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:

Business in South Walton - Starbucks closing in Rosemary Beach & WaterColor - Say it ain't so!

A few weeks ago, Olivier mentioned he had been hearing rumors that the Starbucks at Rosemary Beach AND WaterColor were slated to close as part of a major downsizing the company was undertaking in response to the sluggish U.S. economy.  Alas, the rumors were laid to rest a few days ago.  Starbucks released a list of 616 company-owned U.S. stores to be closed and - gulp - Rosemary Beach and WaterColor are on the list.

When Olivier first told me the rumor, my initial response at the time was something like...

"Aaaahhh...well, that is the stupidest rumor I've heard in a long time, my love!  Geesh."

My denial had kicked in - I'm an unashamed brand snob and Starbucks is right up there for me - their Café Americano is my absolute favorite coffee drink in the world - and Starbucks at WaterColor as it is an adorable location and really convenient for me as they have lots of parking and outdoor seating, making it a practical place to meet friends or clients.  My denial skewed my rationale on this matter, looking something like this: 

• Rationale: Every time I stopped in at either location, there were customers, sometimes in a line that went out the door! 
  Truth: OK OK - that was usually only up until around noon but when they were busy, they were busy!
  
• Rationale: Both stores are in some of the best "prime" South Walton commercial locations on Scenic 30A!  Most businesses would love to be in those spots! 
  Truth:  30A commercial lease prices are unjustifiably as high as some major metropolitan areas around the country, thanks to the run up in real estate pricing a few years ago which is still adjusting itself.
  
• Rationale: I'm sure they had put a chunk of change into renovations and space costs.  Why would they close down and lose their past, and future, investment?
  Truth: It's either close 616 company-owned stores now or die.  Plus, they can always re-enter the market in the future (which they will).

So, what does this tell us about the state of the economy - not only in South Walton - but the country at large?

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...

Mosquito advisory issued in Walton (county)

July 1, 2008.  Source: Andrew Gant, NW Florida Daily News

The Walton County Health Department has advised that the risk of humans contracting mosquito-borne diseases has increased in certain areas of the county.

A horse in Paxton and another one near Bob Sikes Road west of DeFuniak Springs recently tested positive for Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE).

The advisory, which was issued Tuesday, is not meant to scare people, said Jessica Franks, the health department's senior health educator and public information officer.

"We want people to know about the prevention," she said.

With a high mortality rate - one in three people infected die - EEE is regarded as one of the most serious mosquito-borne diseases in the country.  MORE...

Hip Happening, Notable News from WaterColor & WaterSound

The Ogden Museum of Southern Art opens museum in WaterColor

Building upon the larger regional and national interest in the Ogden Museum of Southern Art/University of New Orleans, the Ogden will open a new satellite museum on July 3, 2008 located in WaterColor Resort, one of the South's most popular and rapidly growing regions along Highway 30A in Northwest Florida, in the former Cerulean's location right of of Scenic 30A in the WaterColor Town Center (next to Sugar Pies Cafe).

The Ogden Museum of Southern Art @ WaterColor will showcase a number of changing exhibitions, and will also incorporate a branch of the Ogden ’s Center for Southern Craft and Design.

Eileen West will be the on-sight coordinator of exhibitions and daily operations for the Ogden Museum of Southern Art @ WaterColor and will serve as the public representative of the WaterColor location.

The first two exhibitions at WaterColor will be Hunt Slonem: Artist and Collector and Richard Sexton: Terra Incognita, both organized by the museum:

• Hunt Slonem: Artist and Collector offers an intimate glimpse into this famous painter’s life—including his two Louisiana plantations and New York loft and studio. His paintings of birds, animals, flora, saints and other mystics are a colorful result of a lifetime of travel and collecting, incorporating his growing interest in the natural and historical worlds of Louisiana.

• Richard Sexton: Terra Incognita, will appeal to admirers of fine photography, particularly to those who appreciate landscapes. His black and white photographs of the Gulf Coast are dramatic, yet haunting—reminders of a Gulf Coast that has seen its share of change during the 15 years (1991 to 2006) Sexton documented the region. It will be cherished by anyone who spent time running through the dunes, forests and tropical settings of this beautiful, yet sometimes stark coastal environment.

The museum will be open daily, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and admission is free. Phone is 850.231.7735.

• • •

First Annual Summer At The 'Sound Pre-Independence Day Extravaganza

WHAT Summer at the 'Sound is a free public event to celebrate the Village Commons opening at the new WaterSound Community.  Families will enjoy a WaterSound Showcase of Homes tour, swimming in the new Village Commons pool, face painting, magic tricks, live music, kickball, Frisbee, soccer games, giveaways and door prizes, as well as free treats and soft drinks.  Guided bike tours along the Intercoastal Waterway, kayak tours on Lake Powell and golf at the 9-hole Origins course will be offered.  Box lunches are available for purchase.

