Memorial Day~May 25th

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Memorial Day is a federal holiday celebrated on the last Monday in May to remember those who lost their lives in the course of performing military duties to their country. The long weekend marks the start of the summer vacation season. Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day, and was first proclaimed by General John Logan on 5 May 1868 to honor the soldiers who died during the American Civil War. Decoration Day was observed in 17 states in 1868. Maine became the first state to declare a legal holiday for the day in 1874, followed by Massachusetts in 1881. Other northern states followed. By the end of the Great War (World War I), Memorial Day was a legal holiday in most northern states and a handful of southern states including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, and North and South Carolina (though the day was marked on different dates in these states). The holiday became popularly known as Memorial Day by the late 19th century and its scope gradually expanded to remember the deceased veterans of all the wars fought by American forces. With the passage of the holiday act in 1968, Memorial Day was given the floating date of the last Monday in May across the country starting in 1971.

The state, as well as most cities and towns, will recognize Memorial Day this year in a virtual format to maintain social distancing amid the coronavirus pandemic but still allow for the public to honor members of the military who made the ultimate sacrifice. Temperature highs are expected to be in the mid 80s over the weekend with mostly sunny skies. Socially distancing orders remain in effect.

We celebrate freedom, but we remember the cost. Thank you, to all our veterans and their families.

Grayton Beach State Park named #1 beach in the country

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There’s hundreds of coastal towns in America, but it’s this small beach community in the Florida panhandle that takes first prize. This is the second time Grayton Beach State Park has been named the top beach in America. The last time was in 1994. Dr. Beach Leatherman, a coastal scientist and professor at Florida International University, who has been ranking the nation’s beaches for 30 years says Grayton Beach is his top beach of 2020 here in the United States. It’s an award that goes back 30 years. Leatherman says he gives bonus points for beaches where smoking is banned and that are staffed with lifeguards.Grayton Beach State Park won the list’s top spot — even without a smoking ban — based on its sheer beauty. Beyond the sand, it has crystal clear emerald water, fresh water ponds that are a geological rarity and towering dunes that are unique along Florida’s 1,350 miles (2,170 kilometers) of coastline.

The Walton County Tourist Development Council is helping more people see the natural beauty of Grayton Beach State Park and Topsail Hill State Park by paying admission fees between Memorial Day and Labor Day. In addition to the beach, the trails and canoe and kayak launch are open. While there are currently some restrictions at the nearly 2,000-acre (809- hectare) park because of the coronavirus outbreak, it is open. Groups larger than 10 are not allowed and the park is controlling capacity to allow for social distancing. Cabins and camping are temporarily closed. In normal times, the park attracts 500 to 1,000 people during peak summer days. But with 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) of beach and plenty of trails.

Located at 357 Main Park Rd in Santa Rosa Beach this is a great place to visit. Click below for more information or call (850) 267-8300.

https://www.floridastateparks.org/graytonbeach?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=visitsouthwalton.com&utm_campaign=

40th anniversary of Pac-Man

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Yesterday was Pac-Man’s 40th birthday. Born on May 22, 1980, PAC-MAN immediately rose to meteoric popularity, first in video game arcades, then through an array of branding and entertainment appearances. With a brand recognition rate of 90% around the world, PAC-MAN’s image is one of the most recognized on the planet and is as strong as ever as he enters his 40th year of entertaining fans of all ages.

Pac-Man (or Puck Man in Japan) is an arcade game developed by Namco and licensed for distribution in the USA by Midway, first released in Japan in 1979. Immensely popular from its first release through today, Pac-Man is universally considered as one of the classics of the medium, virtually synonymous with video games.

The game is played by eating all the fruits on the stage, while avoiding the ghosts. In 1983 the game introduces a new character, “Mil.” The playful Mil moves around the screen to move the fruits away from Pac-Man. The game is unique in that it doesn’t have any Power Pellets. In turn, Pac-Man can retaliate by eating special powerup items such as the Boss Galaxian and Rally X icons.

