Emerald Coast Chapter Surfrider Foundation

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2009-11-11T04:04:00.000-08:00

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Surfrider Foundation Emerald Coast Chapter

Contact your Legislators

2009-10-21T10:44:00.001-07:00

check here to find your legislators. You just click on the district to get to their member page. Get to know who the people that represent You!. From there get the phone numbers, and call them!
They may tell you that there is no oil drilling bill! Tell them that you are a voting constituent of their district and you want them to vote against drilling in florida waters!
For more info go to;
http://oilonthebeach.blogspot.com/

Our Resolution !!!!!

2009-10-03T08:19:00.000-07:00

RESOLUTION
OF THE EMERALD COAST CHAPTER OF SURFRIDER FOUNDATION OPPOSING OIL DRILLING OFF THE FLORIDA COAST.
WHEREAS, a Congressional ban against offshore drilling has been in effect since 1981, the purpose of which was to reduce the probability of environmental damage from oil spills that would significantly harm our state and tourism industry; and
WHEREAS, according to a 2003 Congressional report, increasing offshore production would not displace enough in imports to reduce U.S. reliance on foreign oil; and
WHEREAS, a 2007 report by the U.S. Department of Energy shows that opening the Florida coast to drilling would not have a significant impact on domestic crude oil prices before the year 2030, if ever; that it is not economically feasible to drill for oil in the OCS; and that even if all available areas were opened, at the peak of production, it would have little, if any, effect on price; and
WHEREAS, the previous findings were corroborated in a June 2008 report by the Center for Economic and Policy Research, showing that had Congress continued to increase fuel efficiency standards over the past 22 years, we would now have 16 times the savings in oil consumption than we could achieve by drilling for the next 20 years in now-protected areas; and
WHEREAS, nearly 80 percent of estimated U.S. oil reserves are already currently available to exploration and more than 68 million acres are available to drill, and the U.S. is the third largest oil producer at over seven million barrels of oil per day; and
WHEREAS, in spite of the Florida Chamber of Commerce’s and others’ position that oil demand will grow, a study by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory found that America used less coal and petroleum energy in 2008; and
WHEREAS, in spite of the Florida Chamber of Commerce’s and others’ position that new technology has made offshore drilling safe and environmentally friendly with no major spills in over 30 years and they are proposing drilling as close as three to six miles offshore, oil companies with this new technology still legally pollute by dumping drilling waste mud, cuttings, drainage and other matter every day that contain toxic waste, including heavy metals such as lead, mercury and cadmium, and carcinogens such as benzene, toluene and arsenic; and
WHEREAS, not only do these wells pollute as part of normal production, but they are also susceptible to accidents, incidents, and weather, as in 2005, when Hurricane Katrina destroyed over 113 platforms and Hurricane Rita another 11 platforms, resulting in the destruction of 124 platforms and 741,400 gallons of oil spilled, and since 2005, hurricanes have destroyed or damaged 378 rigs/platforms, more than 1 million gallons of petroleum have been spilled and many are still leaking today; and
WHEREAS, in 2007, a cargo vessel, Cosco Busan, hit the Bay Bridge spilling 58,000 gallons of bunker fuel into San Francisco Bay, and as recently as July 2009, a Shell Oil Company underground pipeline just 30 miles offshore leaked over 58,000 gallons of crude oil into the Gulf of Mexico covering over 80 square miles, and the leak continued without knowledge of the source for over two days, and environmental impacts from oil can last for over 10 years, as witnessed in Alaska after the Exxon Valdez incident, and latest government documents show as production goes up, so do spills, and Dr. Sisskin of Gulf Coast Environmental Defense predicts at least one spill per year; and
WHEREAS, according to a 2005 study by Florida Atlantic University and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, beach tourism alone contributed $37.2 billion in state revenue in 2004 and tourism in general accounts for one-third of Florida’s budget revenues annually, and so many people visit, live and work in Florida for its fishing, swimming, surfing, diving, boating, and pristine beaches and clean and natural environment, and Florida is dependent on an overall $65 billion per year tourism industry; and
WHEREAS, in July of 2009, a bipartisan letter from both Florida senators and 22 of 25 Florida house members was sent to Congress urging it not to expand offshore drilling, and many forward-thinking state senators and representatives also oppose Florida offshore drilling; and
WHEREAS, Florida’s leaders and all Americans should be pursing an energy policy that promotes responsibility and renewability based on sound science, honesty and facts rather than industrial greed, and continuing to drill for oil offshore inhibits the implementation of that policy;
THEREFORE, the Emerald Coast Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation is opposed to any attempt to lift the moratorium on offshore drilling. We urge you to denounce this destructive and divisive, outdated and ineffective, economically short-sighted and unsustainable plea for new offshore drilling, and to instead join and support those of us whose vision is one of leading our state and nation to cleaner energy, a vision that enables future Floridians to work in environmentally and economically sound jobs, promoting a future where Floridians are known the world over as leaders in responsible cultivation and stewardship of our precious natural resources.

