SoWal Scene - South Walton County, Florida Blog

Rip currents, drownings and Red Flags in South Walton - The Danger is Real, Folks

Tropical Storm Edouard (video), like all tropical systems that form in the Gulf of Mexico every year, create a very dangerous situation on the beaches along the Emerald Coast - rip currents.  In the last week since the storm formed and moved ashore in Texas, five tourists have drown in Panama City Beach - two of which had been warned by authorities not to enter the water - double red flags were flying - but who chose not to listen and lost their lives because of it. 

In South Walton county, thank Jesus no one has drown recently but many have had to be rescued, most recently, according to the Walton Sun (see article below), yesterday when two got caught in a current at WaterSound, another at Sandestin who had to be life-flighted to Pensacola as she was close to death from drowning and three others who faced similar peril around South Walton.  Double red or red flags had been flying in all instances.

It is important for visitors to know, though, that there doesn't even have to be a tropical system to create rip currents.  Over the Memorial Day weekend, for example, 60+ swimmers who found themselves caught in rip currents had to be pulled to safety in Bay, Walton and Okaloosa counties and two tourists - a 20-year old and a 15-year old - drown.  I have posted on this before (see Related Posts below) and I will continue to post about it because everyone needs to know that the danger is very real and can, as we have seen over and over and over, end up in a tragedy I cannot begin to fathom having to deal with if it were my child, husband, wife, mother, brother, father, grandmother ...... who died because they didn't follow rules - rules meant to protect the very thing they lost - their lives.

So, here once again is critical information - for locals as a reminder, and visitors because we want to equip you with what you need so you can be safe while here with us on your vacation.  Please follow the rules, folks.

• Check the current beach conditions HERE
• Beach Safety Tips and Information HERE

Related Posts:

• What Do You Think?  Swimming on Double Red Flag Days
• 50+ swimmers pulled from Gulf rip currents so far this holiday weekend. Tragically, one tourist drowns.

Related Articles:

Breaking South Walton News - Stranded Mother Whale and Baby on Beach at Beachfront Condos in Seagrove

Just in from JD Johnson of Beach to Bayou Property Inspection - a stranded whale was discovered this morning by a member of the South Walton Turtle Watch who was making their daily early morning walk looking for sea turtle nests.  The whale is located in front of Beachfront condos in Lakewood neighborhood in Seagrove Beach.

It appears this is the mother, and there is a stranded calf further west on the beach.  Volunteers were keeping the whale wet, at the instruction of Fish and Wildlife, and awaiting their arrival, as well as that of a representative from Gulf World Marine Park in Panama City Beach.   Stay tuned for more information.

UPDATE...................................
source: Pauline Sutcliffe-Walton Sun | July 5, 2008

Mother whale and calf beach themselves after shark attack
Beach walkers at Lakewood beach entrance found two pygmy sperm whales, a female and her calf, beached Friday morning. Here's a personal accounty of the drama from Seacrest resident Pauline Sutcliffe.

"Mom whale and young calf were picked up by Gulf World shortly after I took these photos and it was established the calf was about a year old.  MORE...

Welcome to the Beaches of South Walton, Dear Tourists!

Wow!  Driving around today, it's almost as if overnight our population has quadrupled!  Traffic on Hwy 331 S, Hwy 98 and Scenic 30A was at a standstill at certain places.  I don't know if there was a parking spot available at Publix at WaterColor Crossing - it sure didn't look like it so I decided to postpone my trip until tomorrow morning.  The 4th of July holiday is historically one of the top 3 busiest times of year in South Walton and it is a relief to see so many visitors.  No one could predict what our season had in store for us with the state of economy where it's at.  Numbers aren't in but I think we'll fare well this year.  And all these folks in town is great news for all businesses in our area. Yeah!

Let me be one of the first to welcome all of you visiting our beautiful beaches!  We are really glad you are here.  Here are just a few gentle reminders - for both locals and tourists - as we all dive into a 4th of July week of fun in the sand, surf and sun.

