Franklin County has its first confirmed case of the H1N1 swine flu virus - and health officials are reminding people to take precautions to protect themselves from getting the flu.
Health officials say the virus was confirmed in an 8 year old boy at the Apalachicola Bay Charter School – it’s believed there was also a second case in an 11 year old girl.
Both children have made full recoveries.
Health officials are not surprised that the flu strain has been found in Franklin County, there have already been a number of confirmed cases in neighboring counties.
The Health Department expects to begin a major vaccination program against H1N1 as soon as the vaccine is made available which they hope will be late this month or in early October.
Until then, they recommend that people take some very simple actions to minimize the chances of contracting the virus or from spreading it.
If someone in your family is showing flu-like symptoms, they should not go to work or to school and should go to the doctor.
Try to avoid close contact with people who are coughing or otherwise appear ill.
Washing your hands frequently throughout the day is a very effective way to limit the spread of the flu virus, and try to avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
The Health Department and the local school system are also planning to hold a presentation on the H1N1 virus this month to provide residents with the most up to date information on the flu.
That presentation will be held Tuesday, September the 22nd at 7 PM at the Franklin County school cafeteria.
The state of Florida also has a toll free number which you can call from 8 PM to 8 PM 7 days a week for updated flu information.
That number is 1-877-352-3581.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Apalachicola Health Department updated contact information
The Franklin County Health Department is moving from its Apalachicola offices as it deals with a mold problem. Services will move to their Carrabelle location and to a temporary site in Apalachicola. Here is the most recent contact information provided by the health department:
Franklin County Health Department Moves Services Temporarily From Apalachicola
Franklin County Health Department is taking a proactive approach by moving temporarily all Clinical Services including Blood Work from its Apalachicola Location to its Carrabelle Site Location effectively immediately. The Apalachicola Location is experiencing some Indoor Air Quality Control Issues. Therefore, please call the Carrabelle Location at 850.697.4121 for appointments and /or questions. For all WIC appointments, please call 800.416.4123.
Franklin County Health Department Moves Services Temporarily From Apalachicola
Franklin County Health Department is taking a proactive approach by moving temporarily all Clinical Services including Blood Work from its Apalachicola Location to its Carrabelle Site Location effectively immediately. The Apalachicola Location is experiencing some Indoor Air Quality Control Issues. Therefore, please call the Carrabelle Location at 850.697.4121 for appointments and /or questions. For all WIC appointments, please call 800.416.4123.
Franklin County schools get recognition and money for strong performance
Schools around Florida are receiving some recognition and some extra money for showing improvements in their school grades last year. The Florida School Recognition Program began in 1999; it has awarded more than $1.25 billion dollars in school recognition funds to schools that have sustained high student performance or demonstrated substantial improvement. Schools that receive an “A,” improve their grade, or maintain improvements of two or more letter grades made over the last two years are eligible to earn an additional $75 per student. This year 1,835 schools earned a grade of “A”; that includes the Apalachicola Bay Charter School which will receive 22,650 dollars through the school recognition program this year. Another 256 schools with a grade lower than “A” improved or maintained their grade; That includes the Franklin County school which will receive 65,522 dollars through the recognition program. There are 5 schools in Gulf County that will receive money through the recognition program this year – they will share in nearly 122 thousand dollars. 6 schools in Wakulla county will share in over 215 thousand dollars. For a full list of Florida schools receiving money through the Florida School Recognition Program this year CLICK HERE
Vocational students could get easier transportation to classes in Panama City
Franklin County and the Gulf Coast workforce board are working on a plan that could help more local residents get vocational training in Panama City. On Wednesday the Franklin County commission gave their approval to a plan that could provide funding for a local company to provide transportation for up to 15 people to take vocational training classes at Haney VoTec in Panama City. Under the plan, the Gulf Coast workforce Board would provide funding of up to 100 thousand dollars a year to cover the expenses of transporting students to and from Panama City on a daily basis. The money would be provided to a local non-profit group to help cover the costs for fuel, vehicle maintenance and the salary for a driver. The group that provides the service would need a van that carries at least 15 people. The Workforce board said it will seek bids over the next few weeks from groups interested in providing the service. The board also provides money for tuition so that Franklin County residents can take vocational classes in Panama City in areas including welding and auto repair.
