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Saturday, April 15, 2017
The Florida State University Coastal & Marine Laboratory 2017 Open House Coastal Literacy - Connecting Marine Science to Society
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FDOT Traffic Alert for Big Bend Area
For Immediate Release
April 14, 2017
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Donna Green, (850) 330-1661
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FDOT Traffic Alert for Big Bend Area
Chipley – Drivers are reminded to practice caution while traveling in and around the work zones in Northwest Florida Sunday, April 16 through Saturday, April 22.
Franklin County:
· Bridge repair work continues on State Road (S.R.) 65 over Cash Creek Bridge. All work is being performed under the structure, drivers are reminded to use caution driving through the work zone.
Jefferson County:
· I-10 Westbound Rest Area near MM 233 – Rest area closed for renovations. Intermittent lane closures will occur as workers resurface the acceleration and deceleration ramps.
Liberty County:
· S.R. 12 from Hall Circle NW to Yon Creek Bridge – Intermittent lane closures from S.R. 20 to south of Yon Creek Bridge, Monday, April 17 through Friday, April 21, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Use caution in the area.
Leon County:
· Beginning Sunday, April 16 at 8 p.m., and continuing until 6 a.m. Friday, April 21, motorists traveling eastbound and westbound U.S. 27/Apalachee Parkway will encounter nightly intermittent lane closures from Monroe Street to Capital Circle. All travel lanes will be clearly marked. These lane closures allow the contractor to install handrail, place sod, install signs and place permanent striping along the project corridor.
· East and westbound lane closures are taking place on S.R. 263 (Capital Circle SW) from west of S.R. 61 (U.S. 319) to north of County Road 2203 (Springhill Road) as workers resurface and add paved shoulders.
· Sidewalk construction is underway on S.R. 371 (Orange Avenue). Intermittent lane closures will take place, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Wakulla County:
· Resurfacing is underway on S.R. 267 from south of S.R. 363 to U.S. 98. Drivers can expect temporary lane closures.
Temporary lane closures, delays and shifts may occur as workers perform construction activities. All construction activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. Motorists are reminded to pay attention and use caution when driving through the work zone.
For more information follow the Florida Department of Transportation District Three on Twitter @myfdot_nwfl or like us on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/MyFDOTNWFL.
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Friday, April 14, 2017
Burn ban issued for St. George Island
St
George Island Fire Chief Jay Abbott has issued a burn ban effective
immediately on St George Island.
The
burn ban includes almost all outdoor fires including bonfires,
fireworks, trash burning, burning of leaves and debris, and charcoal
grills.
Residents
and visitor can use gas grills only until the burn ban has been
lifted.
The
ban will remain in effect until further notice.
The
action was taken after St. George Island suffered one of the worst
wildfires in recent memory last weekend.
The
wild fire was started when a resident lost control of a yard trash
fire.
It
burned nearly 70 acres of woodlands along the Apalachicola Bay.
The
last time there was a burn ban in any part of Franklin County was in
2011.
Governor
Rick Scott has also issued a statewide state of emergency because of
the high number of wildfires currently burning around the state and
the high chance of more wildfires in the coming months.
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Thursday, April 13, 2017
Burn Ban issued for St. George Island
St George Island Fire Chief has issued a burn ban effective immediately on St George Island this includes but is not limited to trash burning, burning of leaves and debris, charcoal grills. Residents can use gas grills only until the ban has been lifted. This ban will remain in effect until further notice.
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Help keep nesting waterbirds safe: Give them space
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and Audubon Florida are reminding beachgoers and boaters to give nesting waterbirds and their young space to help keep them safe this nesting season.
Shorebirds build shallow nests out of sand and shells on beaches in spring and summer, and eggs and hatching chicks are difficult to see. Wading birds, such as herons and egrets, as well as pelicans are also nesting now on islands around the state. Both types of birds can be easily disturbed if people approach too closely. Such disturbance can cause birds to abandon their nesting sites, exposing eggs and chicks to predators, sun exposure and other harm.
Shorebird nests, eggs and chicks are well-camouflaged and can easily be missed and even stepped on unless people know to look out for them. The snowy plover, least tern, black skimmer, American oystercatcher and Wilson’s plover are several of Florida’s beach-nesting shorebird species facing conservation challenges. Vulnerable tree-nesting waterbirds, such as brown pelicans, reddish egrets, tricolored herons and roseate spoonbills, have also experienced declines. These coastal waterbirds can benefit from increased awareness by the public.
“Florida is renowned for its diverse and spectacular bird life,” said FWC Chairman Brian Yablonski. “We want to ensure these birds are here for future generations to enjoy.”
People can help keep nesting waterbirds safe by keeping their distance from them and Critical Wildlife Areas.
CWAs are established by the FWC to protect congregations of one or more species of wildlife from human disturbance during critical life stages such as breeding, feeding or migration. Last November, FWC commissioners approved an unprecedented effort to create 13 new CWAs and improve five existing CWAs.
