Photo courtesy of VISIT FLORIDA (Apalachicola Bay)

Boaters & fishermen — the waters you’ve been waiting on just reopened. Here’s exactly what changed this week.

Every time I drive over the bridge toward Eastpoint, I still catch myself scanning the horizon for those familiar red buoys. For the last few weeks they marked the Tyndall Air Force Base restricted zone — a 500-foot buffer that kept boats out of several bayous and close shoreline areas.

As of last Thursday (April 10), that restriction has been lifted.

Vessels can now approach right up to the mean high tide line again. The only areas still off-limits are Smack, Pearl, Sheephead, Freshwater, and Fred Bayous (those remain closed for security reasons). For most weekend anglers and crabbers out of Apalachicola or Eastpoint, this means more open water and easier access to the spots locals have been missing.

If you’re heading out this weekend for the Boat & Car Show or just a regular trip, double-check a current chart, but the big squeeze is over. Small win for the watermen and weekend warriors who call this coast home.

Official announcement from Tyndall Air Force Base:

👉 Tyndall AFB lifts maritime restricted area