News

Customary Use Process Continues

Escambia County’s instructions for submitting information to be used in determining if Customary Use (public use of private beachfront property) should be imposed on Perdido Key are at Escambia County Seeking Perdido Key Beach Usage Information with the submission form at Perdido Key Beach Information Form. The deadline for submission is August 28, 2026. The PKA Board of Directors believes it is extremely important for beachfront property owners to defend their private property rights by submitting information to oppose claims that public use of their beaches has been Ancient, Reasonable Recreational Activity, Uninterrupted, and Free from Dispute – the four criteria for proving Customary Use. Under Customary Use, trespassing, vandalism and parking violations may increase and, as we understand it, property owners would still retain much of their responsibility for the land such as conformance with wildlife regulations (e.g., sea turtles) and cleanups. If established, Customary Use might be imposed on only portions of Perdido Key such as in Walton County where the 1194 properties that challenged Customary Use retained their private property rights and the 95 that did not had Customary Use imposed. If you have questions about what information to submit, contact PKA Secretary Charles Krupnick at charles.krupnick@gmail.com; if you have difficulty uploading material through the County portal, contact PKA Director Lisa Henseler at lnhenseler@yahoo.com. You also have an opportunity to personally express your concerns about Customary Use to Commissioners at the 4:30 PM July 23, 2026 Escambia County Board of Commissioners Public Forum.

PKA Recognized by Perdido Key Chamber

On June 17, 2026 at a “Business After Hours” get together a Hub Stacey’s, the Perdido Key Area Chamber of Commerce and Chamber President/CEO Tammy Thurow recognized PKA for its service to the Perdido Key area. This included events such as the recent World Oceans Day celebration held at the Perdido Key Community Center.

Johnson Beach Parking Sign Operational

A sign indicating available parking spaces at the Perdido Key Area of Gulf Islands National Seashore (Johnson Beach) is operational. It is located on the north side of Johnson Beach Road not far from the park entrance and just before a turnaround space next to the north traffic lane. If parking is not available, vehicles can turnaround to help reduce congestion in the area.

Beach Mouse and Dunes Day at Johnson Beach

Saturday, June 27, 2026, was a postcard-perfect beach day to celebrate our Perdido Key beach mouse and the dune ecosystem it helps protect. Several organizations were involved in the “fun, family-friendly event” on the pavilion at Perdido Key Area of Gulf Islands National Seashore (Johnson Beach) where attendees were able “to learn more about the beach mouse, enjoy educational games, and more.” Among the participants were representatives and display from the Brevard Zoo in Melbourne, FL where a population of Perdido Key beach mice is kept to reestablish the species on Perdido Key should a hurricane or other event destroy the resident population.

Vacationers and Invasive Species

Vacationers can spread invasive species in a number of ways, such as bringing firewood to different locations and having destructive golden mussels stuck to the propeller blades of their boats. “Exotic species are introduced in many ways, including via shipping containers, ballast water in ships, the wildlife trade, imported plants and even tropical cyclones.” Efforts to prevent this include “rules about moving firewood, cleaning boats, killing invasive species on sight or transporting fruits, vegetables and plants.” For more on this issue, see the June 21, 2026 Times-Herald Record/USA Today article PressReader.com | Vaca­tion­ers urged to fol­low tips to stem the spread of invas­ive spe­cies by Dinah Voyles Pulver.

Fog and Germs

Who knew fog contains beneficial bacteria? Less than 1% of fog droplets have bacteria, but there are a lot of droplets! From fog sample studies by Pennsylvania’s Susquehanna University and Arizona State University, according to Arizona State the methylobacteria bacteria stands out. “Methylobacteria consume simple carbon compounds, including chemicals such as formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is a common pollutant that adds to ozone smog and harms human health.” For more on this issue, see the June 1, 2026 USA Today article Fog contains millions of bacteria, study finds by Doyle Rice.

