Monthly Business Luncheon
Wednesday, August 3rd
Red Pirate Family Bar & Grill
Noon
Business After Hours
Thursday, August 25th
Riverside Mercantile
82 Commerce St Apalachicola
5:30-7:00
September Monthly Business Luncheon
Wednesday, September 7th
The Owl Cafe
15 Ave D
Apalachicola
Noon
Visitor Statistics
June 2005 1,245
June 2006 1,791
June 2007 2,521
June 2008 2,278
June 2009 2,537
June 2010 2,082
June 2011 2,856
June 2012 2,433
June 2013 2,189
June 2014 1,060
June 2015 1,216
June 2016 1,156
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PRESIDENT
Donna Duncan 653-8976
VICE-PRESIDENT
Bud Hayes 927-3305
TREASURER
Jerry Hall 653-9510
SECRETARY
Kristin Anderson 653-2249
Brenda Ash 653-8805
Bonnie Fulmer 509-5009
Craig Gibson 653-8853
Ginny Griner 653-8853
Beverly Hewitt 653-9510
Mike Koun 653-2191
Michael Shuler 653-1757
Jean Ulrich 653-2900
Sara Ward 653-1399
Debbie Flowers 670-4000
Andrea Duval 653-2512
Executive Director
John C. Solomon
Got Ideas? Suggestions?
How can the Apalachicola Bay Chamber better serve you?
Is there something that we can do better to help your business?
Is there something you would like to see us add or change on the website, at the visitor's center or in the visitors' guide?
Would like to be a volunteer with the Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce.
Ideas and volunteers are always welcome. Feel free to call or email us with your ideas at
Business Luncheons and Business After Hours
If you or your business is interested in hosting a Business Luncheon or a Business After Hours in 2015, please feel free to call the Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce at 850-653-9419 or email
John C. Solomon at execdirector@apalachicolabay.org
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Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce Bass Tournament
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By.:David Alderstein
The inaugural Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce Bass Tournament last weekend ended in a very close finish at the weigh in on Sunday afternoon.
Taking part in the tourney were 19 fishermen who started the day out on Saturday morning at 5:30 a.m. Paired off into teams the fisherman struck out of Abercrombie Landing around 6 a.m.
The first day saw the largest bass, 4.1 pounds, caught by Lloyd Alford Jr., who won $95 and a prize package from the Chamber, and the "Big Bass" sponsor Sanders & Duncan law offices. A total of 19 bass were caught on the first day of the tournament, with the Lloyd Alford Sr. and Jr. Team - Ace Hardware leading with 10.77 pounds.
Day two on Sunday started out at 6 a.m. with just a hint of rain clouds on the horizon. The weigh in started at 3 p.m. at Abercrombie landing; all the teams arrived on time and ready to weigh for the live fish tournament. All total of 42 fish were caught during the tournament and all fish were released live back into the Apalachicola river.
The winner of the Big Bass on day 2 was Ashley Harris, with a 2.28 bass, for which he won $95 and an Orca 30-ounce Tumbler from Fisherman's Choice.
Once all the fish were weighed and released, the scores were tabulated and the winners were Ashley & Goldie Harris of Eastpoint, with a total weight of 18.73, for which they won $160. Second place went to the Alfords, with a total weight of 18.31, for which they won $80. Third place went to Tyler Martina and Harold Walden, with a total weight of 16.80, for a prize of $60.
"Despite high temperature, almost all competitors weighed limits of fish both days, so needless to say the fish were biting," said Lloyd Alford, Jr. "I've been fortunate to have my share of wins and don't get me wrong, finishing second never feels good, but the fact that I was blessed enough to fish for two days on the beautiful Apalachicola River with my dad is something that I could never complain about."
Alford praised the competition, and said he is optimistic the tourney will prove an immense success in years to come.
"Our area has a lot of really good young bass sticks, Brett Johnson, Ashley Harris, Tyler Martina, Austin Martina, just to name a few," he said. "All of these guys can compete on the national level if they chose to do so."
Alford offered kudos to Chamber Director John Solomon and his staff. "It was a flawlessly ran tourney from first take off till the last bass weighed," he said. "It takes guts to put together an event in an area that is out of your comfort zone. John took a chance and as time goes on and this event becomes a regular happening, the county will benefit.
"Local businesses in our area will see an uptick because the guys who bass fish spend money just ask Gulf County they have this event annually and their event has grown to over 200 anglers," said Alford.
Solomon expressed thanks to all the volunteers and sponsors for what he said was "the first of many tournaments to come - Sanders & Duncan Law Offices, Ace Hardware, Riverside Mercantile, PSBI, Backstreet Trading Company, Apalach Marina, Clothesline and Fisherman's Choice."
