37TH STREET PUBLIC ACCESS
Bay County, Florida
Last Updated: 10/8/2026, 6:01:35 AM
Active Weather Alerts
Hurricane Warning issued October 7 at 11:03PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
* WHAT...Northeast winds 35 to 45 kt with gusts up to 65 kt and seas 18 to 23 ft. * WHERE...Coastal waters from Mexico Beach to Okaloosa Walton County Line FL out 20 NM, Waters from Mexico Beach to Okaloosa Walton County Line FL from 20 to 60 NM and Waters from Apalachicola to Mexico Beach FL from 20 to 60 NM. * WHEN...Hurricane force winds possible from Friday morning until early Saturday morning. * IMPACTS...Extremely strong winds will cause hazardous seas which will likely capsize or damage vessels and severely reduce visibility.
Storm Surge Warning issued October 7 at 11:00PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
A Hurricane Warning means hurricane-force winds are expected somewhere within this area within the next 36 hours A Storm Surge Warning means there is a danger of life-threatening inundation, from rising water moving inland from the coastline, somewhere within this area within the next 36 hours * LOCATIONS AFFECTED - Panama City - Panama City Beach - Mexico Beach - Lynn Haven - Bayou George * WIND - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Equivalent Tropical Storm force wind - Peak Wind Forecast: 30-40 mph with gusts to 55 mph - Window for Tropical Storm force winds: Friday afternoon until early Saturday morning - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 58 to 73 mph - The wind threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Plan for dangerous wind of equivalent strong tropical storm force. - PREPARE: Efforts to protect life and property should now be underway. Prepare for significant wind damage. - ACT: Act now to complete preparations before the wind becomes hazardous. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant - Some damage to roofing and siding materials, along with damage to porches, awnings, carports, and sheds. A few buildings experiencing window, door, and garage door failures. Mobile homes damaged, especially if unanchored. Unsecured lightweight objects become dangerous projectiles. - Several large trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Several fences and roadway signs blown over. - Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban or heavily wooded places. A few bridges, causeways, and access routes impassable. - Scattered power and communications outages, but more prevalent in areas with above ground lines. * STORM SURGE - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Life-threatening storm surge possible - Peak Storm Surge Inundation: The potential for 4-7 feet above ground somewhere within surge prone areas - Window of concern: Friday morning until Saturday morning - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for storm surge flooding greater than 6 feet above ground - The storm surge threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Plan for life-threatening storm surge flooding of greater than 6 feet above ground. - PREPARE: Evacuation efforts should soon be brought to completion before driving conditions become unsafe. - ACT: Leave immediately if evacuation orders are given for your area to avoid being cut off from emergency services or needlessly risk lives. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Extensive - Large areas of deep inundation with storm surge flooding accentuated by battering waves. Structural damage to buildings, with several washing away. Damage compounded by floating debris. Locations may be uninhabitable for an extended period. - Large sections of near-shore escape routes and secondary roads washed out or severely flooded. Flood control systems and barriers may become stressed. - Severe beach erosion with significant dune loss. - Major damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers. Many small craft broken away from moorings, especially in unprotected anchorages with some lifted onshore and stranded. * FLOODING RAIN - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: - Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional 4-8 inches, with locally higher amounts - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for major flooding rain - The flooding rain threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for major flooding from heavy rain. Evacuations and rescues are likely. - PREPARE: Strongly consider protective actions, especially if you are in an area vulnerable to flooding. - ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings. Failure to take action will likely result in serious injury or loss of life. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Extensive - Major rainfall flooding may prompt many evacuations and rescues. - Rivers and tributaries may rapidly overflow their banks in multiple places. Small streams, creeks, and ditches may become dangerous rivers. Flood control systems and barriers may become stressed. - Flood waters can enter many structures within multiple communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed away. Many places where flood waters may cover escape routes. Streets and parking lots become rivers of moving water with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become dangerous. Many road and bridge closures with some weakened or washed out. * TORNADO - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: - Situation is somewhat favorable for tornadoes - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for a few tornadoes - The tornado threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for a few tornadoes. - PREPARE: If your shelter is particularly vulnerable to tornadoes, prepare to relocate to safe shelter before hazardous weather arrives. - ACT: If a tornado warning is issued, be ready to shelter quickly. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited - The occurrence of isolated tornadoes can hinder the execution of emergency plans during tropical events. - A few places may experience tornado damage, along with power and communications disruptions. - Locations could realize roofs peeled off buildings, chimneys toppled, mobile homes pushed off foundations or overturned, large tree tops and branches snapped off, shallow-rooted trees knocked over, moving vehicles blown off roads, and small boats pulled from moorings. * FOR MORE INFORMATION: - Local Weather Conditions and Forecasts: NWS Tallahassee - https://www.weather.gov/tallahassee - Information from the Florida Division of Emergency Management - https://www.floridadisaster.org - Information from Bay County Emergency Management - http://www.baycountyfl.gov/EmergencyManagement
