Oyster Radio: 2014-09-21

Friday, September 26, 2014

Leave fawn in the wild - its the law

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says it has received a number of reports recently of people taking fawn deer out of the wild, and they want to remind people that the practice is not only dangerous for the deer but also illegal.

People take the fawn, thinking they are helping, when, in fact, they are causing the deer great harm.

The fawn either become imprinted with no fear of humans or dogs, which will eventually result in the death of the deer or they give the fawns the wrong milk replacement which can also result in the death of the fawn.

The reason most people give for taking a fawn is that they believe it was abandoned by the mother.

This is rarely the case.

You should never remove a fawn from the woods unless it is confirmed the mother is dead.

It is common for the mother to leave the fawn hidden while she feeds a distance away.

Those who are concerned about a fawn left alone have a legal option: Anyone suspecting a fawn has been orphaned should call 888-404-FWCC (3922).

That number is also the one to call to report a deer in captivity or other wildlife violation concerns.

FWC investigates all these reports, and if they find a fawn at a private dwelling, the person who seized the deer can be criminally cited.

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The Franklin County Youth Soccer Program will hold its opening day of soccer on Saturday (weather permitting)

The Franklin County Youth Soccer Program will hold its opening day of soccer on Saturday.

The group has 14 teams this year, and 137 players.

They also have around 40 volunteers helping to coach.

Each team has a coach, assistant coach and a team parent.

And local school-aged soccer players are getting involved too by coaching some teams in Eastpoint and Apalachicola.

The season will officially kick-off with a day of soccer on Saturday from 9 till 4 at DW Wilson Sports Complex in Apalachicola.

They’ll have the concession stand open for refreshments and a bounce house for the kids to enjoy.

Pictures will start at 9:00 AM and games will start at 10:00 AM – there will be games until 4:00 PM.

After that there will be games 2 to 3 days a week for the next nine weeks with the end of the season "Soccer Fun Day" on November 22nd.

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FWC Law Enforcement Weekly Report 09/19 - 09/25/2014

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

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FWC

Division of Law Enforcement

Weekly Report

September 19 - September 25, 2014

This report represents some events the FWC handled over the past week;

however, it does not include all actions taken by the Division of Law Enforcement.

Patrol, Protect, Preserve

NORTHWEST REGION

FRANKLIN COUNTY

Officers P. Cook, S. Cook, Nelson, Stephens, Martin, Bunker, Allen, Anderson, Harrison and Investigator Dupree conducted a detail this week targeting oyster size tolerance. In total, ten citations were issued for the possession of undersized oysters. Violations ranged from 30-78% undersized.

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Teacher at Franklin County School charged with molesting student

On September 12th 2014 FCSO Investigators initiated an investigation concerning multiple allegations of sexual misconduct by Mr. Gerald Tate who is a teacher at Franklin County High School. One allegation has been confirmed to be true. It was alleged that during the last week of school in May, 2014 Mr. Gerald Tate sexually molested a child and threatened that there would be consequences s if anyone was told about it. Based on the student accounts FDLE Crime Scene technicians were called in and asked to examine a specific room for evidence. Presumptive test taken by Biologist in the exact location identified by students were positive for semen. On September 24^th Mr. Gerald Tate was questioned about the allegations. He quickly admitted the Molestation allegation was true. Based on the admission, evidence, and statements Mr. Tate was arrested and charged for Violating FSS 800.04(5)(c)2 LEWD or LASCIVIOUS MOLESTATION

Additional charges are pending further investigation of the allegations.

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Red Tide report 09/26/14

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

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A patchy bloom of Karenia brevis, the Florida red tide organism, continues in the northeast Gulf of Mexico. Satellite images from the Optical Oceanography Laboratory at the University of South Florida show a surface bloom starting approximately 5 to 35 miles offshore, dependent on location, between Franklin and Citrus counties, and less than 3 miles offshore of Cedar Key (Levy County). Concentrations of the red tide organism in these areas range from background to high.

