White Sands 22

05/21/2026

If you get stung by a Portuguese man-of-war, act quickly but stay calm. The sting is extremely painful, but most cases can be treated on-site unless there’s a severe allergic reaction. 🌊

Here’s what to do:

• 🚫 Do NOT rub the area — this can cause more venom to release
• 🚫 Do NOT rinse with fresh water
• 🚫 Do NOT p*e on it (popular myth that can make it worse)

Instead:

• 🌊 Carefully rinse the area with seawater
• 🧤 Remove tentacles carefully using tweezers, a stick, gloves, or the edge of a card
• ♨️ Soak or rinse the sting with HOT water (not scalding) for 20–45 minutes if possible — heat helps break down the venom
• 🧊 If hot water isn’t available, use a cold pack for pain relief
• 💊 Over-the-counter pain relievers or antihistamines may help with pain and itching

⚠️ Seek emergency medical help immediately if the person has:
• Trouble breathing
• Chest pain
• Severe swelling
• Dizziness or fainting
• A sting covering a large area
• Signs of an allergic reaction

On Pensacola Beach, it’s also a good idea to notify a lifeguard if one is nearby. They often have supplies and can monitor for reactions.

05/02/2026

03/12/2026

⚠️ ‼️Please Fill In Your Holes on Pensacola Beach ‼️⚠️

Digging in the sand is part of the fun at the beach, but large holes left behind can become a serious safety hazard. 👎🏻

Deep holes can be dangerous for:
• 🚶‍♂️ People walking the beach, especially at night when holes are hard to see
• 🚑 Emergency vehicles and lifeguards that need clear access along the shoreline
• 🐢 Sea turtles, who come ashore at night during nesting season and can become trapped or disoriented by deep pits and sand walls

What starts as a fun sand project during the day can quickly become a hidden hazard once the sun goes down. 🌅

✔️ Before you leave the beach, take a moment to fill in any holes and knock down sand mounds. It helps keep our beaches safe for everyone — people, wildlife, and emergency crews.

Thank you to those who take the extra time to help protect our beautiful beaches. 🌊

A HUGE THANK YOU TO for filling the hole back in!!!!!!!!! 🏆🌺💕

02/06/2026

Here’s your 2026 BOTB lineup! Held every Tuesday evenin from 7-9pm, April thru October 🌅🌴🎶

APRIL
• April 7 The Calverts
• April 14 Whitesands Panhandle Band
• April 21 Smoke Stak
• April 28 Chase Mitchell

MAY
• May 5 Southern Breeze
• May 12 Crist Dee and BAD JUJU
• May 19 Vibe Irie
• May 26 Modern Eldorados

JUNE
• June 2 Cadillac W***y
• June 9 12Eleven
• June 16 Goldmine
• June 23 Disco Kiss
• June 30 Johnny Earthquake and the Moondogs

JULY
• July 7 Al Joslin Elvis Tribute
• July 14 Owen Finley Electric String Band Club
• July 21 On the Rox
• July 28 Vinyl Revival

AUGUST
• Aug. 4 The New Cahoots
• Aug. 11 9th Avenue Brass Band
• Aug. 18 Paperchase
• Aug. 25 Mass Kunfuzion

SEPTEMBER
• Sept. 1 Not Quite Fab
• Sept. 8 Pistol Pearl and The Wester Band
• Sept. 15 Count the Years
• Sept. 22 Knee Deep Band
• Sept. 29 Float Like a Buffalo

OCTOBER
• Oct. 6 The Astronauts
• Oct. 13 SheAndTheIts
• Oct. 20 The Oliver’s Twist Band
• Oct. 27 Horseshoe Kitty

06/03/2024

03/11/2024

Heads Up, Beachgoers! ⚠️

Beautiful day at the beach but keep an eye out for Portuguese Man O' Wars! We have had several sightings of them being washed-up along our shoreline.

These colorful creatures, though tempting to touch, have a powerful sting even when washed ashore.

Here's what to know:

-Look, but don't touch! Their tentacles can sting even when dead.

-Inform a lifeguard or beach patrol if you see one.

-If stung, rinse with saltwater (not freshwater!) and if you feel lightheaded, dizzy, or are having trouble breathing, seek immediate medical attention.

Facts about them:

-Colony Crew: The Portuguese Man O' War isn't one animal, but a colony of many smaller ones called zooids working together! These zooids each have a specific job, like stinging, feeding, or floating.

-Super Long Stingers: They may look pretty, but their tentacles pack a punch! These stinging tentacles can grow over 100 feet long!

-Not a True Jellyfish: Although they resemble a jellyfish, the Portuguese Man O' War is a siphonophore. Unlike jellyfish, which are single organisms, siphonophores are colonies of specialized individuals.

Stay safe and enjoy the beach!

NPS/photo

12/15/2023

07/15/2023

Gh-Gh-Gh-Ghost! Crab.

Did you know ghost crabs are the fastest land crabs alive?

Visitors often only catch a glimpse of these sp*edy apparitions as they scurry about on the beach or when they shelter in unsuspecting ranger’s hats like this one, for refuge from the weather and predators.

Ghost crabs (Ocypode quadrata) are crustaceans that inhabit the beaches of Gulf Islands National Seashore.

Despite their name, they are very much alive. Their name derives from their pale white appearance and tendency to scurry quickly across the sand between the burrows they call home.

As scavengers, ghost crabs help maintain the appearance and health of the beaches they live. Although they are not fairly compensated for this work, we do not charge them rent.

The ghost crab's diet includes coquina clams, mole crabs, sea turtles, and shorebirds eggs.)

Ghost crabs are harmless to people. Their biggest threat comes from human activity in their environment.

While enjoying the beaches of the National Seashore, be mindful to watch your step and leave no trace.

Remember, the chances of a ghost crab stealing your hat and assuming your identity are low, but never zero.

Image: Ghost crab takes up residents in ranger’s hats and is evicted safely back to its beach burrow. NPS /Bernstiel

06/19/2023

It’s a great day to explore beautiful Pensacola Beach! Dale and Marie are running today for all your transportation needs! Call 850.565.9532

06/06/2023

CINEMAS IN THE SAND 📽🏖 The free movie showings return to Pensacola Beach beginning on June 23! Six dates are scheduled to run through the end of September -- weartv.com/news/local/cinemas-in-the-sand-returns-to-pensacola-beach-in-june

06/05/2023