Ocean Monitoring System to Remain

The Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI) is a network of more than 900 scientific instruments that monitor ocean conditions and climate impacts across the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Built to operate for decades, the system was being shut down and removed after only 10 years in operation.  But “the Trump administration has reversed course on a controversial plan to remove four of five ocean monitoring arrays from the Pacific and Atlantic after meeting intense opposition from members of Congress, researchers and ocean advocacy groups.” For more on this issue, see the June 18, 2026 USA Today article “Feds cancel plan to rip out ocean monitoring system after backlash” by Dinah Voyles Pulver and Zachary Schermele at Ocean monitoring system safe after feds cancel plan to rip it out and the June 11, 2026 USA Today article “Feds will abruptly dismantle system monitoring climate change, oceans” by Dinah Voyles Pulver at Climate change, ocean monitoring system to be abruptly dismantled.

Freshwater Naturalist Course

Florida’s only “Freshwater Restoration Florida Master Naturalist” short course will be held from July 7-9, 2026 at the Florida Public Archaeology Network Office (Day 1)
207 East Main Street, Pensacola, FL 32502 and Escambia County Extension Office Windstorm Building (Days 2 & 3) 3740 Stefani Road, Cantonment, FL with field trips to sites in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties. Instructors include Carrie Stevenson, Coastal Sustainability Agent, and Sea Grant Agents Rick O’Connor and Thomas Derbes along with several guest speakers. Please e-mail Carrie Stevenson at ctsteven@ufl.edu or call 850-475-5230Fwith any questions; for more information and statewide course schedule go to https://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/fmnp/. The course cost $250 and includes electronic file (PDF) of manual; $295 includes the PDF and a color printed bound copy of manual. You can register online at https://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/fmnp/FR26-01inperson.php; registration closes on July 1, 2026. Drawn from June 18, 2026 Rick O’Connor e-mail.

Property Tax Cut Proposal Moves Forward

Florida government’s latest property tax proposal “would substantially reduce property taxes for more than 58,000 households in Escambia County—76% of all homesteaded properties—but it would also leave local governments [in Escambia County] with $124.8 million in losses over two years.” The 60% reduction in property taxes expected from the proposal would apply to Florida primary residences only. Local officials point out that critical services will need to be reduced if the tax cut proposal is approved. The measure requires 60% approval by Florida voters in the November general elections to become part of the Florida constitution. For more information on this issue, see the June 2, 2026 Pensacola News Journal article “DeSantis tax cut may cost Escambia $124.8M, the gut law enforcement and libraries” by Jim Little at DeSantis’ property tax cut ‘catastrophic’ for Escambia municipalities.

Apply Now for 2026-27 Leadership Perdido Key Program!

The Perdido Key Area Chamber of Commerce is accepting applications for the 2026-2027 “Leadership Perdido Key” class. “The program is among the area’s top leadership development opportunities. It is designed to educate, inspire, and connect leaders across the Perdido Key community. Both current and emerging leaders are encouraged to apply.” For more information, go to June 10, 2026 OBA website article Perdido Key Chamber Opens Applications For New Leadership Program Class by R. Ken Cooper; contact Tammy Thurow, President and CEO of Perdido Key Area Chamber of Commerce, at tammy@perdidochamber.com if interested in the program.

Sargassum Hits Perdido Key

Sargassum (seaweed) has come to Perdido Key in a big way. It lines the beaches of the Perdido Key Area of Gulf Islands National Seashore (Johnson Beach – see photos) and continues to the west of the island though seemingly in lesser amounts. Elsewhere in Florida, some Palm Beach County beaches were swamped with sargassum during Memorial Day weekend. The seaweed has grown to “record proportions” along much of the eastern Atlantic and into the Gulf with “moderate beach events” on the Florida southeast coast. For more on this issue, see the May 28, 2026 USA Today article Sargassum seaweed knocks Miami beach off best beaches U.S. list by Kimberly Miller.

Pensacola Beach Renourishment Completed

After three months of sand placement, Pensacola Beach’s $35 million renourishment project is completed. “This project was a major investment for Pensacola Beach and Escambia County,” said Santa Rosa Island Authority Executive Director Mike Burns. “Not only does this project protect and strengthen 8.1 miles of beach and infrastructure, Florida Power and Light spent $28 million hardening the infrastructure lines on Pensacola Beach.” The article highlights the delight of beach goers with the many seashells deposited with the new sand. For more on this issue, see the June 12, 2026 Pensacola News Journal article Pensacola Beach renourishment project complete adds 8 miles of sand by Mollye Barrows.