Beach Cleanup a Success

2009-09-23T12:57:00.000-07:00

the Ocean Conservancy Beach cleanup was a success in Walton county. Our chapter managed the cleanup for the TDC, at 6 sites. We had 120 people turn out, and collect over 600 pounds of trash !!!!!!
I had the pleasure of giving away a gift card for van shoes to a 13 year old kid named Jimmy, who walked to the cleanup and did his part. That, thanks to the generosity of Don and Peggy Mall of Bra Ha surf shop, who sponsored the shoe giveaway. They also hosted two of our sites!
Atlanta Chapter camped at Grayton Beach state park, and became part of our cleanup effort there. Welcome surfrider Atlanta!

September Beach Cleanup

2009-08-26T09:59:00.000-07:00

Saturday, 19 September is the last weekend of summer. It should be a fun day. The Ocean Conservancy for 24 years has sponsored an international beach cleanup day. Visit their site and you can see the data that they have accumulated through the years. http://www.oceanconservancy.org/site/PageServer?pagename=icc_home

The Walton County TDC has partnered with O.C. for several years to help make this cleanup happen.
This year we will serve as site managers for the TDC. We will be set up at 5 locations in south Walton.
Miramar Beach
Dune Allen
Ed Walline
Blue Mountain
Grayton Beach
Bags, gloves and water will be provided. Participants will each receive a T shirt. We may have a van shoe giveaway for each site. Come out and clean the beach for yourself. summer is over, at least what we clean may stay that way. If we get the plastic off the beach, it won't wind up in our ocean over the winter!
THEN; Head to Seaside for YOLO's Beach Celebration!

member meeting

2009-08-14T16:52:00.000-07:00

member meeting
With a swell coming this weekend I expect you should be tired and mellow by Wednesday. So we would like to have a meeting then;
Wednesday 19 august 2009, 5:30PM at Jambone on rt 98.
We have a few important items to discuss.
The TDC of South Walton has asked us to function as site captains for the Ocean conservancy International coastal cleanup on 19 September 09 8-10 am.
Discussion of strategy to prevent the greed pigs from drilling off our coast
And a possible watermans gathering to celebrate surfriders 25 anniversary.
I hope you can come, but if you can't but would like to be involved, shoot me an email.

Miramar Beach Cleanup

2009-07-26T12:34:00.000-07:00

Today a small group of Surfrider Foundation members worked on cleaning up the beach east of the Whale's tail along the public parking section. This beach is without question the most abused beach in Walton county! You can't even see the beachfront as it is totally blocked by chair setups! Cans and bottles are everywhere. The most frequent article is, as always, the cigarette butt! A surprising second is drinking straws. Surprising until you realize that a tiki bar serves drinks with straws right there! The most disgusting articles include condoms, tampon applicators and 4 dirty diapers from different parts of the beach! What lesson do these parents teach their children with that behavior!
Anyway, we made a dent. We will return here again.
Every second Sunday Surfrider Emerald Coast does a beach cleanup.

Special Beach Cleanup

2009-07-24T08:11:00.000-07:00

This Sunday morning at 9AM, meet us near the tiki bar east of the whale's tail for a beach cleaning. Phil McDonald says we are going to need bigger bags for this task! We will have plenty bags, what we need is plenty of people to share the task and the joy of Sunday morning on the beach!!!

