Thursday, December 24, 2015
Florida DEP permit activity for Franklin and Gulf Counties
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Florida Department of
Environmental Protection
Bob Martinez Center
2600 Blair Stone Road Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2400 |
Rick Scott
Governor
Carlos Lopez-Cantera
Lt. Governor
Jonathan P. Steverson
Secretary
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Wednesday, December 23, 2015
Red Tide still being seen in the Apalachicola Bay
Red
tide is still being found in the Apalachicola Bay though in lower
concentrations than a week ago.
Red Tide is an organism that in
large enough concentrations releases a neurotoxin that can kill fish and even
affect humans with eye, nose and throat irritation.
According to the most recent red
tide report from the Fish and Wildlife Conservation commission, red tide was
found in background levels at green point, very low concentrations at Sikes Cut
and Cat Point and low concentrations at west pass and 13 mile.
Red Tide is being found in medium
concentrations around Indian Pass.
There
are currently two areas of the bay that are closed because of red tide – Those
areas are the conditionally approved winter west 2 area 1622 and the
approved winter west area 1611.
The Department of Agriculture continues
to take water samples from the closed areas – but say that even when the tests
come back clean it will take some time to reopen the closed areas.
That’s because now the oyster meat
itself has to be tested to make sure that there is no red tide toxin left in
the oysters.
Red Tide was last seen in the
Apalachicola Bay in high concentrations in 2005.
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Red Tide Report 12-23-15
 (Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.) Based on the most recent available satellite images and analysis of water samples, patchy blooms of Karenia brevis, the Florida red tide organism, persist along Okaloosa, Bay, Gulf, and Franklin counties in Northwest Florida and Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee, and Collier counties in Southwest Florida. . Fish kills and respiratory irritation continue to be reported various areas throughout Northwest Florida, and are possible in all bloom areas. Forecasts by the USF-FWC Collaboration for Prediction of Red Tides shows western movement of bloom waters off Okaloosa County and little net movement of bloom waters along Bay and Gulf counties in Northwest Florida, and little net movement of bloom waters in Southwest Florida. Due to the holiday, the next status report will not be available until Wednesday December 30, 2015. This information, including maps and reports with additional details, is also available on the FWRI Red Tide website. The website also provides links to additional information related to the topic of Florida red tide including satellite imagery, experimental red tide forecasts, shellfish harvesting areas, the FWC Fish Kill Hotline, the Florida Poison Information Center (to report human health effects related to exposure to red tide), and other wildlife related hotlines. To learn more about various organisms that have been known to cause algal blooms in Florida waters, see the FWRI Red Tide Flickr page. Archived status maps can also be found on Flickr. The FWRI HAB group in conjunction with Mote Marine Laboratory now have a facebook page. Please like our page and learn interesting facts concerning red tide and other harmful algal blooms in Florida. |
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Recreational fishing for amberjack and gray triggerfish opens January the 1st
Recreational fishing for greater amberjack and gray triggerfish will
reopen in Gulf state and federal waters beginning January the 1st.
Gray triggerfish has been off-limits to recreational fishermen since last February
after NOAA Fisheries determined that the recreational quota was exceeded in
both 2013 and 2014.
Greater amberjack fishing was closed in Gulf federal waters in September
and state waters in November to help prevent exceeding the annual federal
recreational quota.
Both species are considered overfished, which means there are not enough
fish for these populations to remain sustainable.
Greater amberjack are also undergoing overfishing, which means more fish
are being removed from the population than is sustainable.
To further protect the species, the greater amberjack size limit will
change from 30 inches to 34 inches fork length in Gulf state and federal waters
beginning January the 4th.
Changing the greater amberjack minimum size limit will help ensure more
female greater amberjack are left in the water and have a chance to reproduce
before being harvested.
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Road work in North Florida stopped for the holidays
If you are
traveling over the Christmas and New Year holiday you won’t have road work to
slow you down.
The Florida Department of Transportation is suspending highway
construction projects on major roadways across Northwest Florida.
There will be no work on state roads requiring lane restrictions
from Thursday, December the 24th through Monday, January the 4th.
All major roads will be open to normal traffic.
