Latest news with #Panhandle
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Travel + Leisure
12 hours ago
- Travel + Leisure
This Florida Spot Was Just Named the Best U.S. Beach Town by Vrbo—Thanks to Its Turquoise Waters, White Sand, and Charming Coastal Communities
Vrbo has named its top U.S. beach towns to visit in summer 2025, with Florida's scenic 30A region taking the top spot for its charming coastal communities, white-sand beaches, and diverse local experiences. Few things capture the spirit of summer quite like a day—or an entire week—spent in a beach town. These are places where the salty air has softened the edges of buildings, the ocean is never more than a short walk away, and quaint shops overflow with seashell souvenirs. Depending on where you live, a particular beach town might already come to mind. But some destinations are more quintessential than others. Vrbo released its selection of the Top Beach Towns for Summer Vacations for 2025 including a selection of five can't miss domestic locations. In the top spot is 30A, Florida. This is technically a collection of beach towns, not just one. Known as one of the best scenic highways in the state, 30A features a handful of picturesque towns on the Florida Panhandle. Situated directly on the gulf, each town offers the same white sand beaches and turquoise waters. But while each beach might be similarly perfect, part of the appeal of 30A is that each town offers its own distinct personality. At no more than five to 20 minute drives apart from each other, you'll find everything from sleepy windswept towns with a dive bar to planned luxury communities boasting boutiques stocked with glass sculptures. 'Notable towns include Seaside, Rosemary Beach, Grayton Beach, Alys Beach, and Water Color,' Vrbo's report states. 'These towns feature charming accommodations, local food options, diverse shopping and family-friendly activities.' You can find a vacation rental in Seaside, and spend the evening wandering through Water Color. The next morning, you could bike over to Rosemary Beach for breakfast before spending the day at the beach or one of the area's trails or nature preserves. It feels like a place where you can have cinematic summer experience, rife with fresh seafood, trips to beachy record shops, and days lounging in the Florida sun. 'The region has grown in popularity among Northern travelers and remains a hot spot with Southern travelers looking for a quick getaway from nearby cities like Atlanta,' Vrbo reports. If you're looking for even more travel inspiration for other parts of the country, don't worry. Vrbo's top beach towns to visit in 2025 can be found below. 1. 30A, Florida 2. Wilmington, North Carolina 3. The Hamptons, New York, 4. Hilton Head, South Carolina 5. San Diego, California 6. Gulf Shores, Alabama
Yahoo
a day ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Thinking of heading to Florida, Ohioans? Flesh-eating bacteria found in 10 counties
Ohioans planning on squeezing in a last-minute vacation to Florida before the start of school should be aware of a rare "flesh-eating" bacteria in the Sunshine State. Florida health officials announced on July 11 that four people had died and at least seven others were made sick due to Vibrio vulnificus, a rare but deadly flesh-eating bacteria that seems to be plentiful in Florida's warm climate. The deaths occurred in four counties across the state. Flesh-eating bacteria are rare, with an average of 150 to 200 cases reported each year to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And as hurricane season continues to bear down on Florida, the number of infections could pick up as seawater is brought to the shores. Here's what you need to know. Where is flesh-eating bacteria Vibrio vulnificus found? The bacteria is found in saltwater, brackish water and inside contaminated raw or undercooked seafood. It also lives naturally in coastal waters year-round. Vibrio vulnificus requires saltwater to live and spread, though it can thrive in brackish (slightly salty) water. For the most part, the bacterial infections usually occur in Gulf Coast states, but in recent years, reports of Vibrio vulnificus have started to be seen further North as climate change fuels warmer oceans. Where cases of flesh-eating bacteria have been found in Florida: In Florida, confirmed cases of Vibrio vulnificus were found in 10 counties, including four in the Panhandle — a frequent vacation destination. They are: Bay County: 1 Broward County: 1 Duval County: 1 Escambia County: 1 Hillsborough County: 1 Lee County: 1 Manatee County: 1 St. Johns County: 2 Santa Rosa County: 1 Walton County: 1 How can a person become infected with a flesh-eating bacterium? Infection can occur when people swallow contaminated water or if it gets into an open wound. People can also become infected due to contaminated raw or undercooked seafood, especially shellfish such as oysters. Why is Vibrio vulnificus called a flesh-eating bacteria? Healthy individuals usually experience only mild symptoms, but it can start eating away at flesh if it gets into an open