Latest news with #OkaloosaIsland
Forbes
01-07-2025
- Forbes
Tiger Sharks Are Now Converging En Masse On The Florida Panhandle
Alex Fogg, Shane Reynolds and Kinga Philipps document a tiger shark beneath Island Pier between Fort Walton Beach and Destin, Florida. Shane Reynolds The Island Pier juts 1,262 feet out from the sugary, white sands of Florida's Okaloosa Island, between Fort Walton Beach and Destin. Since the early 1970s, this pier and its predecessors been etched in sunset photos of the Gulf Coast, casting silhouettes on sunburned vacationers spanning generations of American travelers. For decades, this pier and other familiar panhandle sites like the Pensacola Beach water tower, Big Kahuna's waterpark and the ever-present rumble of fighter jets up and down the coast, the pier on Okaloosa Island have changed little as the communities of this coast have grown from fishing villages into condominium-lined cathedrals of salt and sun. Today, more than 5.3 million beachgoers travel to this stretch of the Florida panhandle each year. Most migrate annually from homes within driving distance from the seashore. In the suburbs of cities like Atlanta, Birmingham, Houston, Nashville, New Orleans and Memphis, 'Salt Life' stickers and circular '30A' icons cling to the windows of SUVs, pickup trucks and minivans. Each denote that the owner is a member of a kind of deep fried vacation club whose members journey to this accessible slice of paradise located within driving distance of the comforts of home. In the past four years, those vacationers have been joined by a new kind of visitor that has been migrating en masse to Okaloosa Island — tiger sharks. Since 2021, schools of tiger sharks have been mysteriously converging on the Island Pier. What seemingly began as a aggregation of around ten sharks has now grown to a cumulative population that could exceed 100 different individuals throughout the summer. Researchers now believe the event may now represent one of the largest gatherings of tiger sharks in the world. A tiger shark swims alongside Island Pier on Okaloosa Island, Florida. Shane Reynolds Destin-Fort Walton Beach and a group of research partners have been using an acoustic tag monitoring station at The Island pier to document the movement of other fish species since 2021. Prior to that time, most of the data recorded was produced by roaming sportfish like tarpon or redfish as well as sea turtles and other shark species. Recent summers; however, have started to change that picture. 'We've tagged almost 40 tiger sharks in total' says Destin-Fort Walton Beach Natural Resources Chief Alex Fogg. 'Based on tag data, it seems like there are a lot of animals that we have not tagged that are coming in and out of the system. We could have two or three times the number of sharks in the area than we have tagged.' A marine biologist by trade, Fogg keeps one foot in the biology door and a thumb on the pulse of tourism in Destin-Fort Walton Beach. Fogg and the Destin Fort-Walton Beach Natural Resources team are working with Louisiana State University, Mississippi State University and the U.S. Geological Survey to learn more about where the sharks are coming from, and why they've decided to linger around this specific pier. The sharks appear to be drawn in by a naturally-occurring death of thousands of Clupedia forage fish around the pier. Researchers theorize that the tiny bait fish are schooling in such numbers that they deplete the available oxygen in the water around them, created a school-induced hypoxia that causes a mass die off. Fogg says tiger sharks, a notoriously lazy predator, usually arrive a day later to clean up the mess. So far, acoustic and satellite tag data has shown sharks migrating to the Island Pier aggregation from as far away as the Florida Keys and western areas in the Gulf of Mexico. However, research teams believe the sharks may be arriving at the pier from as far away as the East Coast and the Caribbean. Island Pier also offers a relatively protected area for the apex predators to dine. Shark fishing is banned on the pier, and while anglers can catch and harvest tiger sharks in federal waters, Florida state waters create a nine-mile, no-take protection area for the animals. Anglers cast lines for sport fish from Island Pier while more than a dozen tiger sharks swim below. Shark fishing is banned on the pier. Shane Reynolds An Unprecedented Opportunity for Ecotourism Among tiger sharks, Island Pier appears to be unique. Though similar fishing piers are