State parks waive fees for library patrons
You can get into any Florida State Park for free this weekend as long as you have a library card or are willing to donate a book. September is Adult and Family Literacy Month and as part of the celebration the Florida Park Service will offer free day-use entry passes to state parks on Friday, September 11, through Sunday, September 13, with the presentation of a library card, library book or the donation of a new or gently used family friendly book. The offer is valid at all of Florida’s 160 state parks. There are also a number of literacy related events going on at area state parks this weekend. On Saturday, September 12th the Eastpoint Public Library will be at the St George Island State Park for an educational workshop event for Kindergarten through 4th graders from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. On Saturday at 11 AM you can also bring your kids to Ochlocknee River State Park to read a story with a Ranger.
770 pounds of ammunition collected at annual event
An ammunition collection event held last Saturday in Tallahassee brought in more than 770 pounds of old and unwanted ammunition. This was the fourth year of the event which is held at Kevin’s Guns and Sporting goods. 84 people from across north Florida turned in 442 pounds of shotgun shells, 260 pounds of bullets, 38 pounds of roadside flares, 20 pounds of black powder and 11 pounds of miscellaneous ammunition. The ammunition collection event lets people get rid of old or unwanted ammunition keeping it from getting into the hands of young children, and helping protect the environment by keeping lead and other contaminants from seeping into the groundwater.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Health Department moving out of Apalachicola offices because of mold fears
The Franklin County health department will be moving out of its Apalachicola offices as soon as possible because of issues with mold in the building. It’s believed the mold is due to too much humidity in the building caused by faulty air handlers. There are concerns that the mold could pose a health hazard; Health Department chief Wesley Tice said he has already had two workers make workman’s comp claims because of the issue. The Health Department will likely move into the old school administration building in Apalachicola on a temporary basis, though they are also looking at the old GT Com building. They may also have to move some offices to their Carrabelle location. Health officials say the move will not affect their services – they will continue to provide all of their current services during the move and while the Health Department building is in its temporary location. The question now is how temporary the new location will be. The county plans to have an engineer inspect the health department in the near future to ascertain exactly what is causing the mold problem, and then they have to deal with the issue of how to pay for any needed repairs. The county says it has about 60 thousand dollars to dedicate to the issue, the health department may also have some funds, but together they may not have enough to pay for all of the needed work. They will have a better idea of the costs and the amount of time it will take to do the repairs once the engineer has issued his report. County commission Smokey Parrish said he has already made the county’s legislative delegation aware of the issue so they can begin looking for money at the state level. Health Department officials say that people with questions or concerns can still call the main health department number at 653-2111.
State says Labor Day boating deaths could have been prevented
Six people died in Florida boating accidents over the Labor Day weekend, and state officials say those lives could have been saved if the victims had been wearing life jackets. Three people died last Friday night when two vessels collided near Brooks Bridge at Fort Walton Beach. On Saturday, three others died, including a father and son from Tequesta who were bass fishing in Lake Okeechobee. Later in the day, an Alabama man died after the family fishing boat capsized in the Gulf of Mexico off Indian Pass in Gulf County. No one on any of the boats involved in the three incidents over the Labor Day weekend wore a life jacket and officials say that is the problem. Overall, an estimated 60 percent of all people who die in boating accidents would survive if they wore a life jacket. So far in 2009, Florida has lost 52 people in boating accidents, and state officials believe that probably all of those deaths could have been prevented.
Franklin County commission holds first public budget hearing
Franklin County held its first public budget hearing of the year Wednesday night and heard from a few county residents who feel their local taxes are too high. The county’s budget this year is just over 47.4 million dollars, local taxpayers will fund about 10.2 million dollars of that. Last year local property taxes brought in nearly 12 million dollars, the year before that it was over 14 million. But there were about 25 taxpayers at the hearing who felt the county could cut even more. St. George Island resident Gail Rigelmeyer said she feels the county needs to be a little more creative in how they control costs – she recommended that the county look at having its employees bear more of the costs of their benefits. Allan Feifer of Alligator Point pointed out that the drop in ad valorem taxes in recent years is a bit misleading since the county has enacted a gas tax and a sales tax in that time which are now paying for services the county used to have to pay for through its budget. County commissioners Cheryl Sanders and Pinki Jackel both wanted the commission to cut the budget further. Commissioner Jackel tried to have the board stick with last year’s millage rate but her motion was voted down. Commissioner Sanders said she didn’t know where the county could cut more out of its budget but she supported reviewing the budget again to see if anything could be trimmed from it. In the end, however, the board approved the tentative budget on a 3 to 2 vote; Commission chairman Smokey Parish said that in his three years on the board the county has cut its budget by 5 and a half million dollars and he expects those cuts will continue in the future. The public will get one more chance to voice its opinion on the budget before the issue is final. The second and final public budget hearing is scheduled for September the 28th.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Lovebugs are back
Love bugs are making their reappearance in Florida, which means area car washes will be making a little more money. Lovebugs are small black flies also known as March flies. The flies are best known for splatting on windshields and clogging up radiator grills. They are attracted to streets and highways by car exhaust. Large numbers of lovebugs can block radiators and cause engine overheating. Lovebugs are most active in the late mornings and early afternoons. The bugs are only around for about two months a year - generally a month in the spring and for a return performance in early fall.
