South Walton Fire District (SWFD) announces 2012 Junior Lifeguard Program

2012 Junior Lifeguard season runs June 19 – July 19

Swim tryouts at Ed Walline Park (South end of CR 393)  Fri., May 18 at 3:30 p.m. and Sat., May 19 at 9 a.m.

The South Walton Fire District’s (SWFD) Beach Safety Division is proud to announce the 2012 Junior Lifeguard Program. For the 5th consecutive year the SWFD Junior Lifeguard Program will be under the supervision of Gary Wise, South Walton Fire District Beach Safety Director assisted by the South Walton Fire District Professional Lifeguards.

The five week program will begin Tuesday, June 19th, 2012 through Thursday, July 19th, 2012. The program activities will be held, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of each week with 9 -11 year olds year participating from 9am-11:45am and 12-15 year olds starting at 12:15 – 3 p.m. Qualifying boys and girls ages (9–15) will be instructed in many aspects of beach and water safety and environmental topics.

Swim tryouts will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, May 18th and at 9 a.m. on Saturday May 19th. Both tryouts will be held at Ed Walline Park located at the south end of CR 393 in Santa Rosa Beach.

Registration is limited to the first 60 applicants who meet the swimming requirements and have submitted a completed registration form. Cost for this year’s program is $140 per child, $125 per each sibling.

For more information on the Junior Lifeguard Program or to receive a registration/waiver form, please contact Gary Wise, Beach Safety Director at 850-267-1298 or gwise@swfd.org or visit their site at www.swfd.org and download a registration packet today.

The purpose of the program is:

swfdsurf South Walton Fire District (SWFD) annouces 2011 Junior Lifeguard Program● To demonstrate and teach water safety while enjoying the beach and Gulf environment

● To promote and develop future lifeguards
● To foster good sportsmanship
● To meet other young people with similar interests and develop new friendships
● To most importantly – have fun

When:
Five (5) week program activities will be held every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday beginning June 19, 2012
and ending July 19, 2012
Daily activities will be divided into two sessions as follows:
Morning session – 9:00 a..m until 11:45 a.m. for 9, 10 and 11 year-olds.
Afternoon session – 12:15 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. for 12, 13, 14, and 15 year-olds.

Where:
Activities will commence daily with a team meeting at Ed Walline Beach Access at the south end of CR 393 in Santa Rosa Beach.

Registration is limited. There is a swimming ability guideline that must be met prior to participating in this program. All participants should be able to swim using proper freestyle form with correct breathing (face in the water) and stroke skills.
9 – 11 years old: must swim 100 yards FREESTYLE in 3 minutes or less
12 – 13 years old: must swim 150 yards FREESTYLE in 4 minutes or less
14 – 15 years old: must swim 200 yards FREESTYLE in 5 minutes or less
All Junior Lifeguards must tread water for a minimum of 1 minute

Swim tryouts will be held Saturday, May 21, 2011 beginning at 9 a.m. at Ed Walline Park, Santa Rosa Beach located at the south end of CR 393. Parents are encouraged to stay for the tryouts – swim portion should be completed within 60 minutes. Registration is limited to the first 50 applicants whose completed registration/waivers are received and swim tryout standards are met.
Cost: $220 for the first child, each additional child is $200.
For more information on the Junior Lifeguard Program  contact Gary Wise, Beach Safety Director at 850-267-1298 or gwise@swfd.org

Download 2012 SWFD Junior Lifeguard application

DAILY ACTIVITIES
Physical Skills
● Warm up exercises, stretching
● Rescue board paddling, open water swimming
● Iron guard – run, swim, paddle, run
● Beach flags and running
● Kayak paddling, surfing, and boogie boarding
● Team relay races – rescue board, swimming, beach run, iron guard
● Rescue technique stations – rescue board, rescue buoy’s, kayak and landlines
● Snorkeling

Educational Activities
● Understanding the Beach Safety Warning Flags
● Understanding rip currents and marine life
● Health – sun safety, exercise, and nutrition
● Being a Lifesaver – what to do in a rescue – identify, notify, respond
● Weather, environmental safety
● First Aid / CPR / AED overview
● Medical emergency competition – beach related case scenarios
● PWC (personal water craft) rescue swimmer crew person instruction
● Lifeguard for a day

Posted in Beaches, paddle/surf/boat | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment
Posted on May 3, 2012 by Walton Outdoors

FWC Commissioners set 2012 recreational red snapper season in the Gulf

The 2012 recreational red snapper season in Gulf of Mexico state waters will be June 1 – July 10

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) set the 2012 season Wednesday, May 2, at the Commission meeting in Crystal River.