located in nearby Pensacola, Navarre Beach and Panama City, tiger sharks are not appearing in the same numbers there. The behavior pattern may be reliable enough to create a boon for ecotourism in the region. On June 30, Fogg's team installed an underwater camera beneath the Island Pier providing a streaming that will go live later this summer. Right now, the tiger shark aggregation is still largely flying under the ecotourism radar. However, a clue to its future impact could lie on another American coastline 2,300 miles away in California. Each year, an estimated 80,000 travelers venture to California's Pismo Beach to see a congregation of tens of thousands of iridescent, orange Monarch butterflies lingering in a diminutive Eucalyptus grove. There, the monarchs contribute to an estimated $158 million economic impact in San Luis Obispo County. Island Pier is uniquely positioned to benefit from a similar ecotourism draw. If the pattern holds, travelers could soon be marking their calendars for the tiger shark aggregation on Okaloosa Island. 'I don't think you will find this anywhere else in the world,' says Shane Reynolds, a Destin-based cinematographer who volunteers with Fogg's Natural Resources crew to gather data from submerged monitoring stations near Island Pier. 'Normally, if you are going to see a tiger shark aggregation, you need a passport and a boat. You need a dive certification. Here, you just need two dollars to walk out onto the pier and you can watch them without even getting wet.' Destin Fort-Walton Beach Natural Resources team members document sharks beneath the water and check subsurface acoustic tag monitoring stations below Island Pier. Shane Reybolds Until now, casual visitors to the Florida Panhandle have never had an opportunity to see apex marine life like tiger sharks this easily. In fact, leading tiger shark experts say the gathering that has continued to grow on Okaloosa Island is unlike any other event in the world. 'You really have an incredible opportunity to watch this co-habitation of apex predators and people that has been happening for four years now,' says shark conservationist and Discovery Shark Week host Kinga Philipps. Philipps is one of the world's most visible advocates for tiger sharks, having filmed extensively in the water with them on scientific expeditions around the globe. 'To see them in numbers, you'd normally have to go to Tiger Beach in the Bahamas or Tiger Zoo in the Maldives. You may have to go to French Polynesia. Up until now, tiger sharks have not been super accessible. They have an exotic appeal to people because they aren't normally seen by beachgoers. To have the ability to stand on a pier and literally count sharks from above is insane.' Tiger sharks are scene from a helicopter above Island Pier on Ocaloosa Island, Florida. Shane Reynolds Co-Existing With Travelers Researchers believe there is space for both human and non-human travelers to share Island Pier in the summer. In 2024, there were 47 confirmed unprovoked cases of shark attacks on humans. Only two of those attacks (one in Hawaii and one in Australia) were attributed to tiger sharks. In both cases, humans were inadvertently infringing on the shark's space. At Island Pier, Swimming and diving activities are restricted year round. Diving is not allowed without a permit. Swimming is not allowed within 150 feet of the pier. Researchers believe the sharks already have room and space to feed. Fogg, Reynolds and Philipps are all quick to note that in the four years this shark aggregation has been observed, no swimmers have been harmed by the animals, either. At Island Pier, tiger sharks are showing little interest in beachgoers away from the pier. Food sources they might normally prey on—like passing sea turtles and tarpon—appear to be disregarded in favor of an easy mouthful of bait fish. 'These tiger sharks spend all day circling the bait fish and eating the dead ones off of the bottom,' explains Reynolds. 'It's a simple life for them, and it's pretty fruitful. They are all pretty fat and happy.' There is hope that by drawing attention to the aggregation, visitors will be more mindful of research efforts taking place during peak visitation months and be more curious about the world of tiger sharks. 'So far, we are all good around the pier,' adds Philipps. 'But there does need to be an awareness and a consciousness of their presence. People need to know that these sharks are not messing with people, but they do exist at Okaloosa Island in numbers.'