Bay Scallop season ends Friday
If you want to get some of the last Bay scallops of the season – you need to hit the waters this week. The recreational harvest season for bay scallops closes on Friday, September the 11th. Bay scallop season will open again next July 1st. Bay Scallops are only legal for harvest 3 months a year to conserve the resource.
PSC begins rate increase hearings this week
The Florida Public Service Commission this week began hearings in Tallahassee on a proposed rate increase for Progress energy Florida. The rate increase would help fund the construction of nuclear plants in Levy County. The company is seeking a $446 million dollar rate increase to help pay for the construction of the plant. Franklin County Commission chairman Smokey Parrish is attending this week’s meetings to argue against the increase. The hearings began on Tuesday, according to the Public Service Commission they could last up to 4 days.
P and Z meeting canceled for lack of quorum
About 30 people turned out Tuesday night to the Franklin County Planning and Zoning Board meeting to discuss a proposed commercial development for St. George Island, but they went home disappointed after the meeting was canceled for lack of a quorum. Only four members of the P and Z made it to Tuesday’s meeting, it takes five to make a quorum. There was a relatively large crowd in attendance, all there to discuss a proposed 8000 square foot building Olivier Monod would like to construct on Franklin Boulevard. The building would be used to house a real estate office and possibly a grocery store. The issue has already been considered last month by the P and Z but was tabled after Planning and Zoning board members decided that they should first create a comprehensive plan for the island before approving the building. The plans for the structure have been changed since that meeting so P and Z will consider again. County Planner Alan Pierce said it’s possible the P and Z could schedule another meeting before the county commission meets next Tuesday but if they cannot it will likely be October before the issue is brought up again.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Carrabelle and Apalachicola city election results
Carrabelle has a new city commissioner and the city of Apalachicola will hold a run-off election later this month. Cal Allen will be the new face on the Carrabelle City Commission. Mister Allen, who is a retired radio announcer, picked up 174 votes in Tuesday’s election, making him the top vote getter in the 4 way race. Incumbent Richard Sands came in second with 153 votes so he’ll be returning to the Carrabelle City Commission for another term. The two other candidates in that race were Cherry Rankin who garnered 122 votes and Charlotte Schneider who received 121 votes. In the city of Apalachicola, incumbent Frank Cook defeated Jerry Hall for city commission seat number 3. Mister Cook picked up 446 votes to Mister Hall’s 311. There will be a run off election for Apalachicola City Commission seat number four between Brenda Ash and Valentina Webb. Brenda Ash received the most votes in Tuesday’s election with 366, followed by incumbent Valentina Webb who received 264. Those two will face off again on September the 22nd. A third candidate in that race, Andy Williams, received 187 votes on Tuesday.
Alabama man dies after boat overturns near Indian Pass
An Alabama man died Saturday while boating with his family in Gulf County. 82 year old James Pullen of Titus, Alabama died after the boat he was on was overturned by high waves. The incident happened around 2 o’clock Saturday afternoon near Indian Pass. The boat carrying Pullen and his wife and two other family members was about 300 yards offshore when it was swamped. All passengers were thrown into the water in the water – none of them were wearing life jackets. Mister Pullen could not swim, so he held on to the boat, but began having heart trouble. By the time he was pulled to shore it was too late. Pullen was pronounced dead at Weems Memorial hospital in Apalachicola. The rest of the passengers were all treated for minor injuries.
Seahawks prepare for Cottondale after losing season opener
The Franklin County Seahawks lost their first game of the regular season against South Walton High School but the coach says he expects many of the problems will be corrected before the team faces the Cottondale Hornets this Friday. Franklin County lost 37 to 6 in their season opener in front of an impressive home crowd. The score was 14 to 6 at half-time. Franklin County’s single touchdown happened in the first quarter thanks to senior fullback D.J. Lane who ran the ball in from 18 yards out. Franklin County head coach Josh Wright said he though the team put forth a good effort and showed focus throughout the game adding that they look to rebound with a better showing against the visiting Hornets of Cottondale on Friday. Coach Wright said he and his staff also want to thank everyone who attended the football game, as the turn out was tremendous.
