Apalachicola keeps millage rate unchanged
| | |

Apalachicola keeps millage rate unchanged

Blessed with a significant growth in its tax base, Apalachicola city commissioners have decided to keep the millage rate unchanged at 8.3457 mills. Because the tax base has grown from $204.9 million this year to about $236.5 million in the upcoming 2023-24 fiscal year, the city will have about $1.92 million in ad valorem tax…

Military tradition flourishing in Franklin
| | |

Military tradition flourishing in Franklin

It’s a Florida county with a rich military tradition, dating back to the men who served in both the Union and Confederate armies buried in its cemeteries. From the heroes of World War I and II, to those trained in the 1940s at Camp Gordon Johnston for landings in the Pacific, to the groundbreaking U-2…

County lifts all evacuation orders
| | | | |

County lifts all evacuation orders

As of 10:45 a.m. Wednesday, the county emergency management office has rescinded all evacuation orders, both mandatory and voluntary. Due to a combination of Hurricane Idalia and the rising tide, Bayfront Drive in Alligator Point and Patton Street on St. George Island are under water. Please use extreme caution when in this area. Because there…

DeSantis security costs jump
| |

DeSantis security costs jump

TALLAHASSEE — As Gov. Ron DeSantis geared up his presidential campaign, taxpayer costs to transport and protect the governor and his family surged during the past fiscal year, according to a new state report. Florida spent more than $9.876 million during the 2022-2023 fiscal year on protecting and transporting the DeSantis family and visiting officials,…

Mason Bean to head CCFC
| | |

Mason Bean to head CCFC

Allan Feifer, the face of the Concerned Citizens of Franklin County ever since its founding 22 years ago, is stepping down, making way for new leadership under the direction of local realtor Mason Bean. The CCFC, founded in 2001 to encourage “better and more fiscally responsive government in Franklin County,” plans to continue its mission…

COVID-19 cancels Tuesday commission meeting
| | |

COVID-19 cancels Tuesday commission meeting

The COVID-19 coronavirus continues to take its toll, prompting the cancellation of the Tuesday, July 18 county commission meeting. In a news release issued by County Coordinator Michael Morón Monday afternoon, the cancellation of the meeting. due to “an abundance of caution and safety, and to protect the public, commissioners and staff,” was announced, and…

Carrabelle plans to loosen downtown alcohol rule
| | |

Carrabelle plans to loosen downtown alcohol rule

Carrabelle city commissioners have set in motion a revision of a city ordinance that, if adopted, would make it more likely beer and wine could be offered at establishments downtown. The proposal, made by Commissioner Bill Gray at the July 6 regular meeting, would change the way the distance, which would remain set at 500…

Martina, George to face off in Apalachicola commission race
| |

Martina, George to face off in Apalachicola commission race

If you’re a voter in Apalachicola, plan on voting in September for just one city commission race. City Clerk Lee Mathes said Lance Martina, 60, has filed to challenge incumbent Despina George, 66. Martina’s wife Paula will serve as his treasurer. Since neither incumbent city commissioner Adriane Elliott nor Mayor Brenda Ash drew opponents, they…

Apalachicola commission incumbents file for re-election
| |

Apalachicola commission incumbents file for re-election

The two incumbent Apalachicola city commissioners jumped out of the gate early and filed for re-election Monday at the start of the qualifying week. City Clerk Lee Mathes said both Despina George and Adriane Elliott paid the required $233.60 fee to run for another term in their non-partisan posts. The fee represents 4.5 percent of…