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.
Remembering Pat McClellan
Pat McClellan passed away on July 22, 2026. As one of the owners of the Flora-Bama, Pat helped build the ‘Bama into the legendary destination it is today. Pat was also a great supported of the Perdido Key community and member of the Perdido Key Area Chamber of Commerce and Perdido Key Association. The “Celebration of his Life” at the Flora-Bama on Sunday, August 9, 2026 witnessed a huge turnout honoring a man whose home-town friendliness and good humor endeared him to all who knew him (see attached photographs). For a wonderful article on Pat, read the August 5, 2026 Mullet Wrapper: Pat McClellan never met a stranger or anybody he wasn’t willing to help out in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach by Fran Thompson. Also see the July 29, 2026 Pensacola News Journal article “Flora-Bama mourns the loss of owner Pat McClellan” by Brittany Misencik at https://www.pnj.com/story/entertainment/dining/2026/07/28/flora-bama-owner-pat-mcclellan-dies/91061424007/.
Perdido Key Lifeguard Coverage Ends
Pensacola Beach Lifeguards concluded their coverage of Perdido Key Public Access #2 on August 11, 2026 coinciding with the beginning of the 2026-2027 school year. The lifeguards will continue service at Johnson Beach until Labor Day and at Pensacola Beach through the end of October. Lifeguards on Perdido Key executed 3,665 preventive actions, four rescues and united a child with its family. For more on Escambia County lifeguards, see the August 10, 2026 Escambia County Newscenter article “Pensacola Beach Lifeguards Conclude 2026 Perdido Key Public Access Coverage” at Escambia County, FL (via Public) / Pensacola Beach Lifeguards Conclude 2026 Perdido Key Public Access Coverage.
Ocean Animals Staying Cool?
Changing water temperatures affects the creatures living in our oceans, but evolution has provided many with unique abilities to survive. Consider the leatherback sea turtle: “Leatherbacks rely on an adaptation strategy called countercurrent heat exchange that helps them conserve body heat. The arteries responsible for carrying warm blood from the heart sit right beside the veins bringing in cooler blood from the limbs—the warmth from the arteries transfers to that cooler blood to warm it up before it flows back throughout the body. This exchange can also be reversed when leatherbacks swim back south during nesting season.” For more on this issue, see the Ocean Conservancy, July 29, 2026 blog “How Ocean Animals Beat the Heat – and the Cold” by Megan Bennett at Thermoregulation in ocean animals.
Bertha Spoils Some Area Beaches
Tropical Storm Bertha caused relatively little damage to our area but created some mighty surf along the beaches. The turbulence stirred up higher levels of “fecal indicator bacteria” in some estuary and Gulf waters creating several area health advisories. Water quality health advisories were issued for Park West- Sound side, Baby Beach and Quietwater Beach; advisories for “poor” water quality were listed for the Bruce Beach, Bayou Texar and Big Lagoon State Park – East. “Bacteria levels typically drop within a couple of days after a weather event subsides and water quality improves. DOH-Escambia advises against any water-related activities at locations with unacceptable levels due to an increased risk of illness in swimmers.” For more on this issue, see the July 29, 2029 Pensacola News Journal article “Tropical Storm Bertha leaves behind health advisories for Pensacola beaches” by Mollye Barrows at https://www.pnj.com/story/news/local/escambia-county/2026/07/28/tropical-storm-bertha-leads-to-health-advisories-for-pensacola-beaches/91062078007/.
Naturalist Program Uplands Course
Florida Sea Grant will offer a 40-hour Uplands Course beginning Wednesday, September 23, 2026 and running each Wednesday until October 28, 2026. Topics include habitats, forests and wildlife. For more information on the course and registration, go to https://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/fmnp/us26-13inperson.php. Drawn from Rick O’Connor July 27, 2026 e-mail.
Sharks
Shark Week began on July 26, 2026 and no doubt offers programs featuring fearsome shark predators and recalling the blockbuster movie Jaws. But Ocean Conservancy points out in July 27 and 29 e-mails by Chris Robbins and Meredith Moore that sharks need our watchful care: “Sharks have been on this earth for more than 400 million years and survived multiple mass extinction events. But today, many face threats they were never designed to handle: overfishing, warming oceans, habitat loss and plastic pollution.” Tiger sharks, whale sharks and great whites are among the “iconic species are now threatened, vulnerable or endangered.”
Florida Wildlife Corridor
The Florida Wildlife Corridor “is a visionary 18-million-acre network of interconnected lands and waters that affords critical ecosystem services.” 1000 Friends of Florida is offering a series of three free webinars on the Corridor with the first scheduled for Wednesday, September 2, 2026 on the topic “Payment for Ecosystem Services: A Conservation Tool for Florida’s Future.” Drawn from July 29, 2026 1000 Friends of Florida e-mail.
Beach Access #3 Restrooms Removed
The Beach Access #3 restrooms that had been out of operation were brought down during the week of 6 July 2026. The area was closed from public use for the demolition but reopened later in the week. Portable bathrooms will be on the site for the foreseeable future and no plans have been revealed to resurface the parking area.
Daylight Time All the Time!!
The US House of Representatives passed a bill that would make Daylight Savings Time the official American time year round, no more “Spring Forward, Fall Back.” The Bill must still receive Senate approval and be signed by President Trump. For more on this issue, see the July 14, 2026 US House of Representatives Energy & Commerce entry House Passes Legislation to Make Daylight Saving Time Permanent.
Restoring Salt Marsh
Sea Grant has a series of articles on how to improve the health of our bays and estuaries. To access the latest entry, go to the July 13, 2026 UF/IFAS blog What YOU Can Do the Help Make a Healthier Bay; Part 3 – Restoring Salt Marsh – UF/IFAS Extension Escambia County by Rick O’Connor.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.”
NOTES ON THE ENVIRONMENT
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.
