June 30, 2016

Archive

Miramar Beach access health advisory lifted, Blue Mountain Beach access health advisory still in effect

June 30, 2016 – The Florida Department of Health in Walton County (DOH-Walton) conducts regularly scheduled saltwater beach water quality monitoring at seven sites through the Healthy Beaches Monitoring Program. Samples are collected from March through the end of October. The water samples are analyzed for enteric bacteria (enterococci) that normally inhabit the intestinal tract of humans and animals, which may cause human disease, infections, or rashes. The presence of enteric bacteria is an indication of fecal pollution, which may...

Walton County fishing report for June 29

Fishing is good Bay: Still good redfish bites along with a few trout still biting. Some black drum bites, small, 24″ or less. Not big enough to be wormy, so good eating. River: Bass and shellcracker. 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...

Health advisories issued for Miramar and Blue Mountain beach

The Florida Department of Health in Walton County (DOH-Walton) conducts regularly scheduled saltwater beach water quality monitoring at seven sites through the Healthy Beaches Monitoring Program. Samples are collected from March through the end of October. The water samples are analyzed for enteric bacteria (enterococci) that normally inhabit the intestinal tract of humans and animals, which may cause human disease, infections, or rashes. The presence of enteric bacteria is an indication of fecal pollution, which may come from storm water...

Century plants can pack a powerful punch to gardeners

When landscaping in dry, sandy areas, century plants (Agave Americana) are often a popular choice when xeriscaping is in mind. The plant is drought tolerant, and does well in the sandy soil of coastal landscapes. The leaves get up to 6′ long and 10″ wide, and the flower stalk is branched, 20-40′ tall, it bears large yellow-green flowers. However, most folks are not aware the Agave Americana has several toxic compounds. It contains the irritating calcium oxylate raphides (microscopic daggers...

Bay scallop conservation measures approved for St. Joe Bay

St. Joe Bay season Aug. 22 – Sept. 5 At the June 23 meeting near Apalachicola, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved measures to conserve bay scallops in the St. Joseph Bay area. The measures include delaying and shortening the recreational bay scallop season so it will open Aug. 22, run through Sept. 5, 2016 (Labor Day), and will close to harvest Sept. 6, as well as changing the daily bag limit to 40 scallops per person...

Twists and turns keep you paddling on Turkey Creek

Turkey Creek paddle full of beautiful surprises One of Northwest Florida’s most scenic waterways is the narrow, seepage spring fed Turkey Creek just west of Niceville. Located on Eglin Air Force Base Reservation, just off of SR 85, Turkey Creek meanders through the Reservation offering a challenging and beautiful paddle approximately 9 miles long. Swift and clear, the first two thirds of the paddle is tight, filled with twists and turns, and beautiful vistas as you maneuver the waterway. Trees...

FWC votes to postpone bear hunting in 2016

EASTPOINT, Fla. – July 22 the seven-member Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) voted to postpone bear hunting in Florida in 2016. Although the framework for bear hunting in Florida remains in place, there will be a zero hunt objective set for 2016, and the Commission could consider future bear hunting in 2017. Nick Wiley, FWC executive director said, “Although hunting has been demonstrated to be a valuable tool to control bear populations across the country, it is just...

Independence Day celebrations around Walton July 4

South Walton Seaside 8 a.m. – Seaside 4th of July Parade. Starts at Seagrove Plaza, 3723 East C-30A, Seagrove Beach. The parade will leave the plaza at 8 a.m. and travel west to Seaside where each entry will be judged. 7:15 p.m. – Find your spot on the lawn for a festive Pop’s performance from the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra. 9 p.m. – Fireworks. Grayton Beach 8 a.m. – Decorate anything with wheels, no registration needed. Line up at the Red...