OCTOBER 22, 2019 PRESS RELEASE: CANCELLING REMAINDER OF FOOTBALL GAMES

Student safety is a top priority of the Franklin County School District. FCHS School Administration met with the head football coach today, and determined that in the interest of safety for our student athletes, our school will not participate in the remainder of the post season conference games.

Principal Sneed would like to thank all of our hardworking athletes, coaches and volunteers and looks forward to the re-building of the program during the off season and preparing for next year.

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Franklin County Commissioners last week signed an agreement to continue funding the county's Hurricane Loss Mitigation program

 Franklin County Commissioners last week signed an agreement to continue funding the county's Hurricane Loss Mitigation program.

The agreement will provide 194 thousand dollars to the state funded program which is designed to help Franklin County Residents mitigate their homes against strong winds.

The program is designed to help lower income residents make their homes more wind resistant through the installation of hurricane resistant doors and shutters.

It also pays to repair roofs or add straps to existing roofs.

To be eligible for the program you must live in Franklin County and meet the income requirements.

The program is for single family homes only, it will not accept mobile homes, trailers or multi-family units.

If you are interested in applying or learning more about the Hurricane Loss Mitigation Program, you can find applications and criteria on the Franklin County Emergency Management website at www.franklinemergencymangement.com.

You can also pick up an application at the Emergency Management Office at the Apalachicola Airport.

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Franklin County says money for a new Emergency Operations Center will continue to be its top priority during the upcoming legislative session

Franklin County says money for a new Emergency Operations Center will continue to be its top priority during the upcoming legislative session..

A new EOC has been a top priority for the county for a number of years.

The current EOC building is located at the Apalachicola airport – it used to belong to the National weather service but was converted to Emergency Management use when the weather service moved to Tallahassee.

The aging building needs to be replaced – its almost 50 years old, it is too small for an EOC and its located is in a flood zone.

The county would like to build a new EOC on Highway 65 in Eastpoint – they have money to design the new building, but no funding for construction.

Franklin County is the only coastal county in the panhandle that does not have a new EOC and after Hurricane Michael the need for a new building is even more obvious.

Franklin County has prepared a funding request which it will provide to our state legislators for action in this year's legislative session.

Its the only funding request the County commission is making this year.

The hope is that by requesting money for only this project it will increase the chances of it being funded.

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Franklin County commissioners last week approved the contracts for the county’s four visitor centers.

Franklin County commissioners last week approved the contracts for the county’s four visitor centers.
The county has four visitor’s centers in St. George Island, Apalachicola, Carrabelle, and in Eastpoint.
The centers are funded through the Tourist Development Council and give visitors a place to learn ore about our area and get information on businesses and amenities in Franklin County.
The Centers in Apalachicola St. George Island and Eastpoint are operated by the Apalachicola Bay chamber of commerce.
The Carrabelle location is operated by the Carrabelle Chamber.
The Carrabelle and Eastpoint locations get 40 thousand dollars for annual operating expenses, the Apalachicola and St. George Island locations, which tend to be busier, get 50 thousand.



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The Franklin County Tourist Development Council is creating a series of videos to help promote the county to potential visitors

The Franklin County Tourist Development Council is creating a series of videos to help promote the county to potential visitors.

The TDC Board approved the development of the Forgotten Coast Museum Series and the Forgotten Coast Festival Series.

The Museum Series is 3-5 minute short videos featuring all of our area's museums and parks.

The Festival Series will feature 3-5 Minute videos of annual events and Festivals in Franklin County like the seafood festival and chili cookoff.

TDC director John Solomon said The videos will be used in the TDC newsletter, on Facebook, on their webpage and on the TDC youtube channel as promotion for things to do in Franklin County.

The videos will also be available for other groups to use for promotions.

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Greater amberjack closes Nov. 1 in Gulf state waters

The recreational harvest of greater amberjack in Gulf of Mexico state and federal waters closes Nov. 1 and will remain closed through April 30, 2020.  The season is scheduled to reopen May 1-31, 2020.

This seasonal harvest closure is intended to help conserve the Gulf greater amberjack population and rebuild this fishery for the future.