Fish kills were reported last week off Rocky Creek Channel (Taylor County), Horseshoe Beach (Dixie County), and approximately 9-12 miles offshore of Keaton Beach (Taylor County), as well as offshore in the bloom area. No respiratory irritation has been reported alongshore the west coast of Florida; however, respiratory irritation is possible in the bloom areas.

Karenia brevis was not detected in or alongshore of Okaloosa, Franklin, Wakulla, or Taylor counties, or offshore of Escambia, Wakulla, or Taylor counties. No samples were analyzed this week from Santa Rosa, Walton, or Jefferson counties. One sample collected inshore of Bay, Gulf, and Lee counties, and one collected offshore of Pinellas County and one collected offshore of Lee County, each contained background concentrations of K. brevis. Additional samples analyzed throughout Florida this week did not contain Karenia brevis.

FWC has received multiple reports of fish kills and reports of discolored water over the past month in the Indian River Lagoon system. Sampling has revealed bloom concentrations of the organism Pyrodinium bahamense.

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DEO, FDACS, FWC announce investment of $4.5 million to enlist oyster fishermen in continuing efforts to restore the Apalachicola oyster fishery

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

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For immediate release: September 26, 2014
Media contacts: DEO: Jessica Sims, 850 245 7110

FDACS: Erin Gillespie, 850 617 7737
FWC: Amanda Nalley, 850-410-4943
DEO, FDACS, FWC announce investment of $4.5 million to enlist oyster fishermen in continuing efforts to restore the Apalachicola oyster fishery

Oyster Beds to Remain Open as Winter Harvest Season Continues

Tallahassee, Fla. – The Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) announced today an investment of $4.5 million to expand funding for hand-shelling operations that capitalize on the expertise of local oyster fishermen to aggressively continue oyster bed restoration efforts.

Governor Scott said, “This funding will help to further restore the Apalachicola area, and will put Florida families in this region back to work. We must support the Floridians who provide for their families from the Apalachicola Bay, and those affected by the oyster fishery disaster.”

Hand shelling is the practice where oyster fishermen improve habitat conditions for oysters by using their boats and labor to place oyster shells or other materials on the oyster reefs providing a good place for a new crop of oysters to settle and grow. This targeted shelling will last through the end of the year and represents one of the largest shelling programs in the history of the fishery. Key investments like this are critical to the long-term health of oyster habitats that will be needed for a renewed and healthy oyster fishery. The funding for this program comes from a Federal Fishery Disaster grant that was granted in 2013 at the request of Gov. Scott.

As the winter harvest season for Apalachicola Bay oysters enters its second month, the FWC also announced the area’s oyster beds will remain open while agencies continue monitoring and assessments to determine additional measures needed to support recovery of the Apalachicola Bay ecosystem and oyster resources. Current information indicates continuation of limited harvesting of legal-sized oysters will not reduce the potential for longer-term recovery of oyster crops. The viability of keeping the oyster beds open, however, will continue to be examined throughout the winter harvest season.

The FWC and FDACS are continuing a close partnership with the DEO to jump-start a major $4.5 million hand-shelling program in October. This is in addition to FDACS’s efforts over the past two years to improve oyster habitat in Apalachicola Bay.

“The continued decline of oysters in Apalachicola Bay is a threat not only to the economy of north Florida but the entire state,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam. “We are committed to helping this community and working together to assist those families who are suffering from the decline in the oyster population.”

FWC Executive Director Nick Wiley said, “Today’s announcement furthers our commitment to working with the local oyster industry, particularly the hard-working oyster fishermen and processors who want to help restore and maintain the health of Apalachicola Bay so they can support their families.”

Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Executive Director Jesse Panuccio said, “The investment into the recovery of the Apalachicola Bay Oyster Fishery and into the local experienced workforce is a win for this community. This habitat-restoration project is essential to the continued environmental and economic health of the area, and the expertise of the oyster fishermen will ensure the greatest return on investment for them and their families.”

Agencies are working in close partnership and listening to the Apalachicola community to help determine the best ways to provide assistance through these difficult and challenging times for the oyster industry.

