on the west coast of the state. The final numbers will be available following verification of survey data. “This year’s manatee count is the third highest we...

Black bear educational program at Coastal Branch Library Feb. 4

On Feb 4, at 10 a.m., Stan Kirkland, from Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will present an educational program “Learning to Live with Black Bears.” Stan grew up in the Florida panhandle community of Sneads in Jackson County. He learned at an early age to fish and hunt by following his father. He attended Chipola Jr. College and then Auburn University, graduating in 1976 with a B.S. Degree in Wildlife Management. He’s worked with the FWC since 1976...

Walton County extreme weather road closures for Jan, 29, 2014

  UPDATE Jan. 29 – 12:30 p.m.: The 331 Clyde B. Wells bridge has been reopened by DOT. Walton County Public Works crews and DOT crews will continue to monitor the roads and will continue working to clear and open roads when possible. All travel should be suspended until conditions improve or if there is an emergency. Should you have an emergency, please call 911.   Jan. 29, 2014 – 8:30 a.m. Due to the current winter storm, the following...

National Weather Service issues winter storm watch for portions of the Panhandle

Jan. 27, 2014: URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TALLAHASSEE FL 811 AM EST MON JAN 27 2014 ...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY EVENING THROUGH EARLY WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON FOR MUCH OF SOUTHWEST GEORGIA... SOUTHEAST ALABAMA...AND PORTIONS OF THE FLORIDA PANHANDLE... AN ARCTIC COLD FRONT WILL MOVE THROUGH THE REGION TONIGHT... WITH VERY COLD AIR STREAMING IN BEHIND IT ON TUESDAY AND TUESDAY NIGHT. LIGHT RAIN WILL DEVELOP TUESDAY...AND THIS RAIN WILL GRADUALLY CHANGE TO FREEZING...

Archeology for kids at E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center Feb. 1

Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. What is an Archeologist?  The Biophilia teams up with Florida Public Archeology Network to bring you hands-on educational fun on Sat., Feb. 1. Special program at 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., with activities throughout the day including: • Create your own artifact • Cookie excavation • Sifting through history • Garbology-the study of trash • Cave painting • Learn to throw an atlatl ancient spear • Underwater archeology • Live animal ambassadors General Admission:...

Bald eagles continue to thrive in Walton County and across Florida

Florida’s eagle population now exceeds 4,000 birds each year Bald eagles have been spotted in several locations in South Walton and along the Choctawhatchee Bay. It is great news that these splendid raptors are making Walton County their nesting home. According to the last census taken in 2013 by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) there are six active nests around the Choctawhatchee Bay. Several of the nests are active, with returning eagle pairs every year.  The bald eagle...