Drowned man left behind ‘love and respect’
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Drowned man left behind ‘love and respect’

About a month after moving down here, Lee Deitrick died from drowning after jumping off the fishing pier in Eastpoint Monday afternoon, July 17. His 33-year-old body, much of it expertly tattooed by his own hand, was recovered by sheriff’s deputies a few hours later, after searching for it together with officers from the Fish…

Apalachicola building department under fire
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Apalachicola building department under fire

With the resignation of Apalachicola’s chief building official moving on to another job, the city’s building department is an ideal position to make changes to how it handles the entire building approval process. For some, they will be much overdue. Tammy Owens stepped down as building inspector July 14, believed to be for another job…

Cool rain blesses the Sizzler
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Cool rain blesses the Sizzler

Rain and cooler weather is usually not desirable on summer vacation spots like St. George Island, but it ushered in perfect weather for the annual St. George Island Sizzler 5K & One Mile Fun Run Saturday afternoon. A “Chill Room” trailer set up and manned by the first responders from the island’s volunteer fire department…

Butts & Clucks on national TV July 31
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Butts & Clucks on national TV July 31

In January 2023, when the Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce hosted the Florida BBQ Association Butts & Clucks Cook-Off on the Bay at Battery Park, there were more than just competitors on hand. Food Network and Iron Chef Michael Symon, a popular Food Network personality was there, part of a journey begun in September 2022…

DEP gives go-ahead to proposed marina
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DEP gives go-ahead to proposed marina

In a major step forward for the so-called “Boss Oyster Marina,” the Florida Department of Environmental Protection on Monday served notice to the developers that they intend to grant both an Environmental Resource Permit and a lease to use sovereign submerged lands to the project. The word came in a July 17 report issued by…

Tales of the Sizzler auction
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Tales of the Sizzler auction

By Gill Autrey Guest Columnist Certain times of the year I come under a great deal of pressure causing undue stress. Like for instance, the weeks leading up to Lane’s birthday and I can’t think of anything to give her. We don’t give expensive gifts, we opt for something special. Her birthday is Sept. 10…

Summer surge: Wave of visitors explore the area
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Summer surge: Wave of visitors explore the area

Sarah Messer finished her full day of cleaning houses on St. George Island Saturday with a trip to the Resort Vacation Properties of St. George Island by Vacasa’s bin in Eastpoint.Messer had bags full of soiled linens, which she collected from two large houses she cleaned on the island.These are busy days for Messer, who…

Bringing the dead back to life
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Bringing the dead back to life

Unlike those who rest in eternity in the graves beneath him, Jonathan Appell does not seem to ever sleep. Zooming like a bee through Chestnut Cemetery, alighting on one gravestone to the next, Appell conducted a fascinating workshop Saturday morning for the Apalachicola Area Historical Society’s Cemetery Committee, providing a detailed insight into the composition…

COVID-19 cancels Tuesday commission meeting
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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…