Frustrated oystermen confront FWC researchers
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Frustrated oystermen confront FWC researchers

A little more than two years since the state ordered a five-year closure of Apalachicola Bay to wild-caught oyster harvesting, the watermen who work the reefs are getting tired of it. The anger was palpable Feb. 28, in a large room at the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve, as about 20 members of the Seafood…

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

Remember to set your clocks one hour ahead this Sunday, and don’t forget to check out some of these local events either. Have an event coming up you want us to share? Send details to wweitzel@nevespublishing.com. Apalachicola Farmers Market Saturday The Apalachicola Farmers Market is this Saturday, March 11 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at…

Jury acquits man on charges of sexual battery on children
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Jury acquits man on charges of sexual battery on children

A 24-year-old Panama City man, on trial last week for sexual battery offenses against two youth that could have put him behind bars for life, has been acquitted of all charges. The four-man, two woman took just under two hours Friday morning to find Brandon Austin James not guilty of two counts of sexual battery…

Robby Hogan named Carrabelle police chief
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Robby Hogan named Carrabelle police chief

Carrabelle Deputy Chief Robby Hogan was sworn in this afternoon as the city’s new police chief, following a unanimous vote by the city commission. Following a motion by Mayor Brenda La Paz, and seconded by Tony Millender, the commission voted 4-0 to approve Hogan’s hire. Sebrina Brown, who was absent from the special meeting, had…

Early announcements launch 2024 campaign
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Early announcements launch 2024 campaign

In an unusual departure from the traditional start of the election season, two candidates have thrown their hats in the ring about a year ahead of schedule. In an official filing Jan. 6 with the supervisor of election’s office, Terry Tipton, Jr. has announced his intent to run for property appraiser in 2024. A Republican,…

Traffic issue roils Eastpoint’s Serenity project
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Traffic issue roils Eastpoint’s Serenity project

A high-profile mixed-use development in Eastpoint, approved by the county in July 2019, has met with a wrinkle. The hitch came at the county commission’s Feb. 21 meeting when commissioners were asked to reckon with changes to the terms of the planned unit development that will govern the proposed 56-acre Serenity Seaside Resort.  The resort…

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 wweitzel@nevespublishing.com. It will be ‘chili’ on island Saturday The annual St. George Island Chili Cook Off, a family-friendly 3-day event, begins at 8 a.m. Saturday with the 5K Red Pepper Run…

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…