Chasing Shadows: The passing of a Coombs era
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Chasing Shadows: The passing of a Coombs era

The gentle hand of death turned the page on the family of one of the most illustrious names in Apalachicola history last month, as the last two children of the man whose names graces the Coombs Armory were laid to rest in Magnolia Cemetery. The Rev. Martha Harris, retired rector at Trinity Episcopal Church, led…

Uncle John’s hounds: Mardi Gras parade brings good vibes
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Uncle John’s hounds: Mardi Gras parade brings good vibes

A groovy time was had in downtown Apalachicola on Saturday, as thousands gathered in Riverfront Park, clad in tie-dye and paisley print, for the Mystic Krewe of Salty Barkers’ annual Mardi Gras parade and celebration. This year’s Grateful Dead theme inspired some spectacular costumes and floats in what many locals said was the largest parade…

Ant farms, Ant-Men, and chewy chocolate critters
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Ant farms, Ant-Men, and chewy chocolate critters

The Secret Lives of Words One of my earliest memories is of sitting on the ground, playing outside our apartment, and suddenly finding big black ants swarming all over me. They weren’t stinging, but they were startling, and oh so scary. I shrieked, jumped up, and ran around in circles trying to brush the critters…

This weekend in Gulf and Franklin
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This weekend in Gulf and Franklin

It’s going to be a busy weekend in Gulf and Franklin counties.   Have an event coming up you want us to share? Send details to [email protected] Liar’s Challenge The Coastal Communities Association is kicking off their 2023 Easter basket drive with a fun event, the Liar’s Challenge, at the Haughty Heron on Feb. 24…

Black history festival outdoes itself
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Black history festival outdoes itself

By most every measure, the 20th African-American History Festival lived up to its anniversary status last weekend. Blessed by sunny skies, and running like clockwork in the hands of organizers H’COLA (Hillside Coalition of Laborers for Apalachicola), the festival brought out a huge crowd and a robust number of booths.  The local nonprofits and government…

FSU researcher wants to hear from the fishermen
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FSU researcher wants to hear from the fishermen

For all those in the county’s fishing community who have felt that pointy-headed academics and other experts in the field of marine fisheries haven’t really listened to what they have to say, help is on the way. If you have insight into the historical changes that have transformed the Apalachicola Bay fishing community over the…

This weekend in Gulf and Franklin
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This weekend in Gulf and Franklin

Mexico Beach Gumbo Cook-off The annual Mexico Beach Gumbo Cook-Off is coming back hot this year. Chefs will bring a variety of tasty gumbo and Brunswick stew for guests to enjoy all day long on Saturday, Feb. 18, beginning at 10 a.m. at Parker Park. There will also be cold beverages, hot dogs and sausage…