Daily Mail
24-06-2025
- Daily Mail
The little-known American beach that looks just like the Caribbean
If you're dreaming of a Caribbean getaway but don't have the time or budget to jet off to a tropical island, there's a hidden stretch of sand in Florida that will do the trick. Okaloosa Island, a little-known gem on Florida's Emerald Coast, has all the postcard-worthy beauty of the Caribbean without the long flight or sky-high price tag. The beach offers clear blue-green water and stark white sand that is made of pure quartz crystals eroded from the Appalachian Mountains, per Business Insider. This gives the beach that iconic sugar-white look and a soft, cool feel while you're walking around on a scorching hot day. And Okaloosa Island has more than just its picturesque beaches - as it also offers fun attractions, dining, and shopping all close by. It's just a stones throw away from other major Florida destinations, such as Fort Walton Beach and Destin. There is a boardwalk in Destin Harbor that is over 1,200-feet-long and has spots for fishing, watching the sunset, or enjoying watersport activities such as paddle boarding or kayaking. It even offers snorkeling around the nearby Spectre Island. The beach offers clear blue-green water and stark white sand that is made of pure quartz crystals eroded from the Appalachian Mountains And for those who don't want to hit the water, there are tons of other family-friendly attractions. Families can race go-karts down a three-story wooded course at The Track and then play at the arcade to win prizes, per Destin-Fort Walton Beach Florida. They can also go to Gator Beach for alligator shows and feeding free of charge. In addition, animal lovers can enjoy the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park and Care Center, which has been a marine rehabilitation and conservation center since the 1950s. There, families get the chance to see dolphin shows and other marine life. There is also a Little Adventures program for younger guests, where kids have the opportunity to learn new skills such as fishing, snorkeling, and sailing. While enjoying the beach views and warm sun, travelers can try local food spots. There are many versatile food trucks in downtown Fort Walton Beach for a more laid-back feel. But there are also hotspot destinations including The Gulf - an open-air restaurant built out of old shipping containers - and LuLu's in Destin, which is owned by singer Jimmy Buffett's sister, per the outlet. In Destin, there is also a shopping center that has tons of spots to buy clothes and food. Another perk of Okaloosa Island is how close it is to the airport. The beach is only a short drive from Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport, allowing for an easy getaway.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Yahoo
This Florida Island Offers All The Fun Of Nearby Destin With Far Fewer Crowds
The Florida Panhandle is a treasure trove of cheery seaside towns that are perfect for your next beach vacation. From Destin to the famous 30A communities, there's an ideal destination for your next trip—whether you're planning a reunion with the girlfriends or romantic getaway for two. One of the area's best family-friendly spots is Okaloosa Island. Located on the 24-mile Santa Rosa Island, just across the bridge from bustling Destin, Okaloosa Island is a three-mile stretch of beach that also contains the oceanfront community of Fort Walton Beach. With white sand and emerald water, there's honestly not much else required for an excellent beach vacation, but the destination overdelivers with a long list of attractions, great restaurants, and beautiful stays. Here are the 12 best things to do on Okaloosa Island, Florida. You can spend your entire trip at this dining and entertainment hub and never have a reason to leave. Located directly on the Gulf, the Boardwalk not only includes four restaurants where you can get anything from fresh seafood to great burgers or tacos, plus shops and beachfront accommodations, but it's also home to a county park and public beach access point. Swing by on Wednesdays during the summer for weekly fireworks shows starting at 9 pm. 1450 Miracle Strip Parkway, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548 Another of Okaloosa Island's most iconic destinations, The Island Pier (formerly known as the Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier) stretches 1,262 feet into the Gulf and is one of the best places in the area to take in a magnificent sunrise or sunset. If you're just looking for a stroll, be on the lookout for dolphins or sea turtles in the water below and herons or pelicans flying overhead. Anglers can purchase a daily fishing pass (that includes a license) at the tackle shop and try their luck at catching large tarpon, king mackerel, cobia, and more. 1030 Miracle Strip PKWY SE Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548; 850-244-1023 There's lots to learn and see inside this museum and science center that offers more than 45 touchable, workable exhibits that teach kids about various natural phenomena and basic scientific principles. Exhibits range in subject matter from dinosaur fossils to reptiles to boating. 