June 26, 2013

Archive

Help imperiled bird species survive along our beaches

Be mindful and respect wildlife this coming holiday weekend and every day By Jeff Talbert, Park Services Specialist Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Each year on our beaches, imperiled animals come to nest. Many visitors and residents are aware of our nesting sea turtles and even our endangered beach mice. However, most aren’t aware of our nesting shorebirds. Each year Okaloosa, Walton, and Bay County beaches play host to a variety of nesting shorebirds including snowy plovers and least terns....

Walton County fishing report for June 26

Fishing is good! Choctawhatchee Bay: A fair amount of redfish, trout and some black drum being caught in the bay. Creeks/river: Stripers, hybrids and bass in the river. All in all, pretty good! 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 Freeport, Florida 32439 (850) 835-4277 Store...

Bay scallop season starts July 1

CHANGE OF DATE: Gov. Rick Scott changes opening date to June 29 It’s that time of year again to unfurl the dive flag, put a mask on and head to the coast to collect some bay scallops. The recreational season is open in Gulf of Mexico state waters (shore to 9 nautical miles) from the Pasco-Hernando county line to the west bank of the Mexico Beach Canal in Bay County starting June 29. The season will remain open through Sept....

Guns and Hoses softball tournament June 29

The Walton County Sheriff’s Office and the South Walton Fire District will be squaring off in a benefit softball tournament on Sat., June 29, 2013. The tournament will be held at the Freeport Sports Complex at Hammock Bay with the first game starting at 10:30 a.m. There will be food concessions, activities for the kids and raffle items. The 2013 tournament proceeds will be given to Walton County Sheriff’s Office Communications Officer Duane Timmons. Duane suffered a life-altering stroke in...

Audubon seeks volunteer shorebird stewards

You can help beach birds nest in peace Did you know beach-nesting birds like Snowy Plovers, Black Skimmers, American Oystercatchers and Least Terns lay their eggs on top of the sand and raise their young on our local beaches? To help Florida’s beach-nesting birds nest safely and successfully, Audubon and their partners post signs and twine around their nesting areas. For added protection, volunteers chaperon these posted areas on busy warm-weather weekends to educate beach-goers about the birds and the...

Twists and turns keep you busy on Turkey Creek

Clear creek full of natural wonder Note: The double culvert south of the Hippy Hole launch area is currently not navigable due to collapse. Interested in a challenging, beautiful kayak or canoe paddle? Head over to Jackson Guard at Eglin Air Force Base and get yourself a recreation pass, as one of Northwest Florida’s most scenic paddles awaits your paddling skills on Turkey Creek. Located on Eglin Air Force Base Recreation Area in Niceville, the Turkey Creek paddle from the...

Look to the sky for the Perigee full moon June 22-23

Supermoon of 2013 will occur on June 23 at 6:32 a.m. CDT Some call it the supermoon, however scientists call it the Perigee moon. Either way, look to the sky to view the closest full moon of the year on June 23, 2013 at 11:32 UTC (6:32 a.m. CDT in the U.S.). For many, the moon appears about as full in the June 22 evening sky as it does on the evening of June 23. This full moon is not...