Second Sunday Beach Cleanup

2009-07-03T12:05:00.000-07:00

Join us Sunday morning July 12 for a beach cleanup at Grayton Beach State Park. We will be there at About 9AM. The State beach usually is ignored on the cleanup list, but allot of the firework debris winds up washing into the parks beach. Now that the greed pigs are not removing their junk, it too is washing around our ocean, and finding its way to the parks beach. This beach is about a mile long so I hope we get a turnout. Location is the public entrance east of Grayton, just west of western lake. You will have to pay admission, but hey, lets support our park!

SurfDay

2009-06-22T11:22:00.000-07:00

International surfday was a good time for all that attended at Ed Walline park. We didn't have any swell to ride, but the SUP's were out in force. Bobby J and Mike S played the first ever SUP soccer match! Many new friends were made, as well as a gathering of many familiar faces! Atlanta surfrider had a contingent join us and we were glad to have them. The evening campfire with some mellow surf music was a fitting end to a really cool day. Special thanks to Mike and Trish Sturdivant who worked hard to put it together. If you missed out, shame on you. As soon as photo's are posted we'll put a couple here.

International Surfing Day -June 20th

2009-06-15T17:56:00.000-07:00

Join us Saturday June 20th as the Surfrider Foundation celebrates-

International Surfing Day!

Our local Emerald Coast Chapter has an afternoon and evening of fun planned for anyone who loves the beach.

What: Beach Gathering and Bonfire
-Surfboard and SUP Demos (Sponsored by Surftech & YOLO)
-Beach clean-up and prizes (Sponsored by Surfrider)
-Kids Games (Sponsored by BlueMountainSurf.com)

Where: Ed Walline Park, Santa Rosa Beach

When: Saturday June 20th 4pm till…?

2009 Legislative Summary

2009-05-11T13:24:00.000-07:00

2009 FLORIDA LEGISLATIVE SUMMARY
The 2009 Legislative Session officially ended last Friday! The 2009-10 Budget will be remembered for its slashing to environmental programs. This will be the first year since 1990 that bonds have not been approved for the Preservation 2000 or Florida Forever programs. Also, state land management funds were cut to the bone. $50 million was provided for the Everglades, but that is only a fourth of the funds previously committed for Everglades and Lake Okeechobee programs. The common theme was that environmental rules including protecting our beaches from oil drilling, get in the way of business opportunities. Thank you to those of you who took the time to reach out to your legislators throughout this session.
Session Finale: Good Bills
As many of you know our beach access bill didnt make it out of committee this year. However one bill relating to seagrass and coral reefs did pass: Seagrass and Coral Reef Protections HB 1423 Rep. Baxter Troutman (R- Winter Haven) Not only will this legislation better protect seagrass in aquatic preserves from propeller scarring, it provides penalties for vessel damage to Florida's coral reefs.
Session Finale: Bad Bills that Passed/Almost Passed
Growth Management SB 360 by Sen. Mike Bennett (R-Bradenton) This bill was carefully negotiated early in the session, but was corrupted in the last days. Bad amendments made it easier for counties and cities to allow developers to escape review for large developments, and let counties and cities set growth boundaries without thorough review by the Department of Community Affairs. HB 73 Rep. Robert Schenck (R-Spring Hill) This bill shortens the schedule for a decision on environmental permits from 90 days to 45 days. The bill may end up causing permits to be denied as it constrains the usual back-and-forth that helps applicants cure defects in their applications. Reducing Public Comment on Wetlands Permits and Water Management Land Acquisition SB 2080 Sen. JD Alexander (R-Lake Wales) This bill Audubon previously supported was amended in its last days on the floor to delegate permit decisions previously made by the governing boards of water management districts to district executive directors. It additionally limits districts' bonding authority.
Bills that did NOT PASS: Nearshore Oil Drilling HB 1219 Rep. Charles Van Zant (R-Palatka) Despite a full-court press from the Texas oil lobby, this bill was never taken up in the Senate. Thanks to Senate President Jeff Atwater (R-Palm Beach) for his principled stand on this issue. This issue is coming back next year. Please check out NOTTHEANSWER.ORG to stay up-to-date on this issue.
Limiting Federal Wetlands Review HB 1123 Rep. Trudi Williams (R-Ft. Myers) and SB 2016 Sen. Mike Bennett (R-Bradenton) Part of an ongoing attempt driven by builders to limit the federal review of small wetlands permits this bill found no love in Senator Constantine's Environment Committee.
Public Interest End-run on Wetlands HB 1349 Rep. Jimmy Patronis (R-Panama City) This otherwise innocuous agency "glitch" bill was amended to allow engineering consultants to certify that permit applications submitted on behalf of their clients are in the public interest. Ironically, in Patronis' own district a development project certified by an engineer spilled massive quantities of mud into otherwise pristine waterways.