Learn more about recreational fishing at MyFWC.com/Fishing by clicking on “Saltwater Fishing” and “Recreational Regulations.”

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GULF COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE LAW ENFORCEMENT SUMMARY OCTOBER 14, 2019 – OCTOBER 20, 2019

   GULF COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE LAW ENFORCEMENT SUMMARY OCTOBER 14, 2019 – OCTOBER 20, 2019 by Michael Allen on Scribd

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Florida DEP permit activity for St. George Island

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF Environmental Protection Bob Martinez Center 2600 Blair Stone Road Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2400

Ron DeSantis Governor Jeanette Nuñez Lt. Governor Noah Valenstein Secretary

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Permitting Application Subscription Service Subscriber email address: manager@oysterradio.com   Profile Name: Oyster Radio Permit: Water - ERP Noticed General Permit Project Name: 316 NEDLEY STREET FILL Location Id: 378777 Location Name: DAN GARLICK County: Franklin Application Number: 378777-002 For further information, please contact the Northwest District permitting office in Pensacola at (850) 595-8300

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Seafood and Pre-holiday events this month

Florida Seafood Festival, November 1-2 Florida’s oldest maritime festival kicks off its 56th year on Friday and Saturday, November 1-2 in historic Apalachicola. Held at Battery Park overlooking the mouth of the Apalachicola River, this event annually draws thousands and features fresh Apalachicola Bay seafood, arts and crafts exhibits and the famous  Oyster Eating and Shucking contest. This year’s festival music headliner will be Parmalee, the quintessential American Country band from North Carolina. Click for details. Area Hosts Special Veterans Day Activities with Ceremony, Concert and Lighthouse Climb The Forgotten Coast will host a variety of Veterans' Day ceremonies, events and activities. The Crooked River Lighthouse will honor veterans on Monday, November 11 with free lighthouse climbs for veterans from Noon to 8 pm. The Veteran's Day climb will also feature live Afro-Cuban drumming music by Master Yazid and the band Cinco Mas Cervezas. Details here. The St. George Island lighthouse will host its annual Veteran's Day ceremony on Monday, Nov. 11 with a Veterans Day Ceremony to honor all veterans. The Ilse Newell Concert Series will host host a special Veteran's in Music concert on Monday, November 11. The concert, by the Bay Area Choral Society, will be held at the Carrabelle Christian center in Carrabelle at 4 pm. Come enjoy this tribute of WWI and WW II songs and music.   Details here.  Full Moon Climbs November 11 Both historic lighthouses in Franklin County will host full moon climbs on Monday, November 11. The Crooked River Lighthouse full moon climb will be held from 5-8 pm. Over on St. George Island, the Cape St. George Lighthouse is also hosting a full moon climb from 5:30-7 pm.  Forgotten Coast Communities Celebrate Small Business Saturday, November 30 Come to the Coast on Saturday, November 30 from 11-6pm and support local shops as part of the area's “Small Business Saturday” annual event.  Visit our small local business’ in Apalachicola, Carrabelle Eastpoint and St. George Island. From art to jewelry, food or antiques, you’ll find the perfect gift for everyone on your list, minus the crowds and the hassle of going to the mall. Apalachicola Historic Downtown Christmas Celebration November 29 The historic town of Apalachicola officially kicks off the holiday season on Friday, November 29 with the Historic Downtown Christmas Celebration. Come enjoy early Christmas shopping along streets lined with luminaries and filled with holiday spirit. Merchants will be open late and the sounds of carolers will echo through the streets. Santa will arrive Via shrimp boat at 4pm at Riverfront park on Water Street to hear all the children’s Christmas wishes. There will be free hotdogs and age-appropriate books for all the children who come to visit Santa and this year the event will even feature a tide & seek Oyster Shell painting booth. The Historic Orman & Raney House Museums will be decorated and open for tours. Click here for details. Carrabelle History Museum Hosts Lighthouse Talk November 9 The Carrabelle History Museum will host a history talk about the Lighthouses of the Forgotten Coast, featuring the St. George Island Lighthouse and the Cape San Blas Lighthouse.  