FWC certifies new state record spotted bass caught in the Apalachicola River

FWC certifies new state record spotted bass 

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Law Enforcement Officer Wil Raker certified a new state record spotted bass, caught by angler Joe Durden from Blountstown. The fish weighed 3.93 pounds and measured 18.25 inches in length. 

Durden was excited to catch his spotted bass on the Apalachicola River during the Fifth Annual Liberty County Bulldog Booster Bass Tournament out of Bristol Landing. Officer Raker met with Durden shortly after the tournament at Jerkins Angus Farm in Bristol to confirm the weight of the fish on a certified scale. 

“I knew right away this was potentially a state record,” said Durden. “This was the biggest spotted bass I had ever seen on the river.” 

Durden, an avid bass tournament fisherman, caught his spotted bass on a crankbait while using LiveScope technology. After landing the fish, an FWC freshwater fisheries biologist met with Durden to discuss his catch and verify it was a spotted bass. 

“Catching a state record fish is a tremendous accomplishment for any angler,” said Andy Strickland, fisheries biologist with FWC’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute. “Particularly a record that’s held the test of time for 40 years.” 

The previous spotted bass state record was 3.75 pounds, caught by angler Dow Gilmore on June 24, 1985, on the Apalachicola River. 

The Apalachicola River is one of Florida’s largest rivers and is home to two other black bass species: the Florida bass and the shoal bass. The Apalachicola River is an exceptionally productive waterway that supports a thriving bass fishery along with outstanding populations of bream and catfish. 

Anglers can check state records by visiting MyFWC.com/Freshwater and clicking on “State Record Fish.” They should notify the nearest FWC regional office if they believe they have caught a record fish. Contact information for FWC regional offices can be found at MyFWC.com/Contact by clicking on “Contact Regional Offices.”

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Florida DEP permit activity for Carrabelle

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

Ron DeSantis Governor Alexis A. Lambert Secretary

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Permitting Application Subscription Service Subscriber email address: manager@oysterradio.com   Profile Name: Oyster Radio Permit: Water - ERP Exemption Permit Project Name: CARRABELLE DOCKS Location Id: 417559 Location Name: CARRABELLE DOCK, LLC County: Franklin Application Number: 417559-003 For further information, please contact the Northwest District permitting office in Pensacola at (850) 595-8300 Link to Department's application file: CARRABELLE DOCK, LLC If you would like to comment on the pending application, please go here: Public Comment | DEP Business Portal (fldepportal.com)

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There is a new service for people in Franklin County who do not have access to transportation

There is a new service for people in Franklin County who do not have access to transportation.

A Company called Big Bend Transit is now providing low-cost transportation to people who need it.

Big Bend Transit will provide transportation to and from any location within Franklin County so people who do not have access to a vehicle or are unable to drive themselves, can get to doctors appointments, grocery stores or other locations.

The cost for people who are registered as transportation disadvantaged is 3 dollars for a one-way trip and 10 dollars for the general public.

Or you can purchase a reloadable ride pass.

You do need to book your trip one day in advance.

Transportation will be available Monday through Friday between 8 AM and 5PM.

If you would like to find out more about the service, you can visit their website at www.bigbendtransit.org or call them at 850-229-6550.

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A Leon County man being held at the Wakulla County jail while he awaits trial for human trafficking of a minor, is now facing additional charges of victim tampering

A Leon County man being held at the Wakulla County jail while he awaits trial for human trafficking of a minor, is now facing additional charges of victim tampering.

22-year-old Sky Skidmore was arrested in 2024 for allegedly trafficking a 15-year-old girl to Wakulla, Leon and Bay Counties for sex.

He was charged with human trafficking, lewd and lascivious battery, encouraging the sexual performance of a minor, and unlawful use of a two-way communications device.

Authorities say they recently intercepted three letters sent by Sky Skidmore to the victim, the victim’s mother, and Skidmore’s mother.

The letters were intended to intimidate the victim.

Attorney General James Uthmeier’s Office of Statewide Prosecution has now added a count of victim tampering against Skidmore.

