For Immediate Release: Smoke Advisory

Bay County, Florida – There was an approximately 100 acre wildfire earlier today in the area north of US 98 in the area of Big Daddy Drive west of Panama City. The fire has been contained at this time. Motorist may encounter smoke throughout the night in the area of US 98, and surrounding county roadways in the Panama City area. 

Motorists are urged to use caution when traveling in the area. Visibility may deteriorate quickly if fog and smoke combine, especially at night and in the early morning hours. Motorist should also use caution in the area for forestry vehicles working the fire. 

Motorists in the area should drive with care, by reducing their speed, watching for advisory signs and using headlights on low beam in situations of reduced visibility. They also may want to consider an alternate route if necessary. The area will continue to be monitored throughout the night for any smoke related issues.

http://live.oysterradio.com/

Franklin County to get reimbursed for Eastpoint property purchase

            Franklin County will be getting a big reimbursement check for property it has purchased in Eastpoint.

The county was expecting to receive a check for 31 thousand dollars to cover the cost of a recent purchase of a lot across the street from the Eastpoint pavilion which will be used for additional parking.

On Tuesday the board learned it will be reimbursed for over 323 thousand dollars for all of the property it has purchased along the Eastpoint waterfront in recent years.

County Commissioner Pinki Jackel recognized assistant county planner Mark Currenton for helping the county get the money.

She commended Mister Currenton on his diligence in obtaining the reimbursement and pointed out that the money might be able to help the county purchase even more waterfront land in Eastpoint east of the pavilion to Highway 98.

The money is not in the bank yet, though.

                                                                                                

It should be in the county coffers by September the 30^th.

http://live.oysterradio.com/

DEP releases state recycling numbers

The Florida Department of environmental protection this week released 2013 recycling data for Florida’s 67 counties.

Florida's official traditional recycling levels are at 38 percent, up from 35 percent in 2012.

27 counties reported a 30 percent or higher recycling rate while 16 counties recycled more than 40 percent of their trash.

The top recycling county in 2012 was Sarasota county which recycled 58 percent of its solid waste.

Franklin County recycled 13 percent of its municipal waste, the same as 2012, but up from 8 percent in 2011

In Gulf County recycling rates jumped from 6 percent to 20 percent; Liberty County’s recycling rate fell a little from 11 percent to 9 percent.

Wakulla County recycled about 8 percent of its solid waste.

Franklin County residents can recycle cardboard, newspaper, plastic, aluminum, tin & glass at any of 7 recycling locations in the county.

Recycling centers can be found at Vrooman Park in Eastpoint, in Lanark Village there is a site on Oak Street, in Alligator Point the recycling bins are on Bald point Road.

There are also recycling bins at St. James Bay.



In Carrabelle you can recycle at Gray Avenue at the old Carrabelle High School; on St. George Island the recycling bins are behind Harry A’s and in Apalachicola the recycling location is on Commerce Street.
http://live.oysterradio.com/

Franklin County awarded grant to renovate Vrooman Park

Franklin County has been awarded 50 thousand dollars to make some upgrades to Vrooman Park in Eastpoint.

The money is being provided through the Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program.

The program, which is operated through the department of environmental Protection, has granted more than $2.4 million for 51 outdoor recreation projects in 26 counties.  

The grant program provides financial assistance to local governments to develop or acquire land for public outdoor recreational purposes.  

Franklin County will receive 50 thousand dollars to replace playground equipment and repair the basketball court at Vrooman Park.

Two projects in Gulf County were funded – Gulf County will receive 50 thousand dollars to construct picnic facilities, renovate the baseball field, playground and restroom at the Washington High School Complex.

They also received 50 thousand dollars to renovate the baseball field, basketball court, playground and restroom at Benny Roberts Sports Park.

http://live.oysterradio.com/

MULTIPLE DRUG CHARGES ON TRAFFIC STOP

Gulf County Sheriff Mike Harrison announces the arrest of Susan Lee Hughen (45) of Youngstown. The Gulf County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call today from a motorist who stated a silver Nissan Altima was driving recklessly southbound on State Road 71, just north of White City. 

