DeSantis signs controversial bear bill
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DeSantis signs controversial bear bill

Gov. Ron DeSantis on June 20 signed a controversial measure that will bolster self-defense arguments for people who kill bears on their property. The bill about bears (HB 87) provides a sort of stand-your-ground defense for people who shoot bears to defend themselves or property. But with bear hunting long a controversial issue in Florida,…

Simon touts school choice in campaign stop
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Simon touts school choice in campaign stop

Freshman State Senator Corey Simon, running for a second term in the state legislature, stopped by Apalachicola last month as part of a fundraising and campaign swing in Franklin County. After a robust introduction by Sheriff A.J. Smith, and some get-fired-up remarks to the Republican audience by county chairman Kristy Banks, Simon spoke June 20…

Florida’s budget ensures conservation remains priority
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Florida’s budget ensures conservation remains priority

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is applauding Governor Ron DeSantis for his commitment to supporting and bolstering the mission of safeguarding Florida’s natural resources in the 2024-25 Focus on Florida’s Future Budget.  Budget highlights include: “Under Governor DeSantis’ bold leadership, Florida remains one of the nation’s premier destinations for top-tier fishing and unique…

Recognize problems: No tree is risk free
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Recognize problems: No tree is risk free

With the start of the 2024 hurricane season, which is forecast to be active, homeowners should be proactive about preparations. Some storms in recent years have wreaked havoc on locales, and in many situations, trees have been a major cause of damage and injury. Broken limbs have pierced roofs; fallen trunks have crushed vehicles and…

Operator inexperience leads to boating accidents
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Operator inexperience leads to boating accidents

National Safe Boating Week, May 18 to 24, kicks off the summer boating season as an annual reminder for boaters to prioritize safety while enjoying recreational activities on Florida’s beautiful waterways.  Florida is recognized as “The Boating Capital of the World” and leads the nation with over 1 million registered vessels across the state. With…

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Unemployment down in both Gulf and Franklin

Joblessness in the Forgotten Coast headed in the right direction in April, as both Gulf and Franklin counties saw a drop in their unemployment numbers. According to preliminary data released Friday by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, Gulf County unemployment fell by four-tenths of 1 percentage point last month, from 3.2 to 2.8 percent….

Applications for alligator harvest permits now open
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Applications for alligator harvest permits now open

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission offers two alligator harvest opportunities: the Statewide Alligator Harvest Program and the new Alligator Super Hunt.  Applications for both opportunities opened last week and may be submitted at any county tax collector’s office, license agent or online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.  Random drawings are held to distribute all available alligator…

State eyes increased calls on wildlife
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State eyes increased calls on wildlife

Bears and coyotes and raccoons, oh my! As Florida’s population expands, state wildlife officials have seen a more than 33 percent increase in calls for assistance related to wild animals during the past five years, according to a presentation that could go before the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission this week. While no proposed changes…

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Unemployment up in Gulf, down in Franklin

Joblessness in Gulf County rose in March, and fell in Franklin, as both Forgotten Coast counties hovered around the 3.2 percent mark. According to preliminary data released Friday by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, Gulf County unemployment rose by three-tenths of 1 percentage point last month, from 2.9 to 3.2 percent. Franklin County joblessness…

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Unemployment improves in Franklin County

Joblessness in both Forgotten Coast counties dropped slightly in February, with Gulf County doing one-half of 1 percentage point better than Franklin in overall unemployment. According to preliminary data released Friday by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, both Franklin and Gulf County joblessness improved by two-tenths of 1 percentage point last month over January’s…