SS United States Sinking Delays

According to an update from Okaloosa County, the SS United States is “ready to go” from its temporary berth near downtown Mobile to an underwater location south of Destin, but the county cannot set a deployment date until two federal agencies complete their reviews. “We are waiting on final approvals from the Army Corps of Engineers and the EPA,” said Nick Tomacek, spokesperson for Okaloosa County, which purchased the ship in 2024. “Once we have both of those, we will set a 30-to-60-day window for deployment.” For more on this issue, see the April 22, 2026 AL.com article Historic SS United States prepped for sinking, but stalled by federal sign-offs – al.com by John Sharp.

Hurricane Preparedness

After a few seasons with virtually no hurricane threat or damage to the Perdido Key corner of Florida, one might slip into complacency. But we all know hurricanes haven’t forgotten about the Panhandle so it’s a good time to review storm readiness recommendations, perhaps beginning with the June 1, 2026 Escambia County News Article Escambia County Encourages Preparedness as Hurricane Season Kicks Off June 1.

Lifeguards On Duty

Lifeguards will be on duty at Perdido Key Beach Access #2 from 10 AM until 6 PM daily through August 11, 2026.

Gulf State Park Pier Observation Deck Reopened

Damaged by Hurricane Sally in 2020 and hampered by other delays, the Observation Deck at Gulf State Park Pier was only recently reopened. The elevated platform offers spectacular views of both sea and land. For more on this issue, see the May 27, 2026 article Mullet Wrapper: Observation Deck At Gulf State Park Pier Re-Opens in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach.

More Property Insurers for Florida

Three new property and casualty insurers have come to Florida since tort reforms were implemented by the State. Twenty companies now offer home and condominium coverage in Florida. For more on this issue, see the May 20, 2026 USA Today article Florida welcomes 3 new property insurers. Here’s why that’s a big deal by Clayton Park.

Turtle and Shorebird Nesting Begins

The Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key sea turtle nesting season is from May 1, 2026 until October 31, 2026. Loggerhead, green, Kemp’s ridley and leatherback sea turtles nest along our shores along with shorebirds such as least terns, snowy plover’s, Wilson’s plover and black skimmers, so please observe all beach access restrictions. Although sea turtle nests may be well marked, shorebird nests are just “scrapes in the sand” and easily destroyed. For other information and precautions go to the May 1, 2026 Pensacola News Journal article “Watch where you walk. Sea turtle nesting seasons begins” at Pensacola Beach Perdido Key sea turtle nesting season.

First Loggerhead Nest on Perdido Key

On May 19, 2026, volunteers found the first sea turtle nest of the season on Perdido Key – it was from a loggerhead turtle. The find was a reminder of the need to protect turtles and their hatchlings by following the Lights Out, Leave only Footprints and Share the Beach guidelines provided by Escambia County. For more information, go the May 19, 2026 Escambia County News Article Escambia County Records First Loggerhead Nest on Perdido Key.

Critters on Perdido Key

Those walking or biking on Perdido Key often see animals scurrying about – from geckos to deer. Recently a few rodents, probably Florida’s native cotton rats, have been sighted along River Road – perhaps dislocated by the extensive Perdido Key Villas development under construction between Semmes Street and Gardenglen Drive.

Be alert for nutria – an invasive rodent from South America that can devastate wetlands. They look like beavers but have a slender tail instead of a paddle. A population of nutria has survived on the Lost Key Golf Course for many years but could have spread further into the community. If seen, please contact Rick O’Connor at roc1@ufl.edu.

