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Dive Into History: SS United States Reef Project

Okaloosa County, Visit Pensacola, and CCA Florida are joining forces to deploy the SS United States as the world’s largest artificial reef, creating a major new tourism and conservation asset for the region.

Okaloosa County has partnered with Visit Pensacola and CCA Florida to transform the historic SS United States into the world’s largest artificial reef. The $2 million project, scheduled for early 2026, aims to enhance marine habitats, attract divers from around the globe, and boost tourism across Northwest Florida.

Eglin changes permitting, hunting regulations

Eglin AFB has updated recreation permits and hunting rules, adding background checks, mandatory check-ins, and a lottery for deer-dog hunting.

Eglin Air Force Base has implemented new recreation permitting and hunting regulation changes—including background checks, mandatory check-in/out, and a lottery system for deer-dog hunting—to improve safety and resource management.

Five Rehabilitated Sea Turtles Released at Inlet Beach

Five sea turtles treated at the Gulfarium CARE Center were released back into the Gulf of Mexico at Inlet Beach following successful rehabilitation.

The Gulfarium CARE Center released five rehabilitated sea turtles at Inlet Beach after treating them for hook-related injuries and other conditions, with community members gathering to watch their return to the Gulf.

Eight Rehabilitated Sea Turtles Released Back into the Gulf

Two Gulfarium CARE Center staff members carry a rehabilitated sea turtle toward the shoreline as a large crowd watches during a public release at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park.

Eight Rehabilitated Sea Turtles Released Back into the Gulf Staff Reports June 18, 2025 2:37 pm Charities and Nonprofits, Destin, Okaloosa County, Wildlife In Brief: 🐢 Eight rehabilitated sea turtles returned to the Gulf of Mexico in a public release at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park on June 17. The Gulfarium CARE Center, which treated […]

Florida Wildlife Commission Advances Bear Hunt Rules

Florida black bear standing in tall grass, looking to the side in a sunlit forest clearing

Florida Wildlife Commission Advances Bear Hunt Rules Staff Reports May 22, 2025 10:18 am Government, News, State Government, Wildlife In Brief: 🐻 Florida’s wildlife agency voted to advance a proposed rule allowing black bear hunting to return to the state. FWC says hunting could help manage bear populations—but critics question its necessity and impact. 📍 […]

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