In addition to the shelling program, the FWC has already put in place conservation measures for Apalachicola’s oyster fishery, including modified harvest limits and limited closures ofthe winter bars. As the shelling program proceeds and the restrictions are implemented, the FWC and FDACS will continue to closely monitor the health of the oyster fishery, the status of oyster harvesting and work hand-in-hand with the local community and oyster industry to determine if any additional actions are needed.

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Camp Gordon Johnston WW2 Museum to take part in Museum Day 2014 on Saturday

The Camp Gordon Johnston World War 2 Museum in Carrabelle will be taking part in Museum Day 2014 on Saturday.

Museum Day is a National Event sponsored by the Smithsonian Magazine.

On Saturday the museum will be open from 10 until 4 with plenty of exhibits about Franklin County’s role during World War 2.

They will also be showing video interviews of WW2 veterans through the day, some highlighting local people.

You can also watch training films from Camp Gordon Johnston and the series America in the ‘40’s.

And there will be live music and free refreshments.

Admission to the museum is by donation, so come out and learn a little about local history – you’ll find the museum at the Carrabelle Municipal complex.

You can get more information about the museum on-line at campgordonjohnston.com and learn more about National Museum Day at smithsonianmagazine.com/museumday

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Thursday, September 25, 2014

Fri, 9/26/14 SEAHAWK SCOOP

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Local Wildlife Refuges seek fee increases to offset budget cuts

The St. Marks and St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuges are proposing fee changes for big game hunting, refuge specific annual passes, building rental, and access.

If approved, these changes would occur on June 1st, 2015.

St. Marks National Wildlife refuge currently has a $5 application fee and a $15.00 permit fee for big game gun and archery quota hunts.

The refuge proposes to increase this permit fee to $25.00.

The St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge Sambar deer hunt currently requires a $5 application fee and $25.00 permit fee.

The refuge proposes an increase of the permit fee to $35.00.

The cost of an annual pass to St. Marks could increase from $15.00 to $25.00.

St. Marks is also proposing a $2/person Lighthouse access fee to help cover operation and maintenance costs of the historic St. Marks Lighthouse.

Park officials say the additional funding has become even more essential as refuges deal with critical budget shortages.

A fee analysis was done by Refuge staff to keep fees consistent with those charged for hunt permits by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission WMA’s and Tyndall Air Force Base.

The refuges are interested in hearing from the public regarding the proposed new fees and fee increases, and will collect public comments beginning through October 17, 2014.

Submit any comments by email to saintmarks@fws.gov,

You can also send comments by mail to Refuge Manager, P.O. Box 68, St. Marks, FL 32355.

All comments will be reviewed and considered before a final decision is made on the implementation of the fees.

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Duke Energy plans to trim trees in Apalachicola over the next few weeks

Duke Energy plans to start doing some tree trimming around Apalachicola in the next few weeks.

The company will start the work beginning next week west of Apalachicola and move eastward towards town over the next few weeks.

They should start working in the City limits around October 6th.

Duke Energy has begun distributing door hangers throughout the targeted area of the city detailing why the power company performs vegetation maintenance around power lines and their plans to begin trimming within the Apalachicola community.

The contractor, Burford Tree Service, plans to use 4-6 bucket trucks, several chipping trucks as well as a few other vehicles for logistical purposes.

The total project is scheduled to last between 4-6 weeks.

You can see a map on the work area on-line at Apalachicola mayor Van Johnson’s blog at mayorvanjohnson.blogspot.com.

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Wakulla County Approves FY2014/2015 Budget

Crawfordville, Florida – On September 22, 2014 the Wakulla County Board of County Commissioners approved the new County Budget at $42,333,116 and the Millage Rate remains at 8.5000 mills for the 2014/2015 fiscal year starting October 1. “This budget continues to reflect the “living within your means” budgeting and operations as set by the previous Board and the current Board,” said County Administrator David Edwards.

