Plunging into the new year

It might have been the weather or perhaps the cause, but whatever the reason, hundreds turned out to participate in the third annual Penguin Plunge held at Juana's on New Year's Day.

"We had a great turnout," said Mandy Evers, event organizer. "We ordered 300 shirts and ran out early (that) morning. By noon, we ran out of registration forms."

The event takes place along the shoreline of Santa Rosa Sound. Participants rush into the waters, which boast near-frigid temperatures.

"The better the weather, the better it is for these events," said Kevin Rudzki, an owner of Juana's. "We had a huge crowd here last night and today more than 350 people are here to support the cause."

For more on this story, see the Jan. 5 issue of Navarre Press or subscribe online.