Bay restoration work nears critical juncture

The Apalachicola Bay System Initiative, a multi-million dollar effort funded by Triumph Gulf Coast, Inc. and spearheaded by researchers from Florida State University, is preparing to unveil its priorities as it embarks on solidifying a management and restoration plan for the oyster reefs and the health of the bay. Helped by an audiovisual presentation, Sandra…

|

Simpson ties pay raises to prison shutdowns

Senate President Wilton Simpson has a message for state prison leaders: Shut down institutions if you want pay raises for overworked corrections officers. Simpson, in a phone interview last week with The News Service of Florida, blamed chronic staffing shortages and high turnover rates on corrections officials’ “lack of vision” and “myopia” in operating the…

Porch Fest rocks Apalachicola lawns

The weather and community support blessed Porch Fest on Saturday, as the well-organized follow-up to last year’s impromptu  musician response to COVID-19 lockdowns,  proved a huge success. Beginning in the morning at Lafayette Park at the Oyster City Brewing Company stage, the event featured about two dozen musicians on porches and yards throughout the city. …

Seahawks fall in spirited homecoming battle

The energy that carried over from the afternoon homecoming parade through Eastpoint was palpable, and the crowd was robust for the game, as they came to watch the Franklin County Seahawks take on the 3-1 Aucilla Christian Warriors. Following the first ever appearance of the high school’s newly created Navy Junior ROTC color guard in…

|

Camp Gordon Johnston addresses end of World War II

Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum in Carrabelle is presenting a special exhibit about the surrenders and war’s end in the Asia-Pacific and Europe-Mediterranean theaters of operations. This exhibit is on display at the museum through Saturday, Oct. 30. There is no charge for admission but donations are gladly accepted. The museum and exhibit are open…

Possible red tide concerns health officials

A possible red tide outbreak, as yet unconfirmed by health officials, has county officials concerned. St. George Island resident Bruce Graham told county commissioners Tuesday morning that he and his wife had experienced respiratory distress on the island, which prompted them to sees medical care at Weems Memorial Hospital. Stemming from the organism Karenia brevis, red…