Beaches

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Beaches of South Walton hosting coastal clean up day Sept. 25

The Beaches of South Walton Tourist Development Council are inviting residents and visitors to help clean up its 26-mile coastline while participating in the world’s largest volunteer effort to protect the ocean during the 25th Annual International Coastal Cleanup on Saturday, Sept. 25 from 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. The TDC is dedicating five main clean-up sites to the effort, with staging accesses at Miramar Beach, Dune Allen, Blue Mountain, Ed Walline and Inlet Beach.  Complimentary clean-up supplies, water and...

South Walton sea turtle nests headed to the east coast

South Walton Turtle Watch Group assists USFWS, NOAA and FWC in relocation program It was a busy morning on South Walton beaches July 26 as South Walton Turtle Watch assisted U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration biologists in relocating sea turtle nests. The nests are being relocated to the east coast to ensure the sea turtle hatchlings do not encounter oil from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The eggs are removed within a week...

Tropical depression Bonnie has little impact on South Walton beaches

Storm causes small surf action, rip currents Tropical depression Bonnie had little impact on South Walton Beaches July 24. The storm action did, however created rip currents and 2-4 foot seas along South Walton’s beaches. With wind speeds less than 30 m.p.h. and dissipating, there are no coastal watches or warnings in effect at this time. South Walton Fire District lifeguards warn of the hazards of rip current: Rip currents have the potential to form very quickly at any location...

Colorful path to the Gulf of Mexico

Beach path a canvas of color Local resident Jamie Conley snapped this beautiful photo of a path to the beach near Seagrove in South Walton County. The colorful flowers are part of the Asteraceae (aster or daisy) family, native to our coastal beaches. “This world is but a canvas to our imagination.” ~ Henry David Thoreau...

Emerald Coast Surfrider takes the helm on local Gulf DOS water testing

Organization hopes to enlighten on water health, seeks public support With concerns of the oil and dispersant’s effects reaching the Florida Panhandle shores, both surfers and beach goers are anxious to know if it is safe to enter the Gulf of Mexico. Local surfing organization, Emerald Coast Surfrider Foundation started going the extra mile on July 10 to acquire a specific testing called DOS (details below). The DOS test checks for the chemical compounds present in dispersant and can serve...

Get in free day at Florida State Parks July 17

Celebrate Recreation and Parks month with swimming, hiking or sitting  under a shade tree! Recognizing the benefits of time spent outdoors in Florida’s environment, Governor Charlie Crist recently signed a proclamation highlighting July as Recreation and Parks Month in Florida. Saturday, July 17 the Florida Park Service (FPS) will offer FREE entry to all state parks, excluding the Skyway Fishing Pier. Canoe rentals, camping and other activities will be available at the regular price. With Florida’s famous sunshine and hot...

Choctawhatchee Audubon Society looking for shorebird count volunteers

Be a part of the Audubon bird count! Choctawhatchee Audubon Society, encouraged by Audubon of Florida, is organizing weekly surveys of certain shorebirds along the Gulf Coast. Currently they are in need of volunteers for the State Park areas in Walton County. A good pair of binoculars or a scope will allow counting of our shorebirds with minimum requirement for long walks in the sand.  The 28 species on the form attached will not be difficult to learn to identify,...