A few of the highlights in the budget are:

Engineering and construction of a new Wastewater Treatment Plant;
Capping of the County Landfill;
Over $600,000 in spending from the one cent sales tax on road paving and resurfacing;
Reconstruction of the walking trail at Azalea Park;
Purchase of a new road grader; increasing the fleet of graders to four, in an effort to provide better and faster coverage;
Construction of the new Shell Point boat ramp and docking facility;
Three new chest compression units to be used in EMS ambulances;
New backup generator for the Riversink water system;

In addition, this budget increases reserve funding across the board by over $700,000 which shows recovery and improvement of the County’s financial stability.

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Florida DEP permit activity for Franklin County

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

BOB MARTINEZ CENTER
2600 BLAIRSTONE ROAD
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA 32399-2400

RICK SCOTT

GOVERNOR

CARLOS LOPEZ-CANTERA

LT. GOVERNOR

HERSCHEL T. VINYARD JR.

SECRETARY

Permitting Application Subscription Service

Subscriber email address: manager@oysterradio.com

Profile Name: Oyster Radio

Permit: Water - ERP Exemption Permit
Project Name: 155 RIVER RD [DOCK]
Location Id: 329632
Location Name: 155 RIVER RD [DOCK]
County: Franklin
Application Number: 329632-001

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

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Thurs, 9/25/14 SEAHAWK SCOOP

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Wednesday, September 24, 2014

October Events in Franklin County

Lodging Partners Launch Fall Deals

Halloween brings out some spooky good deals along the coast. Come for a weekend bed and breakfast getaway or enjoy the beach at fall values. Check out all the the specials here.

ST. GEORGE ISLAND
Enjoy End of Summer Savings atCollins Vacation Rentals . Book 4 Nights and Get the 5th Night FREE on participating properties for the Fall and Winter 2014 season. Resort Vacation Properties: Stay the minimum number of nights in a participating home betweenSeptember 1 and January 4, 2015 and take 15% off when the advertised rate for your chosen dates is greater than $2,000. Repeat Renters can take an additional 5% off the adjusted rate, as well! New phone reservations only. St. George Inn is featuring a book three, stay 1 night free. Also featuring a seven night special.
Suncoast Vacation Rentals is offering value season rates through February.

APALACHICOLA
The Gibson Inn is offering a special through mid October on a three night stay. Reserve two nights and we give you the 3rd night absolutely FREE! 49 Palmetto, located within the Apalachicola historic district is offering 20% off discount with a three night minimum stay.Apalach Guest House is offering a 10% discount when you mention “TDC”. Best Western Apalach Inn is offering guests that stay 2 nights a 20% discount. on the 3rd night. Stay at the Rexford Suiteabove the Dixie Theatre during the month of October, mention the FCTDC and get 10% off.

EASTPOINT
The Coastline RV Resort is offering an October Special. Save $10.00 during October when you mention promo code: FALL2014.
CARRABELLE AREA
St. James Bay Golf Resort
is offering a Stay & Play package which include accommodations at the Residences Condominiums, plus unlimited rounds of golf on our perfectly manicured 18-hole championship course. Harbor Point Vacation Rentals is offering the Butterfly with a special monthly rate of $1975 for January and February only.Points to View is offering discounts on 2 or more weeks and/or 2 or more months of rental and pets stay free! Save up to 50% when you book a stay of 2 nights or more withPickett’s Landing Rentals in Carrabelle. Sandy Beach Properties is offering 10% discount for guests returning to the same property more than once in any calendar year.Pirates Landing Condos and Sands of Carrabelle Townhomes: Mid-Week Special - Book two nights and get the third night free! The Sunset Ilse RV & Yacht Club is offering a 25% October special - 25% off regular weekly rate. Stay 2 nights and get the 3rd free at the Old Carrabelle Hotel. Restaurant breakfasts are included, just mention SaltyFall2014.

It's Fall Ya'll!
October is Florida’s Greenways and Trails Month and also the official state camping month.

In honor of October's perfect weather on the coast, the St. George Island State Park is hosting several outdoor family events. Unless otherwise noted, the programs are free with paid park entry. Click here for event details.

Sea Turtles – Our Oldest Visitors Saturday, October 4,10am. Learn about sea turtles through fun filled activities.Participants should bring drinking water, sunscreen, and dress for the beach.