wound and can cause necrotizing fasciitis, which causes the flesh around the wound to die. Some cases of exposure can turn deadly if necrotizing fasciitis happens or if the bacteria enters the bloodstream. "Vibrio vulnificus bloodstream infections are fatal about 50 percent of the time," according to the Florida Department of Health. According to the CDC, about one in five people die from the infection, sometimes within one to two days of becoming ill. Others could require surgery or even amputation after exposure. What are the symptoms of Vibrio vulnificus? People who are exposed to it could experience diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting and fever, according to the CDC. If an open wound is exposed to Vibrio vulnificus, it can cause discoloration, swelling, skin breakdown and ulcers. How do I avoid exposure to flesh-eating bacteria? Here's what the CDC and Florida Department of Health recommend: Stay out of saltwater and brackish water if you have an open wound or cut. If you get a cut while you are in the water, leave the water immediately. Cover open wounds and cuts with a waterproof bandage if they could come in contact with salt water, brackish water or raw or undercooked seafood. Cook shellfish (oysters, clams, mussels) thoroughly. Avoid cross-contamination of cooked seafood and other foods with raw seafood and juices from raw seafood. Always wash your hands with soap and water after handling raw shellfish. Seek medical attention right away for infected wounds. Toxic algae blooms, found along Ohio beaches If you're vacationing a bit closer to home, be cautious of the beach you choose. According to the Ohio Department of Health, Ohio has 28 beach advisories currently, 24 for high bacteria levels and four for toxic algae blooms. The majority of the beach advisories for bacteria levels are along Lake Erie, but there are several at inland bodies of water. The algae bloom is happening at Grand Lake in Mercer and Auglaize counties in Western Ohio, and is affecting four public beaches there. Contributing: USA TODAY Network This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Florida has a rare flesh-eating bacteria. Which counties to avoid Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
a day ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
National Weather Service issues heat advisory due to scorching Pensacola heat index
What does this week's weather forecast look like? Hot. The Florida Panhandle is under a heat advisory until 7 p.m. on Monday as heat index values are expected to reach up to a whopping 108 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. In the Pensacola area, the high will reach near 93 degrees, with the heat index hitting 106 degrees. The NWS says temperatures will be hotter closer to the coast. Temperatures will remain high through at least Tuesday in Pensacola, which will likely see another heat advisory as the heat index is forecast to reach 106 degrees again. The NWS highly recommends drinking plenty of fluids, staying in an air-conditioned room and staying out of the sun if you have to be outside. Wednesday will see the start of several storms associated with a low-pressure area that AccuWeather says could develop into another tropical rainstorm. The risk of tropical development is currently low, but it will ultimately depend on how far away the center of the disturbance remains offshore as it travels westward throughout the week. The more time the system's center spends offshore, the more time it has to strengthen, according to AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva. "If the center is able to stay offshore long enough, it will increase its chances for tropical development. However, if the center hugs the coast, it will struggle to strengthen." "Another factor will be stiff, disruptive breezes (wind shear), which will also tend to push the storm steadily and swiftly to the west," DaSilva explained. Triple-digit temps triggers heat advisory in Florida Panhandle The National Weather Service office in Mobile, Alabama, issued a heat advisory in Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday. Heat index values are forecast to reach as high as 109℉ in portions of south central and southwest Alabama, northwest Florida and southeast Mississippi. The sweltering heat will stick around through Tuesday, which will likely trigger another heat advisory. Pensacola heat index: 106℉ Milton heat index: 109℉ Fort Walton heat index: 107℉ What is a heat advisory? What to know about heat alerts The National Weather Service uses a three-tiered heat alert system. Not all local offices use every heat-related product due to some places being more prepared to deal with intense heat than others. Here's a general rundown of what each heat alert means: Extreme Heat Warning — Take Action! An extreme heat warning is issued when extremely dangerous heat conditions are expected or occurring. Avoid outdoor activities, especially during the heat of the day. If you must be outside, be sure to drink plenty of water and take frequent breaks in the shade. Stay indoors in an