Vacations

Getting There

Directions to Crestview from Interstate 10 East and West Crestview is located off I-10 at exit 56, on US Higway 85. Niceville is located approximately 20 miles south of Crestview, on Hwy 85, and Florala, Alabama is approximately 27 miles north. Directions... Full story

Beating the heat in Northwest Florida

Mona Moore, Florida Freedom Newspapers

EMERALD COAST,FL - The weather outside is frightful. But the cool air inside is delightful. As temperatures climbed to the upper 90s again Tuesday, Gulf Power Co. reported near record-breaking usage as fans and air conditions kicked into high gear. "Our... Full story

Climbing gas prices not expected to hurt tourism

Scarlet Sims, Florida Freedom Newspapers

PANAMA CITY, FL - Gas prices continue to rise statewide but are still below 2008 prices, officials said. And while the recession might alter travel, gas prices alone won't affect it. Gasoline prices statewide have increased about 15 percent from May,... Full story

Beach Wheelchairs Available on the Beaches of South Walton

SANTA ROSA BEACH, FL - The South Walton Fire District, in partnership with the Walton County Tourist Development Council, has developed a program that provides three beach wheelchairs, strategically located along the Beaches of South Walton, to improve... Full story

June grass is back in local waters

Wendy Victora, Florida Freedom Newspapers

DESTIN, FL - Just in time for tourist season, June grass has returned to local waters. The feathery algae blooms in warm water and is common in the Gulf of Mexico during the summer months.     It has been spotted in waters off Walton, Okaloosa... Full story

Opal Beach Park partially reopens

Dusty Ricketts, Florida Freedom Newspapers

NAVARRE BEACH, FL - Construction on the roughly $3.5 million repair of Opal Beach Park is nearing completion, and portions of the park were reopened for the first time in nearly five years this past weekend. Opal Beach Park had been closed since most... Full story

Hilton plans approved for Okaloosa Island

Dusty Ricketts, Florida Freedom Newspapers

FORT WALTON BEACH - Don't expect Paris and Nicky to become regulars of the Gulf Coast, but plans have been approved for a four-star Hilton resort on Okaloosa Island. Okaloosa County Commissioners on Tuesday evening unanimously approved plans for the... Full story

Smart ways summer travelers can cut hotel costs

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - How does your family plan to save money on summer vacation this year? Driving rather than flying? Maybe carrying all the items you need instead of renting once arriving at your destination? These are all great ways to save! But how do you cut... Full story

St. Joseph State park marina goes green on land and sea

PORT ST. JOE - St. Joseph Peninsula State Park was recently recognized as the 194th designated Clean Marina in the state, adding 18 wet slips to the program. With the addition of the St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, the Florida Clean Marina Program now... Full story

MTV brings big names, numbers to beach

Jon Miltimore, Florida Freedom Newspapers

PANAMA CITY BEACH, FL - Panama City Beach was a Spring Break haven long before the concept of a music video existed, but having MTV filming the escapades of college students doesn't hurt the attraction.     MTV executives said they are... Full story

Spring break calm, but underage drinking citations rise

Robbyn Brooks, Florida Freedom Newspapers

DESTIN, FL - With spring break only halfway over, the number of underage drinkers cited by sheriff's deputies is already equal to last year's total. According to statistics from the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office, in 2007 deputies cited 141 underage... Full story

On beaches, it's time for rites of spring break

Kimberly White, Florida Freedom Newspapers

OKALOOSA ISLAND, FL - With volleyball nets up, suntan lotion out, surfboards waxed and swarms of seagulls swirling overhead, spring break has descended on the Emerald Coast. But with the market as unstable as it has been, it's anyone's guess how many... Full story

Deer Lake State Park

Deer Lake State Park is home to Deer Lake - an extremely rare coastal dune lake. If being rare was not enough, it is located on County Road 30A - the road that connects some of the country's most famous beach communities. Nature enthusiasts travel to... Full story

Up Close and Personal: Fred Gannon State Park

By Tara Roberts

NICEVILLE - Off the beaten path, along an undistinguished stretch of residential highway, sits a jewel on the Emerald Coast. Located in Niceville, just off Highway 20 on Rocky Bayou, is Fred Gannon/Rocky Bayou State Park. There are no long and winding... Full story

Grayton Beach State Park

Grayton Beach State Park is located in Grayton Beach on County Road 30A - the road that connects some of the country's most famous beach communities. Not only do visitors of this popular state park get a breathtaking view of the beach, but the beach also... Full story

Henderson Beach State Park

Henderson Beach State Park is located in beautiful Okaloosa County where the beaches were voted number one in a reader poll conducted by USA Today. This park makes camping on the beach a reality with all the amenities of a campground including an air-conditioned... Full story

Camp Helen State Park

Camp Helen State Park is seated next to Lake Powell - one of the largest coastal dune lakes in Florida. Coastal dune lakes are extremely rare worldwide and are mostly only found along the Gulf of Mexico. The park has unique history that dates back more... Full story

St. Andrews State Park

St. Andrews State Park is not just another beach park. This park receives an A+ from water sport enthusiasts for its wide assortment of water recreation activities including snorkeling, swimming, scuba diving, kayaking and canoeing. Two fishing piers,... Full story

Perdido Key State Park

Perdido Key State Park provides an unbelievable view of the Gulf of Mexico. The feature that draws millions of people to Perdido Key is none other than the barrier islands that protect the lands and also provide a safe haven for shorebirds and other coastal... Full story

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