July 29, 2016

Archive

Art in the park at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Aug. 19

Date/time: August 19, 2016 – 9 – 11:30 a.m. Enjoy a mixed medium paint lesson with Cindi Newhouse incorporating the beautiful surroundings at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park.  Each participant will leave with their lovely painting as a memento. Cost: $25. Class fee covers cost of materials needed and a minimum of five participants are needed for the class to occur. If you wish, bring a lunch to enjoy with your fellow classmates and Cindi out on the back porch...

Walton County fishing report for July 29

Fishing is good Bay: Big redfish bite, large sizes along with trout bite still going on despite the heat. River: Good flathead catfish bites. One report of 30 bass caught on one creek. Bay: A few sharks and jacks being caught. 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....

Rest eternally among long leaf pines at Glendale Memorial Nature Preserve

A subject not easily addressed is end of life burial decisions. Fortunately, there are several options outside of what once was considered the norm. Burial trends are shifting according to the National Funeral Directors Association, as more burials reflect consumer lifestyles returning to simplicity. One such choice on the rise is eco-friendly green burials. A green burial is defined as a natural return to the earth without embalming, using a biodegradable casket, or, no casket at all. Located in the...

Williford Spring on Econfina Creek a cool family destination

Park features include swimming area, picnic pavilions, grills, boardwalks, and restrooms The Northwest Florida Water Management District has completed restorations of Williford Spring in southern Washington County, Florida. The $1.52 million project improved water quality and protected the shoreline of Williford Spring. Recreational enhancements include spring entry steps, patio terrace, spring view deck, canoe dock, boardwalks, composting toilets, picnic pavilions, parking area, a connector trail to Pitt and Sylvan springs, as well as interpretative trails and native landscaping throughout the...

Melt the butter; spiny lobster seasons start July 27

Two-day season July 27-28, regular season Aug. 6 – March 31 The 2016 spiny lobster season opens with the two-day recreational sport season July 27 and 28, followed by the regular commercial and recreational lobster season, which starts Aug. 6 and runs through March 31. Planning on catching some of these tasty crustaceans? Here is what you need to know before you go. No one wants a small lobster for dinner. Make sure you check the size. Measuring devices are...

Choctawhatchee Audubon Society meeting Aug. 4

The Choctawhatchee Audubon Society’s monthly meeting will focus on the natural history and conservation of the Bahama Parrot. Although the Bahama Parrot is one of the closest native parrots to the United States, people rarely know of this species. Dr. Caroline Stahala has been conducting behavioral and demographic studies on this parrot for 14 years now and will be presenting on the species’ natural history. This parrot exhibits a unique behavior in that it nests underground in limestone solution cavities....

New enhancements installed at Choctaw Beach Park

The long awaited improvements to the Choctaw Beach Park and boat ramp have been completed. The project consisted of construction of a new more accessible boat ramp, improved paved parking area and the construction of new bathroom facilities. Walton County Facility Maintenance crews have also provided some additional landscaping to the site. Funding for the project was provided by the Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission through the Florida Boating Improvement Program, and the Board of County Commissioners. More than a boat...

Health advisory issued for Morrison Springs July 20

UPDATE July 22 -Effective immediately, the Florida Department of Health in Walton County is rescinding the July 20, 2016 health advisory for the Morrison Springs bathing place. DOH Walton feels that water quality in this area has improved considerably due to the reduction in bacteria levels. DOH will continue to monitor the water quality in this area monthly and routinely advise the public of results.  For more information, contact the DOH Walton at 850-892-8021. Walton County July 20, 2016 –...