click on the sunset to see Franklin County in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Freaky Florida February 26th, 2012



WIC Clinic Opening in Carrabelle


Immediate Release
Holly Kirsch
850-606-8229

                                                                 WIC Clinic Opening in Carrabelle


The Leon County WIC program will be reopening a WIC clinic in Carrabelle at the Franklin County Health Department, (106 5th Street). The WIC program is a federally funded nutrition program for Women, Infants, and Children. WIC provides at no cost: healthy foods, nutrition education and counseling, breastfeeding support, and referrals for health care.
The clinic will be open Tuesday, March 20th   and will be open every 3rd Tuesday of the month, from 9:00 to 3:30. The WIC program also provides services in Apalachicola at the Franklin County Health Department every Thursday from 9:30 to 3:30. For more information or an appointment, contact the Leon County WIC office at 850-606-8300 or 1-800-416-4123.


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Two car accident on Apalachicola Bridge

There was a two car accident on the Apalachicola Bridge today. No one was hurt too badly but one of the vehicles did wind up in the water. There will likely be a Highway Patrol report later today and I'll pass it on when I get it.






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Saturday, February 25, 2012

Sunrise to Sunset on St. George Island by Barry Fraser


Sunrise to Sunset on St. George Island from Barry Fraser on Vimeo.


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Two Apalachicola Men Charged with Arson and Insurance Fraud


TALLAHASSEE— Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jeff Atwater today announced the arrests of Jeffrey Tyrone Lockley and Byron Bernard Butler, both of Apalachicola, after a joint investigation involving the Division of State Fire Marshal’s Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations (BFAI), the Division of Insurance Fraud (DIF) and the Franklin County Sherriff’s Office (FCSO) determined the two men set fire to a vehicle in an attempt to commit insurance fraud.
“Not only did these men intentionally endanger the lives of others, they also attempted to commit insurance fraud, a crime that costs honest Floridians thousands of dollars a year,” CFO Atwater said.  “I’m proud of the work done by my office and Franklin County’s fire and law enforcement professionals to bring these individuals to justice.”

On Nov. 8, 2011, the BFAI and the FCSO responded to a vehicle fire on Pine Log Road in Apalachicola.  The investigation revealed that the fire was intentionally set.
On Dec. 22, 2011, the FCSO received a tip that two males may have intentionally set the vehicle on fire so that the owner could collect insurance money for the damage.  A joint investigation between FCSO and DIF was opened. The investigation led to the arrests of Jeffrey Tyrone Lockley and Byron Bernard Butler. Butler and Lockley were booked at the Gulf County Jail on charges of arson and insurance fraud and if convicted, could face up to 15 years in prison.

To report arson, call 1-877-No-Arson (1-877-662-7766).  A reward of up to $5,000 may be paid for a tip that leads directly to an arrest and conviction.
  


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Friday, February 24, 2012

March is going to be busy in Franklin County

Oyster Radio Mar

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All things oyster February 24th, 2012



2/27/12 SEAHAWK SCOOP


Remember the Ms. Seahawk Pageant is tomorrow - 2/25/12. 
The Tiny, Little Miss, & Junior Miss Seahawk Pageant will be at 1:00pm. 
The Miss Seahawk Pageant will be at 6:00pm.  Both will be in the FCS cafeteria.
Admission: 
$5.00-Adults     
$3.00 Students  ( Students who bring their Crimson Card can get in free.) 



bulletin.2.27.12

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County seeks owner of sunken boat


Franklin County is trying to find out who owns the sunken boat near the boat ramp on St. George Island.

The 20 foot boat has been sunk about 75 feet away from the beach for about a month but so far no one has done anything to remove it.

The boat isn’t causing any problems at this time, but there are concerns that if the tide gets high enough it could shift the boat into a more dangerous position.

The board said they will get the state involved in removing the boat if they have to, but they would rather not.

The commission voted to have the boat checked on low tide to look for a registration number so they can contact the owner to have the boat moved.

If that doesn’t work they will contact the Fish and Wildlife Conservation commission to have the boat towed.


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FWC plans to meet in Franklin County in November


The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission doesn’t seem to be able to get enough of Franklin county.

The FWC wants to meet in Franklin County in November.

If it does meet here it will be the third meeting in 3 years which is good for the local businesses because a lot of people from around the state attend the two day meetings. 

In the past the FWC has met at the Apalachicola Community center and at the Franklin county courthouse Annex.

