Friends of Shell Island

09/01/2026

Upcoming event notice.

07/21/2026

Hi, I'm Chase Bass, and I’m reaching out to you to support the … William Bass needs your support for Tunes & Tanlines 2026 - Anchorage Children's Home Benefit

06/19/2026

The state and federal agencies who must approve this project are requiring the county to do this additional study.

Bay County commissioners voted to fund another study that could help the initiative to reopen the East Pass move along. See link below ⬇️

📸 Provided by Bay County

04/10/2026

Restriction lifted, except for the bayous. Locals frequent Redfish Point and Smack Bayou. If Tyndall used some inland fencing strategically, this treasured local destination could be shared with the community.

03/30/2026

Tyndall has now posted this updated map with Crooked Island shown.

03/28/2026

Update from Tyndall on the waterway restrictions. From their page:

Tyndall Air Force Base
UPDATE: We recognize the need for clear boundaries. Attached is a map highlighting key focus areas that fall within the restricted zone. All vessels must maintain a 500-foot distance from the shoreline points indicated on this map, which heavily impacts areas including the contiguous waterways such as Smack Bayou, Freshwater Bayou, Pearl Bayou, and Fred Bayou.
We plan to release a more detailed map in the near future.
To allow the boating community time to adjust to these new security measures, there will be a grace period this weekend. Official citations for vessels violating the restricted area will begin on Monday, March 30. This restriction will be actively enforced by Tyndall Security Forces in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Below is a Q&A to address the most common questions we’ve received from the community:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. How do I know where the boundary is? The attached map denotes an approximate of the official 500-foot buffer with a solid red line. All vessels must remain outside of the approximate red boundary.
2. Does this restriction apply to Shell Island? No, at this time Shell Island is not the focus of enforcement. The areas in the map are the key focus areas for enforcement.
3. Are contiguous waterways, bayous, and lagoons closed? Yes. As depicted by the red restricted area line on the map, the 500-foot buffer encompasses and restricts vessel access to inland waterways along the installation's coast, including Smack Bayou, Freshwater Bayou, Pearl Bayou, and Fred Bayou.
4. Does this affect the Tyndall Marina and MWR boat rentals? No, the Tyndall Marina will remain open and operational along with MWR boat rentals.
5. I have a base recreational permit. Does this restriction still apply to me? Yes the restrictions still apply to the areas designated in the map.
6. Who is enforcing this, and what are the penalties? USAF Security Forces, the U.S. Coast Guard, and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission are actively patrolling the coastline. Citations and enforcement actions for vessels located within the 500-foot buffer will officially begin on Monday, March 30.
7. When will this restriction end? This is a change to our security posture until further notice. There is no scheduled end date.

03/28/2026

Tyndall Air Force Base has implemented a 500' security zone in the waters around the base, asking boaters to stay out. We certainly understand that there are heightened security concerns right now. Drones breached the perimeter of a Louisiana AFB just last week. However, we need more information and have asked for it. For example, they allow non-DoD boaters access to the barrier islands, including their section of Shell Island (see map here). Where is this exclusion zone and is it in these non-DoD areas, or just around the mainland sections that contain military assets and personnel?

03/28/2026

Tyndall activates 500' security zone due to heightened threat potential. More info to come...

10/05/2025

09/16/2025

FYI. A cleanup at the boater anchorage would be a great way to pitch in!

We are happy to announce another great event happening this month!

🧼 National Public Lands Day – Shell Island Beach Cleanup

📅 Date: Saturday, September 27
📍 Location: Shell Island, St. Andrews State Park
🕙 Check-In: 10:00 AM at Spanish Ante or the ferry dock
🧹 Cleanup: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM (Central Time)
💵 Park Entrance Fee: $8.00

Join the largest single-day volunteer event in the country! Help us keep Shell Island pristine by participating in this community beach cleanup.
🚤 Bring your own boat or ride the ferry.
📝 Sign up at Spanish Ante or the ferry dock at 10:00 AM.

Questions or need help with transportation?
Contact: John Larson – [email protected]