Beach Archive

A new study shows that Florida’s pristine coral reefs are under a growing threat from climate change.

Gulf Islands National Seashore invites you to #FindYourPark. The Seashore, with its blue-green, sparkling waters, magnificent white beaches, and fertile coastal marshes, is made up of 12 areas, including historic forts, shaded picnic areas, bayou and coastal view trails, campgrounds and island wilderness areas. From Cat Island, Miss., it stretches eastward 160 miles to the Okaloosa Area east of Fort Walton Beach.

The separate owners of two derelict sailboats in Santa Rosa Sound near Juana’s Pagodas have six months to move the vessels.

The Rotary Club of Navarre has placed the first rescue tube on Navarre Beach and plans to erect one at each of the county’s public beach accesses.

Scott Rayner, one of the operators of the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier, describes rising local beach volleyball activity as “unprecedented,” and nearby Juana’s Pagodas owner Kevin Rudzki confirms the interest is strong.

Each year, beginning in mid-March and ending in late summer, Gulf Islands National Seashore plays host to several species of ground nesting shorebirds, including least terns, snowy and Wilson’s plovers, and black skimmers.

A record number of manatees have been tallied in Florida’s annual survey of the endangered marine mammals, state wildlife officials said last month.

The Santa Rosa County Tourist Development Council (TDC) March 18 approved funding several events, including spending $10,050 toward the annual Navarre Beach Fourth of July fireworks display.

U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio and Congressman Jeff Miller submitted legislation March 18 which could provide fee simple ownership to certain Santa Rosa Island leaseholders.

Sign pollution, a contingency plan for beach renourishment funding and adding lifeguard coverage west of Navarre Beach Fishing Pier are top concerns for some island residents.