Although no
construction closures are scheduled over the 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.
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Recreational Seasons Reopen January 1, 2016 for Red Grouper, Gray Triggerfish, and Greater Amberjack
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council reminds anglers that the recreational seasons for gray triggerfish, red grouper, and greater amberjack open in federal waters January 1, 2016. All three recreational seasons closed earlier this year because the annual catch targets/limits were reached sooner than expected.
Additionally, the greater amberjack size limit increases to 34 inches fork length (tip of the lower jaw to the center of the fork in the tail) beginning January 4, 2016. The size limit increase aims to ensure the larger, more reproductive fish remain in the water, giving them a chance to reproduce before being harvested.
Finally, red grouper is included in the annual February 1 through March 31 shallow-water grouper closure when fishing beyond the 20-fathom break.
For more information visit www.gulfcouncil.org and click on the Fishing Regulations link in the left navigation column.
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Franklin County Humane Society Pet of the Week
Fletcher is an 18 month old Papillon mix. He is a very smart and active little guy who loves people and other dogs. He is heartworm negative, neutered and housebroken to boot! He hopes to be in his forever home in time to celebrate the New Year!Volunteers are desperately needed to socialize all of our dogs and cats. We are always looking for people willing to bring one of our animals into their home to be fostered for various needs. Anytime you can spare would be greatly appreciated.
Call Karen at 670-8417 for more details or visit the Franklin County Humane Society at 244 State Road 65 in Eastpoint. You may logon to the website at www.forgottenpets.org to see more of our adoptable pets.
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Tuesday, December 22, 2015
County Commissioners meet new Community Transportation Coordinator
Franklin county Commissioners met
their new Community Transportation Coordinator last week.
The
Community Transportation Coordinator provides cost effective transportation for
residents with disabilities, the elderly, low-income individuals, and children
at risk.
The
service was held for years by Crooms Transportation in Apalachicola, but was
recently taken over by Gulf County ARC and Transportation – they officially
began work in Franklin County on December the 1st.
On
Tuesday the company’s transportation director Kathy Balentine met with
commissioners to tell them how everything is going so far.
She
said it’s been very busy – the company has already provided 86 trips in the
first 2 weeks of service.
That
includes bringing kidney patients to Port St. Joe for dialysis and a cancer
patient to Panama City for treatment.
The
company has also hired a local driver and is in the process of training two
more.
Mrs.
Balentine said her company now has three vehicles working in Franklin County
with plans for 2 more by the end of the year – all of the vehicles are equipped
to take patients with wheelchairs.
Mrs.
Balentine said the goal is to grow the service so it can help everyone who
needs it.
People
who would like to use the service can call Gulf County ARC at 229-6327
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NOAA Fisheries Seeks Public Comment on a Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Regional Management of Red Snapper Recreational Fishing in the Gulf of Mexico
Comment Period Ends February 1, 2016
NOAA Fisheries is seeking public comment on a draft environmental impact statement for Amendment 39 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico. The Environmental Protection Agency announced the availability of the document for public review and comment on December 18, 2015 (80 FR 79041).
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council is considering actions to establish regional management for recreational red snapper fishing. The purpose of this action is to provide flexibility in the management of the recreational sector's harvest of red snapper. The action would restructure the federal fishery management strategy to allow for regional variations in management measures. Modified accountability measures for recreational overages would better account for biological, social, and economic differences among the regions of the Gulf of Mexico. Two approaches are being considered including delegation and conservation equivalency. Delegation would give management authority for recreational red snapper to the States. The conservation equivalency approach would allow the States to adjust certain management measures, such as seasons and bag limits, to address the regional differences while conserving the stock by not exceeding the regional quota.
The draft environmental impact statement analyzes the effects of implementing regional management through delegation or conservation equivalency, maintaining or ending sector separation, establishing regions, modifying the federal minimum size limit for red snapper, allowing closures in federal waters adjacent to the regions, apportioning the recreational quota among regions, and modifying post-season accountability measures.
