Jellyfischs on panhandle-beaches ?
 

<BR>We shall stay twoo weeks in May/June next year at Grayton Beach. Our children are afraid of jellyfishes. Are there jellyfishes ? Thanks for respones <BR>Annemarie

Dear Annemarie, <BR> My family has been to the Gulf for the past nine summers and/or falls. Jellyfish were a problem one time, about 3 years ago. We are headed back in July, maybe someone has been this year and can advise. It is my understanding that the ocean weather had a lot to do with whether or not there are jellyfish. Don't know if that is accurate or not. How about it, anybody else have any thoughts? <BR> I let you know about our trip results accordingly. We have visited most of the beach coasts and the Panhandle Gulf is our favorite by far. The Gulf coast of lower Florida is the next best beach coast. Have a fun.

Dear Annemarie, <BR> My family has been to the Gulf for the past nine summers and/or falls. Jellyfish were a problem one time, about 3 years ago. We are headed back in July, maybe someone has been this year and can advise. It is my understanding that the ocean weather had a lot to do with whether or not there are jellyfish. Don't know if that is accurate or not. How about it, anybody else have any thoughts? <BR> I let you know about our trip results accordingly. We have visited most of the beach coasts and the Panhandle Gulf is our favorite by far. The Gulf coast of lower Florida is the next best beach coast. Have a fun.

Well, jellyfish can be a problem sometimes on the Gulf Coast, but usually worse in the later summer months. Maybe it won't be too bad during May and June. They were bad last year...something about the weather, I think. Grayton Beach is a great place...be sure and eat at the Red Bar! And visit nearby Seaside. It has gotten pretty touristy, but fun to visit.

The Gulf does get Jellyfish, but usually during the warmer months of July and August. They can come in earlier depending upon the weather. Usually the masses of jellyfish are blown in from the deeper waters from a storm. People usually pack "Adolphs" meat tenderizer in their beach bag (breaks up the protein of the jellyfish if you do get stung) or they make a mixture of vinegar and water in a spray bottle (the life guards usually use this). The beaches are beautiful and you should really enjoy the water. As for the jellyfish...they may or may not be there.

I have seen lots of jellyfish on previous trips to the Tampa Bay area but not in the panhandle, but it definitely depends on the weather, time of year, etc. I can attest to the effectiveness of vinegar as a remedy if you do happen to get stung, because that happened to me last November in St. Lucia. Apparently jellyfish aren't normally a problem there but we were told that the tide had just brought them in that morning. While snorkeling I felt a prickling sensation all over my leg (never even actually saw the jellyfish that stung me, but did see others in the water earlier so I'm sure that's what it was) and immediately got out of the water, and my skin started burning and stinging and getting red swollen welts all over. I limped to the dive shop just down the beach and they poured vinegar all over it and the pain immediately subsided. There were tons of jellyfish in the water later that day but by the next morning they were all gone, and the fishermen just said that the tide had taken them out again.

In addition to the possibility of jelly fish, also ask the local people if any Portuguese Men O'War have been seen recently. <BR>These creatures are more dangerous, but also much rarer than jelly fish. Usually the Portuguese Man O'War appears only after a storm. (The are blown in from deeper water.) But, ask. Better to be safe than sorry. Grayton Beach is nice; it was a family destination for years along with Destin. Beautiful white sand. <BR>

I've been spending part of my Summer in the Fort Walton Beach Area all of my life (46 years now!) and swimming frequently in the Gulf. Although I've been stung a few times by jellyfish, most of the time I've had no problem. I think the jellyfish are more prevelent after a big storm. The Gulf beaches are absoloutely gorgeous, white sand and beautiful clear blue water, nice surf but not overwhelming - you'll have a great time.

I've been spending part of my Summer in the Fort Walton Beach Area all of my life (46 years now!) and swimming frequently in the Gulf. Although I've been stung a few times by jellyfish, most of the time I've had no problem. I think the jellyfish are more prevelent after a big storm. The Gulf beaches are absoloutely gorgeous, white sand and beautiful clear blue water, nice surf but not overwhelming - you'll have a great time.

Like Sara, I've been going to the panhandle (Dune Allen, a little area outside of Destin) my whole life (31 years). I'm sure she remembers the times when there was NObody on the beaches! They're still sandy white, and the water is beautiful, with great rolling waves. I've only ever seen jellyfish after a storm, while the gulf is still churning. Look for dolphins playing in the distance, the kids will love it. And be careful of undertow in post-storm waters. Enjoy my family's vacation spot for over 60 years!

My brother left New England a few days ago and drove with his three children to Marco Island. Heard from him last night that they would be leaving this morning because the beaches are closed due to a "red tide". He'll be driving back up the coast to Hilton Head. Is this very common? How long does this tide usually last? Thanks.

Annemarie, <BR>Last summer we vacationed in Destin, FL in mid June. I'm not exactly a wave runner, although my kids did complain of stings. But, they seemed to be no worse than mosquito bites and did'nt seem to keep the kids out of the water. The beach was beautiful, the condo was beautiful, and we loved the area. We enjoyed the aqua waters, white beaches, and watching dolpins from our condo. I really don't know all about jellyfish, but although present, they didn't seem to ruin our vacation.

Dear Annemarie, <BR> We just returned from our annual Gulf Shores beach trip and I can report to you no jellyfish problems on the Gulf this year (which is usual). <BR> Good luck and have fun!