Surfrider Emerald Coast Chapter

Emerald Coast Chapter

We are the beach people. The surfers, paddle boarders, kayakers, fishermen, swimmers, beach runners, and walkers. We are activists who want to protect the ocean environment, and our access to it! The ocean and beaches are our playground! More Details

January 5, 2017

We need YOU!

We’re organizing to make 2017 our best year ever! We have lots of awesome volunteer opportunities available, the only thing that’s missing is you! Check out some of our opportunities below:

Executive Committee: Prepare and lead the chapter in its meetings and activities. Manage and grow our local issue-based campaigns and programs, while growing chapter membership and capacity. The Executive Committee includes must include a Chapter Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, and Volunteer Coordinator. Click here to learn more!

Rise Above Plastics (RAP) Committee: Our RAP program seeks to reduce the amount of plastics making their way into our beach and marine environments though education and outreach efforts. We are eager to launch an Ocean Friendly Restaurant program in the Emerald Coast area, to help local restaurants voluntarily transition away from single-use plastics. If you have a passion for ditching plastics, join us!

Beach Access Committee: The Surfrider Foundation views beach access as a universal right. Surfrider Foundation works to secure universal, low-impact beach access for all people. In Walton County we are working closely with Surfrider’s regional staff and legal department to to protect Customary Use of all beaches.

Ocean Friendly Garden (OFG) Committee: The Ocean Friendly Gardens program sees landscapes and streets as solutions to water pollution – and more. OFG standards use this simple approach everywhere possible: contouring landscapes for rainwater retention; creating living soil to sponge up water, filter pollution and sequester carbon; and installing climate-appropriate plants to create wildlife habitat and a sense of place. Want to work on a garden or even convert your own lawn? Join us!

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ANY OF THESE OPPORTUNITIES CONTACT US AT: hparker@surfrider.org or 850-567-3393

August 22, 2016

September 17th: International Coastal Cleanup

Join us to participate in the world’s biggest beach cleanup- the International Coastal Cleanup! Last year, more than 18 million pounds of trash was collected by over 800,000 volunteers around the word! Join us and protect what you love!

WHAT: International Coastal Cleanup Day
WHEN: September 17th, 9AM-11AM
WHERE: Blue Mountain Beach
WHO: Everyone
MORE: Click here!

August 22, 2016

August 27th: Chapter Meeting

WHAT: Emerald Coast Chapter meeting! We are discussing our beach access campaign, volunteer opportunities, and upcoming events.
WHERE: Pizza Bar Seaside 2236 E Co Hwy 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
WHEN: Saturday, August 27th, 3PM
WHO: All are welcome! Bring a friend!
MORE: Click here!

June 10, 2016

Current Opportunities to Support Public Beach Access in Walton County

There are currently several opportunities to support public beach access in Walton County. Show your support by testifying at the upcoming June 14th County Commission meeting, or sending a letter of support to the Commissioners, on the following Agenda items.

Item 16-0826 – SUPPORT County entering into retainer agreement with independent counsel to assess recent quiet title actions of sandy beaches in Walton County.
Item 16-0809 – SUPPORT County amending Chapter 22 of the Walton County Code of Ordinances (The Obstructions on the Beach Ordinance, preventing ropes, chains, signs on the beach), and support enforcement of the ordinance.
Item 16-0854 – SUPPORT County purchasing the “Head and Harrell” sandy beach property at the Eastern Lake outfall beach access, for additional public beach access.

WHEN: Tuesday, June 14, 2016, 4:00 p.m.

WHERE: South Walton Annex Room; 76 N. 6th Street DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433

OR EMAIL YOUR COMMISSIONERS!

March 14, 2016

Support Beach Access in Walton County!

November 12, 2015

Join us Monday, Nov. 16th!

We’re holding our November Chapter Meeting on Monday, November 16th. We’re talking beach access, the Surfrider Skatepark, and much more. Join us!

What: Surfrider November Chapter Meeting

Who: Everyone!

When: November 16th, 6:30pm

More: More information!

October 7, 2015

Calling All Volunteers!

We have lots of opportunities for volunteers, and we need your help!

Beach Access Committee: Tired of no-trespassing signs on your beach? Then this is the committee for you! We’re working on improving beach access for everyone in the Emerald Coast area.

Chapter Executive Committee: Become a member of the leadership team! Positions on the Executive Committee include: Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer and Volunteer Coordinator. Help grow the chapter, plan campaigns, organize events and build the future of the Emerald Coast Chapter!

Beach Cleanup Organizer: Do you have a passion for picking up plastic? We are looking for beach cleanup organizers. We’ll bring the gloves and buckets, you pick the beach and help get out the word!

If you’re interested in serving in any capacity, email Holly to learn more!

September 28, 2015