air-conditioned space as much as possible, including overnight. Check on family and neighbors. Extreme Heat Watch — Be Prepared! An extreme heat watch is issued when conditions are favorable for an extreme heat event but its occurrence and timing is still uncertain. Plan to suspend all major outdoor activities if a warning is issued. If you do not have air conditioning, locate the nearest cooling shelter or discuss staying with nearby family or friends who have air conditioning. Heat Advisory — Take Action! A heat advisory is issued for dangerous heat conditions that are not expected to reach warning criteria. Consider postponing or rescheduling outdoor activities, especially during the heat of the day. If you must be outside, be sure to drink plenty of water and take frequent breaks in the shade. Stay in a cool place, especially during the heat of the day and evening. Heat index alert: Weather watches and warnings issued in Florida This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Heat advisory triggered in Florida Panhandle as heat index reaches 106 Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Thinking of heading to Florida? Flesh-eating bacteria has been found in these counties
Tennesseans planning on squeezing in a last-minute vacation to Florida before the start of school should be aware of a rare "flesh-eating" bacteria. Florida health officials announced on July 11 that four people had died and at least seven others were made sick due to Vibrio vulnificus, a rare but deadly flesh-eating bacteria that seems to be plentiful in the warm climate in Florida. The deaths occurred in four different counties across the state. It is rare, with an average of 150 to 200 cases reported each year to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. And as hurricane season continues to bear down on Florida, the number of infections could pick up as seawater is brought to the shores. Here's what you need to know. Where is Vibrio vulnificus or the flesh-eating bacteria found? The bacteria is found in saltwater, brackish water and inside contaminated raw or undercooked seafood. It also lives naturally in coastal waters year-round. Vibrio vulnificus requires saltwater to live and spread, though it can thrive in brackish water. For the most part, the bacterial infections usually occur in Gulf Coast states, but in recent years, reports of Vibrio vulnificus have started to be seen further North as climate change fuels warmer oceans. Where case of flesh-eating bacteria have been found in Florida: In Florida, confirmed cases of Vibrio vulnificus were found in 10 counties, including four in the Panhandle — a frequent vacation destination for Nashville residents. They are: Bay County: 1 Broward County: 1 Duval County: 1 Escambia County: 1 Hillsborough County: 1 Lee County: 1 Manatee County: 1 St. Johns County: 2 Santa Rosa County: 1 Walton County: 1 How can a person become infected with a flesh-eating bacterium? Infection can occur when people swallow contaminated water or if it gets into an open wound. People can also become infected due to contaminated raw or undercooked seafood, especially shellfish such as oysters. Why is Vibrio vulnificus called a flesh-eating bacteria? Healthy individuals usually experience only mild symptoms, but it can start eating away at flesh if it gets into an open wound and can cause necrotizing fasciitis. This causes the flesh around the wound to die. Some cases of exposure can turn deadly if this happens or it enters the bloodstream. "Vibrio vulnificus bloodstream infections are fatal about 50 percent of the time," according to the Florida Department of Health. According to the CDC, about one in five people die from the infection, sometimes within one to two days of becoming ill. Others could require surgery or even amputation after exposure. What are the symptoms of Vibrio vulnificus? People who are exposed to it could experience diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting and fever, according to the CDC. If an open wound is exposed to Vibrio vulnificus, it can cause discoloration, swelling, skin breakdown and ulcers. How do I avoid exposure to flesh-eating bacteria? Here's what the CDC and Florida Department of Health recommend: Stay out of saltwater and brackish water if you have an open wound or cut. If you get a cut while you are in the water, leave the water immediately. If your open wounds and cuts could come in contact with salt water, brackish water or raw or undercooked seafood, cover them with a waterproof bandage. Cook shellfish (oysters, clams, mussels) thoroughly. Avoid cross-contamination of cooked seafood and other foods with raw seafood and juices from raw seafood. Always wash your hands with soap and water after handling raw shellfish. Seek medical attention right away for infected wounds. Contributing: USA TODAY Network This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Florida has a rare flesh-eating bacteria. Which counties to avoid Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Four people have died from flesh-eating bacteria in Florida. Who is at risk?