INTERNATIONAL SURF DAY

2009-04-04T05:00:00.000-07:00

WHY IS INTERNATIONAL SURFING DAY ON JUNE 20?

- June 20^th is the Summer solstice (the longest day of summer) for the Northern Hemisphere. It is with ISD tradition that we pick the Summer solstice as the date we kick off our celebrations!

International Surfing Day is an annual worldwide celebration of surfing. A day to give thanks and go surfing, ISD organizers aim to raise awareness of the state of our oceans, waves and beaches and help protect and preserve these recreation areas. This year, Surfrider Foundation and industry friends and partners will commemorate the day by hosting events around the world, ranging from beach clean-ups to concerts and film showings.

Florida Legislative Session

2009-03-25T11:57:00.000-07:00

On 24 March 09 activists from several chapters appeared before a house committee on Natural resources in support of bill 527, the beach access bill.
We also visited the legislative offices of both representatives and senators who sit on committees that will be discussing the bill next.
We also appeared before the senate committee on environmental preservation in support of a bill to preserve Florida's coral reefs.
It was a successful effort on our part, as both bills passed their respective committees and move forward.
I would encourage any of you to get involved in this process. It is our purpose, Our reason for existence, it is our mission. You can have an opportunity to effect coastal policy, not just whine about the way things are!
If you would like to get active; email me at emeraldcoast@surfrider.org

BEACH ACCESS BILL

2009-03-06T12:39:00.000-08:00

Session Begins: Beach Access Bill Needs Your Calls The 2009 Legislative Session officially kicked off yesterday in Tallahassee. We need ALL SF members to take a moment and contact their House and Senate legislators to let them know you want them to support the Beach Access Bill ( Click to read Senate Bill 488 and House Bill 527).

Simply let them know how important this bill is to you, your family and friends. You can also refer them to and stay on top of the issue yourself at htttp://flbeachaccess.blogspot.com.
Senate:
http://www.flsenate.gov/Legislators/index.cfm?Mode=Find%20Your%20Legislators&Submenu=3&Tab=legislators&CFID=108556421&CFTOKEN=95838640
House:
http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Representatives/myrepresentative.aspx

WATERMAN GATHERING

2009-02-19T14:38:00.001-08:00

Waterman Gathering

2009-02-10T14:26:00.000-08:00

What Happens when kayakers, fishermen, and surfers come together to share their passion for the beach?

Come find out at the Surfrider Foundations "Waterman Gathering"

Thursday February 26th, 6 p.m. At Fudpuckers on Hwy 98 in Destin.

We're calling all water people, beach walkers, and nature lovers. If you enjoy using the beach, consider yourself part of our family.

For a $10 donation at the door,
Fudpuckers Beachside Bar & Grill will serve up food, drinks and live music.
The Surfrider Foundation will show the environmental adventure movie "Save the Waves"
And, if that's not enough, catch an exclusive showing of the Panhandle Hurricane Surf Film Festivals 2008 feature film.
This is a family friendly event. Kids will compete in a coloring contest and any kid brave enough will have a chance to touch a live alligator!

If you love the beach...join us Thursday February 26th 6p.m. At Fudpuckers for the Surfrider Foundations "Waterman Gathering" !

NAME CHANGE

2009-02-01T09:29:00.000-08:00

We are in the process of a name change. In place of panhandle chapter, we are now Emerald Coast chapter! For now, contact is still panhandle@surfrider.org

Gearing Up for 2009 Legislative Session!

