FWC to host public workshops to gather input on proposed rules for Gulf lane snapper

 

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will host a series of public workshops to seek input on proposed rule changes for lane snapper in Gulf state waters. Staff will provide a brief presentation on potential proposed rules before gathering public comment at the workshop. 

In-person workshops are scheduled for:

• June 25: Fort Myers 6-7:30 p.m. at the Fort Myers Regional Library South Building, 1651 Lee St., Fort Myers, FL 33901
• June 26: St. Petersburg 6-7:30 p.m. at the West St. Petersburg Community Library, 6700 8^th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33710

The virtual workshop is scheduled for:

• June 30: 6-7:30 p.m. A link to access the virtual workshop will be posted on FWC Marine Fisheries Workshops page the day of the workshop.

Gulf lane snapper has exceeded overfishing limits in recent years, leading to early closures.  Proposed rule amendments would increase the commercial and recreational minimum size limit from 8 inches to 10 inches and establish a 20-fish per person recreational bag limit in Gulf state waters.  The changes intend to reduce the risk of overfishing, mitigate the likelihood of early closures, and increase consistency between Gulf state and federal waters.

Public feedback gathered during this workshop will be considered when developing rule recommendations for the Commission.

Members of the public who are unable to attend the scheduled workshops can submit comments online at  MyFWC.com/SaltwaterComments or by emailing Marine@MyFWC.com.

For more information on the proposed rule changes or workshop details, visit FWC Marine Fisheries Workshops or contact us at 850-487-0554.

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Chamber E-news from the Wakulla County Chamber of Commerce

Chamber News More information More information Chamber Events LAST CALL More Information: 6/25 - 11:30 -1:00 - June Member Networking Luncheon   Member Events/Announcement  More information More information More information Chamber Events Calendar  Keep up to date with chamber and member events here. As a member, you can add events to the chamber calendar.  Instructions here: Info Hub - Add an Event Instructions Member News Link to the Member News Section of our Website Check out what is being offered right here in Wakulla County TSC Wakulla Center TSC Wakulla Environmental Institute Turn key business with a large inventory and solid customer base. Call Billy Bishop @ 850-422-4522. Click here to view: Wakulla's Florida Scorecard

Disclaimer: The Wakulla County Chamber of Commerce provides this calendar of events as a service to its members and a convenience in the community.  No endorsement of the scheduled events or organizations by the Wakulla County Chamber of Commerce is either expressed or implied.

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Wakulla’s Noah Pearson Earns Spot on Florida’s National 4-H Shotgun Team

Wakulla’s Noah Pearson Earns Spot on Florida’s National 4-H Shotgun Team Headed to Nebraska for National Championship This Month

Crawfordville, FL – Wakulla County 4-H member Noah Pearson is preparing to represent Florida on the national stage later this month, having secured a spot on the Florida 4-H National Shotgun Team. Pearson will compete at the 4-H Shooting Sports National Championships in Grand Island, Nebraska, a prestigious event that draws the best young shooters from across the country. Pearson’s selection followed a strong showing by the Wakulla 4-H Shotgun Sharpshooters, who placed third overall as a Senior Team at the Florida 4-H State Shotgun Match in Jacksonville on March 22, 2025. Competing against dozens of top-tier teams across Florida, the Wakulla team stood out thanks to their skill, determination, and sportsmanship. Pearson, a graduating senior, finished 5th overall individually, making him eligible for Florida’s National Team. He was later confirmed as one of the four youth selected to represent Florida in the national competition. “This is a huge accomplishment not only for Noah, but for our entire team and county,” said Coach Mike Pearson, who also happens to be Noah’s father. “We are a small team with limited resources compared to some of the other counties, and to bring home third place as a team and qualify a shooter for nationals is incredible. I am very proud of all the youth in the Wakulla County 4-H Shotgun Club. They’ve worked hard all year, and that showed at the state competition.” Noah, who joined the 4-H Shotgun Club in 2018 as a sixth grader, reflected on the impact 4-H has had on his personal growth. “I am very grateful to have been in 4-H. It has made me a better person,” he said. “I’ve learned public speaking, leadership, and community pride. Being in the Shotgun Club taught me sportsmanship and gave me a deep appreciation for the Second Amendment. I have confidence in my future because of the life skills I gained through 4-H.” In addition to his achievements in shooting sports, Noah has served on the Florida 4-H Executive Board, represented the state at the 2022 4-H National Food Challenge in Texas, and volunteered in a variety of local programs, including summer camp and after-school youth development. The 2025 National Championship marks a fitting conclusion to Noah’s competitive 4-H career—and the beginning of his next chapter. He plans to pursue a career in welding and return to the Shotgun Club as a junior instructor next season. “Since I am a graduating senior, this was my last time competing as a 4-H youth,” Noah said of the state match. “I’m glad I had the opportunity, and winning fifth place individual overall made this experience even better.”