Temporary Beach Signs Authorized

A recent directive interpretation by Escambia County staff allows Perdido Key beachfront property owners to post temporary “sandwich style” or “gap” signs on their beachfront  property. These would be exempt from permitting because they are “temporary, informational, and not visible from the right of way” and would address safety, access, and guest management concerns that cannot adequately be handled by the two boundary signs currently specified by Escambia County ordinance. The additional signage should be used sparingly but could include private property identification, beach safety communications, beach rule awareness, and emergency and access corridor designations. The signage may be deployed after turtle patrol clears the beach each day but must be removed each evening. Please contact Escambia County Natural Resources Management Deputy Director Tim Day at trday@myescambia.com with any questions.

Gulf Drilling Exempt from Endangered Species Act

The Endangered Species Commission (sometimes called the “God Squad” because it can affect extinction of species) met for the first time in more than 30 years and voted “to exempt drilling in the Gulf of Mexico from complying with Endangered Species Act (ESA) requirements.” The Commission is composed of the Secretaries of Interior, Agriculture and Army plus the Heads of the Council of Economic Advisors, Environmental Protection Agency and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The exemption “appeared aimed at circumventing a lawsuit that seeks to protect endangered species including the Rice’s Whale.” To more on this issue, see the 31 March, 2026 The Hill article “Trump’s ‘God Squad’ exempts Gulf oil drilling from Endangered Species Act requirements” by Rachel Frazin at Gulf drilling exempt from Endangered Species Act.

Perdido Kids Park July Reopening

The Perdido Kids Park on Gulf Beach Hwy was closed in April 2026 because of deteriorating equipment, but is scheduled to reopen in July 2026. Improvements include “new durable playground equipment, new ADA assessable amenities, new fencing and more.” Some of the parks original equipment has been retained during the renovation, such as the climbing trees and airplane rocker toys. For more on this issue, go to the May 13, 2026 article Mullet Wrapper: New Perdido Kids Park on Gulf Beach Hwy. opens in July in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach.

Pensacola to Pensacola Beach Shuttle

Escambia County has begun its Seasonal Beach Jumper travel between Pensacola and Pensacola Beach. The free service has pickups at the ECAT Transfer Center (1515 W. Fairfield Drive), Downtown Transfer Center (139 W. Government Street), Baylen Street Parking Garage and the corner of Jefferson and Garden Street. The drop-off on Pensacola Beach is at Casino Beach Pavilion. For more on this issue, go to the May 20, 2026 Escambia County News Article ECAT to Resume Free Seasonal Beach Jumper Service this Weekend.

More Flights from Gulf Shores

Allegiant Airlines continues to expand its service from Gulf Shores International Airport with new flights to Omaha, Huntsville, Oklahoma City, Louisville and Springfield, Missouri. Each destination will have two flights per week through the “peak summer season.” The Gulf Shores airport is also planning a $15 million expansion to include “additional boarding gate areas, expanded curbside drop-off, and enlarged baggage claim area, and a new outdoor patio.” For more on this issue, go to the May 12, 2026 article Mullet Wrapper: Allegiant adds flights to Omaha, Huntsville, Oklahoma City, Louisville, Springfield in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach.

Tilapia Removal

Tilapia is an African species that can be farm raised in the United States, but should not be in US waters. Yet they are and can “outcompete native species for habitat and resources.” “Some water bodies in central and south Florida are now dominated by these fish.” In Escambia County tilapia can be found in Bayou Chico. Sea Grant recently organized a two day project and with volunteer removed 66 tilapia from the bayou. Florida Sea Grant will conduct a survey in August 2026 to determine the extent of tilapia presence in Escambia County. If you see any tilapia, please contact Escambia County Sea Grant Representative Rick O’Connor at roc1@ufl.edu. Drawn from May 20, 2026 Rick O’Connor e-mail.

Possible Hotel for Perdido Key

Heron Hotels of Tennessee hopes to build a 17 story hotel with 271 rooms on four lots of Perdido Key beachfront. While still in the planning stages, the hotel would be located at 14125 Perdido Key Drive just east of La Riva condominiums. According to Rich Chism – a managing partner of Heron Hotels: “It’s a beautiful quiet beach surrounded by natural resources, I think it’s going to be a great amenity for the area.” The referenced article also noted little information was available on the 2024 proposal for the Valencia Center development at 13585 Perdido Key Drive that included a hotel. For more on these issues, see the April 27, 2026 Pensacola News Journal article “Could Perdido Key see its first hotel built in many years?” by Tom McLaughlin at Perdido Key beach front hotel development would be an island first.