Inv. Larry Dickey located the vehicle and observed the reckless driving. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver as identified as Hughen. Hughen was the sole occupant of the vehicle. 

When asked to explain her erratic driving, Hughen told Inv. Dickey her vehicle’s steering was bad. Hughen appeared to be unusually nervous which prompted further investigation. Hughen consented to a search of her vehicle. During the search, deputies found a small bag of methamphetamine, individual small baggies used to distribute illegal narcotics, and digital scales. Butane, batteries, glass pipes and metal spoons were located in the vehicle, all of which are commonly used to manufacture and ingest meth. Two different controlled substances (Valium and Kalonopin), along with a small amount of marijuana were also located in the vehicle. Hughen vehicle and a total of $404, which was found in the vehicle, are being held for possible forfeiture.


The search resulted in five felony and three misdemeanor drug charges. Hughen was arrested and transported to the Gulf County Detention Facility. She is charged with Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Listed Chemicals, Possession of a Controlled Substance (Valium), Possession of a Controlled Substance (Klonopin), Possession of Prescription Pills without a Prescription, Possession of Less Than Twenty Grams of Marijuana, and two counts of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Hughen will be first appeared in the morning.

http://live.oysterradio.com/

Cookout Tonight at Apalachicola Maritime Museum

You're Invited to Celebrate with Us Tonight! Apalachicola hosts its Independence Festivities on July 3 each year. Join us for a cookout on our docks and an amazing waterfront view of the fireworks!   Cookout and Fireworks Celebration July 3, 2014 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM (ET)  Enjoy the downtown parade at 6:00 p.m., then join us at the Maritime Museum at7:00 p.m. for an All-American cookout complete with homemade ice cream. After the sun sets, enjoy an outstanding waterfront view of the fireworks from our docks.  $20.  Click here to book online, or call us at 850-653-2500 to reserve by phone.  Our docks will be one of the best spots on the river to watch the fireworks! For more information on all of Apalachicola's Independence Day activities, please visit HistoricApalachicola.com. For more information on events happening throughout Franklin County, please visitSaltyFlorida.com.

http://live.oysterradio.com/

Many local sports teams to play in state tournaments this summer

This has been a good year for local youth sports teams.

Parks and Recreation department chief Nikki Millender said 6 local youth baseball and softball teams and one school based basketball team have made it to the state level of competition this year.

The basketball team did well enough to go to their national tournament this summer.

The county helps teams with travel expenses by providing 2500 dollars to teams going to a state tournament and 5000 dollars for youth teams reaching the national level.

So far the county has spent 22,500 dollars to help the teams with travel expenses, and there could be more if some of our teams win their state tournaments and move on to nationals.

http://live.oysterradio.com/

COAST GUARD REMINDS BOATING SAFETY FOR JULY 4 HOLIDAY WEEK

NEW ORLEANS — The Coast Guard is reminding the public to exercise safe boating during the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
The week of July Fourth typically experiences a high number of boaters taking to the water. The Coast Guard advises the public to take responsibility for their safety on the lakes, inland rivers and along the Gulf Coast. Boaters should be aware of, and obey, all federal and state regulations for recreational boating and navigation.
Coast Guard statistics for calendar year 2013 show:

• 4,062 accidents that involved 560 deaths, 2,620 injuries and approximately $39 million in damage to property as a result of recreational boating accidents.
• Seventy-seven percent of all fatal boating accident victims drowned, and of those, 84 percent were not reported as wearing a life jacket.
• Twenty-two children under age 13 lost their lives while boating in 2013. Eight of those 22 children died from drowning.
• Approximately 16 percent of all loss-of-life cases were the result of boating under the influence.

