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Fire weather warning issued for entire Panhandle

May 11, 2020 – SOUTHPORT, Fla. – The National Weather Service is issuing a Red Flag Warning for our area today. Critically low relative humidity percentages combined with sustained winds of 15 mph are predicted this afternoon. ‘These conditions, coupled with a lack of adequate rainfall, create an increased potential for wildfire activity. Any open fire will have the potential to escalate quickly causing catastrophic damage. Holmes and Washington counties have issued county wide burn bans in their local jurisdictions....

Know the law before you burn

Did you know escaped debris burning is one of the leading causes of wildfires in Florida? With the extremely dry weather upon us, burn bans are in effect across the Florida Panhandle. The Florida Forest Service administers Florida’s outdoor burning and forest fire laws, along with issuing the permits. For beach bonfire permits, contact South Walton Fire District at 850-267-1298. To learn more, click here. Each County’s Board of County Commissioners issues burn bans, so keep abreast of your local...

The legend of Euchee Indian Chief Sam Story

Could it be an Euchee (Yuchi) Indian chief named Sam Story was the earliest known conservationist in Walton county? Our history books tell us so, however some traditions handed down may be simply legends, and solidified as truth when shared through generations. So with that said, here is one story, through a collection of information, about a man named Sam Story. Historic documentation shows many of the earliest white settlers in Walton County were Scottish families from North and South...

A guide to Florida snakes

Knowledge is power when sharing the outdoors with these interesting reptiles Florida has an abundance of wildlife, including a wide variety of reptiles. Snakes, and their cousins the alligators, crocodiles, turtles and lizards, play an interesting and vital role in Florida’s complex ecology. Many people have an uncontrollable fear of snakes. Perhaps because man is an animal who stands upright, he has developed a deep-rooted aversion to all crawling creatures. And, too, snakes long have been use in folklore to...

Antique tractor collection could become Walton County’s newest attraction

Is it possible that the world’s largest fully restored antique tractor collection resides in Walton County? Walton County Commissioner Tony Anderson says, “Some say that Dr. James Sheppard’s vast collection is just that. It is an exciting opportunity for the County to work with state and federal agencies along with private sector entities to secure funding opportunities to keep this jewel in Walton County without utilizing and local taxes or funding.” Sheppard grew up with his family as a Tenant...

Camellia Festival at Eden Gardens State Park Feb. 15

Join the Friends of Eden as they celebrate the annual Camellia Festival at Eden Gardens State Park in Santa Rosa Beach on Sat. Feb. 15, 2020 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The festival includes presentations on camellias, from how they are air layered to floral arrangements. There will also be heritage presenters throughout the park, demonstrating skills such as blacksmithing, chair caning and candle making, and more. The band Earth Vibes will provide musical entertainment on the bayou stage....

Free living history exhibits in DeFuniak Springs, Jan. 24-26

Forest Service tree giveaway Jan. 25 Cannon blasts, turpentine demonstrations, native American storytelling, an indoor nature trail, a vintage camper show, a Civil War and Florida Frontiersmen Settlement Camp, Black History presentations, a tree give-away, and many other living history exhibits, demonstrations and presentations will be in full swing Friday, January 24 through Sunday, January 25 at Chipley Park, 3 Circle Drive in DeFuniak Springs, Florida.  These events and parking are free and compliment the activities of the annual, historic...

Landscape design workshop in Niceville Jan. 21 – Feb. 25

Okaloosa County Master Gardener volunteers offer classes on gardening as non-credit continuing education courses. A six-week Landscape Design Workshop with Instructor Karen Kirk-Williams and a team of Master Gardener Volunteers will be offered at Northwest Florida State College beginning January 21 through February 25. The Tuesday classes are from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and will provide a step-by-step, interactive approach to learning how to design, install, and maintain an environmentally friendly landscape using Florida-friendly plants. The course includes an...