Scallop Search 2026

This year’s “Pensacola Scallop Search” will be conducted between July 12 and August 1, 2026 on Big Lagoon and Santa Rosa Sound. “Those interested will need a team of least three people and their own snorkel gear. Many of the locations do require a power boat to access so, let us know if you have one. Not all sites require a power boat so, if you do not have one, we have places you can help.” For more information and to register your team, contact Rick O’Connor at roc1@ufl.edu. 

Florida Forever Funds Lacking

Florida Forever is the state’s premier land conservation program but, according to 1000 Friends of Florida, has been underfunded with lawmakers “walking away from a law they passed just three years ago.” “Without the authority to purchase land, valuable and vulnerable land will be lost forever to development.“ Drawn from May 14, 2026 1000 Friends of Florida e-mail. For more on this issue, see the March 30, 2026 WUSF article Florida Forever is on the verge of getting little funding this year | WUSF by Steve Newborn.

Bernardo de Galvez

Spanish General Bernardo de Gálvez played an important role in the American Revolution. In 1781 he led the “Siege of Pensacola” and secured a vital Spanish victory over the British. His effort and those of other Spanish forces occupied “British armies and fleets in skirmishes and battles across the Gulf Coast, keeping those same armies and fleets from assisting the British fight elsewhere.” While his name was somewhat forgotten over time, “in 2018, a bronze statue of Galvez upon his horse was installed at the intersection of Palafox and Wright streets.” For more on this issue, see the April 26, 2026 Pensacola News Journal article “Galvez Day is coming! Who’s Galvez? Pensacola knows. Finally.” by Troy Moon at Pensacola Galvez Day honors Spanish Gen. Bernardo de Galvez.

Bycatch Reduction Devices Required

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission requires Bycatch Reduction Devices (BRDs) for all recreational crab traps in Florida to keep sea turtles out of the traps. They can be obtained at no charge from the Escambia County Extension Office. For questions or to obtain BRDs, contact Rick O’Connor at the Escambia County Extension Office (850-475-5230).

Pensacola Beach Demographics

Of the 4,500 residential properties on Pensacola Beach, there are more than 1,000 short term vacation rentals but only about 1,000 homesteaded properties, with the decline in local residences perhaps changing the character of the island. Many who work on Pensacola Beach can no longer afford to live on there. For more on this issue, see the April 20, 2026 Pensacola News Journal article “Losing its charm? Pensacola Beach has more visitors than residents.” by Mollye Barrows at Pensacola Beach short term rentals outnumber homestead exemptions.

Florida is Expensive

Florida is the fourth most expensive state in the South and 18th most expensive in the United States. “Florida’s regional price growth averaged about 1.3% per year in the 2010s, but jumped to nearly 5.8% per year in the 2020s” with housing cost a “primary driver.” For more on this issue, see the April 23, 2026 Pensacola News Journal article “How Florida became one of the South’s most expensive states to live in” by Brandon Girod at Florida’s cost of living is rising 5 times faster than before.

Earth Day 2026

Earth Day was founded in 1970 following the disastrous 1969 oil spill off Santa Barbara, California – a calamity leading to the formation of the modern environmental movement. With perhaps 10,000 events worldwide, it is celebrated on April 22 each year and includes “community cleanups, teach-ins, peaceful demonstrations, tree planting, voter registration, town hall meetings, community organizing — every action strengthens the movement.” Pensacola’s Earth Day was held on April 18 at Bayview Park with music, arts, local bands, vendors, yoga and education stations. It was a great way to spend a day focusing on our wonderful planet. For more on Earth Day, go to Earth Day: The Official Site | EARTHDAY.ORG, for more on Earth Day in Pensacola, go to Earth Day Pensacola | Visit Pensacola.

