Gulf Coast Blog

Conditions Along Northwest Florida’s Beaches

Tuesday, June 22nd, 2010

Update 3:52 pm: Added Panama City Beach video.

Update 11:20 am: Video of Pensacola Beach, Fort Walton Beach and Destin has been added.

All of the water along Northwest Florida’s Beaches remains open for swimming. It is already shaping up to be a beautiful day along Northwest Florida’s Beaches and we encourage you to keep checking back throughout the day as our videos from each area will be posted here.

Pensacola Beach & Navarre Beach
It is going to be a gorgeous day along Pensacola Beach.  The beaches remain open without any health advisories. So grab your cooler, kids and floaties as you make it down to the shoreline.
 
Fort Walton Beach
Beach walkers on Okaloosa Island and the rest of Fort Walton Beach are enjoying an almost perfect morning. The beaches here remain open for swimming and they should be packed with plenty of “beach bums” today.
 
Destin
Thousands of vacationers are loving the beaches and near perfect weather. Our beaches remain open for swimming and charter fishing trips are bringing back huge catches.
 
Beaches of South Walton
All of the various beach communities along the Beaches of South Walton remain open without health advisories. Officials have been quick to respond to intermittent reports of tar balls but the large majority of the beach remains pristine.
 
Panama City Beach
Thousands of vacationers have been enjoying the beaches and it’s looking like another fantastic day. There are no health advisories and the beaches remain open to everyone. There are still sporadic reports of tar balls but they are quickly cleaned up by officials.
 
Forgotten Coast
No effects from the oil spill have been reported here. Plenty of vacationers and locals are enjoying the early opening of Scallop Season and you’re missing out! Come join the fun.
 

Update on Conditions Along the Beaches of Northwest Florida

Monday, June 21st, 2010

Update 5:12 pm: Added Destin Video.

This is the last update of the night and our beaches remain open with no health advisories. We did not obtain video from Panama City Beach or the Forgotten Coast today, but will be sure to get video from these areas as soon as possible. We have monitored those areas today and there were thousands of people enjoying the water.

Our beaches are looking beautiful and you’re missing out on a fantastic vacation with some fantastic events coming up. For instance, The Doobie Brothers will be performing a FREE concert on Okaloosa Island June 27th at 5:00pm. You can check out even more fun activities coming up on our Event Calendar.

Checkout our videos, updates and Southern Pledge as you make your plans to the beach. We’ll see you first thing in the morning for another day of updates.

Update 4:55 pm: Added Beaches of South Walton video.

Update 4:45 pm: Added Fort Walton Beach video.

Update 11:10 am: Added Pensacola Beach video.

Update 9:00 am: The beaches in all of our areas remain open without any health advisories. The water looks gorgeous and the sand is still sugar white. Sporadic reports of tar balls have been reported along the Panhandle but authorities are quick to respond and clean them up. Thousands of people flocked to the Beaches of Northwest Florida this weekend and are having an amazing time in our blue-green Gulf water. Again, our beaches are safe and remain open.

Pensacola Beach & Navarre Beach
The water over the weekend was simply gorgeous. There are no health advisories along these beaches.
 
Fort Walton Beach
Thousands of people were in the water this weekend along Okaloosa Island and Fort Walton Beach. The beaches remain safe and open without any health advisories.
 
Destin
This weekend was perfect for charter fishing and warm days on the beach in Destin. The water continues to have its amazing blue-green color that everyone loves. There are no health advisories as the beaches remain safe and open to the public.
 
Beaches of South Walton
All 15 beach communities along the Beaches of South Walton remain open to the public without any health advisories. The isolated reports of tar balls have been sporadic and officials have been quick to respond. The water and sand remains beautiful as these few reports are cleaned up. 
 
Panama City Beach
The beaches remain open and safe without any health advisories. There have been reports of tar balls washing ashore over the weekend and authorities have been quick to respond. They are continuing to clean the beach and thousands of vacationers were enjoying the water this weekend.
 
Forgotten Coast
There have been no reports of any effects from the oil spill along the Forgotten Coast. Scallop season is now open and now is the perfect time to have a tranquil vacation to this beautiful area. Whether you’re staying in WindMark Beach, Mexico Beach or Port St. Joe, you are sure to have a wonderfully relaxing vacation.
 

Beaches of Northwest Florida Oil Update: June 20, 2010

Sunday, June 20th, 2010

Pensacola Beach and Panama City Beach only reported intermittent tar balls spotted today. The Forgotten Coast is still clear of impact from the oil spill.
We did not get video footage of these areas, but did get reports of people enjoying the water and sunshine on this gorgeous Father’s Day.

Fort Walton Beach
The beach along beautiful Okaloosa Island boasts white sand and emerald water. This video was actually taken yesterday, but shows the current conditions of calm, stunning water. Visitors are still arriving for the weekend.
Destin
The beaches are open with little to no tar ball sightings and no health advisories. This video was taken today at James Lee Park in Destin where the water really is this incredible blue-green! Stand-up paddle boarders spotted a sea turtle and lots of fish in the clear waters of the Gulf.
Beaches of South Walton
The Beaches in all 15 beach communities along the Beaches of South Walton are open. Even after tar balls were spotted yesterday, the water is still safe and the beach has been cleaned. With the exception of some “June Grass” (seaweed), the water is clear. This video was taken at Rosemary Beach.