• Mind the Beach Flag System
  The flags on our beaches inform you of what the current "risk" is to swim in the Gulf.  Rip currents are prevalent here and every year, tragically people are pulled out far from shore and drown because they don't mind the flag system (read more) and don't know how to navigate out of a rip current.  When in doubt or if you are swimming in water more than knee deep, it's a good idea to swim with a flotation device.  Green means low hazard/calm conditions.  Yellow means Medium Hazard and Moderate Surf/Currents.  Red means High Hazard and High Surf and/or Currents - don't enter the water.  Double Red means it's so dangerous, the water is closed to swimmers.  Purple means Marine Pests are present (right now, it's Jellyfish).
• Leave No Trace at the beach
  Our beaches are some of the most beautiful and pristine in the world.  Did you know the Beaches of South Walton is the only destination in the country to have all 26 miles of coastline certified as "Blue Wave"?  Everyone needs to pitch in to keep it this way by making sure, when you leave the beach, you remove every single item that you brought there with you.  Do not leave garbage of any sort behind.  And I know - lugging a truckload of beach chairs, toys, tents, towels and coolers to the beach is a real pain in the butt.  Lugging it all back home after a long day in the sun and surf sucks even more.  But it's your responsibility to remove it all.  And fill those holes you dig, too, please!
• Help The Sea Turtles
  Did you know we have several types of turtles that use our beaches to nest every year?  This is their nesting season and when we dig big holes and don't fill them or leave chairs and toys scattered on the beach, they sometimes can't navigate around this stuff and they don't nest.  Keep in mind, too, they are endangered species so they need us to be good stewards. 
• You Have Arrived - You can Slow Down
  There is a sign in Grayton Beach that says this which I appreciate every time I drive by.  It reminds me we are headed to the beach and it's time to switch into relaxation mode and leave the office and bills at home.  There is no need to rush when you are in paradise.  There is no need to get huffy if you have to wait - in line, for a table, at a stop sign... You have arrived - relax, smile, be happy.

Plastic, real estate and how they compute?

Posted by contributing Real Estate Blogger, Bert Summerville-Kain

When I was a young child, during a rainy day, I would sit on the hardwood floor of the cozy little kitchen we had, and set up the black and white dominoes like tiny soldiers in one continuous line.  Sometimes the line would be curvy and sometimes I would make it as straight as an arrow.  Then after I had put the last domino from the box at the end of the line, I would stand up, make a quick observation of my work of art, and slowly proceed to lightly tap the first domino.  The individual domino would begin to fall, catching the next in line and then that would tap the next and within seconds, a rhythmic chain of falling dominoes would delight my eyes.

Okay, I know you are all wondering what do dominoes, plastic and real estate have in common? 

Living on this beautiful piece of land with the Gulf of Mexico to the south and the Choctawhatchee Bay to the north is, in my estimation, a privilege.  Everyday, we have the ability to observe the natural beauty of this Earth and the added bonus is that our homes and land have a significant monetary value, far above many other parts of the World, which I am going to call my domino number THREE.  Daily, there are new groups of people visiting this area for the first time, and those mesmerized individuals, immediately fall in love with our spit of land.  Many visitors will purchase while they are here, and more come back to find their perfect spot, these are who I call my domino number TWO.

Please stay with me, because it really does come together...............I walk the beaches quite frequently from my home in Seaside to the Grayton State Park where many mornings I will find "treasures", such as  a Mermaid's Purse, a newly built turtles nest, or a glimpse of the dolphins playfully gliding through the water. 

However, more often, my eyes fall upon PLASTIC.  I call this my domino number ONE.  Plastic toys, plastic glasses, plastic bottles, and plastic bags which have all been lazily and carelessly discarded at the water's edge.  If you haven't given much thought about the consequences of misuse and the negligent disposal of this wonderful invention, please take a look at the following link:

http://www.acfnewsource.org/environment/plastic_plankton.html

It made me stop to realize that the various actions we take on this earth are like the motion set in place with the domino set that I used to place so carefully on the kitchen floor.  If we allow the PLASTIC to fall into our water, or overtake our beautiful beaches, it will then push the next domino to reject our area, and that pushes the value of our land, the last domino to tumble. 

I have been so upset about this that I have decided to try and make a difference.  Now, when I get up and walk the beaches every morning, I have a garbage bag in tow, and hope that I might be able to create a large space between the negative dominoes of the world.  I am challenging others to take notice, and be proactive.  WE all can make a difference in maintaining our earth and property values. 

