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Date: June 11, 2009
Contact: Gail Bishop, 850-934-2618
Contact: Nina Kelson, 850-934-2606

Gulf Islands National Seashore Announces the Reopening of Opal Beach Superintendent Jerry Eubanks announced the completion of repairs for two Opal Beach Day Use facilities at the Santa Rosa Area in the Florida District of the Seashore that will enable a partial reopening of this area. “Picnic Clusters A on the Gulf-side and F on the sound-side will reopen to the public on Saturday, June 13, 2009 at 8:00 a.m.,” announced Superintendent Eubanks. In addition to the picnic pavilions and restroom facilities that comprise these clusters, daily lifeguard services will be available on the Gulf beach through Labor Day during the hours of 9:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Installation of showers at Clusters A and F and work on the remaining four clusters of facilities on the Gulf-side continues. Additional sections will reopen as construction is completed. Visitors are reminded that there is some storm-related debris in the area and on-going construction, so footwear is strongly recommended while walking on the beach or wading in the water. In addition, the speed limit on the J. Earle Bowden Way is 35 miles per hour. Motorists are urged to watch for birds that may be on or near the roadway. Shorebirds, including least terns and black skimmers, often nest adjacent to the roadway. The Opal Beach Area is a fee area and fees will be collected upon the completion of the entrance station later this month. Seven-day vehicle passes, available for $8 and annual park passes, available for $25 also cover admission to the Fort Pickens and Perdido Key Areas. Other passes will also be available for senior citizens, disabled citizens, and those visitors who frequent other federal recreational lands. For additional information about Gulf Islands National Seashore projects and programs contact the Naval Live Oaks Visitor Center at 850-934-2600 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/guis. -NPS-