Hurricane Warning issued October 7 at 11:00PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
A Hurricane Warning means hurricane-force winds are expected somewhere within this area within the next 36 hours A Storm Surge Warning means there is a danger of life-threatening inundation, from rising water moving inland from the coastline, somewhere within this area within the next 36 hours * LOCATIONS AFFECTED - Panama City - Panama City Beach - Mexico Beach - Lynn Haven - Bayou George * WIND - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Equivalent Tropical Storm force wind - Peak Wind Forecast: 30-40 mph with gusts to 55 mph - Window for Tropical Storm force winds: Friday afternoon until early Saturday morning - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 58 to 73 mph - The wind threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Plan for dangerous wind of equivalent strong tropical storm force. - PREPARE: Efforts to protect life and property should now be underway. Prepare for significant wind damage. - ACT: Act now to complete preparations before the wind becomes hazardous. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant - Some damage to roofing and siding materials, along with damage to porches, awnings, carports, and sheds. A few buildings experiencing window, door, and garage door failures. Mobile homes damaged, especially if unanchored. Unsecured lightweight objects become dangerous projectiles. - Several large trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Several fences and roadway signs blown over. - Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban or heavily wooded places. A few bridges, causeways, and access routes impassable. - Scattered power and communications outages, but more prevalent in areas with above ground lines. * STORM SURGE - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Life-threatening storm surge possible - Peak Storm Surge Inundation: The potential for 4-7 feet above ground somewhere within surge prone areas - Window of concern: Friday morning until Saturday morning - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for storm surge flooding greater than 6 feet above ground - The storm surge threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Plan for life-threatening storm surge flooding of greater than 6 feet above ground. - PREPARE: Evacuation efforts should soon be brought to completion before driving conditions become unsafe. - ACT: Leave immediately if evacuation orders are given for your area to avoid being cut off from emergency services or needlessly risk lives. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Extensive - Large areas of deep inundation with storm surge flooding accentuated by battering waves. Structural damage to buildings, with several washing away. Damage compounded by floating debris. Locations may be uninhabitable for an extended period. - Large sections of near-shore escape routes and secondary roads washed out or severely flooded. Flood control systems and barriers may become stressed. - Severe beach erosion with significant dune loss. - Major damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers. Many small craft broken away from moorings, especially in unprotected anchorages with some lifted onshore and stranded. * FLOODING RAIN - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: - Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional 4-8 inches, with locally higher amounts - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for major flooding rain - The flooding rain threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for major flooding from heavy rain. Evacuations and rescues are likely. - PREPARE: Strongly consider protective actions, especially if you are in an area vulnerable to flooding. - ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings. Failure to take action will likely result in serious injury or loss of life. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Extensive - Major rainfall flooding may prompt many evacuations and rescues. - Rivers and tributaries may rapidly overflow their banks in multiple places. Small streams, creeks, and ditches may become dangerous rivers. Flood control systems and barriers may become stressed. - Flood waters can enter many structures within multiple communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed away. Many places where flood waters may cover escape routes. Streets and parking lots become rivers of moving water with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become dangerous. Many road and bridge closures with some weakened or washed out. * TORNADO - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: - Situation is somewhat favorable for tornadoes - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for a few tornadoes - The tornado threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for a few tornadoes. - PREPARE: If your shelter is particularly vulnerable to tornadoes, prepare to relocate to safe shelter before hazardous weather arrives. - ACT: If a tornado warning is issued, be ready to shelter quickly. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited - The occurrence of isolated tornadoes can hinder the execution of emergency plans during tropical events. - A few places may experience tornado damage, along with power and communications disruptions. - Locations could realize roofs peeled off buildings, chimneys toppled, mobile homes pushed off foundations or overturned, large tree tops and branches snapped off, shallow-rooted trees knocked over, moving vehicles blown off roads, and small boats pulled from moorings. * FOR MORE INFORMATION: - Local Weather Conditions and Forecasts: NWS Tallahassee - https://www.weather.gov/tallahassee - Information from the Florida Division of Emergency Management - https://www.floridadisaster.org - Information from Bay County Emergency Management - http://www.baycountyfl.gov/EmergencyManagement
Current Water Quality Status
Water quality is good for swimming and recreational activities.
