Last updated: August 15, 2026
Latest situation: Jellyfish activity remains highly localized along 30A and the Emerald Coast today.
The strongest recent activity has been reported around Miramar Beach, James Lee Beach, Destin and Crab Island, with numerous jellyfish sightings and some stings reported.
Along 30A itself, reports are mixed. Jellyfish have recently been reported around Grayton Beach, Seacrest Beach and Rosemary Beach, while beachgoers at Dune Allen and Santa Rosa Beach reported seeing none.
Blue Buttons have also been reported around Seacrest Beach and Panama City Beach. Conditions can change quickly, and reports from the same general area may differ even within a few hours.
This interactive map shows recent community jellyfish observations along 30A and nearby Emerald Coast beaches. Click a marker for details.
| Date | Location | Latest Report |
|---|---|---|
| Aug. 15 | James Lee Beach | At least a dozen jellyfish seen. |
| Aug. 15 | Miramar Beach | Numerous jellyfish reported. One beachgoer said they had lost count after four hours. |
| Aug. 15 | The Crab Trap / Destin | Several small jellyfish and a few large jellyfish observed. At least one nearby beachgoer was reportedly stung. |
| Aug. 15 | Destin | Large jellyfish photographed. Several other jellyfish reports have also been received from the Destin area. |
| Aug. 15 | Crab Island | Lots of jellyfish reported. Multiple reports have been received from Crab Island. |
| Aug. 15 | Rosemary Beach / Sunset Beach access | Four or five jellyfish reported in very clear water. Another beachgoer reported seeing no jellyfish around Rosemary over the previous two days, showing how localized conditions can be. |
| Aug. 15 | Seacrest Beach | Multiple Blue Buttons and several pink jellyfish reported. |
| Aug. 15 | Grayton Beach | Possible jellyfish sting reported this morning. Another family reported that their daughter was stung at Grayton a couple of days earlier. |
| Aug. 15 | Dune Allen Beach | No jellyfish seen since 10 AM according to a beachgoer at the access. |
| Aug. 15 | Santa Rosa Beach | No jellyfish seen. |
| Aug. 15 | Princess Beach | No jellyfish seen, although the water was reported to be murky, which may reduce visibility. |
| Aug. 15 | Panama City Beach | Two Blue Buttons reported after several hours on the beach. |
| Aug. 15 | St. Andrews Beach / PCB | Jellyfish photographed near St. Andrews. |
| Aug. 14–15 | St. Andrews Bay / lagoon area | Large pink jellyfish reported. A child was reportedly stung. A Blue Button was also seen washed ashore on the Gulf side of St. Andrews. |
| Aug. 14 | Fort Walton Beach | Jellyfish sightings and at least one sting reported. |
| Recent | Navarre Beach / Opal Beach | Jellyfish sightings and sting reports. |
A purple beach flag indicates dangerous marine life.
Jellyfish are one possible reason for a purple flag, but a purple flag does not necessarily mean that jellyfish are present. Purple flags may be flown together with yellow or red flags.
Always check the official beach flags currently flying before entering the Gulf and follow instructions from lifeguards and local authorities.
Sea nettles can cause painful stings. Recent community reports along the Emerald Coast have included sea nettles as well as other pink or translucent jellyfish.
Moon jellyfish are usually translucent and often have four visible circular structures inside the bell. Their sting is generally considered milder than that of sea nettles, although individual reactions can vary.
Blue Buttons are small blue marine organisms that sometimes wash ashore in significant numbers. Although they resemble tiny jellyfish, they are colonies of marine organisms related to jellyfish rather than true jellyfish.
Avoid touching jellyfish, including those that appear dead or have washed ashore. Tentacles may still sting after the animal is out of the water.
If you are stung, leave the water and follow local lifeguard or medical guidance. Seek urgent medical attention for difficulty breathing, severe symptoms, or signs of a serious allergic reaction.
Want to know the expected beach flag conditions for the next few days? See our independent 5-day 30A beach flag forecast.
View the 30A Beach Flag Forecast →