We would like to thank our Sponsors for the Bass Tournament
Sanders & Duncan Law Offices
Riverside Mercantile
Clothesline
PSBI
Backstreet Trading Company
Fisherman's Choice
Apalach Marina
Chamber News
New Website on the Horizon
The Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that in the coming weeks we will be launching a brand new website with all the features you have come to love and some new added features we are sure that will greatly benefit our members.
We are currently selling banner space on the new website for prime pages and category pages please contact us here at the chamber for more information.
Chamber Dues
The Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce Dues were dues onJuly 1st.
Invoices to all current Chamber members were mailed out in June. The Chamber is now using a invoice system to help us better serve our members. If you did not receive your invoice and would like us to email it to you please contact us info@apalachicolabay.org or call us at 653-9419.
The new area Maps are in production if you have not paid your 2016-2017 dues by August 31st your business will not be included in this years maps. Please give us a call at 850-653-9419 and we will be glad to assist you.
Chamber Raffle
Riverside Mercantile donated a Bayou Classic 2.5 Gallon Portable Fryer for the Chamber to raffle. Tickets are a $3.00 donation or 6 tickets for $15.00 donation. the Raffle will be heldAugust 31st. Tickets can be purchased at the Chamber of Commerce.
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Suzi Q Junktion
Owned and operated by Suzi & Tim Adams Suzi Q junction is located at 21 Leslie Street ( Ave C) in Apalachicola They have lots of vintage furniture and antique items incorporated with their funky Décor. If you're looking for something shabby chic, cottage cozy, beachy chic or farm style they have something for you. Please visit them often as they are always getting new pieces in.
Slice of Apalachicola
Owned by Donna Spears and located at 17 Ave E in Apalachicola, Slice is a stylish bistro serving thin crust Neapolitan pizza prepared right before your eyes in an Italian wood fired oven, craft beer and fine wine. Dine in or carry out.
Sunset Coastal Grill
Owned by Dewey & Patti Blaylock the immaculately-maintained Sunset Coastal Grill offers an attractively decorated, spacious floor plan and comfortable seating for up to 150 guests. A clean, efficient kitchen and modern facilities keep service brisk and customers happy. The beautifully landscaped grounds provide ample parking for parties of any size. Fresh local seafood, unique appetizers, fine steaks, crisp salads, rich pastas and local recipes fill the varied menu. The full lunch menu, served from 11 to 3, includes soups, salads, burgers, Paninis, and seafood sandwiches. The dinner menu, served from 5 to 10, features seafood, steak, pasta, and delicious daily specials. Located at 603 monument Ave, Port St. Joe.
84 West Building Corporation
Owned by Mark Carrell 84 West Building Corporation was established in 2001 and is a general contractor offering residential and commercial construction services focusing primarily on new construction and major renovations in Apalachicola and St. George Island and the Franklin County Florida area. Our mission is to maintain the highest level of integrity, honesty and fairness in our relationship with our suppliers, subcontractors, professional associates and customers, and to perform for our customers the highest level of quality construction services at a fair price and competitive price. We will provide a professional approach to construction projects which meet budget and schedule goals. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Associate Members
James A Harris Jr. CFC
Mr. James Harris has been a life long resident of Franklin County, Mr. Harris has been the Franklin County Tax Collector for many years.
Member News
Grand Openings & Ribbon Cuttings
Forgotten Coast Fly Shop
Slice of Apalachicola
Emerald Coast Federal Credit Union
Hong Kong Bistro
The Hong Kong Bistro is having a summer promotion where if you spend $30 or more you will receive a coupon for $3 off your next purchase, valid for 2 weeks after purchase. So, stop by to dine-in, or order out for pick-up and delivery. (Some restrictions may apply)
The Butler Agency
Do you know what to do when a storm causes damage to your home or property? Here's a link from Denise Butler at The Butler Agency that has some useful tips!
The Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center is a Certified Travel Information Center
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 August 6, 2016 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM (ET)
Saturday, August 6, 2016 - The St. George Island Sizzler 5K Race & One Mile Fun Run is an annual event sponsored by the Tate's Hell Track Club. All proceeds benefit the Franklin County Humane Society. 2016 will be our 19th year. After the race, enjoy a Post Race Party with fresh seafood & beverages at St. George Lighthouse Park with live music by Debi Jordan. On-site registration & packet pickup begins at 4:00pm at St. George Lighthouse Park. The One Mile Fun Run begins at 6:30pm and the 5K Race begins at 7:00pm. Post Race Party and awards at St. George Lighthouse Park at 7:30pm. Discounts for military personnel and school cross country teams. For more info and pre-registration information visit: www.stgeorgeislandsizzler.com Ph one: 850-509-2191Email: info@stgeorgeislandsizzler.com
Wednesday, August 10, 2016 through Wednesday, August 31, 2016
ANERR will host a series of weekly "Turtle Talks" every Wednesday in August from 2-3 pm. The talks will be held August 10, August 17,August 24 and August 31 at the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve Nature Center, 108 Island Dr. in Eastpoint. ANERR hosts "Turtle Talks" to inform visitors about sea turtle visitors. The talks are free and family-friendly.
Turtle Friendly Lighting Sci-Cafe
Confused about sea turtle lighting options? Want to help your clients avoid sea turtle hatchling disorientations? Come learn which lighting fixtures and bulbs are best for your home or business and hear about possible funding sources. Experts will be on hand to answer your questions and describe resources available to homeowners, builders, vacation rental owners/staff, and other interested people. August 11, 2016 from 4:30-6:00pm. Call (850) 670-7708 or Anita.Grove@dep.state.fl.us for information or to register, Location TBA on St George Island.
Remembering The Apalachicola River Maroons of 1816
SATURDAY, AUGUST 13 AT 1:00 PM
ADMISSION IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. NO REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.
APALACHICOLA CENTER FOR HISTORY, CULTURE AND ART is hosting Professor Uzi Baram, Dr. Ed Gonzalez-Tennant, and Vickie Oldham will discuss the history of anti-slavery resistance in Florida, an incredible story of freedom-seeking people. From the Apalachicola River to Tampa Bay, people of African heritage battled for their freedom, sought refuge, and fell back in a southern movement that ultimately led some to Andros Island in the British Bahamas and the others to the Florida interior, where they and their descendants fought in the Second Seminole War.
2016 brings the bicentennial of the destruction of the Negro Fort on the Apalachicola River in 1816. Join us to discuss the significance of that community and its people, known as maroons, Black Seminoles, African Seminoles, and freedom-seeking people. This event will highlight the archaeological insights into the history for the fortification at Prospect Bluff, as well the community known as Angola on the Manatee River, and will unveil new virtual reconstructions that help us better understand all of the early 19th century maroon communities on Florida's Gulf Coast. The destruction of the Negro Fort on the Apalachicola River in 1816 was followed by the Battle of Suwannee in 1818 and then the destruction of Angola and the other maroon communities south of Tampa Bay in 1821. It is a history of tragedy but also of survival. More information on the project can be found at http://goo.gl/OAyUEZ.
If you need additional information, please telephone Barbara Clark, Florida Public Archaeology Network at 850-877-2206.
Funding for this program was provided through a grant from the Florida Humanities Council with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of the Florida Humanities Council or the National Endowment for the Humanities
Apalachicola Farmers Market
Saturday, August 13th 9am-1pm
Saturday, August 27th 9am-1pm
Located at the Mill Pond Pavilion at 479 Market St. in Apalachicola come out to get Local seafood, produce, honey, homemade breads, pies, jewelry, art and other regional specialties offered every 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month from 9 AM until 1 PM. If you or someone you know offers home grown or hand made products, and is interested in becoming a vendor, please email apalachicolafarmersmarket@gmail.com
Full Moon Climb at the Cape St. George Lighthouse
Climb to the top of the lighthouse to see spectacular views of the sunset and full moon. Light refreshments are served. Admission charge. Contact Gift Shop at 850-927-7745 for reservations.
Sea Grass Ecology Class
The Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve will offer a Seagrass Ecology Class on Friday, August 19, from 12:00-4:00 pm. The class will feature an overview of the delicate seagrass ecosystem, basics of life in a seagrass bed, as well as the intricate ties between organisms, and the importance of conservation and protection efforts in our area. Be prepared to get wet! Participants will put their knowledge to the test in a guided snorkeling tour of the clear seagrass beds in St Joseph Bay. Class fee is $25 per person, registration is required, please visit gulfalliancetraining.com to register or call (850) 670-7743. Attendees must know how to swim and bring their own snorkeling gear. Friday, August 19, 2016
Paddling Trip
Join the Apalachicola Riverkeepers on their monthly paddling trip on August 27 in and around the Apalachicola River and Bay. The trips are free to members and $30 for non-members. In addition to their monthly paddling trips, the Apalachicola Riverkeepers are also hosting longer paddling excursions (10+) miles which are best suited for paddlers with experience. Learn more at apalachicolariverkeeper.org.
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