Alabama Red Snapper Season Opens May 22

“The Marine Resources Division (MRD) of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) announces that Alabama state waters and federal waters will open to private and state-licensed charter vessel anglers for red snapper harvest on Friday, May 22, 2026” until the end of the year or when the yearly quota is met. Fishing will be allowed 7 days a week. For more information, go to the April 20, 2026 Outdoor Alabama article Red Snapper Season Opens 7 Day a Week Starting May 22 | Outdoor Alabama

Tanger Outlet Renovations

Substantial renovations to Tanger Outlets in Foley on Rt. 59 are ongoing and will continue until late 2027. “The heart of this will be a centralized area with over 40,000 square feet of dining and family amenities,” said Tanger Outlets Marketing Director Debra Brown. “Our goal is to serve as more than a shopping center—we’re creating an inviting place for our community to come together to make memories, share experiences and enjoy even better shopping, food and fun.” For more on this issue, see the April 15, 2026 article Mullet Wrapper: Tanger Outlet in Foley will undergo extensive renovation in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach.

Florida Development Action Setback

Passed in the 2025 Florida legislative session, SB 180 “is a broad emergency management measure that bars local governments from enacting planning requirements seen as ‘more restrictive or burdensome’ than those already on the books.” Opponents believe the law will be used by developers “to fight restrictions on growth.” Those who opposed SB 180 through proposed legislative and legal action believe they have failed to reduce the possible effects of the law. For more on this issue, see the April 14, 2026 USA Today Network – Florida article “No fix for law limiting local planning” by John Kennedy at Florida law freezes local planning decisions.

Rotary Mac & Cheese Cookoff

The Mac & Cheese Cookoff sponsored by the Rotary Club of Perdido Key was a great success. Several tasty varieties of the family food staple were available for sampling including ones with crawfish, chicken, cordon bleu, gouda and even mac & cheese cookies! The winner of the event’s “People’s Choice Award” was the tangy “Stroberger” entry while the “Grande Lagoon Yacht Club” took the “Judges Choice Award.” The event was held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at The Point Church on Innerarity Point Road.

Perdido Palooza

Many gathered on April 9, 2026 at the Warrior Beer Company on Sorrento Rd for the Perdido Palooza Vendor and Craft Market sponsored by the Perdido Key Area Chamber of Commerce. Good food and drink were available and a lively band provided entertainment. The next Perdido Palooza will be on May 14, 2026.

Perdido Key State Park Volunteers/Update

Perdido Key State Park is looking for volunteers to assist with manning its park entry stations. If interested, please contact Florida Park Ranger Emily Price at Emily.Price@FloridaDEP.gov or other Park officials at 850-492-1595. The West Use Area of Perdido Key State Park is under renovation including additional repairs required for newly found damage, but as of today admission is still allowed to the park.

OLF 8 Development Changes

At their March 26, 2026 meeting, Escambia County Commissioners agreed to changes in its OLF 8 sale agreement with developer Tri-W Development and Chad C Henderson Enterprises of Pensacola where the County will “keep the Employments, Technology & Innovation (ETI) District, which is focuses on high quality job creation and take $14 million less than the $42.5 million originally promised for all 540 acres of the multiphase development.” Part of the reason for the change is a hope and expectation that Escambia County, as a government agency, would be able “to help cover the project’s substantial infrastructure costs with a grant from Triumph Gulf Coast [funds recovered from the Deep Water Horizon oil spill].” For more on this issue, see the March 26, 2026 Pensacola News Journal article “Escambia takes $14M less for OLF 8, keeps 170 acres” by Mollye Barrows at Escambia OLF 8 land sale agreement Tri W Chad Henderson renegotiated.

Fish Farm

The off-shore fish farm proposed for the Gulf of Mexico about 26 miles south of Pensacola is in the permit approval process. US agencies including NOAA and important interest groups support its creation while some environmental and other groups are opposed. It would be the first major finfish farm in US federal waters though a small scale operation is approved for the Sarasota area but delayed by legal challenges. Concerns about off shore finfish farms include likely increase in nutrient levels in surrounding waters, possibility of disease spreading from fish farms to native species and dangers to whales and other sea life from the apparatus. The Perdido Key Association has joined the “Don’t Cage Our Oceans” coalition that opposes the fish farm. For information on the opposing initiative, go to Don’t Cage Our Oceans | STOP INDUSTRIAL OCEAN FISH FARMING (dontcageouroceans.org); for the website of the group proposing the fish farm, go to Florida Offshore – Manna Fish Farms; for an early report on the proposed fish farm, go to the July 20, 2023 Pensacola News Journal article “Pensacola may get one of Florida’s first offshore fish farms, and some are already worried” by Colin Warren-Hicks at Manna Fish Farms seeking to open Gulf of Mexico farm near Pensacola (pnj.com).