James Hargrove, Docent and Historian for St. George Island Lighthouse Association, and Linda Wood, Operations Manager for Cape San Blas Lighthouse, will lead the presentation. Click here for details. Farmers Market November 9, 23 in Apalach This Apalachicola local favorite is held the second and fourth Saturday of each month at the Mill Pond Pavilion in Apalachicola. Features seafood, produce, honey, homemade breads, pies, and other regional specialties from 9am -1pm. For more info, click here. Conservation Lecture Series November 14 at FSU Marine Lab Taking The Pulse of a Changing Planet. Dr. Robert Spencer, Ph.D, Associate Professor, Florida State University, Department of Oceanography will host a talk about how riverine chemistry can provide insights into the changing global carbon cycle. Details here. Museums and Parks Showcased in Video Series The Franklin County Tourist Development Council recently produced a series of videos about each of the interesting museums and parks in Franklin County. The first video below highlights the Raney House Museum. Click here to learn more about Franklin County museums and watch the entire series as they are released. Apalachicola Oyster Roast November 1 The Apalachicola Bay Chamber will host its annual Oyster Roast on Friday, November 1 from 6-9 pm. This annual favorite features seafood galore, live music and a chance to enjoy an outdoor social event in historic downtown Apalachicola. HOLIDAY EVENTS COMING SOON Holiday Fresh Market December 7 Why fight the crowds and traffic at the malls? Come for the day or the weekend and find one-of-a-kind unusual presents. Shop in a relaxed, hassle free environment in an outdoor setting. Buy hand crafted Apalachicola specialties such as baked goods, artwork, wood carving, pottery and hand knitted goods. Your gift shopping has never been easier! Located in front of the Dixie Theatre on Avenue E and Market Street. Details here.  Holiday on the Harbor & Boat Parade of Lights December 14 The Carrabelle Chamber of Commerce will host the 2019 Holiday on the Harbor Street Festival and Boat Parade of Lights on Saturday, December 14 from 11am -  8pm in downtown Carrabelle. This year’s Holiday on the Harbor will include a street festival featuring children’s activities, vendors,  live music and of course, the boat parade at dusk. Downtown Carrabelle merchants will be open during the festival with holiday specials. Stay for the weekend and enjoy a host of activities throughout Carrabelle.  SGI's Island Palm Tree Lighting December 6 Greet Santa when he arrives at St. George Island's Lighthouse Park on Friday, December 6 and enjoy the festive illuminating of holiday lights on the Cape St. George Lighthouse, Visitor Center, and along Franklin Boulevard.  There will be a fun run goodies, carolers, and of course, Santa and tree lighting will occur about sunset.  Eastpoint Christmas Celebration Dec. 13 Join Eastpoint for the annual Christmas Celebration on Friday, December 13. Parade line up begins at 4 p.m. behind Seller’s Plaza. The parade runs down Highway 98, takes a right at Fisherman’s Choice and ends at the Eastpoint Pavilion where Santa will have yummy treats on hand and his helpers will give out toys to all the good little boys and girls.  Ilse Newell Christmas Concerts December 8, 15 The Ilse Newell (IN) Concert series will present Christmas concerts this month On December 8, a special Christmas Program of Baroque Music will be held at Apalachicola's Trinity Episcopal Church. On December 15, the Bay Area Choral Society will perform a Christmas program at Trinity.  EVENTS  November 1-2 – Florida Seafood Festival November 1- Downtown Oyster Roast November 6 - ANERR Landscaping Workshop November 6, 13, 20, 27 - Bowery Station Open Mic November 8 - ANERR Estuary Class November 9, 23 - Farmers Market November 9 - Lighthouse History Talk November 10 - INConcert Veterans Concert November 11 - Full Moon Climb - SGI November 11 - Full Moon Climb - Crooked River November 14 - FSU Lecture Series November 22 - River and Floodplain Class November 23 - Riverkeeper Field Trip November 29 - Apalachicola Christmas Celebration December 6 - SGI Lighting of the Palms December 7 - Holiday Fresh Market December 8 - Baroque Christmas Program December 11 - SGI Full Moon Climb December 12 - Crooked River Lighthouse Full Moon Climb December 13 - Eastpoint Christmas Celebration December 14 - Holiday on the Harbor December 15 - Ilse Newell Christmas Concert Connect to all events online here!