Although I am not an environmentalist, I am a concerned Republican passenger on this spaceship called Earth. 

Bert Summerville-Kain is a Realtor® with Destin Real Estate Company on Scenic 30A in Santa Rosa Beach.  Visit her website at www.beachhouseproperties.com.

What do you think?

The public vs. private beach controversy is back in the spotlight - this time over the "Leave No Trace" ordinance.  Started a year ago, it gives the county authority to remove any personal items left on public beaches after dark, and on private beaches, the owners of the items are left a warning, all in an effort to protect the environment and sea turtle nesting.  Private beach owners are claiming they own the land to the water and should be able to leave whatever they want on their private property.  What do you think?

Related post: Leave No Trace

What do you think? Swimming on Double Red Flag Days

South Walton Life Guards have performed a record number of rescuses in the Gulf so far this season and tragically, two have drown this year.  What do you think?  Should people be ticketed if they enter the Gulf on Double Red Flag Days?

Related Article:

Five years after Black Sunday
Better beach safety in place today, rescuers say
Robbyn Brooks | June 6, 2008 | NW Florida Daily News (story here)

Shalyn Cuadrado loved the beach.

On June 8, 2003, the former lifeguard from Louisiana left the sand and entered the Gulf of Mexico to try and save a young boy in distress. She, along with seven others, didn't survive the surf conditions that day.

(Junior) Lifeguard program aims to create generation of safety awareness

Sean Boone | Walton Sun

The South Walton Fire District begins its first ever Junior Lifeguard Program on June 17 – training children from ages 9-15 the fundamentals of being safe and aware on the water.

“Safety education starts with the kids,” said SWFD Beach Safety Coordinator Gary Wise. Wise said if the younger generation can learn such things as the beach flag system and how to find a dangerous rip current in the water, there won’t be as many people getting in the water when they shouldn’t.
He noted this year’s Memorial Weekend, when more people were rescued than the entire 2007 season, as a clear indication of how important it was for school children to learn proper beach safety and teach it to their parents and friends.

“It brings a new awareness level,” he said. “If we start with the kids, we won’t have so many people coming into the area that don’t understand (the safety warnings).”

The program will be held at the Ed Walline Beach Access every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. through July 31. Participants will be taught such things as CPR, rescues and how to make quick safety decisions that a real lifeguard would have to make in an emergency situation.

As of Wednesday there were 18 available spots left for the program.

Tryouts are being held June 7 at 9 a.m. at Ed Walline. An applicant, depending on their age, must meet a certain time and distance requirement to be admitted to the program.

Wise said there is a possibility for a trip to the U.S. Life Saving Association’s (USLA) Southeast Junior Regional Competition in Fort Lauderdale on Aug. 2.

The cost of the program is $325, but the SWFD is still seeking sponsors for such things as rescue boards. Contact the SWFD Beach Safety Division at 850-267-1298 for signup information.

Sea Turtle Nesting Alert!!

While listening to NPR this morning on the daily drive to school, I was so excited to hear that another Loggerhead turtle nest had been found on Panama City Beaches!  This is the second in PCB that has been found - the first was discovered at Carillon Beach on May 28.  In South Walton, two nest have been found this year, both at Deer Lake State Park - one on May 13, and another on May 25.  Amazing!

I am making an assumption here, but I don't think most know that the Loggerhead, Kemps Ridley and the Green Sea turtle nest on the local beaches every year, from around May 1 to October 31.  We are incredibly fortunate to be witness to this.  The Loggerhead, Kemps Ridley and Green Sea turtles are "threatened species" and it is our duty to act as responsible stewards - to protect and advocate for these ancient, beautiful creatures.  Some more info from TurtleWatch.org (Panama City Beach's Turtle Watch Group) and SeaTurtleWatch.com (South Walton's Turtle Watch Group):

A full-grown loggerhead is about 3 ft long and weighs between 200 and 350 lb.  The females come ashore at night to bury about 100 leathery-skinned eggs, each the size of a ping-pong ball.  The nesting season officially runs from May 1 through October 31.  The first nests are laid near the end of May and the last in mid-August.  Hatchlings first emerge in late July, and hatching usually continues through October unless storms wash the nests away.