Family Golf Outing Includes:

• A round of golf for adults ($15.00); Kids 15 and under play free with an adult. A golf cart costs $10.
• Free short game clinic, including chipping and putting, with a member of Camp Creek's professional staff.
• Kid’s Chipping and putting contests.  A small wading pool will enable kids to chip in the water. Winners get candy and treats.

When Thursday, July 3rd, 2008; between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Where Events will take place in and around the new Village Commons Pool, a central gathering spot and resident community hub.  The Davis Love III-designed Origins (nine-hole) Golf Course is just a short stroll from the Village Commons.

Directions WaterSound is located in South Walton County in Northwest Florida, on Highway 98 just north of Scenic Highway 30A, half a mile north of Camp Creek Golf Club and three miles east of WaterSound Beach. The address is 180 North WaterSound Parkway, WaterSound, FL  32413

For event information please call, 850-534-2100

About WaterSound  WaterSound is the newest residential community in the Town of WaterSound.  It sits between the Intracoastal Waterway and Lake Powell, one of the world’s rare dune lakes fed by both rainwater and meandering tides - perfect for freshwater and saltwater fishing.  WaterSound is located three miles from WaterSound Beach, a 256-acre gated community set on a mile of white sand beach, and WaterSound West Beach, a 62-acre gated community with private beach access located adjacent to Deer Lake State Park.

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

Johnny Earles does it again - 30A Resorts

A few months ago, a rumor began circulating around South Walton that changes were coming to Criolla's in Grayton Beach, one of Scenic 30As longest standing and most acclaimed restaurants owned by chef/owner Johnny Earles.  I even blogged about it (read that post here). 

Alas, all rumors were put to rest last Thursday evening when Mr. Earles and his business partners hosted an absolutely fabulous event to announce their new venture - 30A Resorts.  What a soiree it was - Criolla's talented and jovial Executive Chef, Shayne Vaughan, and his crew served up all kinds of tapas and wines from Napa Valley flowed freely. 

The movers and shakers of South Walton were in attendance - Lisa Marie and Jerry Burwell (owners of Cornerstone Marketing & Advertising), Lisa Comeau (Vice President of Account Services, Cornerstone Marketing & Advertising), Bob Brown (Executive Vice President of Creative Services, Cornerstone Marketing & Advertising), Jennifer Steele- (Seaside Rep/CAA) and Balder Saunders (Dread Clampitt), Mike and Angela Ragsdale (Alys Beach/30a.com), Ceri Givens (Regal Properties of NW Florida) and Craige Hoover (Seaside Rep), Ed Berry and Rachel Morgan (For The Health Of It), Karen Terrell (Alys Beach), Karen Otten (Alys Beach), Tom Rymer (H20 Properties), Tommy Crow (Tommy Crow Photography), Stuart Slicis (H20 Properties) Garner Chandler (Beach Properties of Florida), and Buz and Susan Livingston (Livingston Financial Planning/Walton Sun columnist), just to name a few. 

From a press release posted on the 30A Resorts website,

Billie Gaffrey Chosen as ArtsQuest 20th Anniversary Poster Winner

The Cultural Arts Association is proud to announce that the ArtsQuest 20th anniversary poster contest winner is Billie Gaffrey, a self-taught, award-winning artist and Walton County resident.  Gaffrey’s poster was chosen from over twenty submissions by other local and regional artists.

Gaffrey says she was thrilled when she learned she had been chosen, especially in ArtsQuest’s twentieth year.  “I’ve been a part of ArtsQuest for many years, she says, “For my work to be represented during the twentieth anniversary is a real honor.”

Just In - St. Joe's CEO Stepping Down In May '08

By MARK BASCH
The Times-Union

The St. Joe Co. announced late on Monday that company President and Chief Operating Officer Wm. Britton “Britt” Greene will be promoted to chief executive officer, effective May 13.

CEO Peter Rummell, who has run the company for 11 years, will continue as chairman of the Jacksonville-based real estate development company.

Greene, who has more than 25 years of experience in real estate, has been with St. Joe since 1998.

Ripped from the Headlines : Feb 4

NatureWalk only one part of Olson holdings for sale
February 01, 2008 Joyce Owen | Walton Sun Online

It’s official, NatureWalk at Seagrove is for sale.

Not as in one lot at a time as part of the NatureWalk community, but the entire project has been put on the market.

On Jan. 26, a sign in front of the Seagrove Villas motel, was replaced with a for sale sign.

On Monday, the sign was removed, but the property had not sold. Instead, H2O Properties Realtor Hunter Roquemore, the listing agent, said there was indecision about how the sign at that location looked, but after discussions with the owner, the original sign was going back up.

“We have that property (listed) for $21 million,” Roquemore said.

