Friends of South Walton Sea Turtles (FOSWST)

Newsletter - June 2023

VBA RENEWAL DATES

Saturday, June 17, 10:30 AM-12:00 PM

Location: Visitor Center Conference Room

Meet-Up-Dates to be announced throughout June, checkout our Website & Facebook

NEW VBA TRAINING DATES

Saturday, June 17, 9:00-10:30 AM

Location: Visitor Center Conference Room

WHERE'S THEO?

In 2022, FOSWST received over $16,000 from SoWal Life through the sale of Theo products in over 70 area retail stores. Here are a few of the locations: Pecan Jack's, Beachy Bean, Sundog Books, and 30A Olive Oil. For more info about each location, click on the pictures.

DID YOU KNOW?

"South Walton's stunning beaches were created by the weathering of the Appalachian Mountains over millions of years. Particles of quartz from this mountain range were washed into riverbeds and eventually transported by these rivers to the Gulf of Mexico. The ebb and flow of the water over this long distance broke down these particles and buffed their edges, making the sand as fine as sugar when it finally rested along the Florida Panhandle. There are no large sediment-heavy rivers directly influencing the water in South Walton and so the reflection of the sun on the white sandy bottom of the Gulf of Mexico creates the water's brilliant turquoise hue." Source: Walton County Tourism Department.

PROTECTING OUR BEACHES

According to the Walton County Tourism Department, more than 5.3 million visitors traveled to our area in 2022. Supervising the immense task of protecting our beach visitors and locals is David Vaughn, SWFD Beach Safety Director. David coordinates management of the Beach Safety Programs, Public Education, and Emergency Medical Services.

Assisting David is Michael Meece, SWFD Beach Safety Officer. Mike oversees the 54 lifeguards currently rotating among the 15 towers on the 30A beaches from March through October. The lifeguards include seasonal as well as permanent SWFD employees and work to assure all beaches are protected. Mike has generously donated his time to make presentations at our March, April, and May 2023 VBA training sessions.

Thank you, David and Michael, for the incredible service you provide to our community.

FOSWST IN THE NEWS

Check out Peter's article on the front page of the May 2023 issue of SoWal Life.

Visit the SoWal Life Website

VBAs OF THE MONTH

Clai and Christy Brown

Beginning their walks at Inlet Beach, two year VBA veterans Clai and Christy have taken the time to educate themselves about our everchanging environment and beach ecosystem. They are always ready to engage our visitors in friendly and educational conversations. Thank you Clai and Christy for all you do. You are truly an asset to our community and to our VBA program.