Is it Safe to Swim?
No Current Advisory
Based on the latest testing, water quality meets acceptable standards for recreational use.
General Safety Tips
- Always check current conditions before swimming
- Avoid swimming after heavy rainfall when bacteria levels may be higher
- Don't swim if you have open wounds or compromised immune system
- Shower immediately after swimming in natural waters
- Stay hydrated and protect yourself from sun exposure
Recent Water Quality History
| Date | Enterococcus Level | Status | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9/28/2026 (Latest) | 10 | Good | ✅ No |
| 9/21/2026 | 10 | Good | ✅ No |
| 9/14/2026 | 10 | Good | ✅ No |
| 9/8/2026 | 10 | Good | ✅ No |
| 8/31/2026 | 10 | Good | ✅ No |
| 8/24/2026 | 10 | Good | ✅ No |
| 8/17/2026 | 10 | Good | ✅ No |
| 8/10/2026 | 10 | Good | ✅ No |
| 8/3/2026 | 10 | Good | ✅ No |
| 7/27/2026 | 10 | Good | ✅ No |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Vibrio and how can I avoid it?
Vibrio is a type of bacteria that lives in warm seawater. To avoid it, do not swim with open wounds, and avoid eating raw or undercooked shellfish. If you get a cut while in the water, wash it immediately with soap and clean water.
How is the water quality tested at the beach?
Water quality is typically tested for enterococci (a type of fecal indicator bacteria) and sometimes E. coli. Samples are collected and analyzed in a lab. The results help determine if the water is safe for swimming.
What does an ‘advisory’ for water quality mean?
An advisory means that recent tests have shown high levels of bacteria in the water, which can increase your risk of illness. It is recommended to avoid swimming or wading until the advisory is lifted.
Is it safe to swim after it rains?
It is generally recommended to avoid swimming for at least 24-48 hours after heavy rainfall. Rain can wash pollutants and bacteria from the land into the water, temporarily increasing health risks.
What do the different colored lifeguard flags mean?
Green flag: Low hazard, calm conditions. Yellow flag: Medium hazard, moderate surf/currents. Red flag: High hazard, strong surf/currents. Double red flag: Water is closed to the public. Purple flag: Dangerous marine life spotted.
What should I do if I see a jellyfish?
If you see a jellyfish, it’s best to avoid it. Even beached jellyfish can sting. If you are stung, rinse the area with vinegar if available, and carefully remove any tentacles with a towel or tweezers. Seek medical attention if you have a severe reaction.
Are sharks a common threat at Florida beaches?
Shark attacks are very rare. To reduce your risk, avoid swimming at dawn or dusk, don’t swim alone, and avoid wearing shiny jewelry. Most sharks are not interested in humans.
Can I get sick from swallowing beach water?
Yes, swallowing water contaminated with bacteria can cause gastrointestinal illness (stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting). Try to avoid swallowing water while swimming.
How can I protect marine life while at the beach?
You can help protect marine life by properly disposing of your trash, not feeding wildlife, and keeping a safe distance from animals like sea turtles and nesting birds. Also, use reef-safe sunscreen to protect coral reefs.