Island’s End at Boardwalk, Pensacola Beach

05/30/2026

Well, for me it’s the gulf.

05/30/2026

Please do not swim when red or yellow flags are flying.

| South Walton Fire District responded to a drowning event Thursday, May 28, in Miramar Beach around 4 p.m., where one person was transported to the hospital in critical condition.

Bystanders reported seeing an adult male, approximately 35-years-old, attempting to swim to a set of buoys located between the first and second sandbars when he began struggling in the water. Bystanders entered the water to assist, called 911, and initiated care.

SWFD Lifeguards and Walton County Sheriff's Office, Florida deputies arrived on scene just west of the Whale’s Tail restaurant and took over medical care. Beach Safety transported the patient off the beach to SWFD Advanced Life Support crews, who initiated additional lifesaving measures before transporting the patient to the hospital in critical condition.

To protect patient privacy, SWFD cannot provide additional patient updates.

Single red flags were flying at the time for high surf hazards and rip currents present. However, based on information from bystanders and lifeguards, the event is not believed to be rip current-related.

The incident occurred approximately a half mile from the nearest lifeguard tower, within a “tertiary” zone of lifeguard coverage. Lifeguards remind all beach patrons to:

•Swim near a lifeguard during the hours of 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. when towers are staffed.
•Always consider local weather alerts and the beach flag warning system. Text SAFETY to 31279 for daily beach flag text updates.
•Only those who know how to swim should enter the water. Those who don’t know how to swim should stay on shore.
•Carefully watch young children and any other individuals who may be prone to wandering.
•Call 911 immediately in the event of beach-related medical or water emergencies.

05/29/2026

All around Pensacola this weekend

05/28/2026

Reel Addiction Fishing Charters

05/26/2026

05/23/2026

https://myescambia.com/news/news-article/2026/05/20/ecat-to-resume-free-seasonal-beach-jumper-service-this-weekend?fbclid=IwZnRzaAR-uVBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeidA-B979kgUUBqJiYGoM5G_ODNubrpx4JhOf3Y6e9Z7bRrmOk4HVNeKuaz4_aem_o4wVEalZxdJpL9SKtxv5_w

Escambia County Area Transit will resume Seasonal Beach Jumper service beginning this Friday, May 22, providing residents and visitors a free and convenient way to travel between Pensacola and Pensacola Beach this summer.

05/22/2026

Update

Beginning tomorrow, the Fort Barrancas Visitor Center, Fort Barrancas, Spanish Water Battery, and Advanced Redoubt (grounds only) will be open Wednesdays to Sundays from 9 am to 4 pm. Last entry to Fort Barrancas and the Spanish Water Battery is at 3:30 pm.

For instructions on how to enter the base visit NAS Pensacola.

This operation will remain in effect until further notice. Note: The area will be closed May 27 and June 10–11 for a routine power outage.

NPS/Beault photo of a brown sign