31 SW Memorial Parkway, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548; 850-664-1261 With three miles of Gulf-front beach and minimal crowds, Okaloosa Island isn't the type of beach destination where you'll feel like your chairs and umbrella are sitting right on top of another family. (Though, it does pay to stake your claim earlier in the day if you want a prime spot without anything or anyone in your way of the water.) Choose from 10 different public beach access points spread across the island. Several have public restrooms, parking, shaded picnic tables, and showers to make your experience even easier. Since 1955, this attraction has been drawing guests of all ages to learn about and have up-close encounters with all kinds of marine life. A general admission ticket gives access to all exhibits, shows, and training demonstrations, while separate 'encounter' tickets give guests the opportunity to do everything from snorkel with stingrays to swim with penguins. The all-new Dolphin Oasis habitat provides even more exciting dolphin shows than ever before. 1010 Miracle Strip Parkway SE Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548; 850-243-9046 It's not uncommon to see a line out the door at this seafood joint and its next-door market. What started as local-favorite inland spot in Fort Walton expanded to include a location closer to the water, and now it's a popular spot for yearly beachgoers in addition to its loyal locals. Order fresh or fried fish, plus Southern sides like fried okra, grits, and hushpuppies at prices that are hard to match anywhere on the beach. The steamer and seafood market next door offers steamed dinners (grouper, snow crab, Red Royal shrimp, mussels) with sausage, corn, potato, and butter, as well as sandwiches. 235 Santa Rosa Blvd., Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547; 850-586-7001 It's hard to miss the iconic shipping containers and reclaimed, recycled, and salvaged building materials that make up this one-of-a-kind restaurant and bar perched on the edge of the bay. Head to a window to order shareable appetizers like smoked tuna dip and coconut fried fish bites, plus island-inspired fare ranging from Jerk Surf 'N' Turf Bowls to Mahi Mahi Tacos with pineapple slaw and Cajun aioli. Then, hit up the bar for tropical drinks like seasonal berry mojitos and spicy palomas, then choose a picnic table, dig your feet in the sand, and enjoy. 1284 Marler Ave., Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548; 850-387-1300 Located on the Boardwalk, AJ's Seafood and Oyster Bar has been a hot spot for visitors since it opened in 1984. Stop in for an extensive menu of seafood favorites, including fried baskets, charbroiled oysters, and an award-winning gumbo. Come early for happy hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., or choose a night when there's live music on the expansive outdoor deck. 108 Santa Rosa Boulevard, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548; 850-226-8108 Another must-visit Boardwalk stop is The Crab Trap, a massive restaurant that sits up high on the sugar beaches, offering an unbeatable view of the water. Seafood arrives daily straight from the harbor, so you know your meal—whether grouper, snapper, shrimp, or wahoo—is as fresh as can be when it arrives at your table. Of course, you can't eat at the Crab Trap without ordering some crab. Choose from a variety of wild Alaskan crab legs or domestic crab claws. 1450 Miracle Strip Parkway, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548; 850-301-0959 If you're looking to start your day with a hearty meal, Asiago's Skillet is your spot. Open daily starting at 6 a.m., this beloved morning destination offers every breakfast food under the sun—and then some. There's a huge array of skillets and omelets (including special ones filled with bay shrimp and crabmeat), plus fluffy buttermilk pancakes, French toast, burritos, biscuit sandwiches, Benedicts, and more. Pro tip: Ask your server to 'Shipwreck' your potatoes and they'll come covered with bacon, sauteed onions, cheese, and gravy. 110 Amberjack Dr., Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548; 850-586-7998 Appropriately named The Island, this full-service resort has had a long history as a favorite spot for tourists, starting as a Ramada Inn back in 1966. In 2018, the property underwent a massive transformation to become The Island Resort, where you get the same access to sugar-white sand beaches and crystal-clear emerald water but this time with modern rooms, five food and beverage options (including the Emerald Coast's only swim-up bar at the Grotto Pool), and daily resort events like live music and movies by the Cabana Pool. 1500 Miracle Strip Parkway Southeast, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548; 800-874-8962 One of the island's newest accommodations, Beal House is part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton, so you know to expect modern, well-designed rooms; excellent service; and amenities like a gym, pool, and dining. Onsite restaurant The Remedy specializes in coastal fresh cuisine with a dash of Cajun flair. The coastal cool dining room opens up onto the beach, putting you right on island time. Menu items range from anytime favorites like burgers or a daily catch sandwich to morning specials like beignets or a FloriBama Benedict with grilled shrimp, mushroom crawfish sauce, and loaded cheesy potato cakes. 380 Santa Rosa Blvd, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548; 850-243-9444 Read the original article on Southern Living