Vie - people+places coming soon

OMG, folks - I just can't believe how many fabulous people we have in this community!  Since the launch of SoWal Scene just a few short weeks ago, I have not only reconnected with old acquaintances but have also had the pleasure of meeting a lot of interesting, inspirational people.  I am being totally honest when I say that I have buoyantly walked away from every exchange to date not only with a big smile and warm and fuzzy feeling, but also a greater insight into the unique spirit of the South Walton community.  Although the current sting of the local economy is a shared one, there is a prevailing sense of gratitude as well for what is woven into the collective fabric of life here.  Wow.

With that insight, I was absolutely thrilled to have crossed paths with Lisa Marie Burwell, President and Founder of Cornerstone Marketing & Advertising in Grayton Beach.  A proponent of all things positive as well, Lisa is launching a new lifestyle magazine this April called Vie - people+places.  The French word for "life" and "live", Vie-people+places intends to pay tribute to the Emerald Coast and surrounding communities by "celebrating the ‘people and places’ by spanning the region from Pensacola to Apalachicola."  I was sent a mock up of the magazine - it's a beauty like everything Cornerstone produces, it's unique, it's intention is to promote and celebrate people and focus on the positive - this will be a huge success for them.  Here is some more information I received about Vie:   

Seagrove Villas and Motel Back on the Market?

Is it true?  Seagrove Villas and Motel is back on the market (see related stories below)?

Seagrove Villas and Motel has been around since the '50s and is one of the last remnants of "Old Seagrove" -  reason enough for most locals to excuse it's dated and kitschy appearance.  The developers of NatureWalk at Seagrove, located just north of WaterColor Crossings on Hwy 395, had purchased the property for tear down a while back and were going to shuttle homeowners from NatureWalk - which is about 1-1/2 miles away - to a new beach club to be built on the property.  This raised all sorts of questions from a few dozen local residents about congestion on an already congested roadway during our tourist season.

I am surprised to hear that the property is now for sale!  I never thought the plan to shuttle people to the beach club was very logical in the first place and maybe, with the market slow down and lackluster sales in the development, they finally realized that it wasn't a great financial investment for them?  Who knows.  (January 29 - update at bottom of this post)

New South Walton Development - Lupin Beach

I received a press release about a new community being planned by Alys Beach Town Founder Jason Comer.  What a breath of fresh air it is to hear about a new development in the making as opposed to a development going bankrupt or being sued by someone.  I applaud and commend Mr. Comer for his incredible vision and unwaivering confidence in South Walton county. 

I know without a doubt that we will continue to evolve into a premier destination for tourists as well as those looking to locate here permanently, and looks like Mr. Comer shares my optimism.

Alys Beach Founder Invites Community Input on New Project

Alys Beach, FL – (January 22, 2008) – Alys Beach announced today that it is planning a new residential development in Inlet Beach, tentatively called Lupin Beach. The seven-acre property, located just west of Camp Helen State Park, will be developed by Jason Comer, Alys Beach’s Town Founder.

Changes at the Tourist Development Council

I wonder if this is just coincidence or if Ms. Titus' departure's is tied to the hoopla over the new signage on 30A?  Regardless, it's always a pivotal moment in one's career to take a leap of faith into small business ownership.  I wish her the best of luck in her new venture!

Walton TDC executive director stepping down
NW Florida Daily News

After nine years at the helm of the Walton County Tourist Development Council, Executive Director Kriss Titus is stepping down.

Titus is planning on starting her own tourism consulting company, said Tracy Louthain, spokeswoman for the TDC.

Titus will make a formal announcement at a special meeting on Tuesday at 8 a.m. at the TDC office on U.S. 98. The TDC will then decide on how to replace Titus, Louthain said.

The resignation will take effect on Feb. 15, said Walton County Commissioner Cindy Meadows.

Traffic jam alert - Four Laning of Hwy 331 to start

Word on the street is that the county is going to start clearing Hwy 331, from Hwy 98 to the Choctawhatchee Bay Bridge, this week in preparation for lying down the utilties.  The four laning will begin this spring. 

The good news is that it is going to slow down traffic - you take a risk with your life traveling Hwy 331 and many fatal accidents have happened on that span from 98 all the way up to I-10 in DeFuniak Springs.  The bad news is Hwy 331 is a main thoroughfare for both commuters and tourists and this is going to create some major bottlenecks and traffic jams I'm sure, especially with the tourist season upon us.  Let's all cross our fingers together and hope that we don't get an evacuation order this year.

Here is the Project Overview (pdf) -

• 98 to Bridge - This project consists of restructuring the existing two lane rural roadway to a four lane urban section; includes sidewalk being installed; dual left turn lanes; the south end of the causeway is being milled and resurfaced with 4' paved shoulders being added; two retention ponds will be constructed.