Chris Verlinde

From the north end’s rivers and creeks to the sugar-white sandy beaches along the Gulf of Mexico, Santa Rosa County’s natural resources are as diverse as the population. Santa Rosa County is home to some impressive water resources, the Blackwater and Yellow rivers have been designated as “Outstanding Florida Waters.” The Yellow River Marsh Aquatic Preserve encompasses parts of Yellow River, and Blackwater Bay.The waters of East Bay are classified as class II, which means harvesting oysters is allowed.Santa Rosa Sound, home to lush seagrass beds, has been designated as a “critical nursery habitat” and the Intracoastal Waterway route runs through the sound. Milton is known as the canoe capital of Florida, and Navarre Beach has been rated as one of the best beaches in the nation. As a result of these diverse water resources, tourism, ecotourism, recreational and commercial fishing and marine industries contribute to the economy of this area.

Outreach Programs

Natural shoreline erosion control brochure for homeowners along bays and bayous, Coastal Living Seminars, Marine Science 4-H activities

Education

• BS, Environmental Resource Management Planning, University of West Florida