February
Remembering Michael Flynt
Born in 1945 in Atlanta, GA, Michael Flynt was one of the original founders of the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance. In early 1996, representatives from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP); other state, federal and local government agencies; environmental organizations; and members of the business community met with concerned citizens and elected officials at Northwest Florida State College to discuss environmental quality and economic development. The sharing of concerns from participants along with the discussion on philosophies of ecosystem management from the FDEP and Eglin AFB sparked a partnership for sustainable development. Michael Flynt played an integral role in this process, and continued to shepherd CBA’s priorities as a member of the board.
Mr. Flynt cared deeply about our community. In addition to his work with CBA, he served on the Board of Trustees for Northwest Florida Community College, was the past president of the Institute of Senior Professionals at Northwest Florida State College, served as President of South Walton Utilities, and was a member of the Choctawhatchee Military Council and Air Commando Association.

“He was a scholar and a gentleman," said Ross Hamilton, CBA board member and founder, "and a friend and an adviser to many, including the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance.” 

In lieu of flowers, Mr. Flynt’s family requested gifts to both the Northwest Florida State College Certificate and Training Programs as well as the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance. Because of this generosity, over $9,000 was donated to CBA programs in Mike’s memory. His legacy as a watershed ambassador will live on through CBA’s commitment to enhance swimmable, fishable waters in the Choctawhatchee Bay. We are forever grateful for his passion for our region.
Nursery Plantings Begin for Dunes in Schools Students
Over 350 students in four schools participated in sea oat plantings within their on-campus nurseries. Students will be in charge of raising the oats until they are planted in restoration sites along the Choctawhatchee Bay.
Freezing Temperatures? No Problem!
Despite early days below freezing, our team was out on the bay to monitor our new reef areas as well as water quality monitoring sites. As illustrated by the photo to the right, the exposed oyster shell bags are favorite perches for some of our native bird species, like the large Brown Pelicans!
Bay Flats Living Shoreline Begins
Work has begun on a living shoreline for Bay Flats, located within the Eglin Air Force Base Reservation. The limestone breakwaters will reduce erosion and allow sediment to build back up along the shoreline.

Once the breakwater is complete, marsh grasses and vegetation will recolonize the site, holding the bank in place and providing critical wildlife habitat.

As a whole, the project will protect both natural and archaeological resources on Eglin Air Force Base.
Critter of the Month: Florida Pompano

Pompano habitat includes nearshore areas along sandy beaches, oyster bars, and seagrass beds in turbid waters. Their main diet consists of mole crabs (sand fleas) and other crustaceans and mollusks. This species can be distinguished from a similar species, Permit, by their smaller size and dorsal fin placement; the dorsal fin of Florida pompanos begins in front of the anal fin.
Volunteer Opportunities
Our gardeners grow oysters within cages along their own docks. Once large enough, the oysters are transplanted to brand new reefs in the Choctawhatchee Bay. For more information, click here.