The state season is the same as the recently announced federal recreational red snapper season. The Commission also voted to keep a 40-day, June 1 through July 10 season regardless of whether the federal season is further shortened. Florida state waters in the Gulf extend out to nine nautical miles from shore; federal waters extend beyond that line.
Gulf red snapper stocks are rebuilding their numbers, but the stock needs higher numbers of older fish to be sustainable. Red snapper are estimated to live more than 50 years, but most fish in the current stock are only a few years old. Older fish are the key to rebuilding the population because older female red snapper produce more eggs than younger females. Shortening the fishing season in Gulf state waters and going consistent with the federal season will help continue to rebuild red snapper populations so that more red snapper fishing opportunities will be possible in the future.

“I think consistency is important,” said Commissioner Ron Bergeron. “The positive part is, looking at the recovery, we are going in the right direction in having long-term benefits for fishermen.”

More information about red snapper fishing is available online at MyFWC.com/Fishing.

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Posted on May 2, 2012 by Walton Outdoors

Explore nature along the boardwalk trail at Alys Beach

The 3/4 mile boardwalk trail at Alys Beach is a great place to explore nature. Lori Ceier/Walton Outdoors

Scenic hike nestled along 30A

Not many visitors or locals are aware of a secret little trail to explore off of Scenic Highway 30A. Nestled in 22 acres of preserved wetlands within the Alys Beach community, a ¾ mile boardwalk trail takes you on a pleasant passage into nature.

Christian Wagley, former environmental coordinator at Alys Beach sought what avid explorers would appreciate when he designed the elevated trail, and planned it along areas giving the largest overview. The trail offers views of pitcher plants, cypress domes, titi trees, a variety of flowering shrubs, wildflowers and more. Interpretive displays along the path educate visitors about the various plants and wildlife that live in the area.

Carnivoruis pitcher plants can be found along the trail at Alys Beach. Lori Ceier/Walton Outdoors

The trail offers a peek into different ecosystems as you pass through a wetland area, then as you exit the boardwalk onto the sandy path, the vegetation becomes dryer. You will notice reindeer moss, woody goldenrod and scrub rosemary become more prevalent.

This wonderful boardwalk trail may be the longest in Walton County. It gives visitors a true sense of Northwest Florida’s natural diversity— all within steps of the Gulf of Mexico.

The trailhead is located at the north end of Alys Beach at the end of Charles Street.
::MAP::

Open to the public 7 days a week, sunrise to sunset. ADA accessible.

Master naturalist and gardener Snookie Parrish gives educational tours of the trail at various times throughout the year. For more information, go to: alysbeach.com.

Snookie Parrish contributed to this story.

Posted in Biking, Birding, Eco tourism adventure, Environment, Nature, Outdoor Family Fun, Parks, Trails/Hiking | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment
Posted on May 2, 2012 by Walton Outdoors

Walton County fishing report for May 2

Fishing is great everywhere!

Choctawhatchee Bay: Trout and redfish have changed up a bit from the weather. Folks are still gigging flounder.
Creeks/river: Shellcracker, crappie, bream, catfish and pass has picked up to where it should be.
Surf: Pompano fishing is still good.

“Don’t pay attention to the weatherman’s prediction, all you need to do is get out there and you will catch fish,” Danny said.

Click here for fishing forecast

Bay and river report brought to you by Copeland’s. “Where the locals shop and the tourists are welcome.”

Click here to find out more about Copeland’s.
Copeland’s Gun Shop
17290 U.S. Hwy. 331 S
Freeport, Florida 32439
(850) 835-4277
Store hours:
Mon. – Fri.: 6 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Sat.: 6 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sun.: Closed

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Posted on May 2, 2012 by Walton Outdoors

Yellow flies are back!