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Sea turtle nesting season is in full swing and it’s important to protect the nesting mothers as dig their nests on local beaches at night

Sea turtle nesting season is in full swing and it’s important to protect the nesting mothers as dig their nests on local beaches at night.

Sea turtles nest on beaches across Franklin and Gulf counties including St. George Island, St. Vincent Island, Alligator Point and Cape San Blas.

So far there have been 134 sea turtle nests found on St. George Island, and another 69 found on Little St. George.

The vast majority of the nests found in our area are from Loggerhead turtles, though very rarely there are also nests from the more endangered green turtles and leatherback turtles.

The nests look like piles of sand, and they are most easily recognized by the turtle crawl marks that are left when the female turtle pulls herself from the Gulf of Mexico to the dune line where most turtle nests are found.

If you should be lucky enough to see a nesting turtle, just remember to leave the turtle alone and turn off any lights you might have.

Never use a flash to take a picture of the turtles and don't point flashlights at her.

If she is disturbed, she may abandon her nest and return to the sea.
And remember Franklin County is actively enforcing its “Leave No Trace” ordinance to protect nesting sea turtles and to keep local beaches looking cleaner.

The ordinance bans people from leaving items like tents and beach chairs on public beaches on St. George Island overnight; items that are left out can be confiscated by the county and destroyed at the landfill.

If you should find an unmarked turtle nest this Summer, call the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 1-888-404-FWCC and they will make sure someone comes out to check and protect the nest.

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Florida DEP permit activity for Gulf County

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 Noticed General Permit Project Name: BEACH PLANET NO. 10 Location Id: 461902 Location Name: Beach Planet No. 10 County: Gulf Application Number: 461902-001 For further information, please contact the Northwest District permitting office in Pensacola at (850) 595-8300 Link to Department's application file: Beach Planet No. 10 If you would like to comment on the pending application, please go here: Public Comment | DEP Business Portal (fldepportal.com)

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A 39-year-old Crawfordville man was found guilty for possession and receipt of child pornography and production and distribution of obscene material portraying a child

A 39-year-old Crawfordville man was found guilty for possession and receipt of child pornography and production and distribution of obscene material portraying a child.

A federal jury found Donovan Arthur Sauleda guilty of all counts.

Sauleda was already a registered sex offender, but he came under investigation in November, 2021 by the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office for his failure to register his internet accounts as required by law.

Further investigation led to a search warrant in March 2022, where the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement found child pornography and child-like sex dolls within Sauleda’s residence.

Sauleda was found to have made videos for sale and distribution with the child-like sex dolls.

Sentencing is scheduled for September 8th.

Sauleda is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of five years’ imprisonment and up twenty years’ imprisonment – he will be required to continue to register as a sex offender following his prison sentence.

This conviction was the result of an investigation by the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and Homeland Security Investigations.

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The Gulf Council has announced the launch of a new anonymous public comment voicemail line

The Gulf Council has announced the launch of a new anonymous public comment voicemail line.

The Gulf Council oversees federal fishing rules in the Gulf and relies heavily on public input to guide its decisions.

The new voicemail option aims to broaden stakeholder access to federal fisheries management and encourage more voices to be heard- especially from those who may not feel comfortable providing comment through traditional methods.

Anyone can now call and leave a 3-minute voicemail with their input on fisheries issues, without needing to provide their name or personal information.

To ensure complete anonymity, voicemail transcriptions will be provided to the Gulf Council and no call log or audio recordings will be retained.

