St. Andrew and St. Joseph Bays Estuary Program

06/16/2026

After a long drought this spring, we’re all relieved and thankful for the recent rain. This week's stormy forecast is a great time to document any flooding you may be seeing in your neighborhood. Report flooding to our flood survey here and help us secure funding to address stormwater issues in our communities. https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/b060d264857a4fb6b9e4c63e4c294326

06/10/2026

Want to play a direct role in protecting our bays? We're looking for volunteers to help collect water samples for two different programs! 1) to support monitoring of harmful algal blooms and 2) to track overall water quality conditions throughout the watershed.
Whether you're interested in volunteering occasionally or taking on a more regular monitoring role, we can help match you with the program that fits your availability and level of commitment. Your efforts will help provide valuable data to support decision-makers and protect the health of our local waterways.
Ready to get involved? Apply today at:
https://sasjbep.org/water-monitoring-volunteer-form/

06/03/2026

Have you ever noticed what looks like a silvery blade of grass gliding near the surface of the water? That might be a juvenile Atlantic Needlefish! These sleek, shiny fish can reach lengths of up to 2 feet. They begin their lives in rivers and estuaries like ours and may return to spawn. These predatory needles prey on shrimp and small fish with their razor-sharp teeth. Check out the graphic below for more fun facts about the Atlantic Needlefish!

06/01/2026

Our Safeguarding Our Bays project was recently featured by Enviropod! Funded by NOAA and utilizing Enviropod products, this project is helping reduce litter in the St. Andrew Bay watershed through stormwater improvements and community engagement efforts. Check out the article to learn more about the project and its impact on our local waterways:

Explore EnviroPod case studies showing how LittaTrap and EnviroBasin capture plastic, trash, sediment. Real-world results for cleaner waterways and compliance.

05/30/2026

Thank you for spreading the word, Allan Branch, Panama City Mayor! We’re lucky to have such a supportive and committed community representative to serve on our Policy Board.

05/22/2026

Take some time to explore St. Andrews State Park: a park perfect for experiencing both the Gulf and the Bay in one place! There are many different habitats throughout the park, providing many ways to enjoy the outdoors.
The park features over 1.5 miles of white sand beaches, coastal dunes, and pine forests, with opportunities for hiking, biking, swimming, paddling, camping, wildlife viewing, and more. It’s also a popular stop for migratory birds and butterflies, making it a great place to have unique experiences no matter what time of year!

05/19/2026

Have you noticed changes in the number of cownose rays in St. Andrew or St. Joseph Bays?
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is hosting upcoming virtual workshops to gather public input on cownose ray management in Florida waters. These workshops will cover the current status of cownose rays and possible future management options.
This is a great opportunity to learn more about cownose rays and share feedback. Meeting dates are May 21st and June 2nd.
Learn more about the workshop and register here: https://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/rulemaking/workshops/

05/15/2026

We’re exploring the watershed through the lens of recreation opportunities in honor of Tourism Appreciation Month! One of the newest and most beloved parks in the St. Andrew Bay Watershed is the Lynn Haven Bayou Park and Preserve. This is a local favorite for getting outside and enjoying recreation in scenic areas, from the bayou to uplands. The Park offers amenities like a children's playground, docks, watercraft launches, a disc golf course, picnic pavilions, and wildlife viewing platforms, giving something for everyone to enjoy!

05/11/2026

May is Tourism Appreciation Month!
Our local waters and natural areas play a big role in what makes this region a world-renowned destination that offers opportunities to get outside, explore, and connect with the St. Andrew Bay watershed. Throughout the month, we’ll be shining a spotlight on various recreation opportunities across the watershed, including parks, trails, beaches, and more. Follow along to discover new places to experience and enjoy our local resources!