Photo courtesy J.L. Castner, University of Florida

Photo courtesy J.L. Castner, University of Florida

It’s that time of year again, and those nasty yellow flies are biting… here are some tips for armoring yourself

In Florida, the name “yellow fly” is used to describe about a dozen different species of yellow-bodied biting flies. “Yellow flies” readily attack humans and are usually abundant in Florida with peak annoyance occurring in May and June. “Yellow flies” are in the family known as Tabanidae. All tabanids go through an egg, larva, pupa and adult stage, referred to as “complete metamorphosis,” the same development process that mosquitoes go through. Tabanids lay egg masses containing 50 to several hundred eggs. Most species deposit their eggs around ponds, streams or swamps on overhanging vegetation such as grasses or cattails.

Yellow flies congregate in shaded, humid areas on the edges of forests, rivers and creeks, avoiding large, open, sunny areas. Some species are active in the early morning while other species are more active in the late afternoon.

However, depending upon conditions such as heavy tree canopy, cloudy days or when an animal is moving through an area, yellow flies can become active and bothersome throughout the day. “Yellow flies” prefer to attack man about the head, neck or shoulders, however, any exposed part of the body may be attacked.

Their persistence to obtain a bloodmeal, once a host is found, can make 5 or 6 flies unbearable. Sometimes the use of the old-fashioned fly swatter will give relief by taking out the few flies in an area.

What to do

A trapping method homeowners can use, which does not involve the use of pesticides, is called the “sticky black ball” trap. Basically it is a beach ball, (milk jugs work just as well and are easier to hang) painted black and coated with a sticky substance. The sticky substance is called Tangle-Trap and comes in a spray or liquid applicator. It can be found at local Ace Hardware stores.

These devices are hung from a tree limb using string, in a shaded area, about 4 feet above the ground. Movement of the ball by the wind attracts the flies, thinking it is an animal, they land, get stuck, and die on the ball. Several of these balls will reduce the local adult populations.

CLICK HERE FOR VISUAL INSTRUCTIONS

South Walton Mosquito Control District will provide a ball and instructions so residents can make more if he or she feels they are effective for their situation. For more information, call (850) 267-2112.

You can also create your own “ball” using a milk jug, spray paint it a dark color and apply a sticky substance.

Vegetation management
By removing underbrush around a residence, helps to eliminate resting sites for the flies and increases light levels making the area less attractive.

Bite and sting relief
Here is a general purpose sting relief for yellow flies. It is also helpful for mosquito, chigger and jellyfish bites.
1 tsp. baking soda
1/3 cup ammonia (Windex is mostly ammonia)
1/3 tsp. papain (meat tenderizer)
1 crushed aspirin
Mix thoroughly and store in refrigerator (be sure to label container). When needed, shake well and apply with cotton swab, and rub briskly.

Personal protective measures include the use of repellants containing DEET (diethyl metatoluamide) applied to exposed skin. Wearing physical barriers such as a head net, long sleeve shirts and long pants are effective protection if you must be out in areas where “yellow fly” populations are high. Permethrin containing products labeled for application to clothing only, can also be effective in repelling and killing “yellow flies”. Thankfully, “yellow fly” season is relatively short, one maybe two months, and then mosquitoes become our major pest.

Information courtesy South Walton Mosquito Control.

Other methods locals have used with some success: Witchazel, Preparation H with aloe if put on bite immediately helps relieve itching and swelling, Cortisone cream.

Check comments below for reader contributions and suggestions.

Posted in Environment, Home/Garden | Tagged , , | 54 Comments
Posted on May 1, 2012 by Walton Outdoors

Star gazing by the shore at Henderson Beach State Park May 25

Photo couresy NASA.gov/Doug Zubenel (TWAN)

View through a telescope and learn about the stars in the sky

The Department of Environmental Protection’s Henderson Beach State Park will host a star gazing program.  Volunteers from the Northwest Florida Astronomy Association will set up several telescopes for public viewing of star clusters, planets, and galaxies.  They will also answer questions about the night sky.  All ages are invited to enjoy an evening of star gazing.  The park will close at sunset.  All those attending the star gaze should arrive prior to sunset.  Call park for sunset time.  * Event Weather Permitting*

Fees:  Program included in the park admission fee.

Contact: (850) 837-7550

Directions:  Henderson Beach State Park is located in Okaloosa County, on Highway 98 just east of Destin.