All boaters should:

• Always wear a life jacket. Since there is little time to reach for stowed vests when accidents occur, wearing one at all times reduces your risk of drowning. Federal law requires you to have a personal floatation device on board for each passenger.
• Have a VHF-FM marine-band radio on board. If you are in distress, you can reach the Coast Guard on marine-band channel 16, the distress channel. The Coast Guard, other rescue agencies and other boaters monitor marine-band radios 24/7, which increases the number of people who can respond. Though cell phones are better than no communication device at all, they tend to have gaps in coverage while on the water and have limited battery life.
• Have a float plan. A float plan is simply letting family and friends know where you are going and your expected time of return. File a float plan with someone who is not getting underway with you and stick to the plan. If you change plans, contact the person. A float plan assists responders in the search of an overdue boater who may be in distress.
• Be aware of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas produced any time a carbon-based fuel, such as gasoline, propane, charcoal, or oil burns. It is colorless, odorless and tasteless. Sources on your boat include gasoline engines, generators, cooking ranges, and space and water heaters.

"Enjoy your Fourth of July boating weekend with family and friends. Please remember to be safe and wear a life jacket," said Capt. Melvin Bouboulis, chief of staff for the 8th Coast Guard District. “Boat responsibly; operating a vessel impaired, whether by fatigue, drugs or alcohol can turn a great day on the water into the tragedy of a lifetime."
For more boating information, go to http://www.uscgboating.org/
For media inquiries or additional boating safety information, contact your local Coast Guard unit or the 8th Coast Guard District External Affairs Office at (504) 671-2020.

http://live.oysterradio.com/

Rescued dolphin gives birth at Gulf World Marine Park

A dolphin that was rescued during a mass stranding at Cape San Blas recently gave birth at Gulf world marine Park.

Gulf World Marine Park said the dolphin, which is named Doris, gave birth to a boy on Friday June 27th. 

Doris is an offshore dolphin that stranded in 2004 on Cape San Blas in a mass stranding.

After extensive rehabilitation she was deemed un-releasable by the US Government.

The father of the calf is Astro a rough-toothed dolphin that stranded in 2005 in Houston, Texas. 

Astro was deemed un-releasable because of sever hearing loss and Scoliosis.

There were an unusually high number of rough-toothed dolphins that stranded from Texas to the Florida Keys over the course of a couple of years.

Gulf World volunteered to house all of the dolphins that were deemed un-releasable and is the only facility that has them in long term human care.

Gulf World staff started monitoring the expectant mother on June 7^th after they observed the beginning stages of labor. 

After the birth the calf seemed to be having a problem nursing.   

On Sunday the mom and calf were moved to a different pool so the staff could assist the mother with the feeding process.

http://live.oysterradio.com/

Celebrate Independence in Apalachicola today

Come celebrate Independence Day in Apalachicola today.
The Historic Apalachicola Main Street Independence Day Celebration will be held today beginning at noon at Riverfront Park on the Apalachicola River.
There will be food for sale all day long including firecracker fried shrimp and Low country Boil.
There will be live entertainment through the day so make sure to bring a lawn chair to sit in front of the stage.
The headliner is the Tobacco Road Band who will perform two shows tonight; one at 6:30 and one after the fireworks around 9:45.
There will be a tent with children’s activities open all day long, and a silent auction through the afternoon.
A live auction will happen tonight at 7:30.
At 6:30 there will be a red white and blue parade from Lafayette Park to Riverfront Park headed up by Uncle Sam and Lady Lliberty Margie and Roy Solomon.
At 7 PM there will be an old-fashioned ice cream social followed by a salute to America’s Veterans.
And at 9:15 there will be a big fireworks display over the Apalachicola River.
Make sure to tune in to Oyster Radio 100.5 FM at 9:15 for patriotic music during the fireworks show.

And remember, if you would like to volunteer some time to the big event – come out to the food tent today beginning at noon, and they will put you to work. 

http://live.oysterradio.com/

County agrees to put TDC tax increase on November ballot

Local voters will decide in November whether to double the local tourist development tax.

