[valleygal]

I lived on Santa Rosa Island, off Ft. Walton Beach in 1971.
The island had a few hotels, apartments, and houses. I remember the Gulfarium (aquarium) was down by the bridge to Ft. Walton. But there was still alot of open area.

When we came home from school (which was on the mainland), one kid on our bus would always stand up as we went over the bridge to see if it was a good day for surfing. I have some fond memories of that place.

The sand is absolutely beautiful and just as white as you said. I still have some of the sand and huge shells we gathered there. We could see from our house to the beach across the street.

Unfortunately, my dad says I wouldn't recognize it anymore. The island has been completely developed with high rises, etc. And the little house we lived in is now surrounded on all sides by big buildings. Very sad.

[blam]

"When we came home from school (which was on the mainland), one kid on our bus would always stand up as we went over the bridge to see if it was a good day for surfing. I have some fond memories of that place."

It's amazing the image some people have of this area, northwest Florida, southwest Alabama have some of the best beaches in the world.