Friends of South Walton Sea Turtles (FOSWST)

Newsletter - May 2023

VBA RENEWAL DATES

Saturday, May 13, 11:00 AM-12:00 PM

Saturday, May 20, 11:00 AM-12:00 PM

Location: Visitor Center Conference Room

NEW VBA TRAINING DATES

Saturday, May 13, 9:00-10:30 AM

Saturday, May 20, 9:00-10:30 AM

Location: Visitor Center Conference Room

WHERE'S THEO?

Everything Theo can be found at the awesome South Walton Visitor Center, managed by Christy Gibson. Thank you, Walton County Tourism Department for the Visitor Center which is a great resource for guests coming to our area.

Theo can also be purchased at over 70 locations throughout Walton County.

Dana McDowell, Visitor Information Specialist, is seen here holding the large plush Theo.

PAXTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AT ED WALLINE BEACH ACCESS

After a day of in-school education, the fifth-grade classes from Paxton Elementary completed their education with a field trip to the beach on April 12. At the beach, blindfolded students crawled through a maze using only their arms while wearing backpacks filled with golf balls. This exercise allowed them to experience the difficulties a female turtle can have while she makes her way from the water to lay her eggs. The students then simulated turtle nesting by digging nests. The Paxton elementary students also walked the beach with a VBA leader who reinforced why our beaches need to be #CleanDarkFlat.

SO... WHO WAS ED WALLINE?

Ed was born in 1909 and moved with his family to South Walton in 1912. Ed grew up farming and later built the first stacked block houses in the area. Ed served on several county boards and, in 1937, was appointed Constable by the Governor. Ed passed in 1975 and was remembered by everyone who knew him as "the most honest man they ever knew who would do anything for anyone."

TURTLE TRACK TRIVIA

How long can sea turtles stay under water?

According to the NOAA:

When they are active, sea turtles must swim to the surface to breathe every few minutes. When resting in warmer water, a sea turtle can remain under water as long as two hours. In colder water, resting sea turtles can remain under water for five to seven hours. Note: Times cited can vary by species.

VBA OF THE MONTH

Debbie Michel

Debbie joined the VBAs three years ago and usually walks the beach from Ed Walline to Ft. Panic. Debbie enjoys talking to visitors and locals about keeping our beautiful beaches clean/dark/flat. Debbie educates the people she meets about South Walton beaches and also coordinates International Coastal Cleanup Day for Walton County. Debbie is seen in the photo above greeting visitors from Indiana to Ed Walline beach. Thank you, Debbie, for being an example to us all.