Beaches

Category

Beaches of South Walton hosting coastal clean up day Sept. 25

The Beaches of South Walton Tourist Development Council are inviting residents and visitors to help clean up its 26-mile coastline while participating in the world’s largest volunteer effort to protect the ocean during the 25th Annual International Coastal Cleanup on Saturday, Sept. 25 from 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. The TDC is dedicating five main clean-up sites to the effort, with staging accesses at Miramar Beach, Dune Allen, Blue Mountain, Ed Walline and Inlet Beach.  Complimentary clean-up supplies, water and...

Independent water testing on July 10 negative for DOSS in South Walton Gulf water

Local chapter of Surfrider hopes to continue to test, raise awareness On July 10, Emerald Coast Surfrider Foundation members took Gulf water samples from Okaloosa Island Pier, Miramar Beach at Pompano Joes, Blue Mountain Beach and Seaside. The local surfing organization started going the extra mile beyond government agency testing to acquire specific results to determine if DOSS (Dioctyl Sulfosuccinate Sodium Salt), was present in the water. DOSS is used in corexit dispersants. On Aug. 4 the test results came...

South Walton sea turtle nests headed to the east coast

South Walton Turtle Watch Group assists USFWS, NOAA and FWC in relocation program It was a busy morning on South Walton beaches July 26 as South Walton Turtle Watch assisted U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration biologists in relocating sea turtle nests. The nests are being relocated to the east coast to ensure the sea turtle hatchlings do not encounter oil from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The eggs are removed within a week...

Tropical depression Bonnie has little impact on South Walton beaches

Storm causes small surf action, rip currents Tropical depression Bonnie had little impact on South Walton Beaches July 24. The storm action did, however created rip currents and 2-4 foot seas along South Walton’s beaches. With wind speeds less than 30 m.p.h. and dissipating, there are no coastal watches or warnings in effect at this time. South Walton Fire District lifeguards warn of the hazards of rip current: Rip currents have the potential to form very quickly at any location...

Colorful path to the Gulf of Mexico

Beach path a canvas of color Local resident Jamie Conley snapped this beautiful photo of a path to the beach near Seagrove in South Walton County. The colorful flowers are part of the Asteraceae (aster or daisy) family, native to our coastal beaches. “This world is but a canvas to our imagination.” ~ Henry David Thoreau...

Learn about sea turtles at Topsail July 22

Learn about preserving these ancient and majestic creatures Location: Topsail Hill Preserve State Park on Scenic Road 30A Thursday, July 22 – 1:30 p.m. The majestic sea turtles are in the midst of another reproductive season.  Learn the facts about common Sea Turtles at Topsail.  Be a part of an enlightening program and see what you can do to help preserve these awe inspiring creatures of the sea. Park at the Day-Use area on Hwy 30A and take a short walk...

Get in free day at Florida State Parks July 17

Celebrate Recreation and Parks month with swimming, hiking or sitting  under a shade tree! Recognizing the benefits of time spent outdoors in Florida’s environment, Governor Charlie Crist recently signed a proclamation highlighting July as Recreation and Parks Month in Florida. Saturday, July 17 the Florida Park Service (FPS) will offer FREE entry to all state parks, excluding the Skyway Fishing Pier. Canoe rentals, camping and other activities will be available at the regular price. With Florida’s famous sunshine and hot...