January 30, 2013

Archive

Tips on keeping up with fishing regulations from FWC

Stay informed with newest saltwater fishing publication Looking for an easy way to get all of your saltwater fishing regulation information in one place? You are in luck. The January – June 2013 Florida Saltwater Recreational Fishing Regulations booklets are on the shelf at many of your favorite bait and tackle stores. Pick up your own copy today but remember, they are only at stores that also sell saltwater fishing licenses. The newest edition has a striking photo of the...

Cormorants make use of Choctawhathcee Bay Air Force pilings

Folks often ask about the pilings in the Choctawhatchee Bay – why are they there and what purpose the pilings served. There are many a theory, however, truth is the pilings were installed many years ago by the Air Force. Here is what Eglin Air Force representatives have to say: Test Area D-55 is an air-to-ground radar resolution test facility installed in May 1959 and is currently inactive.  It is located in Choctawhatchee Bay and originally consisted of 25 arrays...

Walton County fishing report for Jan. 30

Fishing is good! Choctawhatchee Bay: Sheepshead along the causeway has been biting good. Lots of trout and redfish, small ones with a few keepers. Creeks/river: Crappie bite has been good for those that have been able to find ’em. 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 and Tackle Shop 17290 U.S. Hwy. 331 S...

The ferocious ant lion is an ant bully

Doodlebug has a huge appetite By Jessica Therriault, FWC 
 Ever wonder what digs those cone-shaped indentations in sandy areas of your yard? It is an insect called an ant lion. The ant lion is neither an ant nor a lion. It is a harmless (to people) insect that looks more like a sci-fi movie monster than a real-life backyard critter. It has an appetite to match its ferocious appearance, and its name has everything to do with its favorite...

Learn about hummingbird banding at the Coastal Branch Library Feb. 6

Hummingbird lecture at Coastal Branch Library Feb. 6 On February 6, Fred Bassett will present “Alabama and Florida Hummingbirds – A lot more than you might think.” The program will discuss ruby-throated hummingbirds in depth and introduce several western hummingbird species wintering in the Southeast and show how they are banded. Fred Bassett is a certified master bird bander who is president of Hummingbird Research, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to the study and preservation of hummingbirds. He is a...

Walton County fishing and hunting report for January 23

Fishing is good! Choctawhatchee Bay: Trout bite has been hit and miss. Either folks reeling in none or many. Sheepshead bite is on in a big way along with a few black drum. Creeks/river: Some crappie and bass. Shelcrackers have roe. Very odd. Hunting: Deer are in rut as it should be. 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...

Professional open water seasonal lifeguard positions available in South Walton

The South Walton Fire District’s (SWFD) Beach Safety Division is looking for professional open water lifeguards for the 2013 Season. Position Requirements include: •    at least 18 years of age •    high school diploma •    able to work weekends and public holidays •    in good physical condition •    possession of a valid driver’s license •    complete a 500 meter swim in less than 10 minutes •    complete a 1.2 mile beach run in less than 12 minutes •    successful completion...

Freeport church offers garden greens to community

A mess ‘o greens offered at Freeport United Methodist The generous folks at Freeport United Methodist Church have planted a community garden that gives back. Rev. Wesley Syfrett along with volunteers Ed Yerbey, Butch Shaffer, Greg Yancy and Brian Babbs decided in 2011 to do something that gives back to the community. A field was plowed, a sprinkler system put in and rows of greens such as collards, mustard, spinach along with radishes were planted. “It’s open to the public...