Franklin County Tourist Development Council • 731 Hwy. 98, Eastpoint, FL 32329 • 866-914-2068

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This week is Florida Teen Driver Safety Week

This week is Florida Teen Driver Safety Week.

Florida teens, ages 15-19, make up almost five percent of Florida’s licensed drivers.

However, in 2018, teen crashes made up almost 12 percent of all crashes.

In 2018, there were 47,583 crashes with teen drivers, resulting in 90 teen driver fatalities.

State safety officials say teens are in lot of car crashes because of inexperience and immaturity, plus some tend to speed, drink and drive, not wear seat belts and are often distracted while driving by using cell phones or listening to loud music.

Teen Driver Safety Week is aimed at changing teen’s behaviors and driving habits, by communicating with them.

For tips on how to talk to teens about driving safety, visit the Florida Department of Highway safety and Motor Vehicles website at https://www.flhsmv.gov/teen for shareable graphics, data and other resources.

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Franklin County made it through Tropical Nestor relatively unscathed, though there was some high water and Alligator Point road was washed out again

 Franklin County made it through Tropical Nestor relatively unscathed, though there was some high water and Alligator Point road was washed out again.

Nestor made landfall near Apalachicola on St. Vincent Island at 2 PM Saturday with sustained winds of 45 mph.

While Nestor did bring some much needed rain, much of its worst storms went further east into central Florida.

About 1100 feet of Alligator Point Road was once destroyed, but the road gets damaged almost every time a tropical storm or hurricane threatens our area.

It has not been fully repaired since it was damaged in 2016 by Hurricane Hermine.

There was also some coastal flooding; a few low lying areas on the bayside of St. George Island went underwater but much of the water ad receded by late Saturday afternoon.

The sheriff's department said a number of pelicans that tried to shelter on the st George island bridge were killed by cars. 

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Agenda an Information for October 22nd Gulf County Commission meeting

   Agenda for October 22nd Gulf County Commission meeting by Michael Allen on Scribd

   Information for October 22nd Gulf County Commission meeting by Michael Allen on Scribd

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Coast Guard, local agencies searching for a person in the water near Alligator Point, Florida

NEW ORLEANS – The Coast Guard and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission are searching for a person in the water near Alligator Point, Florida, Monday.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Mobile received a report at approximately 6 p.m. Sunday, from FWC that they discovered a partially submerged 49-foot vessel located approximately 4 nautical miles south of Alligator point, Florida.

Members of Coast Guard Station Panama City located two of the three people early Monday after searching over night. One of the crewmembers located was found unresponsive and the other was taken to a local hospital by EMS.

Involved in the search are:

- Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans MH-65 Dolphin Helicopter aircrew

- Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater MH-60 Jayhawk Helicopter aircrew

- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

- Coast Guard Station Panama City 25-foot Response Boat-Small boat crew

- Coast Guard Station Panama City 45-foot Response Boat-Medium boat crew

If anyone has any information please contact the Sector Mobile command center at (251) 441-5976.

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The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is hosting a Deer Manager 101 course for private landowners in northwest Florida

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is hosting a Deer Manager 101 course for private landowners in northwest Florida.

Private landowners from Franklin, Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty and Wakulla counties can attend to learn about topics including mapping your property, deer biology, deer habitat management and aging deer.
Participants also will have an opportunity to meet local FWC law enforcement officers to learn about the services the officers provide.
The course will be held on Thursday, October 24th, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the North Florida Research & Education Center in Quincy.
Lunch will be provided, and you must pre-register by the end of the day tomorrow.
To pre-register call Kay Haskins at 850-767-3634.
Private landowners play a critical role in wildlife conservation by protecting and restoring habitats like the longleaf pine/wiregrass ecosystem, and managing farms, ranches, and forests that provide habitat to many species.

Private lands also form critical corridors between publicly managed conservation lands. 



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