World Oceans Day 2026

Perdido Key’s World Oceans Day 2026 celebration was held on Monday, June 8, 2026 at the Perdido Key Community Center and provided wonderful opportunities to learn more about the oceans and the challenges they face. A banner headline of presenters included Dauphin Island Sea Lab, UWF Conservation of Marine Mammals/Florida Panhandle Marine Institute, Escambia County’s Natural and Marine Resources divisions, Healthy Gulf, Gulf Islands National Seashore, Florida State Parks, Friends of Pensacola State Parks, Escambia County Lifeguards, NIHUI Dive Charters, plus Perdido Key Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs. Also featured were the Marlin the Cowboy movie, snowballs from Bam! Snoballs, beach safety toys from Youths Left Behind, Take & Make from Southwest Branch West Florida Public Libraries and a Bag Raffle prize from Perdido Bike Rental. The event helped improve local understanding of our wonderful oceans and the many organizations pursuing ocean relevant issues. The United Nations encouraged us “To move from passive inheritors of the ocean’s generosity to active guardians of its future.”

2026 PKA Annual Membership Meeting

The Perdido Key Association held its Annual Membership Meeting on March 7, 2026 at the Eden Condominium. PKA president Connie Walker covered meeting preliminaries including introducing the PKA Board and new Director Debbie May. She also honored departing Director May Dean who has been a key PKA Board member for over 20 years. May served as PKA President and other Board positions and played a crucial role in projects such as the Perdido Key Master Plan and particularly the Perdido Key Multi-Use Path. Connie then introduced featured speaker Escambia County Natural Resources Deputy Director Tim Day. He covered Escambia County’s Habitat Conservation Plan and how it standardized and streamlined the building permit process while still accounting for environmental and endangered species requirements, particularly for the Perdido Key beach mouse. He also discussed turtle/beach mouse lighting requirements and aspects of the Customary Use issue, noting its fate is still not apparent. PKA Director Charles Krupnick completed the PKA Board presentation and covered construction projects such as the River Road RV park, River Road Villas, Isabella subdivision and Perdido Key State Park West Use Area restoration. He also covered progress toward underground utilities on Perdido Key, the 75 ft. easement issue and significantly the Customary Use dispute. Charles also spoke of PKA Board opposition to proposals for oil & gas drilling off the Florida coast and a fish farm not far from Pensacola Pass. Additional PKA initiatives included the online 2025 Perdido Key Property Owner Survey, participation in June 2025 World Oceans Day, partnership in September 2025 International Coastal Cleanup Day plus charitable donations. Connie concluded the meeting thanking those in attendance and the Eden for hosting the event as in past years. A draft of the meeting minutes is posted on the PKA website Archive page along with the slides used by Mr. Day in his presentation.

2025 and Past Holiday Parties

PKA is having a smaller holiday gathering this year but attached are some photos of Holiday Parties past. Our greetings to you remain warm and sincere as we look back on a busy year and ahead to new challenges. Have the very best of Holiday Seasons!!

Perdido Key Coastal and Road Cleanup

Nearly 70 people participated in International Coastal Cleanup Day (September 20, 2025) activities and picked up trash on Perdido Key’s beautiful beaches and busy roadways. With leadership from Florida State Park Rangers, Perdido Key Association, Perdido Key Area Chamber of Commerce and Friends of Pensacola State Parks along with many sponsors who helped fund event t-shirts, participants were able to enjoy wonderful weather while removing unwanted debris from our island. Among the many volunteers were several young men from “Youths Left Behind.”

