January 27, 2009

Archive

Paddler Completes Saltwater Florida Trail

Entire Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail paddled Matt Keene’s and Jodi Eller’s Sunshine Expedition reached a significant  milestone on Jan. 5 as Matt arrived at Big Lagoon State Park near Pensacola. In a 3-½ month sea kayaking trip, Matt Keene became the first ever thru-paddler of the 1600-mile Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail. He was welcomed by family, friends and supporters in an event coordinated by Escambia County’s Marine Resources Division.  Having also paddled for much of the trip, Jodi took...

A Bad Day Fishing Beats a Great Day at Work

Florida Fish Busters: Top freshwater fishing destinations in Florida for 2009 If you are like me, you’ve probably heard “you should have been here yesterday—the fishing was great,” more times than you can count.  Well, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission biologists continue to give anglers advice upfront that will help them find some of the best honey holes into which to cast a line in the hope that you’ll be the next one bragging about a whopper of a...

Finding Beauty Along the Garden of Eden Trail

Local couple explore trail in Bristol, Florida ***Due to recent tornado activity, the Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines hiking trails are CLOSED until further notice. Trails are blocked by debris and unsafe to hike at this time.*** The state of Florida has some of the most unique geological features in the entire south. From the most familiar beaches to the many crystal clear rivers, a little homework, and a willingness to wander off the beaten path can result in a pleasant...

Scenic signs

Scenic 30A now sports colorful signs New signs for Scenic C30A have been installed along the scenic corridor. Formally known as County Road 30A, the road was officially designated by the Florida Department of Transportation last February. With the designation, Scenic 30A is entitled to state grants and funding to provide trails, lighting and historical information. Walton County’s Scenic 30A spans along the beaches of South Walton County, Florida....

New waterfront park opens in Freeport

Boat launch and parking available on 4 Mile Creek A new park has opened on Four Mile Creek in Freeport. Known by the locals as ‘The Point,’ the park now boasts more than 20 parking spaces and several boat slips. In addition, there are restroom facilities and walkways that wrap around the waterfront. “This park has been 18 years in the works,” said Mickey Marse, mayor of Freeport. In addition, a custom-designed longer slip that runs parallel to the creek...

A beautiful early morning view

Local couple enjoy a special treat as they drink their morning coffee Mike and Angela Ragsdale enjoyed a pleasant surprise in their backyard on Jan. 10. As they sipped their sunrise coffee, a bald eagle swooped in over the Bay and landed on a pine tree branch in their yard. “He sat there for 30-40 minutes, obviously looking for some breakfast,” Mike said. Mike and Angela live on the Choctawhatchee Bay in Santa Rosa Beach....

Reconstructed fishing pier reopens on Lake Powell

A panoramic view of the western portion of Lake Powell now available to the public The Beaches of South Walton Tourist Development Council (TDC) hosted a ribbon cutting on Jan. 6 for the newly reconstructed fishing pier on Lake Powell. The fishing pier is located at the eastern end of Walton County on Lake Shore Drive off of Orange Street, north of Inlet Beach. It is is approximately 50 feet in length with a 10×15 ft. deck at the end...

Camellias blooming at Eden

Flowers displaying brilliant color The camellias a popping out in bloom at Eden Gardens State Park in Point Washington. Plants are available for purchase at the State park from The Friends of Eden. On Feb. 11, the Seagrove Garden Club will meet at Eden Gardens State Park to enjoy the blooming camellias. The meeting will feature an expert on the flower, then lunch will follow in the Pavilion. Call Sharon Jenkins 850-231-3584 for more info. Eden Gardens State Park is...