Franklin County P and Z meets today to consider SGI development
Franklin County’s Planning and Zoning commission will meet today in Apalachicola to consider a commercial development for St. George Island that has already garnered some controversy. The P and Z will consider a request for a nearly 8000 square foot commercial building along Franklin Boulevard, directly next door to the Island Trading Company. Olivier Monod is requesting approval for the building, which he says could be used for a grocery store, though that use could change. The issue was considered by the P and Z last month but was tabled after Planning and Zoning board members decided that they should first create a comprehensive plan for the island before approving the building. A number of island residents also raised concerns about the structure ranging from sewer issues to parking and traffic problems. Any decisions made at today’s meeting will not be final. The Planning and Zoning board acts in an advisory capacity for the Franklin County Commission. The P and Z meeting begins at 6:30 this afternoon at the Franklin County Courthouse Annex in Apalachicola.
Elections today in Apalachicola and Carrabelle
If you live in Apalachicola or Carrabelle don’t forget to vote today. Both cities are holding elections for city commission seats. There are four candidates on the ballot in Carrabelle vying for two city commission seats. Incumbent Richard Sands is seeking re-election for his position as finance commissioner. Also on the ballot are Cherry Rankin who works with the Boys and Girls Club, Charlotte Schneider who works as a realtor, and Cal Allen who is retired. The two candidates receiving the most votes will become commissioners. In Apalachicola three people are seeking the city commission seat #4. That seat is currently held by Valentina Webb, who is seeking re-election this year. She will face Brenda Ash and Andy Williams in that race. Mrs. Ash works for Gulf State Community Bank, Mister Williams previously served as Apalachicola’s chief of police. There are two candidates seeking city commission seat 3. Frank Cook is the incumbent – he will face Apalachicola business owner Jerry Hall. Polls will be open till 7 this evening – we will bring you election results once the polls close tonight.
Monday, September 7, 2009
City elections tomorrow
City elections are being held in Apalachicola and Carrabelle tomorrow. There are four candidates on the ballot in Carrabelle vying for two city commission seats. Incumbent Richard Sands is seeking re-election for his position as finance commissioner. Also on the ballot are Cherry Rankin who works with the Boys and Girls Club, Charlotte Schneider who works as a realtor, and Cal Allen who is retired. The two candidates receiving the most votes will become commissioners. In Apalachicola three people are seeking the city commission seat #4. That seat is currently held by Valentina Webb, who is seeking re-election this year. She will face Brenda Ash and Andy Williams in that race. Mrs. Ash works for Gulf State Community Bank, Mister Williams previously served as Apalachicola’s chief of police. There are two candidates seeking city commission seat 3. Frank Cook is the incumbent – he will face Apalachicola business owner Jerry Hall. Polls will open at 7 o’clock tomorrow morning and close again at 7 PM.
P and Z to re-consider SGI development Tuesday
Franklin County’s Planning and Zoning commission will meet Tuesday in Apalachicola to consider a commercial development for St. George Island that has already garnered some controversy. The P and Z will consider a request for a nearly 8000 square foot commercial building along Franklin Boulevard, directly next door to the Island Trading Company. Olivier Monod is requesting approval for the building, which he says could be used for a grocery store, though that use could change. The issue was considered by the P and Z last month but was tabled after Planning and Zoning board members decided that they should first create a comprehensive plan for the island before approving the building. A number of island residents also raised concerns about the structure ranging from sewer issues to parking and traffic problems. Any decisions made at Tuesday’s meeting will not be final. The Planning and Zoning board acts in an advisory capacity for the Franklin County Commission. The P and Z meeting begins at 6:30 Tuesday afternoon at the Franklin County Courthouse Annex in Apalachicola.
NOAA moves forward on allowing fish farms in Gulf
A plan to allow fish farms in the Gulf of Mexico moved closer to reality last week. NOAA fisheries last week declined to oppose fish farming in federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico, a first step in opening area of the gulf to the production of tilapia, red snapper, shrimp and other marine species. At the same time, the agency said it would develop a national policy for "sustainable marine aquaculture" over the next few months – that policy will create federal standards for permitting aquaculture facilities in federal waters and strategies collecting the scientific information needed for permitting decisions. Fish farming has so far been limited close to shore, but the current plan would open up waters far offshore. The plan is opposed by some commercial fishermen who say the fish farms will make it even harder for them to make a living. It’s also opposed by some environmental groups who are concerned about the potential for fish waste and chemicals polluting the water. Supporters of the plan say the fish farms could help lower the amount of seafood America imports every year; about 80 percent of all seafood consumed in the United States is imported.
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