Cast Iron Campfire Cooking
Saturday, October 4, 5pm. Join us for a demonstration of cast iron campfire cooking with an emphasis on desserts. Participants should bring a chair and drinking water.

Outdoor Survival
Saturday, October 11, 1-3pm.Come out and learn about easy to carry survival items and how to use them.

Family Fishing Clinic
Sunday, October 19, 10-2pm.Come out and learn knot tying, cast netting, and inshore fishing techniques. This four hour lecture and hands on fishing clinic is for all ages. Free entry to the park for participants.

Beach Scavenger Hunt
Saturday, October 25, 1pm. St. George Island State Park is looking for kids ages six to ten years old to join us for a beach scavenger hunt. We will be looking for ten items during the hunt. Prizes will be awarded to the first three finishers.Participants should bring drinking water and sunscreen.

COMING SOON
Lighthouse Climb
The St. George Lighthouse will host a full moon climb Nov. 6 andDec. 6 from 5:30-7pm.

Apalachicola Christmas
Celebration Nov. 28-29
The day after Thanksgiving the streets of Apalachicola will be lined with luminaries and filled with holiday spirit. Merchants will be open late and Santa arrives on a shrimp boat at 4:00 p.m. at the City Dock on Water Street. Learn more here.

Holiday Market Dec. 6
Visit downtown Apalachicola and find hand crafted specialties at theHoliday Fresh Market. Here you'll find such as fresh seasonal wreaths, baked goods, artwork, wood carving, pottery, hand knitted goods.

Eastpoint Christmas Parade
Annual parade Dec. 12 with a coastal flair. Santa will arrive by oyster boat. Music, refreshments.

Ghostwalk in ApalachOctober 25
Hauntings abound in Apalachicola on Oct. 25 at the Historic Chestnut Street Cemetery. From 7-9 pm local history enthusiasts take on the personna of several of the cemetery’s more notable inhabitants to tell of life in Apalachicola more than 100 years ago. Learn more about Ghostwalk here.

Lantern Fest Oct. 25
The Crooked River Lighthouse will host the 2014 Lantern Fest on Oct. 25. The two-day event will feature a lantern making workshop and evening lantern display, music, dance presentations, storytelling and craft exhibits. Watch a video of the event here.

Blues Event Oct. 11
This annual downtown Apalachicola music event will feature great blues acts starting at noon until 8:00 pm. Click here for details.

Bay Run Oct. 26
Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K & Ultra Marathon 50K.Click here for details.

Oyster Roast Oct. 31
Love oysters? Don't miss the annual Downtown Oyster Roast on October 31st, 6-9 pm in Apalachicola. Event will feature roasted oysters, oysters on the half shell, creamy artichoke, oyster and thyme soup, fresh local shrimp, blue crabs, salad greens and fantastic desserts.

MORE EVENTS
Lighthouse Climb Oct. 8
The St. George Lighthouse will host a full moon climb October 8 from 7-8:30pm
Golf Tournament Oct. 8
Tee up with business members from the area at the 11th Annual Golf Tournament at St. James Bay Golf Resort.
Whatever Floats Regatta Oct. 11
Annual fun regatta Noon - 5 at the FSU Coastal & Marine Lab. Music, food.
Michael Harrel Exhibit Oct. 30-Dec. 13, Apalachicola School of Art

Historic Society Lecture Oct. 16
Historian Ed Moore will discuss the history of St. Teresa at Raney House 5:30 p.m.

Florida Seafood FestivalOct. 31-Nov. 1
The 51st Annual Florida Seafood Festival kicks off in ApalachicolaOctober 31-November 1. Heralded as the State’s oldest maritime event, this annual fall classic is a celebration of the Franklin County commercial seafood industry. The Florida Seafood Festival promises to feature delicious seafood, arts and crafts exhibits, seafood related events and musical entertainment including recording artist Craig Campbell.For more information, click here.

Franklin County Tourist Development Council . P.O. Box 819, Apalachicola, FL 32329 . 866-914-2068

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Everything you ever wanted to know about oysters on September the 24th

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