In Okaloosa, signs of spring abound (PHOTOS)

While temperatures in the area are still cooler than normal, spring breakers and area residents are stepping outside to enjoy the dramatically warmer weather.

At Beasley Park on Okaloosa Island, beachgoers wore swimsuits, sunglasses and jackets as the winds blew.

Sendy Sawyer of Birmingham, Ala., sat in a beach chair while her two small children played near the water. She said while the weather was still chilly, her family was going to soak up the sun anyway.

“We drove all this way for the beach, so we’re going to enjoy it,” she said. “It’d be really great if it was 10 degrees warmer and there was no wind. But we’re happy for the warmer weather.”

For photos of the day, click here.

According to Don Shepherd, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Mobile, Ala., temperatures are a bit lower than average for this time of year.

Temperatures through Saturday will be in the mid 60s to low 70s as the high, and in the mid 40s and 50s as the low. Typically, this time of year, highs are in 70s and lows are in the 50s.

“It will still be cool, but not nearly as cold as it’s been over the last two months,” Shepherd said.

Through the weekend, temperatures should permit outdoor activities, but Shepherd forecasted a system coming through that keeps temperatures lower than average.

Whether aware of that or not, the folks at Liza Jackson Park just seemed grateful for the sunshine. Sixteen-year-old Stephanie Richards from Indiana practiced lacrosse there with two other spring breakers.

“I was hoping for sunnier weather, but this is fine,” she said, holding her lacrosse stick. “It’s still nicer than it is in Indiana. Last week, we had two feet of snow.”

Across the park, Mercedes Robinson of Mary Esther took her work outdoors to soak up the sun.

“This is my favorite place to go,” she said, looking out at the park. “This weather is absolutely wonderful and we so needed it. Springtime is my favorite time of year.”

Robinson said when the weather gets nice she likes to head outdoors, but because of the wind she stayed in her car and rolled down the windows to sift through paperwork.

“The day is so beautiful, sunny, bright. It’s so comfy and I don’t even have to wear a jacket,” she said, smiling. “Temperature wise, this is what I like.”