2008-12-30T12:38:00.000-08:00

he Beach Access Bill is on it's way again! Our House & Senate sponsors are Senator Justice of Sarasota and Rep. Sachs of Delray. In addition, we will be keeping our eyes open for bad bills and others that we might be able to support.

Dont forget to submit your local photos and newspaper articles for the FL Beach Access Blog to build our database of known access issues across the state.

Art miles mural project

2008-12-30T12:33:00.000-08:00

Watch for this one. Coming up in seaside in the spring, surfrider will team up with ocean conservancy to participate in this event. Learn more at www.artmiles.org

Pumpkin Paddle at Scully's on the Bayou

2008-11-22T12:21:00.000-08:00

Pumpkin Paddle at Scully's on the Bayou on Sunday, November 30th at 1 PM, the second race in the YOLO Board Winter Series. There is no entry fee to participate in the race series. Bring your own board or use one of Yolo's boards.
The Pumpkin Paddle is on beautiful Cinco Bayou, in Fort Walton Beach!
Kick back on the Scully's deck overlooking beautiful Cinco Bayou and enjoy the YOLO Board races. It's a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon...a fun event for the entire family!

Film Festival

2008-11-16T06:02:00.000-08:00

All those who braved the cold, AND cold it was, had a fun time. Members came from as far as Navarre and Pensacola to be apart of this event. If you missed it, there is next year. It should be bigger, and hopefully warmer!

1St Hurricane Surf Film Festival !

2008-11-12T13:01:00.000-08:00

15 November 2008, Seaside Florida........
Come on out and see some of the local footage of local talent surfing gulf surf. Many raffle items and prizes for film clips. Hope to see you Saturday evening. Event starts at 6 PM

Yolo winter series SUP Race.

2008-10-26T08:34:00.000-07:00

YOLO Board, WAVE 102.1 & Scully’s on the Bayou
Winter Stand-Up Paddle Series Kick Off Event
Sunday, October 26th at 1:00 pm (race starts at 1:30 pm)
Scully’s on the Bayou
200 Eglin Pkwy NE
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
For directions, visit www.scullysonthebayou.com.
NO ENTRY FEE! Please call 850.622.5760 to sign up your team! Divisions for the race event include: 4 person co-ed adults, 13-18 youth open, 12-under, individual shootout, short distance and buoy course. Prizes for division winners!

FLUID SKIM INVASION

2008-10-09T06:35:00.000-07:00

October 25th-26th, 2008
Heats start at 8:00AM
Checks Ins: Start at 7:30AM both Saturday and Sunday
Information on Beach Entrys
Location: Navarre Beach, Florida (exact location TBA)
Type of Contest: Professional and Amateur

Link; http://skiminvasion.com/?page_id=55

1st annual panhandle hurricane surf film festival

2008-10-03T12:07:00.000-07:00

1st annual panhandle hurricane surf film festival
November 15 Seaside Florida.
For details contact azalace@earthlink.net
or jlkuntz@mac.com

State Supreme Court; Sand Was Right !!!

2008-10-01T03:36:00.000-07:00

The Supreme Court ruled in favor of Walton County upholding that the Beach and Shore Preservation Act does not unconstitutionally deprive upland owners of littoral rights without just compensation. The five to two ruling supports the public’s use of the beach south of the mean high water line along the restored beaches in Western Walton County.

Waterman's Gathering

2008-09-24T03:49:00.000-07:00

This Friday night, September 26th, 2008 at 6:30, the second of our Fall Season “Waterman Gatherings.” We’ll be meeting at the Gulf Place Artist Colony, right across the street from Ed Walline Park on 30-A

Bring your own guitar to pick a couple of songs for us. Or, if you have any surfing home video, bring a DVD to show off on the big screen. This is a family friendly event so choose your material accordingly and we’ll all have a great time.

We'll have a showing of the YOLO stand-up paddle board race series slideshow, some video from Hurricane Ike, and pictures from recent swells...followed by a "bona-fide" surf movie!

The Artists Bar will be open for business if you would like beer or wine and there are several restaurants on the property for pizza, sandwiches or fancy food.

