FWC Report
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FWC Report

During the week of Jan. 2 to 9 in Wakulla County, Officer M. Fernbach observed a group of subjects hunting ducks inside the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. Fernbach contacted the subjects and issued the appropriate citations During the week of Jan. 10 to 16 in Franklin County, Officer J. Stallings observed a subject culling…

Boat ramps, reefs highlight governor’s budget
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Boat ramps, reefs highlight governor’s budget

Governor Ron DeSantis’ proposed 2025-26 Focus on Fiscal Responsibility Budget recommendations are intended to solidify the state’s role in fish and wildlife conservation and outdoor recreation. A news release released last week outlined the governor’s priorities with funding that flows through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. “As the ‘Boating Capital of the World,’…

Shrimpfest draws a jumbo crowd
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Shrimpfest draws a jumbo crowd

Despite an overcast day with an unrealized threat of rain, the St. George Island Lighthouse’s fourth annual Shrimpfest, its chief fundraiser for the year, drew as big a crowd as it ever has. With about 2,300 attendees, Amy Hodson, executive director of the St. George Lighthouse Association, said that the event should end up netting…

Franklin County downs St. Joe for district title
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Franklin County downs St. Joe for district title

If you didn’t stay for the second half, you would have thought Saturday night’s district championship in Eastpoint would have gone the other way. The Port St. Joe Lady Tiger Sharks led more of the entire first half, amassing a 25-19 lead at the intermission against the Franklin County Lady Seahawks. But a strong second…

County prepares push to reopen bay
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County prepares push to reopen bay

A large audience greeted Franklin County’s two legislators in Tallahassee when they came last week for the annual delegation meeting, and a large number of issues of concern were presented to them. But none was bigger and more important than the matter of reopening Apalachicola Bay to oyster harvesting in January 2026. State Sen. Corey…

Apalachicola expands Mardi Gras to two-day party
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Apalachicola expands Mardi Gras to two-day party

The Mystic Krewe of Salty Barkers will be celebrating Mardi Gras Apalach-style bigger and better than ever this year, with a two-day party for dogs and their people.  The celebration includes a lively street festival and of course the 14th annual Mardi Gras Pet Parade and takes place on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 21 and…

Lots of Valentine events Friday and Saturday
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Lots of Valentine events Friday and Saturday

Hi Y’all, Happy Valentine’s Day week! Here’s to having a happy day no matter what you do. Take yourself out for a treat or sit on the beach and take in the beauty of the place where we live.  The large tree in Lanark on Warren Street belonged to the Lanark Village Association, it was…

Chinese music master to perform at library
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Chinese music master to perform at library

The Apalachicola Margaret Key Public Library Winter Music and Art Series continues Thursday, Feb. 20 at 6 p.m. ET with “Water Sentiments – Classical Chinese Qin and Zheng Music with Haiqiong Deng.” Haiqiong, a visiting assistant professor in musicology and director of the Chinese Music Ensemble at the Florida State University College of Music, is…

Tipton spruces up after sweeping into office
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Tipton spruces up after sweeping into office

After 23 years on the job, Terry Tipton, Jr. ran a picture perfect campaign to capture the hearts of Franklin County voters and was elected without opposition to succeed the retiring Rhonda Skipper. Tipton announced he was running well in advance of the usual time when candidates step forward and then secured a wealth of…