County Planner Alan Pierce said there may be a scheduling issue with the courts in November, but commissioner Cheryl Sanders said she would like to see the repairs to the Armory finished so the FWC can meet there.

The county is currently working to repair the armory roof and electrical system and to install an air conditioning system.


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Beverly Hewitt named to TDC


County commissioners this week named a new member to the Franklin County Tourist Development Council.

The board agreed to put Beverly Hewitt on the council as a representative for the Apalachicola Bay chamber of Commerce.

She replaces Mark Friedman.   

The Franklin county Tourist development Council helps decide how best to spend the funds raised through the county’s bed tax.

The tourist development tax – which was approved by local voters in 2004 – is levied on every home and hotel room rented in the county.

The money is generally used for advertising the area and for the maintenance of tourist related facilities in the county.


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Florida DEP permit activity


Florida Department of
Environmental Protection
Bob Martinez Center
2600 Blair Stone Road
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2400
Rick Scott
Governor

Jennifer Carroll
Lt. Governor

Herschel T. Vinyard Jr.
Secretary

Permitting Application Subscription Service
Following are the permit applications which match your subscription requests:

   Profile name: Oyster Radio

Permit: Water - Individual With No Conceptual Approval Permit
Project name: DAVIS, BRENT & PICKINS, TERRY
Location id: 310341
Location name: DAVIS, BRENT / PICKINS, TERRY
Address: CHIPOLA RIVER,
County: Gulf
Application number: 310341-001

For further information, please contact the Northwest District permitting office in Pensacola at (850)595-8300


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Thursday, February 23, 2012

Damn beaver dams


County commissioners say beavers are becoming a problem in portions of the county and have asked the road department to see what they can do about it.

Beavers tend to get active this time of year but generally they aren’t a problem.

But sometimes they build their dams in waterways or ditches that affect streets and homes.

Commissioner Cheryl Sanders has asked that the county road department work with a state beaver trapper to help catch the animals.

She said right now beavers are out in full force and it’s not easy to catch them.

Road camp supervisor Hubert Chipman said he has already had to deal with one beaver dam this week on lighthouse road and was aware of a number of other places where beavers are at work.


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Franklin county enters into negotiations with "Fly High" to serve as airport FBO


Franklin County commissioners have agreed to begin negotiations with a new fixed base operator for the Franklin County-Apalachicola airport.

The county has agreed to work with a company out of North Carolina called “Fly High” to take over the FBO position – the company would provide services like fueling, hangaring, aircraft rental and maintenance, and flight instruction.

Over the past year the board has been seeking a new company to manage the airport – the contract for the current fixed base operator ended this month though it was extended by 90 days while commissioners continued their search.

Representatives from ‘Fly High” said they view the FBO as the first impression people have of the county so they train their workers in all aspects from answering the phone to getting rental cars when people need them.

There are still a few issues that have to be worked out before the contract is signed.

For one the current operator doesn’t want to leave.

AIATC has informed the board that it would like to extend its contract by 10 years –something the county is not going to willingly do.

The current FBO also has the right to stay in its existing building for 90 more days – and the county needs the building if they reach an agreement with new company.

The board is also questioning how long of a contract they would like to sign.

The current FBO had a 20 year contract, but commissioners said that was too long.

The board wants to see the new company bring more jobs to the airport before agreeing to a long term contract.

Representatives for Fly High said they would start with about 5 people but hope to create 11 jobs at the airport over time.

The board agreed to accept “Fly High” as the new Fixed base operator but did so contingent on the company and the county attorney reaching an agreement on a shorter contract. 


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PSC approves rate agreement with Progress Energy


The Florida Public Service Commission has approved a multi-year agreement with Progress Energy Florida over base-electric rates and nuclear-power projects.

Under the settlement, starting in 2013 base rates will increase by $150 million dollars to cover the cost to provide energy to Progress Energy’s more than 1.6 million customers in the state.

Customers would see an estimated 4 percent increase over current rates; residential customers who use 1,000 kilowatt hours of electricity a month would see their bills go from the current $123.19 to an estimated $128.12 next year.

The increase, however, will be largely offset in 2013 and 2014 by a $288 million refund to customers reflecting the ongoing outage at the Crystal River Nuclear Plant.

It also removes the Crystal River Nuclear Plant from base rates while the company continues to analyze options for the plant.