The voicemail number is 850-297-2883

In addition to the new voicemail line, the Gulf Council reminds the public that written comments can also be submitted through the Council’s website at www.gulfcouncil.org

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DOH-Franklin Lifts Water Quality Health Advisory - Alligator Point Beach tests below unsafe level

The Florida Department of Health in Franklin County (DOH-Franklin) is lifting the advisory for high bacterial levels the following location:

Alligator Point Beach



Tests completed on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, indicate that the water quality at Alligator Point Beach shows an acceptable level of Enterococcus bacteria established by state guidelines. Test results are available at FloridaHealth.gov/HealthyBeaches.



For more information, call 850-653-2111 or visit Franklin.FloridaHealth.gov.

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Gulf County Chamber Member Spotlight 2025

#shoplocal #shopgulfcountyfl

America’s Home Place has established a sterling reputation in the Port Saint Joe-Mexico Beach area of Florida as a leader in custom home building. With a professional and friendly staff ready to guide you through the process, they offer a diverse range of home styles tailored to your desires, from cozy cabins to luxurious beachside retreats. Their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is reflected in their 50 years of experience and their presence across 11 states. As one of the nation’s premier on-your-lot builders, America’s Home Place ensures each home is constructed to the highest standards of safety, craftsmanship, and environmental responsibility. Whether you're dreaming of a modern farmhouse or a coastal getaway, their skilled craftsmen are dedicated to bringing your vision to life with exceptional service and value. America’s Home Place 3052 W Highway 98, Port Saint Joe, FL (850) 899-9028 https://www.americashomeplace.com Building Center hours: MON-FRI: 9AM - 6PM ET SAT: 10AM - 5PM ET SUN: Closed

Nestled on the stunning shores of Mexico Beach, El Governor Resort & RV Park boasts 108 meticulously designed rooms, each offering a unique blend of comfort and style. Guests can savor breathtaking sunsets over sugar-white sands from their private balconies, creating an unforgettable beachfront experience. The thoughtfully equipped rooms feature full kitchens complete with essential supplies, including K-cup coffee makers, dinnerware, irons, ironing boards, and hair dryers, ensuring that every need is met. Whether you’re planning a serene getaway or a family vacation, El Governor Resort provides the perfect backdrop for an idyllic coastal retreat, combining modern amenities with the natural beauty of Florida’s Gulf Coast. El Governor RV Park is conveniently positioned right across from the beach. Guests are treated to breathtaking views of sugar-white sands and unforgettable sunsets. The park boasts 66 RV sites, each equipped with full hook-ups, including 30, 50, and 110 amp service, ensuring a comfortable stay. Visitors can also enjoy modern amenities such as Cable TV, WIFI, a coin laundry, and a bathhouse, all designed to enhance their experience. Additionally, picnic areas provide a perfect setting for outdoor meals and relaxation amidst the picturesque scenery. Whether you're a seasoned RV traveler or a newcomer to the scene, El Governor RV Park offers a welcoming and well-equipped retreat for all. 𝗘𝗹 𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝗿𝘁 (850) 648-5757 1701 Hwy 98, Mexico Beach, FL 𝗘𝗹 𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗼𝗿 𝗥𝗩 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸 (850) 648-5432 1700 Hwy 98, Mexico Beach, FL https://elgovernorresort.com

In Due Season Property Services is your go-to “One Call Covers it All” property services company, adept at handling both indoor and outdoor needs with finesse. Specializing in a broad spectrum of services, from meticulous lawn care and landscaping to comprehensive household repairs and maintenance, they eliminate the hassle of juggling multiple service providers. At the heart of their operations is a commitment to customer satisfaction, with each day’s priorities shaped by the clients’ needs. Owned and operated by a friendly husband-wife team, In Due Season brings a personal touch to each project, ensuring that whether it’s your primary residence, vacation home, or rental property, you receive unparalleled service and care. Contact In Due Season today! 𝗜𝗻 𝗗𝘂𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻 (850) 991-0150 (352) 682-0483 (352) 682-0785 www.indueseasonlawnmaintenance.com

𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 Visit our NEW website for a complete list. #shoplocal #supportlocal

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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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