Environment

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FWC wants to know if you have seen a panther

Share your Florida panther sightings, photos on FWC’s website The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has launched a new website that makes it easy for citizens who spot Florida panthers to share the information online. The site – https://Public.MyFWC.com/hsc/PantherSightings/ – enables the public to report when and where they have seen a panther or its tracks and upload photos of the sighting. As recently as the 1970s, the Florida panther was close to disappearing, with as few as...

FWC increases lionfish harvest opportunities, asks public to help

Invasive, non-native species no longer has bag limits The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) announced changes to the lionfish harvest at a media event today in Coral Gables. Harvesting invasive lionfish no longer will require a fishing license when using certain gear, and there is no recreational or commercial bag limit. The FWC is taking these actions to encourage more Floridians and visitors to harvest lionfish. “The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission hopes that by increasing the...

Learn about native snakes at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Aug. 17

Time – 1:30 p.m. Come and join the park for a presentation of native snakes. Learn the differences between venomous and non-venomous snakes and how they help the environment. Park at the Day-Use area off Hwy 30A and take a short hike to the clubhouse. All programs require a $6.00 entry admission per vehicle into the park. Outside tours canceled during severe weather. Call 850-267-8330 for more information. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is located at 7525 W. Scenic Highway...

Learn about coastal dune lakes at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Aug. 24

Time: 1:30 p.m. Location: Topsail Hill Preserve State Park on Scenic Road 30A. ::MAP:: Come and join an exciting interpretive on Topsail Hill Preserve State Park’s imperiled coastal dune lakes.  Learn about these important rare freshwater lakes that exist right here in Walton County.  Park at the Day-Use area off of Hwy 30A and take a short hike to the clubhouse. Fees: Program included in the park admission fee of $6.00 per vehicle. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is located at...

Walton County Health Department beach water quality report for Aug. 7, 2012

The Walton County Health Department conducts regularly scheduled saltwater beach water quality monitoring at seven sites through the Healthy Beaches Monitoring Program.  The water samples are being 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 stormwater runoff, pets and wildlife, and human sewage.  The purpose of the Healthy Beaches Monitoring...

Health advisory issued for Horseshoe Bayou and nearby areas in the Choctawhatchee Bay

Due to a sewage spill in the Sandestin area of Walton County the Walton County Health Department is issuing a health advisory for the Horseshoe Bayou and nearby areas in the Choctawhatchee Bay. The Health Department advises against any water-related activities at the above location until a bacteriological survey reveals that the area is safe.  Sewage from the spill may have contaminated this area.  Individuals, especially those with wounds and weakened immune systems, may be at risk of contracting a...

Hands Across The Sand celebrated in Seaside and across the globe

The alternative energy movement “Hands Across the Sand” gathered across the globe and locally at Seaside Aug. 4 to bring awareness to alternative energy use, and bring an end to offshore drilling in Florida’s waters. More than 100 people gathered along the beach in Seaside, Florida. “End our dependence on dirty fuels and embrace clean energy sources for a sustainable world for our children and theirs. It’s the most important thing we can do as humans. No to offshore drilling...

South Walton coastal dune lakes swell from recent rain, Western manually opened

Strong outflow to Gulf prompts water rescues With several coastal dune lakes in South Walton swelled from recent rains, Walton County Public Works Department has been keeping a close eye on lake water levels. On Aug. 1, Western Lake was manually opened to relieve it from potentially flooding low lying homes along the lake’s shoreline. The County holds Department of Environmental Protection permits which allows them to control the water flow on several lakes if needed. On July 31, Western...