The St. George Island turtlers group is looking for people who want to adopt a sea turtle nest for the 2025 nesting season

The St. George Island turtlers group is looking for people who want to adopt a sea turtle nest for the 2025 nesting season.

 

So far, about 120 nests have been adopted, the turtle patrol group would like to reach 200.

 

The cost is 50 dollars and the money helps the Friends of the Reserve meet the expenses of their sea turtle program which conducts daily beach patrols for nest monitoring and evaluations on hatch success.

 

The group also provides care for hatchlings until they can be released.

 

The adoption program includes a Personalized adoption certificate sent to your email, and Certificates for memorial sponsorships will be posted on the sponsored nest.

 

You will also receive an interactive map link where you can find your sponsored nest, a mention on the official SGI Volunteer Turtlers Facebook page and an end of the season summary of how the island nests did during 2025.

 

If you would like to get signed up, or get more information about the Adopt-a-nest program, go on-line to apalachicolareserve.com.

 

https://www.apalachicolareserve.com/adopt-a-nest/

 

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The 2025 Lionfish Challenge kicks off on May 24th, so you still have time to sign up

The 2025 Lionfish Challenge kicks off on May 24^th, so you still have time to sign up.

 

Lionfish are a nonnative, invasive species that threaten Florida’s native saltwater fish and wildlife.

 

They were introduced into Florida waters in the late 1980s but their population has boomed in recent years – and that is causing real problems for native species in Florida waters.

 

The Lionfish challenge rewards divers and fishermen with prizes for removing as many lionfish as they can.

 

Over the past 8 years the event has removed more than 200,000 of the fish from Florida waters.

 

This year’s Challenge will run from May 24^th through September 14th.

 

This summer-long tournament is open to recreational and commercial fishermen and is completely free to enter.

 

Participants can win cash or gear prizes.

 

The participants who remove the most lionfish in the recreational and commercial categories will be crowned the Recreational Lionfish King or Queen and the Commercial Champion.

 

To learn more about the 2025 Lionfish Challenge or to sign up, go online to FWCReefRangers.com.

 

https://fwcreefrangers.com/lionfish-challenge/

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The DW Wilson Sports complex in Apalachicola may have some pickleball courts in its future

The DW Wilson Sports complex in Apalachicola may have some pickleball courts in its future.

Earlier this month, the Franklin County commission asked that the county’s engineering firm to develop construction plans and bid specifications for pickleball courts at the D.W. Wilson Sports Arena.

The plans will include the construction of new concrete pickleball courts with the associated striping, fencing, shaded seating, and stormwater improvements.

It will cost about 27 thousand dollars to get the plans completed- it is being funded through the Franklin County Tourist Development council.

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Site work for the new EMS Station in Lanark Village should begin on May 19th

Site work for the new EMS Station in Lanark Village should begin on May 19th.

Franklin county is in the process of building a new EMS building to serve as a base of operation for the Franklin County ambulance service on the eastern end of the county.

The building will be constructed by Oliver Sperry Renovation and Construction at a cost of just over a million dollars.

Construction will begin once all of the county permits have been approved.

The project includes construction of a 2600 square foot building on a 2-acre lot at the corner of Oak Street and Spring Street, just west of the Lanark Village Fire Station.

The property was donated by the City of Carrabelle.

The building will include an office area, kitchen and break and bunk area for ambulance workers.

It will also include enclosed parking for the ambulances.

Once complete, the new permanent EMS station will replace the leased location currently used by the ambulance service in Carrabelle.

The project is being funded through a $600,000 grant and money from the Franklin County health care trust fund.

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FWC launches new Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail website

FWC launches new Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail website

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is proud to announce the launch of the newly redesigned Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail website. To explore the new website and plan your next wildlife adventure, visit FloridaBirdingTrail.com.

The Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail is a longstanding FWC program that connects people to over 500 birding and wildlife watching locations statewide. The redesigned website offers an enhanced, streamlined experience for both residents and visitors to explore Florida’s best birding and wildlife watching opportunities.  

A major highlight of the new site is the innovative “Find a Site” map, an interactive location finder that lets users easily discover destinations that match their interests by entering place names, addresses, or selecting desired activities and amenities. Want to find Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail sites within 25 miles of Orlando where you can go camping and spot a bald eagle? The “Find a Site” map makes it easy. 

Additional features of the new website include: 

• Updated Trail Location Pages: Access detailed information on over 500 premier wildlife watching destinations, including when to visit, what species to look for, detailed directions and habitat descriptions. 

• Beginner Resources: Dedicated sections provide helpful guidance for those new to birding and wildlife watching. 

• Florida’s Birds and Wildlife Highlights: Discover Florida’s unique species and habitats through curated news, featured sites and educational content. 

The new Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail website advances the Trail’s mission to foster conservation through deeper connections between people and nature, offering an exciting platform for exploration, education and stewardship.

The Trail is a program of the FWC, supported in part by the Florida Department of Transportation and the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida, and is possible thanks to dozens of federal, state and local government agencies, nongovernmental organizations and private landowners.

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An employee at the Port St. Joe High school has been arrested and is now facing charges of battery on a student

An employee at the Port St. Joe High school has been arrested and is now facing charges of battery on a student.

