I'm sure this gets asked a lot here, but I'm new so bear with me. What is up with the seaweed? We have been visiting Destin in late August for about 16 years. Only in the last 5 or so have we encountered what we have come to call the "seaweed sludge" problem. I just talked to a friend who returned from Destin yesterday and she said the water was "icky". We will be arriving on August 21 and I am really concerned that we won't be able to enjoy the beach we fell in love with all those years ago. Is this a manmade problem? Were the first 10 years that we visited an exception and the gulf has now returned to what is "normal" for late August?

:eek: We also will be in Destin the week of August 23 and would really love some info about the seaweed issue. This will be our 5th year family vacation in Destin, we usually go in May and NO seaweed. Is the seaweed REALLY that bad during the end of Aug? WHAT TO DO? Destin beaches have always been SO beautiful. Please someone with info??

I'll be there too August 21-24, on 30a closer to panama city beach though. My fingers are crossed!

I'm a little worried about the lack of response here. Is it that nobody wants to break the bad news? Over 100 people have read the question - were none of you from Destin or do you all work for the chamber of commerce?

I too am awaiting...also for predictions on the pesky new tropical storm!
maybe we should start a thread to "locals"

Hopefully we will be lucky enough to have all of the storms miss us this year!

The water was clear in Destin this week. Not much seaweed at all.

THANK YOU!!!

You don't know how much I appreciate the information. I am SO looking forward to this vacation. My husband is reaching the point that he has gone from counting days to couning the hours. Can't wait to get my toes in that white sand!

We held our annual Tourist Network Sales Seminar at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort this week and I didn't see any seaweed on the sand (they may clean it up at Sandestin... not sure) and none in the water. I didn't get in the water this week, but you can see it floating if it's there, and I didn't see any. I think seaweed season may be over.

Be sure and pay attention to the new Water Safety Flag System so you can have a safe vacation.

Also, check out Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort if you have time. The Village at Baytown Wharf is great for families during the day and a little partying at night. And Finz is a great restaurant with great sushi!

If you need more info on accommodations, shopping, nightlife, restaurants, attractions and more, go to our Destin homepage!

Enjoy! Destin is wonderful this time of year!

Oh... and here's a little sample of what you guys can look forward to - Sandestin Live Cam!

I was very excited to read your post about the seaweed deal!!
It sure means alot that you took the time to post that for us vacationers:D
Many thanks!!

yippy!!!!!!!!!!!! can't wait for snorkeling!!!

Hi--I was in Ft. Walton Beach August 14-18, after a cool front had come through. The water was very calm and clear for the first three days, but on the fourth day, the surf picked up, and seaweed/algae/sea grass was moving in. It was pretty ugly, but if you don't mind it, you can still swim in it. I think we were lucky because I'd heard that there was seaweed only a week or two before we got there. It seems that calm water=no seaweed and rough surf=yuck!

Hi, We just got back. We stayed in Inlet beach closest to Panama City Beach. Water got better every day. Tuesday was great and clear..BUT..jelly fish are coming out. Saw a lot at St. Andrew's Park beach but none at Shell Island. BTW Shell Island Beach was Beautiful!

Great! Glad you enjoyed your vacation! (And, yes! Shell Island is awesome... especially for snorkeling and enjoying a little more private beach.