Northwest Florida Beaches – Oil Update

Saturday, June 19th, 2010

Updated Saturday, June 19, 2010,

9:30 PM: The Beaches of South Walton reported sightings of tar balls late this afternoon in several beach communities. Clean up crews are on hand. No beaches closed or were swim advisories issued.

10:00 AM: This morning we have had no reports of beach impacts related to the BP oil spill along our beach communities.

The sporadic presence of tar balls may emerge in random points on the beach, but no significant presence is expected and no swim advisory exists in our areas of operation.

From Pensacola Beach to Port St Joe, beach goers are making the most of this beautiful morning and clear water, swimming, stand up paddle -boarding, kayaking and just relaxing on the beach.

Scallop Season Opens on Forgotten Coast

Friday, June 18th, 2010
June 19, 2010

Earlier than usual, scallop season begins in St Joseph’s Bay today! The forecast for this year is positive that we’ll have an abundance of scallops.

Bring your snorkel, mask and nets. If you’d like to rent a  boat , try our Perks Partner Seahorse Water Safaris.

Come stay for the weekend of week. We have wonderful properties and rates in Port ST Joe, WindMark Beach and Mexico Beach.

Beaches of Northwest Florida Update: June 18, 2010

Friday, June 18th, 2010

Updated June 18, 2010 5:00 pm

There have been no changes to the conditions of our shores as of this morning. Some minor reports of tar balls have been reported sporadically between Pensacola Beach and the Beaches of South Walton. All of our beaches remain safe and open with no health advisories along any of our beaches. Please check out our area updates below and visit our Oil Spill FAQ for any extra questions you may have.

Checkout some fun activities and things to do this weekend on our Event Calendar.

The videos and pictures of our areas will be updated as we acquire it throughout the day.

Pensacola Beach & Navarre Beach
The beaches are open and there are no health advisories.  The few reports of tar balls and sheen cover less than 1% of the entire beach.
 
Fort Walton Beach
The beaches are open and there are no health advisories (The health advisory was lifted Thursday at 3:00pm). Authorities have tested the water multiple times and it is safe. There are no current reports of any oil impacts beyond a few minor occurences of tar balls which are quickly cleaned up.To inform you about the minor reports of tar balls, the video taken today shows a part of the affected beach on Okaloosa Island. The very small tar balls look like dark rocks in the video and are being cleaned up by authorities.
 
Destin
The beaches are open and there are no health advisories. There are no current reports of any oil impacts beyond a few minor occurences of tar balls which are quickly cleaned up.
 
Beaches of South Walton
The beaches are open and there are no health advisories. There are no current reports of any oil impacts beyond a few minor occurences of tar balls which are quickly cleaned up.
 
Panama City Beach
The beaches are open and there are no health advisories. There are no current reports of any oil impacts.
 
Forgotten Coast
The beaches are open and there are no health advisories. There are no current reports of any oil impacts. Remember, scallop season opens tomorrow!!!
Video Coming Soon
 

Beaches of Northwest Florida Update: June 17, 2010

Thursday, June 17th, 2010

Updated: June 17, 2010 at 4:50 pm

The health advisory along Okaloosa Island has been removed as of 3:00 pm today. Authorities have tested the water multiple times since all of the tar balls were removed from the shoreline and it is definitely safe to re-enter. People are back in the water having a safe and wonderful time.

All of our beaches are open and there are no health advisories or current reports of oil impacts along any of our area’s beaches at this time.

There is an oil sheen 3-5 of miles off the coast of Okaloosa Island currently moving east due to winds. We are in an “area of uncertainty” regarding the conditions we may or may not feel. The speculation of trajectories continuously change much like weather forecasts. Officials are closely monitoring our shorelines for any effects from the oil and we will keep you updated with the current conditions in each of our areas.

If you’re looking for fun things to do off the beach, check out our Event Calendar with many fun concerts and activities. Remember our Southern Perks with FREE tickets to dolphin cruises, discounts on Golf and much more.

Pensacola Beach & Navarre Beach:
The beaches are open and there are no health advisories.  The few reports of tar balls and sheen cover less than 1% of the entire beach.
 
Fort Walton Beach:
The beaches are open and there are no health advisories (The health advisory was lifted at 3:00pm). Authorities have tested the water multiple times and it is safe for re-entry.
 
Destin:
The beaches are open and there are no health advisories. Besides a few isolated reports of small tar balls, there are no other reports of any oil impacts. The Destin East Pass will be closed during incoming tides and open during outgoing tide. It will also be closed every evening unless otherwise noted.
 
Beaches of South Walton:
The beaches are open and there are no health advisories. There are no current reports of any oil impacts.
 
Panama City Beach:
The beaches are open and there are no health advisories. There are no current reports of any oil impacts.
 
