Environment

Category

Could a saltwater fish hatchery and fishing pier be in the future for Walton County?

A look at a few NRDA project-funding requests As a part of a multi-state effort to draw funding from the Natural Resources Damage Assessment (NRDA) process, Walton County is looking at submitting funding for 23 restoration projects. The Walton County Board of County Commissioners has requested 13, with the remaining 10 from outside agencies including Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Northwest Florida Water Management District. The NRDA process guides the distribution of restoration funds that will be distributed...

Oyster reef building volunteers needed Aug. 5th, 12th and 26th

The Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance is looking for volunteers to help build an oyster reefs on Aug. 5th 12th and 26th. The project will last from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. You will be bagging oyster shell at the South Walton Center of Northwest Florida State College. Everyone will travel as a group to place bagged oyster shell in the water at a reef site near Live Oak Point (Hogtown Bayou). Some transportation to reef site is available. Meet at the...

Are black bears dangerous?

It is not very likely for black bears to attack people in the Deep South From the Desk of the FWC –  By Stan Kirkland, FWC It’s been all over the news recntly about a group of seven young teenagers on a month-long survival-skills course in the Talkeetna Mountains of Alaska, being attacked by a grizzly bear sow with a cub. Immediately after the attack, the group activated a personal locator beacon, which brought Alaska state troopers and help.  Thankfully,...

Heat Advisory in effect for South Walton Aug. 1

Hydrate early and often and limit your exposure outside today HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM EDT /NOON CDT/ TO 6 PM EDT /5 PM CDT/ MONDAY. ANOTHER HOT DAY IS EXPECTED ACROSS THE REGION FOR MONDAY. THE COMBINATION OF HOT TEMPS & PARTICULARLY HIGH DEWPOINTS NEAR THE COAST WILL RESULT IN HEAT INDICES APPROACHING OR SURPASSING 110 DEGREES. THESE HEAT INDICES ARE STRESSFUL AND POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS TO THOSE WITH PLANS FOR PROLONGED OR STRENUOUS OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES. THE NATL...

Learn about prescribed fires at Topsail Aug. 4

Get answers to all your burning questions Time: 1:30 p.m. Location: Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Fire is a natural process that has shaped Florida’s ecosystems over the years. Prescribed fires play a vital role in restoring “fire-dependent” natural communities. Learn the answers to all of your burning questions on Thurs., Aug. 4 at 1:30 p.m. Park at the Day-Use area and take a short hike to the clubhouse. $6.00 entry admission per vehicle into the park. Call (850) 267-8330 for...

Non-native lionfish spells trouble for reef habitats and marine fish

Population spreading, NOAA, FWC seek information From the Desk of the FWC – By Stan Kirkland, FWC It sounds like something out of a B-rated horror movie but a non-native predatory fish called the lionfish has become established in marine waters of the southeastern United States and Caribbean, and may spell trouble for many marine fish. The first report of a lionfish was near Dania Beach off southeast Florida in 1985.  Lionfish populations have increased since then and the species...

Brush fire raged in Santa Rosa Beach

Fire now contained Updated 6:50 p.m. A several acre brush fire raged in Santa Rosa Beach July 14 near the South Walton High School. The fire was located between the rear of the high school and J.D. Miller Road. There were no evacuations ordered according to Asst. Chief Mark Anderson. Both South Walton Fire District and Dept. of Forestry worked the scene along with assistance from Okaloosa, Ocean City, Fort Walton, Freeport Fire and Walton County Emergency Management. South Walton...