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…

Jones to chair Apalachee Regional Planning Council
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Jones to chair Apalachee Regional Planning Council

The Apalachee Regional Planning Council has unanimously selected Franklin County Commissioner Ricky Jones as chair of its 24-member board. ARPC is one of 10 regional planning councils in the state. Established in 1977, the council is a regional convener and provides technical assistance in the program areas of economic/community development, emergency planning, transportation, housing, and…

Bay Point Billfish Open slated for June
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Bay Point Billfish Open slated for June

More than a decade after the last Bay Point Billfish Tournament, a new Blue Marlin tournament is coming back to the newly rebuilt docks at Point South Marina at Bay Point. A local group of four is spearheading the charge to put together The Bay Point Billfish Open, a weeklong dock party and fishing tournament…

Red Tide Confirmed From Bay County Pier to Mexico Beach
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Red Tide Confirmed From Bay County Pier to Mexico Beach

The Florida Department of Health in Bay County (DOH-Bay) is notifying the public of a red tide bloom for beaches along the Gulf of Mexico from the M.B. Miller Pier, 12213 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach, to Mexico Beach. Some people may have mild and short-lived respiratory symptoms such as eye, nose, and throat…

Man found guilty of sexual battery of a child, sentenced to life in prison
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Man found guilty of sexual battery of a child, sentenced to life in prison

A Bay County man accused of sexually battering a child was found guilty at trial Tuesday and sentenced to life in prison, State Attorney Larry Basford announced. Ashden Pippins, 25, was found guilty as charged of the capital offense of sexual battery on a child under the age of 12. The 6-person jury took less…