Request for Comments
NOAA Fisheries must receive comments on this draft environmental impact statement no later than February 1, 2016. There will be another opportunity for public comment on the proposed rule when it publishes, and a fishery bulletin will be sent announcing the comment period. You may obtain electronic copies of the draft amendment and environmental impact statement from the NOAA Fisheries Web site at http://sero.nmfs.
or the e-Rule Making Portal (see below).
or the e-Rule Making Portal (see below).
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Flood warning issued for the Apalachicola River at Blountstown
The National Weather Service in Tallahassee has issued a
* Flood Warning for
the Apalachicola River near Blountstown.
* From Wednesday morning, or until the warning is cancelled.
* At 11:15 AM Tuesday the stage was 11.0 feet.
* Minor flooding is forecast.
* Flood stage is 15.0 feet.
* Forecast: Rise above flood stage by tomorrow morning and continue
to rise to near 20.5 feet by Saturday evening.
* Impact: At 22.0 feet: Minor lowland flooding will occur on many
roads including Byrd Parker Road, Warmouth Drive, Gaskin Park, the
end of Lake Grove Road, Elm Street on Red Bull Island, and Lower
Landing on Howards Creek. The 22.0 ft level at Blountstown may at
times not be representative of river levels in the these areas due
to tidal effects, winds, or local rainfall and should be used with
caution.
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FDOT to Suspend Construction for Christmas and New Year Holiday
FDOT to Suspend Construction for Christmas and New Year 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 from Thursday, Dec. 24, 2014 through Monday, Jan. 4, 2015. All major roads will be open to normal traffic.
Although no construction closures are scheduled over the holiday weekend, 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 the Internet 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 or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MyFDOTNWFL.
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Florida DEP permit activity for Franklin County
|
Florida Department of
Environmental Protection
Bob Martinez Center
2600 Blair Stone Road Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2400 |
Rick Scott
Governor
Carlos Lopez-Cantera
Lt. Governor
Jonathan P. Steverson
Secretary
|
|
http://live.oysterradio.com/
Monday, December 21, 2015
Amberjack, triggerfish reopen to recreational harvest in Gulf waters Jan. 1; amberjack size limit changes Jan. 4
The recreational harvest of greater amberjack and gray triggerfish will reopen to harvest in Gulf state and federal waters Jan. 1 and the greater amberjack size limit will change from 30 inches to 34 inches fork length in Gulf state and federal waters Jan. 4.
Recent stock assessments have indicated that greater amberjack and gray triggerfish in the Gulf of Mexico are overfished, which means there are not enough fish for these populations to remain sustainable.
Greater amberjack are also undergoing overfishing, which means more fish are being removed from the population than is sustainable. Greater amberjack closed early on Sept. 28 in Gulf federal waters and Nov. 21 in Gulf state waters. These closures were intended to help prevent exceeding the annual federal recreational quota. A quota is the poundage of fish that can be caught each year while maintaining a sustainable fishery.
Changing the greater amberjack minimum size limit will help ensure more female greater amberjack are left in the water and have a chance to reproduce before being harvested. Fork length is measured from the tip of the lower jaw to the center of the fork in the tail.
Gray triggerfish closed early on Feb. 7 in Gulf state and federal waters after NOAA Fisheries determined that the recreational quota was exceeded in both 2013 and 2014, and the 2015 recreational quota was projected to be met. The 2015 early state waters closure was intended to help limit future early season closures and rebuild the stock.
To learn more about greater amberjack regulations, visit MyFWC.com/Fishing and click on “Saltwater,” “Recreational Regulations” and “Amberjack.”
To learn more about gray triggerfish, visit MyFWC.com/Fishing and click on “Saltwater,” “Recreational Regulations” and “Triggerfish.”
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Management Changes for King Mackerel Gillnet Fishing in the Gulf of Mexico
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FWC JOB ANNOUNCEMENT FOR EASTPOINT
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Area 1612 closing to oyster harvesting at sunset today
The Department of Agriculture will close the
oyster harvesting areas 1612 at sunset today.
Area 1612 is the conditionally
approved Winter West Shellfish Harvest Area – it includes the Green Point Bar.
The areas are being closed because of high river levels.
The Apalachicola River at Blountstown rose to 12.3 feet on
Saturday, which is just slightly above flood stage.
