Don’t take our freedoms for granted
Hope that your
Memorial Day was filled with all the things that you have the freedom to
do. Please teach your children never to
take our freedom for granted. There were some honoring
Infrastructure targeted with lodging tax hike
With little fanfare and unanimous support, the Franklin County commissioners voted May 18 to increase the lodging tax on short-term rentals from 2 to 3 percent. And they did it for three main reasons. Infrastructure, infrastructure and infrastructure. With a power to increase the tax based on a super-majority vote, and with a public hearing…
Three years later, Seiden murder trial looms
Its been more than three years since the lifeless body of 31-year-old Aileen Seiden was dumped in a cul-de-sac at a vacant subdivision off U.S. 98, a day after authorities say she was bludgeoned to death in an Eastpoint motel room where she stayed over the weekend with two traveling companions from South Florida. Within…
Challenges loom for St. George Island incorporation push
Following a series of three guided discussions online, led by volunteers from the FSU urban and regional planning department, a movement to transform St. George Island into the countys third town is moving forward and could became a reality by the end of 2022. But it continues to face formidable challenges, not the least of…
Recognizing the county’s top volunteer cogs
There was a surprise waiting for Ted Mosteller and Sheryl Clouse at the offices of the Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce on April 22, and it wasnt additional work being asked of them. Although thats what they thought it likely could be. Ted, I need you at the office at 9:45 a.m. Chamber Director John…
A mother’s strength
Alma Harris celebrates turning 100 When youve lived an entire century, and raised eight children, you have been treated to a lot of Mothers Days. This Sunday, Alma Harris will mark another of them, 85 years after she was married, and 100 years after she was born April 14, 1921 to Annie and John Thomas…
UPDATE: Third fox tests positive for rabies
A third fox has tested positive for rabies within the past week, underscoring the importance of the rabies alert that the Florida Department of Heath in Franklin County has issued for the next 60 days. No individuals were harmed or in direct contact with this most recent fox, which tested positive on Wednesday, and is…
Apalachicola weighs effect of governor’s order
Apalachicola city commissioners worked to come to terms Tuesday evening with Gov. Ron DeSantis order Monday to suspend all local-government coronavirus emergency orders. The governor signed a bill that makes permanent his ban on COVID-19 vaccine passports and limits the authority of cities and counties in future health-care crises. My message is that the vaccines…
A walk with the ghosts
Nine ghosts rose from the dead at Chestnut Cemetery Saturday night. Portrayed by local actors and elected officials, the twice yearly Ghost Walk, sponsored by the Apalachicola Area Historical Society, drew about 250 visitors, and raised more than $1,650 to help in the restoration of the historic cemetery. Included in that total were about $250…
Apalachicola weighs effect of governor’s order
Apalachicola city commissioners worked to come to terms Tuesday evening with Gov. Ron DeSantis order Monday to suspend all local-government coronavirus emergency orders. The governor signed a bill that makes permanent his ban on COVID-19 vaccine passports and limits the authority of cities and counties in future health-care crises. My message is that the vaccines…