Looking back on the summer of 2013, most folks remember rain. Emerald Coast residents and visitors dodged raindrops and thunderstorms nearly every day from Memorial Day on. In between, we found ways to have funa nd enjoy beaches, boating and beautiful sunsets.
Read a story about this summer's heavy rains. >>
Safety
Red flags flew regularly on local beaches and at least nine people died after being pulled from the Gulf of Mexico. Countless others were rescued by lifeguards or fellow beachgoers, some of whom never made it out themselves.
Learn more about the coming changes to beach safety. >>
Tourism
Bed tax numbers in Santa Rosa and Walton counties continued to climb while Okaloosa's remained flat. The Fourth of July weekend was one of the rainiest anyone could remember, which meant big spending at movie theaters and other indoor attractions.
Marketing efforts are ramping up to draw more tourists to the area.
Learn more about this summer's tourism. >>
Fishing
Charter fishing was strong and captains are looking forward to the busy fall fishing months. Some of the summer's best catches included:
- A 62.4-pound gag grouper battled Heath Harris from Hernando, Miss., for about 10 minutes before being reeled in on July 12. - The Destin Log.
- A 613.4-pound blue marlin tipped the scales at the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic after a 2-hour fight with Scott Cooper of Point Clear, Ala., on June 20. - The Destin Log.
- A 256-pound mako shark rocketed out of the Gulf of Mexico and onto the O Fish L Business on Aug. 10, wreaking havoc on the boat until it died 30 minutes later. - The Destin Log.