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Franklin County on the web February 24th, 2012



St George Island Feb. 20, 2012



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Florida DEP permit activity


Florida Department of
Environmental Protection
Bob Martinez Center
2600 Blair Stone Road
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2400
Rick Scott
Governor

Jennifer Carroll
Lt. Governor

Herschel T. Vinyard Jr.
Secretary

Permitting Application Subscription Service
Following are the permit applications which match your subscription requests:

   Profile name: Oyster Radio

Permit: Water - Domestic Wastewater Collection/Transmission System
Project name: CAPE SEWER COLLECTION SYSTEM
Location id: 310331
Location name: CITY OF PORT ST JOE CAPE SEWER
Address: PORT ST JOE,
County: Gulf
Application number: 310331-001

For further information, please contact the Northwest District Branch ( Panama City ) permitting office in Panama City at (850)872-4375



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Injured Veterans to Cycle 450 Miles from New Orleans to Tallahassee for Gulf Coast Ride 2 Recovery Cycling Event



            
N E W S   R E L E A S E


For Immediate Release
Contact:           Elizabeth Calzadilla-Fiallo      
                        UnitedHealthcare        
                        (954) 378-0537          
                        Elizabeth_Calzadilla-Fiallo@uhc.com


INJURED VETERANS TO CYCLE 450 MILES FROM NEW ORLEANS
TO TALLAHASSEE FOR GULF COAST RIDE 2 RECOVERY CYCLING EVENT

·         Veterans, troops and supporters to ride hand cycles, recumbents, tandem and traditional road bikes along the Gulf Coast
·         Ride 2 Recovery raises funds to support rehabilitation programs for the nation’s veterans
·         Public encouraged to gather along the daily routes to support riders

TAMPA, Fla. (Feb. 23, 2012) – More than 200 cyclists including injured veterans and their supporters will set off on Sunday, March 4, on the Ride 2 Recovery Gulf Coast Challenge sponsored by UnitedHealthcare, a seven-day, 450-mile ride from New Orleans to Tallahassee.

Gulf Coast Challenge cyclists will start their journey at Hyatt Regency New Orleans and ride along the coast into northwestern Florida with overnight stops in Gulfport, Miss.; Mobile and Orange Beach, Ala.Fort Walton andPanama CityFla.; and finish in Tallahassee Friday, March 9. On Saturday, March 10 in Tallahassee, Ride 2 Recovery will stage its first “Honor Ride,” which invites the public to join the participating veterans for a day of cycling. To see daily stops and events along the route or to sign up for the Gulf States Challenge, visithttp://www.ride2recovery.com/gulf-coast-challenge.html.

The USO will support daily rest stops with a mobile canteen, and the American Legion Family will provide a motorcycle escort and sponsor dinners and community events. The public is encouraged to gather along the daily routes to support the cyclists. 

Ride 2 Recovery supports physical and psychological rehabilitation programs for injured veterans, featuring cycling as the core activity. From indoor spinning training at military installations to multiday, long-distance rides, Ride 2 Recovery helps injured veterans heal through the challenge of cycling long distances using hand cycles, recumbents, tandems and traditional road bikes.

“The Ride 2 Recovery Gulf Coast Challenge helps support important health programs for men and women who served our country, and we are honored to be able to serve them through this sponsorship,” said David Lewis, CEO, UnitedHealthcare Employer & Individual of Florida. “Exercise and rehabilitation services are critically important to help injured veterans enjoy a return to the health and well-being they richly deserve. We look forward to riding beside them and embarking on this Challenge.”

This is the third year that UnitedHealthcare is serving as Ride 2 Recovery’s presenting sponsor, providing financial, in-kind and volunteer support to assist in the rehabilitation of America’s injured veterans.
“One of the best qualities of cycling is that practically anyone can participate,” said John Wordin, president and founder, Ride 2 Recovery. “We adapt bikes for the injured veterans so they can once again find the physical and mental outlet, whether alone or in groups. As they rebuild strength and conditioning, they are also healing the effects of post traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injuries and depression. Cycling is a powerful therapeutic exercise that they can continue to do for the rest of their lives,”
About R2R
Ride 2 Recovery, a 501(c) 3, helps injured veterans improve their health and wellness through individual and group cycling.  Cycling has proven to be a catalyst in the recovery process by providing a new physical challenge while concurrently helping to cope with the psychological challenges. 

About UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare is dedicated to helping people nationwide live healthier lives by simplifying the health care experience, meeting consumer health and wellness needs, and sustaining trusted relationships with care providers. The company offers the full spectrum of health benefit programs for individuals, employers and Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, and contracts directly with more than 650,000 physicians and care professionals and 5,000 hospitals nationwide. UnitedHealthcare serves more than 38 million people and is one of the businesses of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), a diversified Fortune 50 health and well-being company.

###


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18 Franklin County residents arrested on drug charges during major crack-down



        Franklin County Sheriff’s Office
Skip Shiver, Sheriff






February 23, 2012

News Release
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

On Wednesday, February 22, 2010, members of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit, the uniform Patrol Division, along with the assistance of the Apalachicola Police Department and the Carrabelle Police Department, arrested 18 individuals in Franklin County for various drug violations including, but not limited to, sale of prescription pills, crack cocaine and marijuana.  The arrest was the culmination of a lengthy investigation conducted by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit. 

Sheriff Skip Shiver stated that individuals who are involved in drug trafficking in Franklin County pose a danger to the community and our community values and we will continue to vigorously enforce the drug laws and investigate those individuals who continue to harm our county.  According to Sheriff Shiver, additional arrest are anticipated.

The following individuals were arrested and charged as follows:

Toni Leigh Anderson, 26,                     2 counts, Principal In The First Degree to the Sell of a Controlled Substance. $30,000 Bond.

Douglas J. Topham, 56                         1 count, Sale of a Controlled Substance. $25,000 Bond.

Jacquelyn Danhusen Warner, 52           1 count, Sale of a Controlled Substance. $25,000 Bond.
1 count, Sale of a Controlled Substance within 1000 feet of a School.  $25,000 Bond.
                                                           

Melissa Williams, 43,                            2 counts, Sale or Possession of a Controlled Substance within 1000 feet of a Church.  $50,000 Bond.
                                                           

Marvis H. Thompson, 24,                     1count, Sale of a controlled Substance. $25,000 Bond.

Zondra Thompson, 49,                         1 count, Sale of a Controlled Substance. $25,000 Bond.


Jason P. James, 31,                              1 count, Sale or Possession of a Controlled Substance within 1000 feet of a Church.  $25,000 Bond.

Rena Kay Enfinger, 46,                         1 count, Sale of a Controlled Substance.  $25,000 Bond.

Joseph Glen Putnal, 21,                        2 counts, Sale of a Controlled Substance. $25,000 Bond.

Rhonda Montez Banks, 39,                  1 count, Sale or Possession of a Controlled Substance within 1000 feet of a School.  Bond Denied.
                                                           

Tammy Leigh Golden, 49,                     1 count, Sale or Possession of a Controlled Substance within 1000 feet of a School. $25,000 Bond.
                                                           

Gerald J. Cassell, 29,                            1 count, Sale or Possession of a Controlled Substance. $25,000 Bond.

David Ray Adams, 24,                         3 counts, Sale of Possession of a Controlled Substance. $75,000 Bond.

Cory Michael Lee, 20,                          2 counts, Sale or Possession of a Controlled Substance within 1000 feet of a School.  $50,000 Bond.
1 count, Violation of Probation.  Bond Denied.

John Edmond Evans, 44,                      1 Count, Sale or Possession of a Controlled Substance. $25,000 Bond.
1 count, Sale or Possession of a Controlled Substance within 1000 feet of a School. $25,000 Bond.

Chasity Renee Richards, 36                  1 count, Sale of a Controlled Substance.  $25,000 Bond.

Erie l. Cambell, 53,                               1 count, Sale or Possession of a Controlled Substance within 1000 feet of a Church.  $25,000 Bond.

Charlie B. Cooper, 58,                         1 count, Sale or Possession of a Controlled Substance within 1000 feet of a School. Bond Denied.




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Isolated Severe Storms Possible Friday, February 24th


Summary:
  • Any severe thunderstorms are expected to be fairly isolated.
  • Severe weather should be less widespread than what we experienced last Saturday.
  • Damaging winds are the main threat. A brief tornado or isolated marginally severe hail cannot be ruled out.
  • Little to no risk of flooding.
If you have any questions, please give our office a call at 850-942-8833 or on our toll free line at 800-598-4562 and ask to speak to a meteorologist. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. '





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2/24/12 SEAHAWK SCOOP

bulletin.2.24.12

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TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE SEEKS PUBLIC INPUT ON ENVIRONMENTAL COMMUNITY OUTREACH


