Environment

Category

Seven Runs Creek Florida Forever project completion on the horizon

TALLAHASSEE –The Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Trust for Public Land and landowner M.C. Davis are partnering to conserve 20,850 acres of critical habitat land east of Eglin Air Force Base after being awarded $1.75 million from the U.S. Department of Defense as part of the 2013 REPI Challenge. The Department is slated to contribute $10.2 million of Florida Forever funds, Davis has discounted the property by $7 million, the U.S. Department of Defense will contribute $1.75 million as part...

Tropical storm Andrea creates strong surf conditions in South Walton

Water closed to the public in South Walton The beach flags for South Walton’s beaches will fly at DOUBLE RED today, June 6, 2013. Extremely dangerous rip currents are forecast to remain through until Friday morning. Please do not enter the surf. The high surf conditions are due to Tropical Storm Andrea. RIP CURRENT DEVELOPMENT PROBABILITY AND RIP CURRENT STRENGTH: very high: very high risk of life threatening rip currents means that wind, wave and tidal conditions all support the...

Oyster reef building volunteers needed on June 7

The Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance is looking for volunteers to help build an oyster reefs on June 7. The project will last from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. You will be bagging oyster shell at the South Walton Center of Northwest Florida State College. Everyone will travel as a group to place bagged oyster shell in the water at a reef site near Live Oak Point (Hogtown Bayou). Some transportation to reef site is available. Meet at the South Walton Center...

Longleaf pine management workshop coming to Ebro June 4

Landowners and land managers with an interest in growing and managing longleaf pines are invited to attend a Longleaf Management Workshop June 4 in Ebro. The 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. workshop is being offered at the Ebro Community Center, 6229 State Road 79. There is no cost to attend but you must pre-register by May 31. “We believe this is a great opportunity for landowners interested in forestry and wildlife management practices to hear from experts who are knowledgeable...

Community clean up day at Choctaw Beach June 8

On Saturday, June 8 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., District 4 Commissioner Sara Comander will be hosting a community clean-up day at Choctaw Beach Park on State Road 20 in the Choctaw Beach Community. The Walton County Public Works Department will be providing dumpsters for Walton County residents to dump trash, yard debris, tires, appliances and other miscellaneous items. There will also be a crew and equipment to off-load heavy items. In addition to providing a place for residents...

New book released about South Walton’s coastal dune lakes

Part-time South Walton resident and nature lover, Ginger Sinton has penned a colorful book on Walton County’s beautiful coastal dune lakes. The area’s rare coastal dune lakes are 15 dynamic, geological treasures. The full-color, 112-page, softbound photo book reveals the beauty and rarity of the lakes and surrounding communities along the Scenic Highway 30A area. Author and photographer Ginger Jackson Sinton explores the beauty of the lakes and the diversity of their ecosystems. With an eye for nature and the...

Hands Across the Sand coming to Santa Rosa Beach May 18

Join Hands to end our dependence on dangerous, dirty fuels.  Join Hands to end global warming and climate change.  Join Hands to embrace Clean Energy.  ”It’s the most important thing we can do as human beings” Dave Rauschkolb, founder. This will again be a gathering in solidarity of people all over the world who care about preserving our precious oceans, oxygen, drinking water and food from dangerous, dirty fuels. The global movement “Hands Across the Sand” will be gathering at Noon...

Morrison Springs Park will be closed May 13 for hydrilla removal

POSTPONED. – County waiting on permit approval. Morrison will be open May 13. Walton County will be closing Morrison Springs Park on Monday, May 13, 2013 to distribute chemicals to eliminate and remove the hydrilla which is currently overtaking the swimming area. The chemicals that will be dispersed are not harmful to swimmers.  The County is closing the park in order to ensure that the chemicals are dispersed correctly to produce better results. The park will reopen as normal on...