Environment

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Enjoy an evening of stargazing at Topsail Aug. 25

Enjoy the wonders of the night sky Are you curious about the night sky?  Have you ever looked up above through the lens of a telescope?  If you’re ready for a night of exploration and fun come out and join the Northwest Florida Astronomy Association as they share their knowledge about the wonders of the universe.  Park at the Day-Use area and look for all the telescopes. All programs except Breakfast with a Ranger require a $6.00 entry admission per...

Balloon releases take a toll on wildlife

Think twice before releasing balloons into our environment The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reminds event organizers and other Floridians about a law prohibiting the release of more than nine lighter-than-air balloons within a 24-hour period. While releasing balloons is often an idea of groups that wish to honor an event or lost loved one, the FWC encourages the public to choose more environmentally responsible actions for their events. Balloons released in Florida almost inevitably end up in...

Coastal Conservation Association fund raiser dinner Aug. 25

Dinner and auction to be held at the WaterColor Boathouse The South Walton chapter of the Coastal Conservation Association Florida will be hosting their annual banquet at the WaterColor Boathouse on Aug. 25.  There will be a cocktail reception, raffle and silent auction at 6 p.m., dinner at 7:30 p.m. and live auction at 8:30 p.m. Auction items include trips, Hells Bay boat, Costa sunglasses and more. The local chapter are the sponsors of the annual Grayton Beach Kid’s Fishing...

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...