 

Posted in Beaches, Nature, Outdoor Family Fun | Tagged , , | Leave a comment
Posted on May 1, 2012 by Walton Outdoors

World class skimming in Seagrove Beach

Local skim boarder Derek Makekau caught some great action in the Gulf in Seagrove April 29. Photo courtesy Brandan Babineaux.

Perfect day for skimmers

Local photographer extraordinaire Brandan Babineax captured this great photo while a pair of world class skim boarders were enjoying themselves near Seagrove Beach on April 29. Locals Derek Makekau (pictured) and Kenny L’Abbe caught some great action on a perfect day on the Gulf of Mexico.
For more great photos by Brandan Babineaux, go to his Facebook page by clicking here.

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Posted on April 30, 2012 by Walton Outdoors

Fishing manufacturer demos at Copeland’s Gun Shop May 5

Pro fisherman Tony Bigot will be doing demonstrations on top name fishing equipment all day at Copeland’s Gun Shop May 5 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Sponsors to be promoted: Mann’s Bait Company, Quantum Rods and Reels, Minn-Kota Trolling Motors, Humminbird Depth Recorders, Vicious Fishing Line, Laser TroKar Hooks and Nick’s Seafood Restaurant.

Copeland’s Gun Shop
17290 U.S. Hwy. 331 S
Freeport, Florida 32439
(850) 835-4277

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Posted on April 29, 2012 by Walton Outdoors

May Day Festival at Wee Care Park in DeFuniak Springs May 5

maydayfest2 May Day Festival at Walton County Fairgrounds May 21Gospel music, entertainment, food and family fun

The 6th Annual May Day Festival and BBQ Cook-Off is May 5th at the Wee Care Park in Defuniak Springs. Opening ceremonies are at 10 a.m. This is a family event and for the entire community.  The BBQ Cook-Off is being hosted by the Fla Panhandle BBQ Society.  There will be softball, musical entertainment including The Headliners from Mossy Head Elementary at 10:30 a.m., New Heights Wrestling at 5 p.m., and much more.

For more information, call (850) 520-4290 or go to: www.annualmaydayfestival.com ::MAP::

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Posted on April 28, 2012 by Walton Outdoors

Take a dolphin cruise and support Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge May 5

George Gray started the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge to rescue Kiwi - the baby dolphin stranded in Santa Rosa Sound.

Food, beverages and music by Dannica Lowery

Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge invites you to join them for the Waves for Wildlife Dolphin Cruise aboard the Southern Star of Destin Harbor on Saturday, May 5, 2012 at 2:30 p.m. The Refuge’s annual dolphin cruise is the highlight of their year. The emerald waters of Destin Harbor, the sun, the gentle breezes and what is a sure bet, the company of pods of dolphins make for a wonderful adventure. Watch dolphins weave through the waters of the Harbor and dance alongside the Southern Star as she makes way. There should be plenty of baby dolphins running alongside mama as we enjoy the beauties of an afternoon on the Gulf of Mexico.

Enjoy live music by Santa Rosa Beach acoustic artist Dannica Lowery, nominated 3 years in a row for Best Female Vocalist in the Beachcomber Music Awards, and Best Solo Artist in the Pensacola Half Hour Happy Hour Awards (www.dannicalowery.com). Food, soft drinks and adult refreshments are provided and we’ll be raffling off some great prizes. Last, but not least, there will be a special appearance by our live Animal Ambassadors.

Host is Capt. Steve Wilson who pioneered Destin’s first dolphin cruise in 1994. Captain Steve designed and built the 150 passenger glass bottom boat, the Southern Star (www.southernstardolphincruise.com) that will be carrying us on the cruise. More than 8,000 dolphin sightings have been experienced aboard the Southern Star over the past 17 years. We’re sure we will enjoy the same on May 5.

Boarding will begin promptly at 2:15 pm at Harborwalk Marina, Destin, next to the Lucky Snapper. We’ll be back at the slip by 4:30 p.m. Please call the Refuge at (850)650-1880 for more information. Tickets are only $30 for adults and $15 for children under 10.
Click here to purchase tickets or contact the Refuge at (850) 650-1880.

Posted in Eco tourism adventure, Environment, Outdoor Family Fun | Tagged , | Leave a comment
Posted on April 28, 2012 by Walton Outdoors