Four people in Florida have died this year from bacterial infections that can cause 'flesh-eating' wounds, the state's health department reported this month. The culprit, the bacteria Vibrio vulnificus, thrives in warm seawater. The deadly cases were seen in counties spread around Florida's extensive coastline, from Bay County in the Panhandle and Hillsborough County, where Tampa is located, on the Gulf Coast, to Broward County in southeastern Florida and St. Johns County just south of Jacksonville. Florida has seen 11 Vibrio vulnificus cases so far this year, the state's health department says. The bacteria can get into the body through open wounds in the skin and cause the surrounding tissue to die, a condition known as necrotizing fasciitis, or flesh-eating disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. People can also get Vibrio vulnificus from eating contaminated foods, particularly raw oysters. It's unclear how the people in Florida were infected. About 1 in 5 people with a Vibrio vulnificus infection die, the CDC says. Antarpreet Jutla, an engineering professor at the University of Florida who researches Vibrio bacteria, said Vibrio vulnificus infections are still rare, though they tend to increase after hurricanes. Last year, Florida saw a total of 82 cases, which may have been exacerbated by the 'extremely active' hurricane season. What is Vibrio vulnificus? Vibrio vulnificus is one of over 200 species of Vibrio bacteria, said Rita Colwell, a professor emerita of microbiology at the University of Maryland. The majority of Vibrio infections aren't harmful to humans, Jutla said. Some only affect other animals. But Vibrio bacteria do cause about 80,000 infections in people each year, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Most of those cases are gastrointestinal. Only a small handful — 100 to 200 cases — are due to Vibrio vulnificus. Other Vibrio species, including Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio alginolyticus, are often the cause of those stomach illnesses. Another type of Vibrio, Vibrio cholorae, causes the diarrheal disease cholera. Because Vibrio bacteria prefer warm water, they are typically found along the southeastern shores of the U.S., but are also found on the West Coast as well. As ocean temperatures warm, more cases have been found further north in recent years, Jutla said, including some in New York, Connecticut and Maryland. Who is at risk? Vibrio bacteria can creep in open wounds after spending time in salty or brackish water, said Dr. Norman Beatty, an infectious disease doctor at University of Florida Health. Most cases he's seen have been associated with spending extended time in the water, but he says that a brief exposure could be the 'only thing needed.' Visible signs of an infection can start in just a few hours, Beatty said, and include redness, swelling and 'bull's-eye' blisters. The site will also be painful. If infection progresses, it can get into the bloodstream and cause sepsis, which can be deadly. Symptoms of sepsis include fever, chills and dangerously low blood pressure, according to the CDC. People with liver cirrhosis, weakened immune systems and those over 65 are most at risk for infection, Jutla said. Vibrio vulnificus infections can be treated with antibiotics. How to prevent Vibrio infections Beatty said he recommends covering up any open wounds before going into the ocean. Even a waterproof Band-Aid does the job, he said. If people think they have an infection, they should seek care immediately, Beatty said. Delaying can be the difference between developing severe complications and a more mild infection. 'A delay in presenting to health care is truly the likely reason why most people have a more serious outcome than others,' he said. 'People who present within the same day with signs and symptoms of early infection, who receive antibiotics, can do well and can avoid a lot of these serious complications.' This article was originally published on Solve the daily Crossword
