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Fun filled day in Downtown DeFuniak Springs Oct. 5

Saturday, October 5, 2013 is a day to spend in downtown DeFuniak Springs. Three different events make for a wonderful day of free activities and entertainment in the delightful setting of historical, downtown DeFuniak Springs. Come and enjoy a full day of fun with your neighbors and friends! The day starts off with Peddlers Alley from 8 a.m. – noon. Sponsored by the DeFuniak Springs Visitor’s Bureau, this event includes three blocks of complete variety in the alleys between Baldwin...

Florida Fish and Wildlife hosting exotic pet amnesty day at Gulfarium October 5

Opportunity for people to surrender their exotic pets free Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Sat., Oct. 5, 2013 Location: Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park 1010 Miracle Strip Parkway SE Fort Walton Beach, Fl 32548 More than 500 fish and wildlife nonnative species, also known as exotic species, have been observed in Florida. Not all nonnative species present a threat to native species, but some have become invasive by causing harm to native species, posing a threat to human health and...

Scenic Hwy. 30A at Big Redfish Lake now open

DeFuniak Springs, FL – On Sept. 12, 2013, Walton County District 5 Commissioner Cindy Meadows announced the reopening of CR 30A at Big Redfish Lake, effective immediately. Due to large rain events that have been occurring in Walton County since the July 4th weekend, a section of roadway CR 30A at Big Redfish Lake had collapsed in August.  Crews have been working to repair the section of road in order to reopen it to traffic for several weeks. “We are...

First Saturday fun at E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center Oct. 5

Hours: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. – Oct. 5: A marine themed day with touch-tanks, sea turtle info, and marine critter crafts Join in on the fun at the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center every 1st Saturday of the month starting October 5th. Every 1st Saturday will be packed full of “Eco-Fun” with multiple presenters and family friendly activities and entertainment. Look forward to nature hikes, arts & crafts, games, animal adventures, and awesome exhibits that will entertain all ages. General...

Emerald Coast Reef Association hosting lionfish tournament Sept. 14 – Oct. 13, 2013

Spear fishing tournament The Emerald Coast Reef Association is hosting a lionfish tournament Sept. 14 – Oct. 13, 2013. Registration is $25.00 per two person team. Rules are posted here: www.ecreef.org or download here: 2013 Tournament Rules Grand Prize: $2,500.00 1st Place: $1,000.00 2nd Place: $750.00 3rd Place: $500.00 Largest Fish $100.00 Smallest Fish $100.00 Best Lionfish Video: $200.00 Registration locations: Scuba Tech ~ Destin Emerald Coast Scuba ~ Destin Divers Emporium ~ Crestview Discovery Dive World ~ Valparaiso Online...

Dreaded dog flies invade Northwest Florida

Dog flies a nuisance to both humans and pets from August to November When fall approaches those refreshing weather fronts will move through from the north bringing lower humidity, lower temperatures and the infamous dog fly. The stable fly (Stomoxys calcitrans), known as the dog fly in Northwest Florida, is a blood feeding fly that is a nuisance to man, pets, and livestock. From August through November the dog fly congregates on the Florida Panhandle beaches. This fly originates from...

DEP announces spring improvement projects

Williford on Econfina Creek in Youngstown and Jackson Blue on Merritt’s Mill pond in Marianna only two Northwest Florida projects Governor Rick Scott announced Sept. 4, 2013 ten water quality and water quantity springs improvement projects. Funding for the spring projects was leveraged from a $10 million investment from the Florida Families First Budget, more than $1 million from Department of Environmental Protection funding, and investments from local partners, for a total of nearly $37 million for springs projects. The...