Forgotten Coast:
The beaches are open and there are no health advisories. There are no current reports of any oil impacts. Also, Scallop Season will be opening early this year on Saturday, June 19th.
Picture Coming Soon
 

Free Smoothies and National Flip Flop Day

Wednesday, June 16th, 2010
June 18, 2010

Destin: June 16, 2010
Click Twice to Enlarge
 

I love flip flops and I love smoothies so if you’re like me, head over to HarborWalk on Thursday, June 18th. This will be the 4th Annual National Flip Flop Day and to celebrate, Tropical Smoothie is offering its Jetty Punch Smoothie [a sweet mixture of banana, strawberry, turbinado (sugar), honey and ice] for FREE to the first 500 customers wearing sandals! This combination of smoothie and sandals is so perfect and you can bet on me being there first thing in the morning. 

To update you on the beach conditions, there were a good number of tar balls washing up along the shoreline of Okaloosa Island in Fort Walton Beach today. If you’re in this area, exercise caution and avoid contact with anything that may be affected by the oil. Cleanup crews will be working to clean this area and test the waters for safety.

None of our other operating areas have experienced this level of effect but there have been minor reports of a few sporadic tar balls along our 150 miles of coastline. We took video of Destin today from the public beach access at the end of Shirah Street in Crystal Beach. As you can see, plenty of people are enjoying the water without any effects from the BP oil spill.

Southern Resorts Vacation Rentals takes great pride in being the most caring vacation rental company along the Beaches of Northwest Florida. We will keep you updated on the conditions of our shores and please exercise caution if you’re along the Okaloosa Island shoreline.

22nd Annual Big Bend Saltwater Classic Fishing Tournament

Tuesday, June 15th, 2010
June 18, 2010
June 19, 2010
June 20, 2010

Launched in 1989, The Big Bend Saltwater Classic Fishing Tournament was created by The Organization for Artificial Reefs, Inc. (OAR), a private, non-profit, marine interest group based out of Tallahassee.  The family oriented Tournament was intended to serve as OAR’s primary fund-raising project.

In 1989, 223 anglers participated in the inaugural tournament.  In recent years, over 700 competitors have joined the competition to put this tournaments among the top saltwater fishing tournaments by participation (according to Florida Sportsman Magazine). 

The tournament is held in a rodeo format featuring multiple species in three divisions for Juniors to Pros.  The Tournaments is the Fishing Family’s place to be on Father’s Day weekend in North Florida.

Come out to the Port St. Joe Marina from June 18th-20th to join this fun filled competition.  If you’re vacationing to the Forgotten Coast, make some time to checkout the enormous catches these fishermen bring into the docks.  For more information, visit here.


Destin
Click Twice to Enlarge

Pensacola Beach
Click Twice to Enlarge
 

Checkout our daily video from Destin and Pensacola Beach. The beaches are still pristine with only a few reports of tar balls along our 150 miles of shoreline in the past few days. We continue to monitor the sheen that is reportedly miles away from our shores. As always, we will update you if anything changes along the gorgeous beaches.

For more questions and answers, visit our Oil Spill FAQ.

Kids’ Day at the Fort Walton Beach Landing

Monday, June 14th, 2010
June 17, 2010
10:00 amto1:00 pm

The Annual Kids’ Day at the Fort Walton Beach Landing is a free event sponsored by the City of Fort Walton Beach.  Bring the little ones out for this fun filled event with many great activities including:

  • Water Slides, Auburn University’s Raptor Program, Seacrest Wolf preserve, Magic Moments with Beau Broomall, Nonie’s Ark Animal Encounters, EOD Bomb Robot, The Gulfarium, Emerald Coast Science Center, Gator Beach Presents “Mellow Yellow”, The Rock Climb, Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge, PAWS, Indian Temple Mound Museum Touch Table, Choctawhatchee Audubon Society, Stampin’ Up! Fun Faces, Kitty Hawk Kites, U.S. Coast Guard & FWB Fire Department

With so many fun activities in this 10am-1pm event your child is sure to have a wonderful time.  Call 850.833.9505 with any questions.


Pensacola Beach
Click Twice to Enlarge

Destin
Note: There is some “June Grass” (seaweed) in the water
Click Twice to Enlarge

Our videos (above) taken today in Pensacola Beach & Destin show another beautiful day along the Beaches of Northwest Florida. There is some “June Grass” (seaweed) making its annual visit but it will clear out any day now.

As I spent some of Saturday and Sunday on the beach I didn’t experience anything out of the usual along our beautiful shores. Everyday, boats and ATVs search our coast for any effects from the BP oil spill. There have been no reports of smells or anything more than a few tar balls affecting our shores. Further, there are cleanup crews on standby to quickly clean any affected areas. Any potential effects on our shoreline are expected to be sporadic and highly weathered, such as tar balls, oil sheen, tar mats or mousse.

Just like you, we listen, watch and monitor the conditions thoroughly and will keep you updated if anything changes about our white sand and emerald water. Remember our Southern Pledge about refunding your money if the oil closes our beaches and keep those plans to visit the Beaches of Northwest Florida.

Visit our Oil Spill FAQ if you have more questions.