County Commissioners on Tuesday voted three to two to let the voters decide whether to double the local tourist development tax from 2 percent to 4 percent.

The Franklin County Tourist Development tax was approved by voters in 2005 to help promote tourism in Franklin County.

A Tourist development Council oversees and distributes money raised through the local bed tax which is collected from every hotel, motel and rental house in the county.

Since 2005 the tax has raised nearly 7 million dollars, much of which has been spent on local festivals and events and for funding local groups like the Dixie Theatre and the Camp Gordon Johnston Museum.

The money is also used to promote the county - and one of the reasons the TDC is seeking an increase in the tax is because they saw a substantial increase in tourism when they had additional BP money to spend on promotion after the BP oil spill.

If the tax is increased to 4 percent, the TDC said it would earmark half of the increase to advertise Franklin County around the country and to promote local seafood.

The issue will be put on the November ballot to save the expense of holding a special election.

The move was opposed by Commissioners Noah Lockley and Smokey Parrish, both of whom represent the districts in and around the City of Apalachicola.

They argued that the Tourist Development Council needs more representation from hotel and bed and breakfast owners from the Apalachicola area.

http://live.oysterradio.com/

FDOT Suspends Construction for Independence Holiday

Chipley – The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District Three office is suspending highway construction projects on major roadways across Northwest Florida.  There will be no work on state roads requiring lane restrictions Friday, July 4. All major roads will be open to normal traffic.

Although no construction closures are scheduled over the Independence Day holiday, existing state highway work zones will remain in effect. Motorists are reminded to use caution while traveling through work zones around barricades and equipment.

FDOT is encouraging drivers to allow extra travel time and to use extra caution in existing work zones along state highways. Drivers are urged to make sure they buckle up, along with their passengers. FDOT and other safety agencies also ask drivers to obey speed limits, get adequate rest before traveling, avoid distractions and never drink and drive.

Drivers also are urged to be prepared for unscheduled highway closures due to accidents, disabled vehicles or other events. Motorists should be alert to changing weather conditions while traveling.

Travelers can access Florida’s 511 service from cell phones, landlines, and online at www.FL511.com to receive updates on travel in the area.  For more Florida Department of Transportation District Three information follow us on twitter @myfdot_nwfl.

www.dot.state.fl.us

Consistent, Predictable, Repeatable

http://live.oysterradio.com/

Forgotten Coast Paddle Club invites you to paddle event Thursday morning

The Forgotten coast Paddle Club is inviting people to take part in a patriotic paddle event on Thursday on the Apalachicola River.

The 3 mile event will begin at 9 a.m. at the Apalachicola Maritime Museum.

From there the paddlers will be shuttled upriver where they will launch and paddle down to Riverfront Park to join the Apalachicola independence celebration.

Plan for a two to three-hour trip depending on your paddling level – you should also bring sunscreen, water and snack

Paddlers are encouraged to fly red, white, and blue colors so bring your flags! 

If you don’t have a kayak, but still want to take part, the Apalachicola Maritime Museum will provide a kayak, paddle and personal flotation device for $20. 

http://live.oysterradio.com/

Florida enacts changes to state's divers down rules

If you are a diver you should know that changes were recently made to the state’s diver-down flag requirement that provide more ways for divers to stay safe from boats.

As of July 1st, divers can now display a buoy with a series of divers-down symbols as an alternative to the traditional divers-down flag.

The buoy can be three or four-sided and must have a divers-down symbol of at least 12-by-12-inches displayed on each of the flat sides.

Such a buoy should help divers, especially those in open waters, be more visible to passing boats.

Divers-down symbols displayed onboard a boat must still be a flag at least 20-by-24-inches and displayed at a high point where it is visible from any direction.

Being highly visible to boaters is critical to keeping divers and snorkelers safe in the water especially with bay scallop season – which just opened on June 28 – and spiny lobster mini-season – which begins July 30– bringing more divers and snorkelers into the water.

http://live.oysterradio.com/

Monday storm left 300 Apalachicola customers without power for hours

Almost 300 Duke Energy customers were left without power on Monday after a strong thunderstorm moved across the area late in the afternoon.

