Will be heading out tomorrow evening and i was wondering if anyone that lives in PC could give me a update on the June Grass. Is it still icky? How about at the state park?

Also just got a message that US231 is closed due to heavy smoke from fires that are uncontrollable. NOT GOOD! So to all that may be driving that way, HEED THE WARNING!

PCBEACH HERE I COME!!!

Hey, you're right about the fire! I just read it on WJHG's website:

(May 31, 2006) "U-S Highway 231 in northern Bay County has been closed because of dense smoke from a forest fire. The biggest problem area is in Fountain and around US-231 and State Road 20. Several structures have already been destroyed by the fire and some people have been evacuated. Firefighters from at least 3 counties are fighting the flames. The fire, which started at Rollohome Road and Webber Road, is not under control. There is no indication when the highway will be re-opened."

I'll keep checking the news and let you guys know when 231 has been reopened.

And I'll ask one of the beach rats here at the office about the seaweed. I haven't been in the water in a few weeks and it wasn't too bad then.

The sea grass is thick in spots, but if you go to Shell island and stay on the North side there isn't any sign of it.

I travel 231 and concerned of what route to take if the road is still closed. Sometimes i take state Rd 20 to Ebro area. Is that closed also?

Thank you so much of updated report of the beach as well as the roads. I need this vacation and dont want the June grass to ruin it.

Leaving in a few hrs. Any news on US 231 that was closed yesterday?

I hear the beach looks a little better today. Any locals wanna update me?

It was a 300 acre fire just northeast of the 231/20 intersection. Last night at 10pm it was only 10% contained.

Local news didn't have any updates this morning for some reasopn, but the Florida Highway Patrol website states 231 was open as of 6:35cst this morning.
http://www.fhp.state.fl.us/traffic/crs_h002.htm

FIRE - BRUSH/FOREST BAY US-231 N x[NORTH OF SR-20] [FOUNTAIN] UPDATED AT 7:35AM EST ---->ON SR75 THERE IS A LIGHT PATCH OF SMOKE SOUTH OF FOUNTAIN <-----NOT HAZARDOUS ROAD IS OP

Wouldn't be surprised, though, if it flared back up and caused more smoke and road closures.

Here are the local FHP numbers:
850/872-4150
800/665-2794

If you decide not to take 231, you can always take HWY 77 or HWY 79. Both accessible from I-10.

Good luck and enjoy your vacation!

I called FHP and they said as of now, the roads are open BUT the fires are still raging. For me to plan to take alternate routes. So from Dothan which would you all think is better..........231 to 109 then 77. or 231 to 167 then 79 all the way to Westbay? I heard construction was being done near Westbay. This will be around 9 or 10 tonight when i am coming through. Just worried now since i am traveling alone with my kids.

Where exactly are you coming from? If you are coming down 231 before Dothan, you can get off at Troy and take AL167 to FL79 which is faster anyway.

If it were my wife and kids, I'd suggest 231 to I-10 to Hwy 77. Coming from Dothan, I don't think it would add more than 30 minutes to your trip. Construction on 77 & 79 should be a non-issue that late at night.

I am coming from Montgomery area. I have taken that route(167 to 79) before and didnt think it was faster. But it has been years that i have gone that way. I know its not 4 laned all the way and last time i came through was not many places to stop and go to rest room.

I have taken up to an hour of of my trip using 79 to Troy or Troy to 79. It's usually more like 30-40 minutes, but I've used it 5 or 6 times in the last 2 years.

so you are saying this is a good choice for me? 167 to 79?

I personally think so, but if 231 ends up closing again, I'm sure alot of other people will be on the same route which will probably slow you down. Either route is probably a roll of the dice.

Guys,

Can you continue to post reports on the fire and road conditions of 231 as you hear news? My crew is leaving PC tomorrow morning, and Roger and I leave Sat and don't want to be stuck either.......

Thank you for the extremely helpful upates.

Please call those #'s in message #6. That is how i got my info.