Environment

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Portuguese man-of-war can pack a powerful punch

Don’t touch or come in contact with the blue “bubbles” that wash on shore Many interesting things wash ashore along the beaches of South Walton. Often we find interesting creatures within the beach wrack and the tide often washes in beautiful seashells. However, there is one creature, the Portuguese Man o’ War (Physalia physalis), also known as man-of-war, or bluebottle that is not a fun critter to come in contact with. Although spectacular to behold with its blue “bubble,” it...

Gulf Power provides lofty habitats for nesting ospreys

Ospreys are a common sight along our coastline, soaring high, patrolling waterways, and fabricating enormous stick nests. These large hawks do well around humans, and typically nest in high locations. Power transmission lines provide the perfect spot; however are a dangerous hazard for the birds and the lines. Since the early 1990s, Gulf Power has been providing a fitting solution, creating suitable habitats by constructing platforms to relocate breeding pair ospreys. In the Gulf Power service area – from the...

Northwest Florida Water Management District awards nearly $1 million for water supply projects

Freeport, DeFuniak Springs, Caryville, and Laurel Hill to receive funds HAVANA – The Northwest Florida Water Management District’s Governing Board approved more than $974,000 in grant funding for water supply development projects across northwest Florida. This funding was awarded as part of a competitive grant program to help local governments and non-profit utilities address local water supply challenges and meet regional water supply protection and management needs. Since 2013, the District has awarded approximately $20.6 million in grant funding to...

FWC releases videos to educate Floridians on how best to avoid conflicts with bears

As part of a continuing effort to reduce conflicts with bears, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is releasing two new videos in the “Living with Florida Black Bears” series, designed to educate the public about how to safely coexist with bears in Florida. The “Cause for a Call” video outlines when and how people can reduce conflicts with bears by taking simple steps such as securing trash and other attractants. The “BearWise Communities” video describes how to...

Rain barrel workshop in Santa Rosa Beach Nov. 21

Walton County will be partnering with the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance to host a rain barrel workshop on Monday, November 21 at 9 am at the Northwest Florida State College’s South Walton Center at 109 Greenway Trail in Santa Rosa Beach. This workshop will demonstrate and teach participants the correct way to build a rain barrel. The cost for the class is $40 and the barrel and supplies will be provided.  They will accept cash or check on the day of...

Haz mat collection day in north and south Walton Nov. 12

Date/time: Saturday, Nov. 12 – 8 a.m. – 12 Noon The Walton Board of County Commissioners is sponsoring a project to collect, recycle, treat and properly dispose of these and other household hazardous wastes: Pesticides – Used Oil – Stale Gasoline – Solvents – Fertilizers – Paint – Paint Thinners – Paint Strippers – Batteries – Furniture Polish – Brake Fluid – Engine Degreasers – Anti-Freeze – Pool Chemicals – Insecticides – Spot Removers. Waste tire amnesty will also be...

Walton County Health Department issues mosquito-borne illness advisory

The Florida Department of Health in Walton County (DOH-Walton) is advising residents there has been an increase in mosquito-borne disease activity in Walton County. Several sentinel chicken flocks have tested positive for West Nile virus infection. The risk of transmission to humans has increased. South Walton County Mosquito Control, North Walton Mosquito Control and DOH-Walton continue surveillance and prevention efforts. The Health Department reminds residents and visitors to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and to take basic precautions to help limit exposure. To protect...