According to Apalachicola Mayor Van Johnson, many of the homes were without electricity for up to 6 hours.

The storm snapped a wooden power pole on Water Street that had several transformers which supplied power to the downtown area and beyond.  

Up to five Duke Energy repair trucks were dispatched to the city to assess the damage and restore power.  

http://live.oysterradio.com/

St. George Island getting ready for wet and wild 4th of July parade!

http://live.oysterradio.com/

Tropics Update: Wednesday morning summary and slides on Tropical Storm Arthur

Summary:

·         At 8am Tropical Storm Arthur had maximum sustained winds of 60 mph, and was located about 100 miles east of Cape Canaveral, FL and was moving toward the north at 6 mph.

·         The strongest thunderstorms associated with Arthur remain to the southeast and east of the center as dry air impacts thunderstorm development on the western edge of the storm.

·         Slow strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours as atmospheric conditions remain favorable for development and Arthur is forecast to become a hurricane by Thursday.

·         Tropical storm force winds extend up to 80 miles from the center, and are just off the east coast of Florida.

·         Models remain in very good agreement, and Arthur is forecast to continue to track northward throughout the day before making a turn toward the northeast and an increase in forward speed out ahead of an upper level disturbance on Thursday.

·         Hurricane hunter aircraft continues to monitor Tropical Storm Arthur and several flights are scheduled throughout the day to investigate the progress of this storm

·         Elsewhere in the Atlantic, the National Hurricane Center has placed a 0% chance for development over the next 5 days across the Atlantic hurricane basin.

Florida Outlook:

·         Florida remains outside the 5 day cone of error, however, impacts are still expected and Floridians should continue to monitor Arthur’s progress

·         Tropical storm watches are in effect from just south of Flagler Beach (Volusia County) to Sebastian Inlet, FL (Brevard County).

·         Currently impacts to Florida appear to be gusty winds of 30 to 40 mph as rain bands impact the eastern Peninsula throughout today and tonight.

·          Isolated tornadoes and waterspouts will be possible in the stronger storms that move onshore in the feeder bands

·          Heavy rainfall is also expected across the Florida Peninsula from late today through Thursday. Current forecasts place rainfall totals at 1 to 2 inches across the Eastern Peninsula with higher amounts up to 3 inches along the east central Florida coast.

·         Isolated rainfall totals up to 4 inches are possible along coastal portion of east central Florida and minor flooding may result, especially in low lying or flood prone areas that see storms train over the same area for extended periods of time

·         In addition, rough surf, swells, and rip current risks will remain elevated along the Atlantic coast and minor beach erosion is possible along the Atlantic coast beaches

Slides are attached, and another briefing packet will be sent out this afternoon. For more information please visit the National Hurricane Center Webpage atwww.nhc.noaa.gov

  Tropics Update (1)