Water testing

2008-09-23T14:00:00.000-07:00

Hey, so we are in the water testing business. With all the Stand up boards operating on the dune lakes, and most especially with the number of women involved, it becomes prudent to test the lakes for Fecal Coliform. We started with western and eastern lakes. Both lakes were absent of fecal coliform. Water tests will be listed under that heading on the right side of the page.

Dune lake tests

2008-09-20T13:58:00.000-07:00

We started today! We tested water from western lake and eastern lake. The samples will take 48 hours to reveal results, and they will be posted here!
This is to get started. We intend to test more lakes, BUT only ones where the public has access!

Dune Lake Water Quality Testing.

2008-08-30T10:57:00.000-07:00

We will shortly begin testing the water of the Dune lakes that people use. If you want to volunteer, we could use water sample collection people, and perhaps a chance to learn how to test samples. This is new. The protocol, has not been established yet, but we will be doing it soon.

YOLO race 5

2008-08-30T10:49:00.000-07:00

The last race of this YOLO race series will be on Sept. 18 at Bud n Alley's, Seaside , FL. This has been a great opportunity for watermen and waterwomen to get together and meet one another. Everybody got to meet new and interesting people.
The 4th race in Destin was a postcard event. Pictured here the outgoing leg of the race. Awesome; You know, You Only do Live Once!

YOLO race 4

2008-08-21T14:09:00.000-07:00

Race 3 at western lake was a blast.
Race 4 Slated for Thursday, August 28th on Destin Harbor at HarborWalk Village.

This week.

2008-08-12T12:15:00.001-07:00

Thursday at 6PM, the third YOLO Stand up paddle board race takes place at Western lake from the watercolor boat house.
Saturday at 7PM, Surf movie night at spinnakers. Hey PCB , come on out. I should have the t shirts by then.

T SHIRTS

2008-08-12T12:10:00.000-07:00

Here is the new T shirt design. Surfrider logo on front. Clean water on the back. Background is the shirt color. Available in large and extra large at $15. each. I should have them by the YOLO SUP race on Thursday, but definitely for movie night at Spinnakers.

SUP Race series, 2nd race

2008-08-03T04:23:00.000-07:00

Second race a fun event! Team YOLO men finished first among 8 teams. Team YOLO women finished first among 6 teams. The next race will be on western lake on 14 august.

Stand up Paddle Race MOVED

2008-07-30T10:54:00.000-07:00

This Just in from YOLO;
Due to the increasing surf conditions, we are moving this Thursday's Race to the site of our first race--Oyster Lake in Santa Rosa Beach. Please inform all of your team members, and anyone else that might be coming! If you need more info, just call us!

Ed Walline Beach Cleanup

2008-07-28T14:21:00.000-07:00

Saturday, 2 August 08; at 9 AM join us to clean up the beach at the Ed Walline access at the end of 393 at 30A. Bring a board or a boat paddle and float!

Thurday Standing Paddle board race

2008-07-28T14:15:00.000-07:00

Thursday evening 31 July 08, the second race in the paddle board series is scheduled for the gulf in front of majestic sun. More info and pic's are at yoloboard.com

Surf Movie Night

2008-07-23T09:13:00.000-07:00

Saturday evening , Spinnaker Beach Club is hosting a surf movie night! Come on out and have a beer, and watch a movie!

YOLO 1st race

2008-07-20T04:26:00.000-07:00

HEY; Look at this turn out! Aqua surf shop won the 1st round of this race series.

Don't miss out, be part of our beach community.

Stand Up Paddle Board Race Series

2008-07-10T04:17:00.000-07:00

YOLO Paddle board race series kicks off Thursday, 17 July at 6 PM. This race will be at Oyster Lake on 30A. There will be 5 races at different locations. Tentative race dates are 17 & 31 July, 14 & 28 August, and 18 September.
If you are interested in competing with team Surfrider, Email chapter!

Dune Lake Drains

2008-07-06T12:41:00.000-07:00

Sometimes the dune lakes aren't so clean!

TDC Beach Cleanup

2008-06-29T04:37:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, 5 July the TDC of south Walton will host a beach cleanup at locations in Walton county. If you can turn out and help remove the mess that the fools make. It's our home!

