Ahhh, summer in Gulf County. The kind of place where your blood pressure drops as soon as you roll down the windows. Where flip-flops are the dress code, and the only rush hour you’ll hit is a pelican traffic jam over the bay.  

We’re the kind of beach town that believes less is more—less noise, less stress, and less “tourist-y” chaos. But what we do have? Miles of natural coastline, quiet trails, calm bay waters, and the kind of sunsets that make you want to put your phone down and just be.  

And we want to keep it that way.  

So we asked our unofficial mascot and Gulf County’s own Leave No Trace ambassador, Ray the Responsible Raccoon, to share his top tips on how YOU can help Keep It Wild while you’re here. Spoiler alert: It’s easier (and more fun) than you think.

#1. 🎒 Pack It In, Pack It Out

Beach bags are like suitcases, you bring the fun, but don’t leave anything behind. That means snack wrappers, soda cans, broken beach toys, and yes, even that rogue sock that somehow ended up in the sand.  

Pro tip: Bring a little trash bag or reusable container and be the hero who leaves the beach better than they found it. Ray will definitely approve.

#2. 🔥 S’more Fun, Less Fuss—Bonfire the Gulf County Way  

The stars are out. The waves are whispering. Your marshmallow is juuust about to hit golden brown perfection. That’s the Gulf County bonfire moment we all dream of, and it’s totally allowed, as long as you follow a few simple steps.  

Keep your fire 100 feet away from structures, burn only clean, natural wood, and fully extinguish and remove every trace before you leave. It’s the kind of care that keeps our beaches just as magical tomorrow as they are tonight.

#3. 🕳️ Fill In Those Sand Holes  

Digging giant holes is a Gulf County rite of passage. But please fill them back in before you leave.  

Why? Because sea turtles (and their tiny hatchlings) can get stuck in them. And let’s be honest, ankles everywhere will thank you.

#4. 🌾 Respect the Dunes 

Our dunes are Gulf County’s natural defense system. They hold the sand, house sea oats, and protect our inland spaces from storms.  

So give them the respect they deserve—stay on the boardwalks and don’t trample or slide down them, no matter how tempting that soft sand looks. (We know. It’s hard.)

#5. 🚩 Know the Flag System  

The beach flag system is like Mother Nature’s daily bulletin board.  

- Green Flag: Calm and clear—go enjoy!  

- Yellow Flag: Caution—maybe skip the boogie board tricks.  

- Red Flag: Strong surf—look, don’t leap.  

- Double Red: Water is closed for swimming.  

- Purple Flag: Marine life is saying hi (think jellyfish).  

Check the flag before you dive in. A safe beach day is always a better one.  👉 Click here for today's beach conditions.

#6. 🌙 Lights Out for the Sea Turtles  

May through October is sea turtle nesting season, and those little babies need all the help they can get.  

If you’re out at night, avoid bright lights or flash photography on the beach—it can confuse mama turtles and disorient hatchlings trying to find the ocean.  

Remember: The moonlight is their GPS. Let nature do its thing. 

#7. 🦝 Be Like Ray (But Maybe Don’t Dig in Trash Cans)  

Ray the Responsible Raccoon is Gulf County’s quirky little mascot and the face of our Keep It Wild mission. You might spot him on a beach sign, at the Welcome Center, or maybe even waving from a golf cart (we’re not saying it’s not someone in a costume).  

Snap a photo with Ray, give him a high-five, and tag your best Keep It Wild moments with #KeepItWildGCFL.  

Bonus Tip: Enjoy It All, Guilt-Free  
When you help take care of Gulf County, the reward is simple: the same unspoiled magic will be here waiting for you next time.  

So take a breath. Watch that sunset. And leave only footprints (and maybe a few raccoon tracks).  

Want to learn more about protecting Gulf County? Visit our Protect Our Shores Page for Ray’s tips, turtle talk, and more ways to get involved.