Public Advisory PDF


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Wednesday, February 22, 2012

PSC Holds Down Customer Costs; Approves PEF Rate Settlement Agreement


Florida State Seal   State of FloridaFlorida Public Service Commission
NEWS RELEASE

2/22/2012Contact: 850-413-6482

PSC Holds Down Customer Costs; Approves PEF Rate Settlement Agreement


TALLAHASSEE — To help maintain more consistent rates for Progress Energy Florida (PEF) customers in the coming years, Florida’s Public Service Commission (PSC) today approved PEF’s multi-year Settlement Agreement (Agreement) with the Office of Public Counsel and other intervenors.
The Agreement provides a customer refund of a portion of Crystal River 3 Nuclear Plant (CR3) replacement fuel costs and rate certainty related to PEF’s proposed Levy County nuclear project and base rates.

“This Agreement offers customers continuous, reliable electric service and rate continuity during a still tough economy,” said PSC Chairman Ronald A. Brisé.  “PEF and the other parties to the Agreement also addressed the utility’s nuclear projects and strategies to keep rates down.”
The PSC-approved agreement:
  • Provides a $288 million customer refund of replacement power costs associated with the CR3 outage;
  • Removes CR3 from base rates while PEF decides on options for the plant;
  • Limits customer costs through 2017 for the proposed Levy County nuclear project; and
  • Provides for a base rate increase of $150 million in January 2013. 
The Agreement is effective with the January 2013 billing cycle.  When all Agreement provisions are calculated, a PEF residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours a month will see a $4.93 bill increase, from $123.19 to $128.12.  The total 2013 customer bill might fluctuate somewhat when additional billing components, such as annual fuel, energy efficiency, and environmental costs, are reviewed by the PSC in November.
Parties to the Agreement include the Office of Public Counsel, the Florida Industrial Power Users Group, the Florida Retail Federation, White Springs Agriculture Chemicals, Inc., and the Federal Executive Agencies.
PEF, the state’s second largest utility, serves more than 1.6 million homes and businesses in Florida.
For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.
Follow the PSC on Twitter, @floridapsc.



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One killed in Wakulla county drunk-driving accident


A 37 year old Tallahassee man was killed in a single car accident in Wakulla County on Saturday.

Brian Lee Cherry was killed after flipping his Chevy S-10 on Springhill Road just before 4:30 Saturday afternoon.

The highway patrol said Mister Cherry had been drinking and was not wearing a seat belt.

He was heading south on Sprringhill road when he went off the roadway and overcorrected.

The vehicle overturned throwing Mister Cherry from the cab of the truck. 


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United Way fund-raising drive coming to an end


The United Way of the Big Bend is holding its annual fund-raising campaign but it will end on February the 29th so if you would like to make a donation to the cause you need to do so soon.
                         
The United Way provides over $30,000 to programs in Franklin County From children’s programs, food for the hungry, health services for end of the life care, help for the homeless, legal services for domestic abuse, and after school help for children in need.

A volunteer panel made up of people from Franklin County makes the decisions on where these dollars are allocated.

The United Way hopes that more Franklin County businesses will kick in and encourage their employees to donate.

To learn how to help visit United Way of the Big Bend at www.uwbb.org


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Girl Scouts are selling cookies


If thin mints make you drool or you buy enough Samoas to last you all year – then you’ll be happy to know that the girl scouts have started their annual cookie sales again.

This year, the girl scouts have all of your favorites including Thin Mints, Tagalongs, Samoas, Trefoils, Do-Si-Dos, Dulce de Leche, Thank U Berry Munch, and a new flavor, Savannah Smiles.

Tthe Savannah Smiles is the signature cookie this year as a nod to the formation of the GirlScouts in Savannah, georgia in 1912.)

The cookies will be distributed to the girl Scouts today and sales start, in earnest, on Friday, February 24th. 

They will be sold on Friday, February 24th at the ABC School winter carnival

They will be for sale again on Saturday from 9am - 3pm at Ace Hardware in Apalachicola

Ace is also having their "bag sale" that day. 

They will have additional booth sales through March 25th. 

Proceeds from cookie sales will be used for the girls to donate to local charities and travel to Silver River State Park and visit Silver Springs in May. 

In the past two years, the Girl Scouts of Franklin County have donated to the Franklin County Humane Society and First United Methodist Church of Apalachicola

This year the girls hope to raise enough money to add another beneficiary to their annual giving.




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