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Gulf County Chamber Member Spotlight 2025

#shoplocal #shopgulfcountyfl 𝗠𝗘𝗠𝗕𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗣 𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗧𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 The Friends of St. Joseph Bay Preserves is a dedicated non-profit organization established in 2003 with the mission to protect and enhance the natural beauty and ecological health of the St. Joseph Bay State Buffer Preserve and the St. Joseph Bay Aquatic Preserve. Through fundraising, volunteer services, and educational outreach, the Friends work tirelessly to maintain the pristine condition of the bay and its surrounding environments. They strive to raise awareness about critical environmental issues, connect passionate individuals with conservation efforts, and inspire community involvement in preserving this unique ecosystem. By volunteering, becoming a member, or making a donation, you can play a vital role in safeguarding the future of St. Joseph Bay. To learn more about how you can contribute, visit www.stjosephbaypreserve.org. 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝘁. 𝗝𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗽𝗵 𝗕𝗮𝘆 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝘀, 𝗜𝗻𝗰. 3915 State Rd. 30-A, Port St. Joe, FL (850) 229-1787 www.stjosephbaypreserve.org The Friends of St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge group, founded in 2007, plays a vital role in supporting the St. Vincent Island National Wildlife Refuge by fostering a deeper connection between people and nature. Their mission focuses on promoting environmental education, recreational activities, and an enriched understanding of the island's rich history and diverse ecosystem. Committed to increasing public awareness, they also provide crucial financial support for various projects within the refuge. By joining this dedicated group, you can contribute to preserving and enjoying this unique island. Members benefit from engaging volunteer opportunities, receive quarterly newsletters, advance notice on events, and attend their annual meeting. 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝘁. 𝗩𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗡𝗪𝗥 History, Culture, Arts Building - 86 Water Street, Apalachicola, FL stvincentislandfriends@gmail.com www.stvincentfriends.com The Friends of St. Joseph State Parks, established in 2006, is a dedicated 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to enhancing the T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula and Constitution Museum State Parks. Their mission revolves around generating and employing additional resources to support these natural and historical sites. Through a variety of initiatives such as special work projects, community events, educational programs, and fundraising activities, the organization ensures that every dollar raised is invested directly into projects that are not covered by state funding. These efforts include purchasing new equipment, supplies, and providing much-needed assistance to park staff. By engaging in community outreach and interpretive programs, the Friends of St. Joseph State Parks play a crucial role in preserving the parks' natural beauty and historical significance. For those interested in contributing to their cause, more information can be found at www.friendsofstjosephstateparks.org 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝘁. 𝗝𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗽𝗵 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸𝘀 P.O. Box 1285, Port St. Joe, FL stjoeparkfriends@gmail.com https://friendsofstjosephstateparks.org 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 Visit our NEW website for a complete list. #shoplocal #supportlocal Vendor Form Sponsor Form Joe Whitmer President/CEO   Gulf County Chamber of Commerce 321B Reid Ave Port St Joe, FL gulfchamber.org 850-227-1223 Office Share This Email   Share This Email   Share This Email

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 1, 2025 CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850-245-2112, DEPNews@FloridaDEP.gov Florida State Parks Launches 2025 Summer Photo Contest    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida's award-winning state parks, trails and historic sites offer some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world — and, this summer, nature lovers and photographers are invited to capture them.    Florida State Parks is excited to launch its annual Capture the Real Florida photo contest, now open for the 2025 summer season.  “With each photo contest, I am amazed by the beauty and variety of Florida’s natural spaces,” said Chuck Hatcher, Director of Florida State Parks. “I invite photographers of all levels to explore and capture the Real Florida, from springs to swamps to beaches. We look forward to seeing this year’s stunning submissions.”  The contest is open to all Florida State Park visitors. Entries will be accepted from July 1 through Sept. 1, 2025, and can be submitted on the photo contest website.    All photographs must be taken within a Florida State Park. Participants may submit one photo per category for a total of up to five entries.  This year, in preparation for the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, Florida State Parks is introducing a new category: Historic Encounters. This category recognizes the contributions of all who helped shape Florida’s communities and preserve the stories that define our shared heritage.  The five categories include:   Landscapes.   Waterscapes.   Park Adventures.   Wildlife.       Historic Encounters.    Grand Prize winners in each category will be selected by a blue-ribbon panel. Each winner will receive a B&H Photo gift card, a Florida State Parks Family Annual Entrance Pass and a promotional package that includes a Florida State Parks-branded stand-up paddleboard.    The contest will also include a People's Choice Award in each category, with the winner selected through public voting. People’s Choice winners will receive a Florida State Parks promotional package. For contest rules, submission guidelines and prize details, visit the Florida State Parks photo contest website.  ###

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Ground Breaking for New Lanark Village EMS Station this Friday

Ground Breaking New Lanark EMS Station Friday, July 11th at 10:30am 2341 Oak St. Lanark Village Followed by reception at the Jimmy Putnal St. James / Lanark Fire Station at 2367 Oak St. Lanark Village.

Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce 17 Ave E Apalachicola, Fl 32320 www.apalachicolabay.org 850-653-9419

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