http://live.oysterradio.com/

July 2014 Health Newsletter

  July Wellness Newsletter

http://live.oysterradio.com/

July 2, 2014 Florida State Parks Newsletter

Florida Department of Environmental Protection July 2, 2014 Newsletter Junior Ranger Program Launched in Florida State Parks ~Become a Junior Ranger and learn about recreation while serving Florida State Parks.~    Junior Rangers standing with a Park Ranger at Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park. The Florida State Parks Junior Ranger Program has officially launched and provides the opportunity for young people to learn, serve and share our parks’ natural and cultural resources. Currently 88 state parks and trails are participating in the program and you can visit any of theparticipating Florida State Parks or Trails and ask for a Junior Ranger Kit to get started. The activities inside the kit are based on four categories, including cultural resources, natural resources, recreation and service. After completing the core activities, Junior Rangers are asked to recite the Junior Ranger Pledge to obtain a certificate, member ID card and the official Junior Ranger passport. Once Junior Rangers collect their passport, they can complete more activities to earn stamps. Junior Rangers can receive official Junior Ranger badges, patches or pins by filling their passports. By the time a Junior Ranger accomplishes all the activities in the Junior Ranger Kit, he or she will have learned important aspects about protecting Florida State Parks and Trails. Junior Rangers are eligible for rewards as more activities are accomplished. Join us at a Florida state park or trail to become a Junior Ranger.   July is Recreation and Parks Month ~Florida State Parks encourage visitors to get outdoors and enjoy recreational opportunities.~ Two boaters at Lake Manatee State Park. The Department of Environmental Protection joins with Governor Rick Scott to celebrate July asRecreation and Parks Month. The Florida Park Service invites residents and visitors to enjoy all of Florida State Parks’ recreational opportunities. Florida State Parks contribute to a healthy lifestyle, boost the economy and promote cultural diversity. Recreation and Parks Month recognizes the importance of recreational and educational opportunities. Many Florida state parks are holding events throughout July to celebrate Recreation and Parks Month. At Ravine Gardens State Park, visitors are invited to find the hidden American flag to win two one-day Florida State Park passes. The flag will be hidden three times between July 1 and 8.O’Leno State Park is offering a photo scavenger hunt at 1 p.m. on July 4 and participants can win prizes if they capture photos of everything on the list in the allotted time. Visitors may hike, bike, canoe, kayak and attend special events, allowing families and friends to get outside and enjoy Florida’s famous sunshine and cool waters during Recreation and Parks Month. Visit our events page for more chances to get outdoors.   Upcoming Events in July Fri. July 4 - Independence Day Sat. July 5 - Friends of Anastasia Dogs and Jam at Anastasia State Park from 6 to 9 p.m. Wed. July 9 - Movies & More Featured Movie: Finding Nemo at Camp Helen State Park from 5:30 to 8:45 p.m. Sat. July 12 - Junior Ranger Program: Bug Bingo! at O'Leno State Park at 2 p.m. Sat. July 19 - Antique, Arts and Collectibles Day at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sat. July 26 - Junior Ranger Program: Compass Scavenger Hunt at O'Leno State Park at 2 p.m. Sat. July 26 - 2014 Daytona Kayak Fishing Tournament #1 at Tomoka State Park from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Upcoming Special Events View List of Events in the Northwest Region View List of Events in the Northeast Region View List of Events in the Central Region View List of Events in the Southwest Region View List of Events in the Southeast Region Other Important News Mobile App for Smartphones Plan your state park adventures using the new Pocket Ranger® app for your smartphone.The FREE Florida State Parks Pocket Ranger® mobile app is available now on iTunes, Android Market and PocketRanger.com.

http://live.oysterradio.com/

New Baby Rough-toothed Dolphin - It’s A Boy

Gulf World Marine Park is proud to announce the birth of a male Rough-toothed Dolphin.  Doris gave birth at 5:58pm on Friday June 27, 2014.  Doris is an offshore dolphin that stranded in 2004 on Cape San Blas in a mass stranding. After extensive rehabilitation she was deemed un-releasable by the US Government. There were an unusually high number of rough-toothed dolphins that stranded from Texas to the Florida Keys over the course of a couple of years. Gulf World volunteered to house all of the dolphins that were deemed un-releasable and is the only facility that has them in long term human care.

The father of the calf is Astro a rough-toothed dolphin that stranded in 2005 in Houston, TX.  Astro was deemed un-releasable because of sever hearing loss and Scoliosis.

 

Gulf World staff started 24^th monitoring of the expectant mother on June 7^th after they observed the beginning stages of labor.  After the birth the calf seemed to be having a problem nursing.   On Sunday the mom and calf was moved to a different pool so the staff could assist the mother with the feeding process. The first 30 days are very critical for the calf’s survival. Gulf world’s veterinarian and marine mammal staff will continue to monitor the dolphins 24 hours a day for the next few weeks.

http://live.oysterradio.com/