Community workshop regarding beach accesses and potential change in future use of Topsail Hill Preserve State Park July 30

July 22, 2014

Terns along the beach at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park. Lori Ceier/Walton Outdoors
Terns along the beach at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park. Lori Ceier/Walton Outdoors

Date/time: July 30 at 6 p.m. – South Walton Courthouse Annex, 31 Coastal Center Blvd., Santa Rosa Beach, FL

The Walton County Tourist Development Council is proposing a public beach access within Topsail Hill Preserve State Park’s western boundaries. The proposed ¼ mile+ long boardwalk would be a pedestrian and bicycle access only with no parking or restroom facilities.

A public workshop will be held on this subject and other proposed accesses on July 30 at 6 p.m. at the South Walton courthouse. The Board of County Commissioners will be voting on whether or not to proceed with the proposed projects at the commissioner’s meeting on Aug. 12. Click here: Requestfromwaltoncounty to view initial request and initial feasibility study of proposed Topsail access.

Outfall at Morris Lake. Lori Ceier/Walton Outdoors
Outfall at Morris Lake. Lori Ceier/Walton Outdoors

If you have ever been to Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, it’s easy to understand why it is celebrated as one of the Florida’s most favored recreation and preservation areas. Topsail contains 16 distinct natural communities, and is home to several threatened and endangered species such as the snowy plover, Choctawhatchee beach mouse, and gopher tortoise to name a few. It features wet prairies, scrub, pine flatwoods, marshes and cypress domes. More than three miles of crystal white quartz beaches await your enjoyment, along with five beautiful coastal dune lakes. In total, the preserve is 1,643 acres of natural wonder.

One must experience Topsail first hand to comprehend its incredible significance as an important place to conserve. The scent of rosemary, pines, salt air, stimulate your senses as you explore the many natural features of this extraordinary place. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is the last of its kind; a precious jewel that hopefully will be left intact for future generations to enjoy. It is one of the last remaining natural examples of Real Florida.

Click here for Topsail Hill Preserve’s Unit Management Plan.

Click here to learn more about exploring beautiful Topsail Hill Preserve State Park.