 

World Biodiversity Day

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World Biodiversity Day is a United Nations-sanctioned international day for the promotion of biodiversity issues. Biodiversity refers to the variety and variability of life on Earth; the healthier an area’s biodiversity, the healthier the ecosystem – which includes not only the animals and plants but also the people. Although it was originally introduced in 1993, it went through rebranding in 2000 and each year now has a theme. This year’s theme is Our Solutions are in Nature, and is focused on encouraging solutions to a host of issues that are interconnected: the climate crisis, economic issues, political problems, and more. Essentially, this date focuses on nature-based solutions for the betterment and protection of all life on Earth.

Jackson County Burn Ban lifted

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BURN BAN LIFTED FOR JACKSON COUNTY. The ban burn put in place by the Jackson County Board of County Commissioners last Tuesday, May 12 has been lifted according to Jackson County Fire Rescue Chief Charlie Brunner. Rain has been sufficient with staffing in place with State of Florida Forestry Department is sufficient to cover the area they are assigned. As with any burn requiring a permit, please make sure you have your permit and use caution when burning.

 

Sea Turtles

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Did you know sea turtles have a season they are most active? May 1st to October 31st is the most active season for sea turtles. When you go to the beach please remember to leave only footprints, knock over your sandcastles, fill in any holes, and if you go at night no flashlights. Any time you see a sea turtle you should know they should never be touched.

A few interesting facts about sea turtles:
~They do not retract into their shell
~Green sea turtles are named for the color of their fat layer
~Female sea turtles return to the same beach to lay eggs using magnetic “clues”
~Baby green sea turtles are carnivores and transition to eating seaweed as they grow older
~The actual lifespan of green sea turtles is unknown
~The sex of turtles is determined by the temperature of sand, cooler the sand the more males

The oldest known sea turtle fossils date back about 150 million years, making them some of the oldest creatures on Earth. Just for some context, dinosaurs became extinct 65 million years ago. Green sea turtles can stay underwater for up to five hours, but their feeding dives usually only last five minutes or less. Sea turtles have glands that help to empty excess salt from their eyes, making it appear as though they’re crying, but not to worry, they’re just doing some spring cleaning. Have you ever seen a sea turtle?

 

Cottondale boil water effect today(May 19) at 7am

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Cottondale residents will be under a boil water notice starting Tuesday, May 19th at 7am due to a water line repair. City leaders say this planned notice will cover the west side of Magnolia Street between Railroad Street and Highway 90, Faney Street from Magnolia Street to Highway 231, Church Street from Magnolia Street to Highway 231, and St. Andrews Street from Magnolia Street to Highway 231.

City leaders say all water used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, or washing dishes should be boiled at a rolling boil of one minute. They say you can also use bottled water. The notice will remain in effect until a bacteriological survey shows the water is safe to drink.
If you have questions, you can call Floyd Scott, the Public Works Director, and the City of Cottondale at 850-486-6000.

Full Phase 1

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Effective Monday, May 18th Full Phase 1 will begin.  This flyer is from the State of Florida outlining what is and what isn’t opening and what is going to open at full compacity or partial. A few basics are: ~Retail may operate up to 50% ~Schools will continue distance learning ~Gyms may operate up to 50%. Check with each individual county for specific to the area openings.

Be safe, cover your coughs with your elbows, continue practicing social distancing of at least 6 feet from anyone else, wear a mask when in a public place, stay home if you are sick, and wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm/hot water.

Falling Waters is open for day use

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Falling Waters State Park in Chipley is open for day use! Camping and playground are still closed. For more information call (850)638-6130. They are asking if you use cash to have exact change or use your credit/debt card. They are asking you to also limit your group to less then 10 and to stay at least 6 feet away from other guests and employees. Restrooms may be closed so prepare ahead.

 

yard sale~May 16th

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People are starting to have yard sales again. This one is today from 7:30am to noon. Located at 1034 Tri County Road in Graceville. Shoppers are limited to 8 at a time. Please be safe out there ~ and have fun!