Female Sea Turtles that were born on the white sandy beaches always come back to nest on  white sandy beaches.  The sea turtles’ tracks on this sand show up differently than on other darker sand beaches. Because the sun reflects off this white sand the sand does not get as hot as darker beaches, this fact also effects sea turtles. The number of days it takes for the eggs to hatch are longer than on darker beaches and because the temperature of the sand effects the sex of the hatchlings, this means that these white sandy beaches produce more male sea turtle hatchlings. The fact that the ones hatched on these beaches come back makes it our duty to protect these wonderful creature in any way we can.  The Loggerhead sea turtle that has hatched on these white sandy beaches is a sub population of the worlds Loggerheads and there are not many left.  Sea turtles as a group have been on our earth since Dinosaur time.

My elation this morning quickly turned to irritation when I heard that the mama turtle at Carillon had to - get this - navigate through a bunch of beach chairs to find the right spot to lay her eggs.  GRRRRR..... 

I thought to myself at that moment that I'm going to channel my irritation into a positive action and have decided not only to join the South Walton Turtle Watch group, but to use this forum to educate locals and those that visit our beaches about the nesting season - and advocate for the turtles by trying to remind people over and over and over and over if I have to that it is of critical importance that we leave the beach the way we found it when we spend a day there. 

People, listen up:

• If you and your children spend an hour digging a hole to China, fill it when you tire of this exercise.
• Do not leave garbage of any sort behind.  Attention smokers, the beach is not one big ashtray.  Bring your own for godsake.
• I know - lugging a truckload of beach chairs, toys, tents, towels and coolers to the beach is a real pain in the butt.  Lugging it all back home after a long day in the sun and surf sucks even more.  But you made the decision to not pack lightly and therefore it's your responsibility to remove it all, regardless of how tired you are - period.  I don't care if the kids are cranky and you are sunburned - just do it!

What should you do if you encounter a sea turtle?

• Do not go near the turtle - hide if you have to!
• Do not take flash photos - you could scare her back into the water.
• Do not shine any kinds of light on her - again, you can spook her.

Immediately call the Florida Marine Patrol 24 Hour Hotline at (850) 233-5150 or Sharon Maxwell at (850) 897-5228.

If you would like to get involved, here are the links to the local Turtle Watch Groups:

• South Walton Sea Turtle Watch - www.seaturtlewatch.com
• Panama City Beach Turtle Watch - www.turtlewatch.org

Time to Renew That Beach Permit!

I was driving behind someone this morning that had a beach permit and realized - it's June 2!  We need to renew our tag if we want to drive on the beach next weekend - permits expire every year on June 1.

Here is the info from the Walton County Tax Collector's website for those with permits or for those with questions about getting one:

Limited Access Beach
Do you have a 4-wheel drive vehicle and want to access the Beach in Walton County?  Vehicle Access and Boat Launch Beach permits are available at the following branch office in South Walton:

• South Walton Office | (850) 267-3001| Located in the South Walton Courthouse Annex on Hwy. 331 South | 31 Coastal Centre Boulevard, Ste. 700 | Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459

Permit Fee

• $105.00 - For 4-wheel drive vehicles to drive on the limited access areas of the beach only.

Additional Info

• Disabled persons are exempt from the fee, upon submission of documentation of their disability.
• Permit renewals will begin on May 23 and new permits are available for issue beginning June 1 of each year at both offices of the Walton County Tax Collector.
• If there are no changes to be made, you can renew by phone at 850-892-8121 with a debit or credit card and the permit will be mailed to you.
• All permits expire on June 1, regardless of the purchase date.
• Although many vehicles are categorized as 4-wheel drive and meet the eligibility requirement for permits, the amount of ground clearance on many newer SUVs result in vehicles being stuck in the beach sand!
• Driving is prohibited from 10:00 p.m. until sunrise, with the exception of vehicles launching or recovering boats.

Requirements

50+ swimmers pulled from Gulf rip currents so far this holiday weekend. Tragically, one tourist drowns.

CORRECTION - 60+ people pulled from Gulf rip currents in Bay, Walton, and Okaloosa counties so far this weekend.  Tragically, two tourists have drown, a  20-something-year-old man and a 15-year-old boy.  Folks, please respect mother nature and don't enter the water on red days.  I know this crab looks totally goofy - but the message is clear. Be safe.