Spinnaker surf movie

2008-06-24T07:41:00.000-07:00

Saturday 28 June 08, Spinnaker Beach club in Panama city Beach will be hosting surf movie night, with free admission. Donations will benefit surfrider. Come out and say Hi!

SurfDay video

2008-06-21T13:52:00.000-07:00

International surfday video
http://youtube.com/watch?v=6dBOr9dyzyI

ONE DAY membership deal

2008-06-20T11:09:00.000-07:00

Click on this link
https://www.surfrider.org/surfrider_membership/join/isd-membership3.cfm

International Surf Day

2008-06-18T12:29:00.000-07:00

On the Beach, behind Pompano Joe's
Friday, 20 June at 6 PM
Paddle out for surf day
Auction , Raffle, Live Music , Food , and a beach fire. Please bring your own beverage.
SEE YOU THERE!

2008-06-18T12:28:00.001-07:00

Here is a great shot of the Paddle board race

Beach Cleanup

2008-06-15T07:53:00.000-07:00

We had a nice turnout for the beach cleanup, and we were rewarded with a good time in the water with a nice little swell.

Paddle Race

2008-06-15T07:47:00.000-07:00

The Paddle race was a good time! Gary Wise is the king of the paddle boards! here is the view of the bridge crowd.

Happenings

2008-06-10T13:41:00.000-07:00

Music and a Movie
Hey; tomorrow evening, wednesday 11 June at 7:30 at the Watercolor amphitheater on western lake drive, Ryan DeVore will host a surf movie night which starts with some music! check it out!

Paddle Board relay Race
On Friday, 13 June at 5:30, at Oyster lake by the causeway The relay race briefing followed by several heats of stand up paddle boarding! It should be a blast to just watch!

Beach Cleanup
On Saturday, 14 June at 9:00 we will gather at the public parking area that we fought for in miramar beach. Look for the surfrider banner. Being good neighbors we will start our summer beach cleanup series at this beach. Come join us and meet cool people. Bring a board or a kayak to get wet....... Because clean water.... is good for the soul !!!

Paddle Board Race Changes

2008-06-07T12:13:00.000-07:00

The Paddle Board Race is drawing lots of interest. We have several more teams planning to compete. Allen Lake will not be big enough to hold us all! The event will be moved to another lake with better access and more parking. Stand by for location. Check; http://www.bluemountainsurf.com/
With the additional teams, it may be necessary for the race to be run in two or more heats, with an earlier start time of 6:00 pm. The 7:00 heat will be reserved for those teams such as our lifeguards, beach crews, and surf shops that can only attend after closing up shop or beach operations. If your team can’t arrive for a 5:30 pre-race meeting, please contact me to secure a 7:00 start time. Otherwise, assume that your race will run at 6:00.

International Surf Day and June events

2008-06-03T13:19:00.000-07:00

JUNE EVENTS

Florida Panhandle Chapter Surfrider Foundation Hosts Lineup of Family Friendly Events in Celebration of International Surfing Day
Surfers Worldwide Unite To Celebrate Surfing and Coastal Environments

Santa Rosa Beach, FL (June 2, 2008) – On June 20, 2008, surfers from around the world will wax their surfboards and catch a wave in honor of International Surfing Day (ISD). In celebration of this special day, the Florida Panhandle Chapter Surfrider Foundation will host a series of family-friendly events throughout South Walton during the month of June. All events are free and open to the public.

"This event marks our third year celebrating International Surfing Day," said Jack Slattery, founding member of Florida Panhandle Chapter Surfrider Foundation. "We have had a significant increase in memberships in the past year and everyone is enthusiastic about this year's event. We hope it inspires a new beach culture movement with locals in the community."

Established four years ago by the Surfrider Foundation and Surfing Magazine, International Surfing Day is the one day a year where surfers from around the globe come together to celebrate the sport of surfing and pitch in to give back to our world's oceans, waves and beaches.

