walton county

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Thomas Pilcher Park along Clyde B. Wells Bridge now open

The Thomas Pilcher Park along the Clyde B. Wells Bridge (U.S. Hwy. 331) is now open. Amenities of the park include: • 380 ft. fishing pier • Four boat ramps • Five 55 ft. docks along the boat ramps • Two 24’ x 24’ picnic shelters • Restrooms • Fishing platforms • Scenic overlooks • Western scenic walkway/bike path • Parking for 21 boat trailers and 69 spaces for other vehicles • ADA access The park is named after Thomas...

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...

U.S. Hwy. 331 from Choctawhatchee Bay Bridge to State Road 20 slated to open July 6

The U.S. 331 widening project between the Choctawhatchee Relief Bay Bridge and State Road 20 in Walton County will reach a milestone on Wednesday, July 6 when all four lanes of traffic will be open to drivers. Work to widen 4.6 miles of the roadway from two to four lanes began fall 2012 and is scheduled to be complete late summer 2016. Motorists can expect intermittent lane closures as crews complete punch list items. Construction activities are weather dependent and...

Remnants of the Captain Fritz steamboat remain in the Choctawhatchee riverbed

Low water levels expose remnants of Walton history Back in the late 1800s and early 1900s much of Walton County’s commerce was transported via water. Sown lumber, turpentine and vegetables were shipped to the mills and markets of Pensacola via steamboat and schooner. One of the major steamboats that made a regular run between Freeport, Point Washington and Pensacola was the Capt. Fritz. A stern wheel steamboat built in 1892 the Capt. Fritz started operations in the Choctawhatchee Bay. She...

Keep your eyes to the sky for white pelicans migrating through Northwest Florida

By Stan Kirkland, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission One of the many benefits of living in the Florida panhandle and particularly near the coast is the vast variety of wildlife we often see. Daily, you’re apt to see bald eagles, ospreys, fox squirrels, black bears, wild turkeys, deer and numerous other species. It’s all about being in the right place at the right time. One species you may miss that’s migrating through our area now are white pelicans. Just...