• Check the current beach conditions HERE
• Beach Safety Tips and Information HERE

Attentiion Memorial Day Beach Goers!! Please "Leave No Trace".

Beaches of South Walton TDC reminds Beach Goers to "Leave No Trace" over Memorial Day Weekend

Any personal items left on public beach walkovers and accesses overnight will be removed from the beach daily as part of the “Leave No Trace” campaign, an international program that guides outdoor enthusiasts in their decisions to reduce their impacts while enjoying recreational activities.

“Leave No Trace” focuses on the concepts of beach maintenance and preservation. By ensuring that each person “leaves no trace” when enjoying the area’s beaches, waterways and natural lands, it helps protect and preserve this destination while ensuring everyone is afforded the same pristine experience. Therefore, personal items left on the beach from dusk until dawn will be discarded.

“Everyone wins when the beach is maintained. Clean beaches benefit the environment and economy alike,” said Tracy Louthain, director of public relations and visitor services for Beaches of South Walton TDC. “Leaving items on the beach overnight has a number of harmful effects ranging from items being taken with the tide and becoming litter, to impacts on nesting sea turtles to spoiling the area’s scenic beauty for which we are known.”

SWFD Junior Lifeguard Program coming to South Walton

I was just talking with someone recently about how I was surprised the SWFD Lifeguard Division hadn't started a Junior Lifeguard program.  Well, lo and behold, I walk into Starbuck's yesterday and see a flyer on the bulletin board they are holding tryouts for...you guessed it...a new Junior Lifeguard program!

I jumped on the website this morning to try to find specific information to share but couldn't find any.  I believe they are holding tryouts for children between the ages of 10 and 15 but I will leave it up to you to call to find out all the fine details.  Call   850-267-1298 for more information.

..................................  UPDATE   UPDATE   UPDATE  ....................................

Just received this info! 

JUNIOR LIFEGUARD PROGRAM
Program begins June 17, 2008
Boys and girls, ages 9-15

Swim tryouts at Ed Walline Beach Access on May 24 @ 8:30am and May 31@ 8:30am.
To register, call 850-267-1298

SoWal Beaches - Not only the Prettiest but Some of the Cleanest

The spring break crowd is beginning to infiltrate the area, the mercury is beginning to rise once again and the new batch of lifeguards have been hired and trained - it's that time again, folks ... beach time!

We all know that the beaches in South Walton county are some of the most pristine and beautiful in the world, but did you know they are also certifiably some of the cleanest in the United States through the Clean Beaches Council.

The Washington D.C-based Clean Beaches Council was formed back in '98 to act as a steward in sustaining America's beaches.  Their mission is to promote public awareness and volunteer participation in sustainability while ensuring a legacy of clean beaches for all generations to come. Very admirable.

Their flagship program - the Blue Wave Campaign - is America’s first environmental beach certification program that gives those beaches that meet a set of guidelines a "certified clean beach" stamp of approval. 

SoWal Scene Question of the Month

What is your favorite SoWal Beach?

Do you have a favorite beach in South Walton that you like to go to?  What beach to you take your visiting friends and family to?  Do you use a chair service?  Pack a lunch?  Go for sunset cocktails? Let us know! 

You can hit the comment link below or send your response to sowalscene@gmail.com and I'll post it here for you.

Attention Photographers and Beach Lovers - Tonight is the Night to Watch the Sunset!

This is really kinda cool, folks!  Wayne Gentry, the morning meteorologist on station B95.1 said that the sun will be setting at the exact time the full moon is rising tonight and they will be on an equal plane on the horizon!  I have been on the beach in times past when the full moon rose and sun set simultaneously - and it is one natural event everyone should witness before they die as it's a stunning, take-your-breath-away kind of moment - but have never seen it happen when they are rising and setting on the horizon together in unison..oohhh, cool.  For a full explanation, you can visit this website.

I have a 5pm meeting tonight so I, regrettably, won't be there to snap photos to share with you tomorrow.  If you do go to the beach this eve and snap some pics, please email me (sowalscene@gmail.com) a photo or two so I can post them for everyone to see.