“Some of the CWAs are so new that they have not yet been marked-off as CWAs. In these areas, we are asking people to be extra vigilant in their efforts to avoid disturbing the birds,” said FWC CWA coordinator Michelle van Deventer.
In northwest Florida, there are three CWAs posted for nesting birds: Alligator Point and St. George Causeway in Franklin County, and Tyndall in Bay County. The FWC is working to create two new CWAs in Franklin County: Flagg Island and Lanark Reef.
In addition to observing the marked-off areas around CWAs, people can also help by following a few simple steps while enjoying the beach this season:
- Keep your distance from birds, on the beach or on the water. If birds become agitated or leave their nests, you are too close. A general rule is to stay at least 300 feet from a nest. Birds calling out loudly and dive-bombing are signals for you to back off.
- Respect posted areas. Avoid posted nesting sites and use designated walkways when possible.
- Never intentionally force birds to fly or run. This causes them to use energy needed for nesting, and eggs and chicks may be left vulnerable to the sun’s heat or predators. Teach children not to chase shorebirds and kindly ask fellow beachgoers to do the same. Shorebirds outside of posted areas may be feeding or resting and need to do so without disturbance.
- It is best to not take pets to the beach, but if you do, keep them leashed and avoid shorebird nesting areas. (State parks, national parks and CWAs do not allow pets.)
- Keep the beach clean and do not feed wildlife. Food scraps attract predators, such as raccoons and crows, which can prey on shorebird eggs and chicks. Litter on beaches can entangle birds and other wildlife.
- Spread the word. If you see people disturbing nesting birds, gently let them know how their actions may hurt the birds’ survival. If they continue to disturb nesting birds, report it to the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922), #FWC or *FWC on a cellphone or by texting Tip@MyFWC.com. You may also report nests that are not posted to our Wildlife Alert Program.
“These charismatic birds make Florida the special place that it is,” said Julie Wraithmell, Deputy Executive Director for Audubon Florida. “Giving these parents and their babies a little space will ensure they’re here for generations to come.”
For more information, go to MyFWC.com/Shorebirds and download the “Share the Beach with Beach-Nesting Birds” brochure. Or go to the Florida Shorebird Alliance website atFLShorebirdAlliance.org to learn more about how to participate in shorebird conservation efforts.
For more information about Florida’s CWAs, visit MyFWC.com/CWA.
To learn how you can volunteer your time to protect nesting coastal birds, visit FL.Audubon.org and scroll over the “Conservation” tab at the top, then click on “Coastal Conservation” and “Coastal Bird Stewardship,” or you can email FLConservation@Audubon.org.
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2nd Harvest Mobile Food Pantry coming to Eastpoint today from 5 till 7
Centennial
Bank and America’s Second Harvest of the Big Bend are teaming up to
bring a mobile food pantry to Eastpoint on Thursday.
This
is the first of two mobile pantry events planned for the area.
On
average, each Second Harvest mobile pantry event delivers 8,000
to12,000 pounds of fresh foods, healthy non-perishable foods and
bakery goods to 150-200 individuals representing 500 family members.
During
this event they will have fresh chicken and turkey as well as
vegetables including cabbage.
Centennial
Bank will host the first mobile pantry at their Eastpoint location at
5 Jefferson Street on Thrsday, April 13th from 5 till 7
PM.
All
residents of Franklin County who are at 130% of the federal poverty
guidelines are eligible to pick up a bag of food for their families.
All
you have to do is fill out a very short form and they will have
recipes and foodstuffs to send home with you.
To
learn more about the Second Harvest of the Big Bend, volunteer at an
upcoming event or make food or monetary donation, visit just go
online to www.FightingHunger.org/
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Air Commando Ruckers pass through Franklin County on annual trek to Pensacola
The
2017 Air Commando Ruckers made their way through Franklin County on
Wednesday.
This
is the sixth year 16 air commandos from Hurlburt field in Pensacola
are rucking the 450 miles between Hurlburt Field and MacDill Air
Force Base in Tampa.
Rucking
means they do the full hike with heavy packs – all of the
participants are volunteers.
This
event is a relay with teams of 4 rotating every three hours.
They
began their trek in Tampa on April 17th and plan to arrive at
Hurlburt Field in Penacola on April 14th.
Any
money the group receives in donations goes to the Air Commando
Association which gives support
and financial assistance to wounded Air Force Special Operators, as
well as to their families for travel, lodging, medical rehabilitation
and treatments.
You
can find out about supporting the cause or just follow the action
on-line at the Air Commando Ruckers facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Air-Commando-Ruckers/274979869218743
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Florida Department of Corrections to Host Hiring Event at Gulf Correctional Institution
Florida Department of Corrections to Host Hiring Event at Gulf Correctional Institution
WEWAHITCHKA, Fla. – The Florida Department of Corrections will host a recruitment event at Gulf Correctional Institution.