The Gulf County Sheriff’s office arrested 46-year-old Erin Keion McNair of port St. Joe on May 14th after they were notified of an incident that occurred at the School on May the 8th.

The incident was caught on video, and showed McNair throwing a ball at a student and then throwing him on the ground.

Once this video was reviewed by investigators, interviews were scheduled with the Child Protection Team.

During the interview, the student confirmed what was shown on the video.

McNair was employed as a paraprofessional and track coach at the school, but he resigned the same day the incident occurred.

The gulf county sheriff’s Office said the case is still under review, with additional charges pending.

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The Florida Department of Health in Franklin County has issued a water quality advisory for Carrabelle Beach.

The Florida Department of Health in Franklin County has issued a water quality advisory for Carrabelle Beach.

Tests completed on May 14th found high levels of the enterococcus bacteria in water samples.

This advisory will continue until bacteria levels are below the accepted health level.

Until then it is recommended that people not swim at Carrabelle beach.

The state currently takes weekly or bi-weekly water samples from beaches in 30 counties – you can see results for all beaches in Florida on-line at the Florida Department of Health healthy beaches website.

https://www.floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/beach-water-quality/index.html

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Kite Tales May 2025 - The Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail Newsletter

May 2025 View this newsletter as a web page In this Issue... Explore More with the New Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail Website!

Explore More with the New Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail Website! The "Find a Site" Map on the new Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail website. The Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail is excited to announce the launch of our newly redesigned website! The Trail, a longstanding Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) program, connects people to over 500 premier birding and wildlife viewing locations statewide. The new website offers a fresh, streamlined experience for both residents and visitors who are eager to explore Florida’s best birding and wildlife watching opportunities. A standout feature of the new site is the “Find a Site” map, an interactive location finder that makes discovering Florida’s birding and wildlife hotspots easier than ever. Want to find a birding spot that offers camping within 25 miles of Orlando and a chance to spot a Purple Gallinule? The “Find a Site” map has you covered. It lets you: Search Trail locations by name or by proximity to any address, city or ZIP code. Use the “Birds” filter to find Trail sites where you’re most likely to encounter some of Florida’s most iconic bird species, based on three years of eBird data. Find Trail locations with popular amenities, including bathrooms, accessible amenities, camping, and more! (For more detailed information on accessible amenities, contact the management of your desired Trail location). Filter sites based on paid or open entry. Identify which Trail sites have seasonal hunting and find more information on hunt dates (linked on Trail location pages). One of the highlights on the new Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail website, "A Beginner's Guide to Birding." Other highlights include: Beginner-Friendly Resources: New sections offer guidance and tips for those just getting started with birding and wildlife watching. Florida’s Birds and Wildlife Highlights: Explore featured sites, curated content and news highlighting the diverse species and ecosystems that make Florida unique. Enhanced Trail Exploration Pages: Get to know Florida as you explore each of the Trail’s four sections by county using interactive maps and a convenient top-down layout. The new website furthers the Trail’s mission to promote conservation by deepening the connection between people and nature, inspiring exploration, education, and stewardship across the state. We can’t wait for you to experience it! Visit FloridaBirdingTrail.com and start planning your next outdoor adventure. New county pages feature a numbered list of all the Trail sites in the county and a corresponding map. Find Free Birding and Wildlife Viewing Checklists, Guides and Other Resources Love the Trail’s online information but prefer the feel of paper in your hand? Use the new website to order our Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail guidebooks and checklists of Florida’s birds, butterflies, reptiles and amphibians at no cost, or download PDFs of the checklists! Get your checklists and more on the new Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail website!

The Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail is a network of over 500 sites throughout the state. The Trail is a program of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, supported in part by the Florida Department of Transportation and the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida. The Trail is possible thanks to dozens of federal, state, and local government agencies, non-governmental organizations and private landowners.

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Fun things to do in Gulf County and beyond!

We will cut the ribbon at 5 pm!

This camp is perfect for children who want to explore the basics of musical theater. Students will learn songs from popular musicals, as well as proper singing technique and vocal warm-up songs and games. They will take acting classes and play improvisational games, while learning short scenes to perform. Then, they will complete art projects with a STEM and learn about sound and lighting with hands-on opportunities. We will serve a small snack during break time. The camp is designed for all levels of students from those with no experience to those who may have more exposure to theater. At the end of camp on Friday, parents will be invited to see a performance of the songs and scenes that students have learned during the week. Register Grades 7-12 Here!

117 Sailors Cove Drive Port Saint Joe, FL

411 Cape San Blas Rd. Port Saint Joe, FL 32456

“The Kitchen”, our food trailer will be open this week during the time the bar is open. http://www.scalloprepublic.com/the-kitchen-menu/

8066 W Hwy 98, Port Saint Joe, FL We're a lovely dive bar offering your favorite beer, wine, liquors, live entertainment, and karaoke.

This week at The Lookout Lounge Community Center  Wednesday Weekly Dart Tournament @7pm Thursday Coed Pool Tournament @7pm AND Karaoke 9-1! Friday LIVE MUSIC and the BEST Karaoke on the Coast! Saturday the BEST Karaoke on the Coast!

105 Good Morning Street, Port Saint Joe, FL

Joe Whitmer President/CEO   Gulf County Chamber of Commerce 321B Reid Ave Port St Joe, FL gulfchamber.org 850-227-1223 Office

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