That water is now making its way into the Apalachicola Bay.
The area will be reopened when
sampling shows the water quality is acceptable for harvesting.
State officials closed two areas of the bay to oyster
harvesting last week because of red tide – the closed areas are the conditionally approved winter west 2 area 1622 and
the approved winter west area 1611.
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Franklin County accepts first grant payment for new voting equipment
Franklin County Commissioners voted
last week to accept a 16 thousand dollar state grant payment that will be used
to purchase new voting equipment and upgrade local election software.
The state will provide 83
thousand dollars over the next 5 years through a “Help America Vote Act” grant.
Because the state is allocating
the money over time, Franklin County had to take out a 113 thousand dollar bank
loan this year to pay for the equipment and the software.
Commissioners did not like
borrowing the money, but the expense was unbudgeted and the county does not
have enough in its capital outlay fund to pay for the new equipment without a
loan.
The Supervisor of Elections
office said it would like the new machines to be ready for the presidential
primaries early next year.
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FIVE ARRESTED IN GULF COUNTY FOR SALE OF METH
Gulf County Sheriff Mike Harrison announces the arrest of
five subjects for the sale of narcotics. The arrests are the result of
investigations conducted by the GCSO Narcotics Unit. Beginning with a search
warrant executed on Sunday, December 13, at 1879 County Road 381 in Dalkeith,
narcotics investigators and deputies arrested Alex C. Caster (37). With arrest
warrants in hand, Caster was taken into custody for two counts of the Sale of
Methamphetamine. In addition to the warrants, Caster faced additional charges
of Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Drug
Paraphernalia, and Felon in Possession of Ammunition after the search warrant
was executed.
The culmination of multiple drug investigations began to
unfold as warrants were obtained and served. On Wednesday, December 16, David
A. Broxson, Jr. (45), was arrested by the Narcotics Unit and deputies in the
200 block of Sunset Drive in Lands Landing. Boxson was arrested for the Sale of
Methamphetamine and the Sale of Methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a Park.
James W. Hostrop (43) was also taken into custody the same
day in the 400 block of Jehu Road, in Wewahitchka, for two counts of the Sale
of Hydrocodone within 1,000 feet of a Church/Park, the Sale of Methamphetamine
within 1,000 feet of a Church and three counts of the Unlawful Use of a Two-Way
Communications Device.
Narcotics Investigators assisted the Calhoun County
Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) with the arrest of James W. Porter (37) near Kinard.
GCSO Investigators held active warrants for Porter’s arrest on charges in Gulf
County for the Sale of Methamphetamine and the Unlawful Use of a Two-Way
Communications Device. In addition, Porter had active warrants for Resisting a
Law Enforcement Officer without Violence, Reckless Driving, Fleeing and
Eluding, DWLS/R and Attaching a Tag Not Assigned to a Vehicle.
The arrests continued on Thursday, December 17, with the
arrest of Jasmine N. Woullard (23) in the 100 block of SR 71 South in
Wewahitchka. Woullard was wanted for the Sale of Methamphetamine. Each subject
was transported to the GCDF, with the exception of Porter who awaits
extradition to Gulf County.
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Sunday, December 20, 2015
Tipping fee revenue down at local landfill
There has been a drop in the amount
the county collects in tipping fees at the local landfill and if it’s not remedied
quickly it could impact operations at the landfill.
The tipping fee
is the amount people and companies pay to bring their trash to the landfill,
the money helps fund the landfill budget.
Franklin County
charges 65 dollars a ton for household garbage and 45 dollars a ton for yard
trash.
Solid Waste
Director Fonda Davis said the problem is that Waste Pro, one of the main
garbage companies in the county, is now taking Franklin County trash to Gulf
County where it operates the transfer station.
He said in
September the landfill collected about 7000 dollars for household garbage when
it the past it’s been closer to 13 thousand.
Alan Pierce
said the county needs the revenue stream to keep the landfill running.
County
commissioners said they have a contract with Waste Pro that requires them to
bring local trash to the local landfill.
They will have
the county attorney meet with WastePro to express the county’s concerns.
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