Tax collector races highlight local ballots
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Tax collector races highlight local ballots

ByDavid Adlerstein

With the presidential race in November likely to attract record turnout, and with qualifying now closed, voters in Franklin and Gulf counties still will have several local races to consider, particularly on who will fill their open tax collector seats in both counties. In Franklin County, Republican Amy Braxton Cook and Teresa Ann Martin, a…

History buffs breathe life into cemetery
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History buffs breathe life into cemetery

ByDavid Adlerstein

An ongoing effort by the Apalachicola Area Historical Society to repair and maintain the city’s aging Chestnut Cemetery is about to kick into overdrive, thanks to an infusion of much-needed dollars. The historic cemetery, considered by experts to rank among the state’s oldest and most distinguished burial grounds, is set to benefit from $166,000 in…

Snails running rampant across Panhandle
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Snails running rampant across Panhandle

ByRick LaFleur

Well, maybe not running – more like sluggishly, slimily slogging. But they are getting to be rampant, at least according to the Apalachicola Regional Stewardship Alliance, as reported in the March 7 Times by editor David Adlerstein. Critters that are becoming problematic along the Panhandle, in what’s called the Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area, include…

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

BySpecial to the Times

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…

Jones seeks re-election to county commission
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Jones seeks re-election to county commission

ByDavid Adlerstein

Eastpoint resident Ricky Jones is seeking re-election to the District 1 county commission seat, which encompasses all of St. George Island and portions of Eastpoint. Jones, 53, of 258 Sago Drive in Eastpoint, is facing a challenge from Republican Russell Turner, 68, who resides at 419 US Highway 98 in Eastpoint. At the primary election…

Apalachicola native serves aboard warship in Mayport
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Apalachicola native serves aboard warship in Mayport

ByTracey Bannister

Seaman Jamal Robinson, a native of Apalachicola, serves aboard USS Lassen, a U.S. Navy warship operating out of Mayport. Robinson, who graduated from Franklin County High School in 2022, believes the skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Apalachicola. “My hometown taught me not to let things…

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FWC Report

BySpecial to the Times

During the week of April 26 through May 2, Officers Nelson, Hartzog, L. McLeod, Johnson II, and Allen observed a commercial vessel trawling while they were on night patrol on Apalachicola Bay in Franklin County. The officers stopped the vessel to conduct a resource and turtle excluder device (TED) inspection, during which the commercial anglers…

Stock splits and artificial intelligence
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Stock splits and artificial intelligence

ByWalter Woodrick

On Monday, June 10, NVDA, arguably the most important chip manufacturer in the artificial intelligence world since it manufactures the primary chip that all of the other companies need to produce “AI,” began trading after a 10-for-1 stock split.  Owners of 100 shares at $1,200 per share on the prior Friday looked at their accounts…