Beaches, those serene landscapes where land meets sea, are more than just popular vacation spots; they are fascinating geological formations with a story to tell. But how do you think they formed? How does one beach differ from the other? Let’s find out. Formation Process: The Art of Nature’s Sculpting Indeed, the creation of a beach is a slow yet dynamic process, showcasing nature’s relentless artistry. Weathering and erosion are the primary agents in this process. Weathering involves the breakdown of rocks and minerals through contact with Earth’s atmosphere, water, and biological organisms. This can occur physically, like temperature changes causing expansion and contraction, or through chemical processes, such as acid rain dissolving limestone. Erosion then takes over, where wind, water currents, and waves play their part. As rocks break down into smaller particles, they are carried away by these natural forces. Coastal erosion, driven by the relentless energy of waves and currents, is particularly potent in transporting these materials. The Role of Rivers: Nature’s Conveyors Rivers are nature’s conveyor belts, moving sediments from inland areas to the coast. Over time, rivers erode their banks and carry a mix of sand, silt, and other materials downstream. This material, known as alluvium, is crucial in beach formation. As rivers meet the ocean, their velocity decreases, leading to the deposition of these sediments along the coastline. The size and composition of these sediments can vary greatly, depending on the geology of the river basin. Delta formation is a prime example of this... Read More

Welcome to a week bursting with vibrant experiences along 30A! From the soulful melodies of Sunshine Wranglers at The Bay’s bonfire to the enchanting nature hike at Camp Helen State Park, there’s something for everyone. Savor live music with the Forrest Williams Band and Gilleran’s Island Band, indulge in the Beats & Brunch at Farm and Fire, and don’t miss the culinary delight at Stinky’s Fish Camp’s beer pairing dinner. Cap it off with the inspiring Broken Crayons Tour, showcasing diverse musical talents and promoting mental health awareness. 1. Bonfire Beats: Sunshine Wranglers Light Up Wednesday Night. Experience the vibrant tunes of Sunshine Wranglers live at The Bay’s Wednesday night bonfire. Join us every Wednesday from 5-8 PM for an unforgettable musical evening. Wednesday Night Bonfire: Sunshine wranglers / Wednesday, January 3, 2023, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. @ The Bay 2. Nature’s Trail: Discover Camp Helen’s Hidden Gems with Ranger Guides. Embark on a scenic nature hike through Camp Helen State Park, guided by our knowledgeable park rangers. Explore diverse natural habitats as the rangers enlighten you about the local plants and wildlife. For your comfort, please wear weather-appropriate attire and bring along a water bottle and insect repellent. Contact Melissa.Floyd@FloridaDEP.gov or visit here for more information. Guided Nature Hike / Thursday, January 4, from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. @ Camp Helen State Park 3. Thirsty Thursdays: Forrest Williams Band Live at Local Catch! Quench your Thursday thirst at Local Catch Bar & Grill, featuring the live tunes... Read More

Depending on who you talk to, octopuses are either soulful, sophisticated creatures or the stuff of deep-sea nightmares. Indeed, they’re often fictionalized as slimy, eight-armed monsters that lurk in wait of prey. But get to know them a little better, and you’ll find that these cephalopods are, though strange and alienlike to behold, also totally fascinating creatures. Here are 10 things you might not have known about octopuses (and yes, the plural is octopuses, not octopi!). 1. Octopus arms have a mind of their own. About two-thirds of an octopus’s neurons are actually located in its arms. This means the arms can taste, touch, and even act on their own accord, without input from the brain. Some research has even found that after an arm is severed from the body it will continue to snatch up food and try to move it in the direction of where the creature’s mouth used to be. 2. They have (literally) a lot of heart. Octopuses have not one, not two, but three hearts. Two of them pump blood to its gills, and a third heart keeps circulation flowing to the organs. This third heart stops every time the octopus is swimming, which may explain why they prefer to crawl (you’d get tired too, if one of your hearts stopped!) BONUS FACT: As for the blood the hearts are pumping around? It’s blue, thanks to a pigment called hemocyanin. 3. Males die after mating, too. Mating isn’t all that much better for males. Once they’ve... Read More

As a young girl, I spent many summer vacations visiting Inlet Beach. Even though that was quite a few years ago, my memories of those summer days are near and dear to my heart. This tiny little piece of paradise has somehow managed to hang on to its low-key charm while huge communities sprung up all around it. Oh sure, there are plenty of shops and restaurants to frequent on your visit that weren’t here back in the ’80s but the overall, relaxed vibe is much the same. And that’s a good thing. For starters, the beaches in the area are somewhat less populated than other nearby neighborhoods. And there are several great spots where you can park yourself out on the sand to enjoy your day. Moving from east to west you’ll find these seven public beach access points all to be incredibly convenient. The Lupine access at 242 Walton Magnolia Lane is especially secluded and sits just at the edge of Camp Helen State Park. Phillips Inlet access at 202 South Walton Lakeshore Drive has a couple of spots to park for those lucky early risers but this spot is a favorite as you can walk directly from the pavement to the sand with no steps at all. And for those lucky few locals with beach passes, you can drive out to drop off your beach gear—just remember there’s no parking on the sand here like in Grayton. The three regional access points, East RBA at 118 West... Read More

Pinewood 30A Pool & Spa is now open! This stunning addition to the Pinewood Clubhouse offers a resort-like experience with a heated pool and spa, nestled against the tranquil Point Washington State Forest. The pool area features a child-friendly zero-entry side with fountains and a spacious deck with new lounge furniture, perfect for relaxation and enjoying the picturesque pool and forest views. Join the Upcoming Community Holiday Party Stay tuned for your invitation to the festive Holiday Party, where you can explore the new amenities and meet fellow community members. Open to current and prospective owners, it’s a wonderful opportunity to experience the charm of Pinewood’s residences and facilities. Discover the Pinewood Difference Pinewood stands out with its unbeatable price per square foot near the 30A corridor, offering exceptional new construction quality and meticulous attention to detail. Luxury features in our condominiums include 9-foot ceilings, 8-foot solid core doors, high-end kitchens with quartz countertops, GE Energy Star stainless steel appliances, oversized tiled showers, covered balconies, and more. Elevated building standards ensure style, security, and soundproofing, with features like brick and fiber cement siding, gas lanterns, metal roofs, gated entrances, video surveillance, and high-impact windows. Exclusive Ownership Opportunities With Buildings 1 and 2 sold out, we now offer 1-, 2-, and 4-bedroom units in Buildings 3 and 4, including limited clubhouse penthouses. Select fully furnished units are also available, offering a seamless turnkey living experience. Special Incentive: Free Covered Parking To celebrate the end of 2023, Pinewood is offering a FREE... Read More