As is tradition, the Surfrider Foundation will commemorate the day by hosting various coastal clean-up and restoration events around the world. However there will be a new twist this year in the form of special ISD "challenges" whereby the public will be able to compete for prizes by participating in a wide range of activities ranging from beach clean-ups, to filmmaking, to art contests

Florida Panhandle Chapter Surfrider Foundation will host the following activities in celebration of International Surfing Day:

Friday, June 13th -"Stand Up For Our Oceans!" a four-member paddle board team challenge at 7:00 pm on Lake Allen next to Stinky's Fish Camp. Surf shops, lifeguards, surf clubs, beach crews and local businesses are encouraged to participate. The format will include a short course relay and an awards ceremony. For more information, visit www.BlueMountainSurf.com.

Saturday, June 14th - Beach clean-up at 9:00 am down on the beach in front of Majestic Sun and Surfside in Miramar Beach.

Friday, June 20th – International Surfing Day celebration. A family-friendly event on the beach behind Pompano Joe's in Miramar Beach from 6 pm-till. The event will include a paddle out, raffle prizes, silent auction, live music, food and a bonfire. Guests are encouraged to bring their own beverages.

International Surfing Day is sponsored by Monster Energy Drink, Pac Sun and Earthpack.

The Florida Panhandle Chapter Surfrider Foundation is seeking local sponsors to donate items for the raffle and silent auction. For more information on how to become a sponsor, please email Madra McDonald at madra@m-publicrelations.com. To learn more about International Surfing Day, visit www.SoWal.com and click on the ISD banner.

About Surfrider Foundation
The Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit grassroots organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our world's oceans, waves and beaches. Founded in 1984 by a handful of visionary surfers in Malibu, California, the Surfrider Foundation now maintains over 50,000 members and 80 chapters worldwide. For more information on the Surfrider Foundation, go to www.surfrider.org.

panhandle@surfrider.org • Florida Panhandle Surfrider

2008 Florida Legislative Victories

2008-06-03T13:17:00.000-07:00

Dear Surfrider Supporter,

MAJOR LEGISLATIVE VICTORIES
The Florida Legislature adjourned last Friday and it was quite a victory for us. Surfrider and other conservation groups view the 2008 session as quite a success.

CLEAN OCEANS ACT 2008 SB 1094/HB 897 - VICTORY

South Florida Ocean Outfall Bill SB1302 - VICTORY

Inlet Management Bill (Sandbypass) SB 1672/HB1472- VICTORY

Water Quality Monitoring Funding - VICTORY
We were able to save ALL $509K for beach water quality monitoring funding this year.

Florida Forever Successor Bill (PCB-ENRC9)- Successful
As a member of Florida Forever Coalition we are happy to report the coalition accomplished the 10-year reauthorization of Florida Forever (to 2020) and was able to ensure the funding was only reduced, not cut completely.

Surfrider Foundation Thanks the Following Short List of Environmental Champions
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Mike Haridopolos- Clean Oceans Bill Sponsor.
Burt Saunders – Hardworking sponsor of every major green bill kept them clean.
Ken Pruitt – Senate President that helped lead
Lee Constantine – Longtime supporter of Clean Oceans Bill.
Charlie Justice – Sponsor of Beach Access Signage Bill.
Dennis Jones – Sponsor of Inlet Management and Co-sponsor of Clean Oceans.
Stan Mayfield – Sponsor of Cleans Oceans and Inlet Management Bills.
Tony Sasso – Beach access signage bill sponsor and co-sponsor of Clean Oceans Bill.
Adam Hasner – Fought hard for ocean outfalls Bill.

And many others...

Please call you legislator and say THANK YOU!
All bills and contact numbers can be found on www.myfloridahouse.gov & www.flsenate.gov

FEDERAL LEGISLATION

BEACH ACT - Still need more help!
The BEACH Act has been funding beach water quality monitoring programs in coastal states across the nation. Congress is now considering much needed amendments to increase the amount of money spent on monitoring and to modernize the technology we rely on to protect the health of the beach-going public. Click here to ask Sen. Nelson, Sen. Martinez and the other representatives to co-sponsor the Beach Protection Act (S.1506/H.R.2537). After all, it's your beach!

OCEANS-21 - Successful
The Oceans Conservation, Education and National Strategy for the 21st Century Act ("Oceans-21") provides common sense legislation to ensure that our ocean water and marine life remain healthy. We were able to get it passed out of it next subcommittee.