Central Arctic Ocean Challenges

While it is far away from almost everything, the Central Arctic Ocean plays a big role in marine productivity. Because of retreating ice in regions that were previously ice covered year round, the region is becoming more open to resource exploitation and transport. According to Barbara Wáahlaal Gidaag Blake, Vice President of Arctic Conservancy, “The Central Arctic Ocean is a vital part of the world’s balance, and as its ice melts, we must prioritize protection over exploitation. We know that safeguarding these waters is essential for the well-being of future generations and the planet.” For more on this issue, go to the article The Central Arctic Ocean – Ocean Conservancy.

Beach Vitex Reminder

Beach vitex is one of the “Dirty Dozen” invasive species on our area’s “Early Detection Rapid Response” list. Beach vitex can take over sandy areas like dunes in a short time and have caused significant problems in North and South Carolina beach communities. The plant was first detected in Pensacola in 2012 and currently has 108 identified populations spread across the area, including Gulf Breeze, Pensacola Beach, Naval Live Oaks, Ft. Pickens, Perdido Bay, Navarre Beach plus three areas on Perdido Key. Beach vitex is an incredibly robust plant and can require years of cutting and herbicide treatment to eradicate. Blooming season is beginning and will continue for the next few months so it is a good time to be alert for plant’s attractive purple flowers. Drawn from Escambia County Sea Grant representative Rick O’Connor April 15, 2026 e-mail.

Hawksbill Sea Turtles and Emperor Penguins Endangered

Generally found in warmer southern Gulf waters off places like Yucatan and Cuba, their “colored shells and pointed, bird-like beaks” make hawksbill sea turtles “among the most unique and beautiful species in our ocean.” But they face the same threats as other ocean creatures from “changing ocean conditions, habitat loss and accidental entanglement in fishing gear” and now “fight for survival.” Drawn from May 13, 2026 Ocean Conservancy e-mail by Dr. Britta Baechler

Much further south, Emperor penguins are also fighting for survival. “With increased threats from climate change, ocean waters are warming and the Antarctic ice is melting at an alarming rate” threatening both the penguin’s nesting areas and their food supply. Drawn from May 14, 2026 Ocean Conservancy e-mail by Daniel Berkson.

Everglades Creature Crisis

The extended drought in parts of south Florida has compromised livable habitat for alligators and wading birds in the Everglades. Marshes have dried up with no fish for predators and failed nesting for birds such as wood storks and egrets. Man and nature share responsibility for the crisis with some hopes for the upcoming rainy season and informed human intervention. For more on this issue, see the May 21, 2026 USA Today article Wading birds alligators suffer as everglades endures epic drought by Kimberley Miller.

Endangered Species Day

Endangered Species Day is celebrated globally on May 15, 2026 to mark the importance of protecting threatened and endangered wildlife and their habitats. Many ocean animals are “facing a triple planetary crisis – climate change, plastic pollution and biodiversity loss – and their challenges only continue to mount.” Drawn from May 15, 2026 Ocean Conservancy e-mail by Chris Robbins and the Endangered Species Day website at Endangered Species Day – Endangered Species Coalition.

Cownose Ray Decline

The cownose ray can prowl in large groups along the Gulf coast and inland waters, but Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) personnel “have documented declines in the local abundance of cownose rays in some Florida estuaries, which has prompted staff to evaluate whether specific regulations are needed.” A video of the June 2, 2026 online workshop on cownose rays is available at FWC Saltwater Workshops page. You can provide comments on this issue by emailing Marine@MyFWC.com or going to the saltwater comments webpage.

Invasive Marsh Dayflower

The invasive “marsh dayflower” has not been identified in our area but can be found in nearby counties. It has succulent stems forming dense mats that can stand 8 to 59 inches high. The plant also has narrow leaves and 3-petaled white, pink or light purple flowers that last only one day – hence its name. Be alert for possible marsh dayflower’s spread into our area – its mats can crowd out native vegetation in the marshy wet habitat it prefers. For more information, go to the May 27, 2026 UF/IFAS Blog A New Potential Invasive Species Threat – The Marsh Dayflower – UF/IFAS Extension Escambia County by Rick O’Connor.