WHAT:
The Florida Department of Corrections is seeking qualified individuals to join our agency. If possible, please bring the following: driver’s license, legible copy of birth certificate, social security card, high school diploma, GED or college transcripts and any name change documents (if applicable), such as a marriage certificate. Veterans and current reservists/Guardsmen should bring a copy of their DD-214 or military ID, respectively. If you would like to take the Criminal Justice Abilities Test (required for employment), please bring a money order in the amount of $12 made payable to the Florida Department of Corrections.
WHEN:
Friday, April 14, 2017, 9:00 a.m. CST (Please arrive no later than 8:30 a.m.)
WHERE:
Gulf Correctional Institution – Training Building
500 Ike Steele Road
Wewahitchka, Florida 32465
CONTACT:
For more information, please contact Recruitment Sergeant Melissa Jacobs at (850) 639-1483 or emailmelissa.jacobs@fdc.myflorida.com.
The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.
###
As Florida's largest state agency, the Department of Corrections employs 24,000 members statewide, incarcerates approximately 97,000 inmates and supervises nearly 140,000 offenders in the community.
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Wednesday, April 12, 2017
FWC provides tips for living with alligators
The American alligator is a conservation success story. Florida has a healthy and stable alligator population, which is estimated at 1.3 million and consists of alligators of every size. They are an important part of Florida’s ecosystem, but should be regarded with caution and respect.
During spring when temperatures rise, alligators become more active. Although alligator incidents are rare, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) recommends taking precautions when having fun in and around the water. Alligators inhabit all 67 counties in Florida and can be found anywhere there is standing water. Reduce the chances of conflicts with alligators by swimming only in designated swimming areas during daylight hours. Also keep pets on a leash and away from the water.
Because alligators control their body temperature by basking in the sun, they may be easily observed. However, the FWC urges people to keep their distance if they see one. And never feed alligators as it is dangerous and illegal.
The FWC places the highest priority on public safety and administers a Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program to address complaints concerning specific alligators. People with concerns about an alligator should call the FWC’s toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (392-4286). SNAP uses contracted nuisance alligator trappers throughout the state to remove alligators 4 feet in length or greater that are believed to pose a threat to people, pets or property. The FWC also works diligently to keep Floridians and visitors informed, including providing advice about Living with Alligators.
Learn more about alligators at MyFWC.com/Alligator.
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56 cats and 18 dogs found in a home in Carrabelle - Please help with a donation to the Franklin County Humane Society
The
Franklin County Humane Society is in dire need of supplies and money
after 56 cats and 18 dogs were brought to the animal shelter from a
hoarding case in Carrabelle.
The
Carrabelle police Department became aware of the situation on April
10th
after receiving a tip of a possible animal neglect situation at 502
NW Avenue D.
Police
Chief Gary Hunnings, accompanied by the Franklin County Sheriff’s
Office, Franklin County Animal Control, and Franklin County Humane
Society responded to the address owned by 73 year old Mary E. Thrash.
Thrash
admitted to being in possession of an abundance of animals and
willingly surrendered 19 animals to the Franklin County Humane
Society.
The
next day authorities returned to the home with a search warrant to
locate and evaluate any other animals inside the residence.
The
inside of the home was found to be in a hazardous state for both
animals and humans due to the large number of animals living inside
the home.
Thrash
willingly surrendered the remaining animals to the Franklin County
Humane Society.
dogs
were surrendered, some in need of medical attention.
Thrash
was issued a Notice to Appear for confinement of animals without
sufficient food, water, exercise and change of air.
The
animals are now be treated by the franklin county humane society and
the group being overwhelmed by the sheer number of animals.
You
can help by providing a monetary donation through their website at
www.forgottenpets.org
Just
click on the “How You can Help” link and you can make a donation
through paypal.
You
can also send a check to the Franklin County Humane Society at 244
Highway 65, Eastpoint, Forida 32328.
The
humane society can also use lots of newspaper, paper towels, 12
gallon and 39 gallon trash bags, bleach, laundry detergent, clay cat
litter and wet food for cats.
Just
bring your donations to the shelter – again the address is 244
Highway 65 in Eastpoint.
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Governor Rick Scott declares state of emergency because of ongoing wildfire threat
Governor Rick Scott is has declared a
state of emergency in Florida following the recent wildfires across
the state and the high potential for more wildfires during the coming
months.
Florida wildfires have already burned
250 percent more acreage during the first three months of 2017 than
during the same time period last year.
There are currently more than 100
active wildfires across more than 20,000 acres in Florida.
Much of Central and South Florida are
approaching drought-like conditions and the chances for wildfires are
continuing to increase with hotter temperatures and low rainfall.
Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam
said we haven’t seen this active of a season since 2011.
And while Northwest Florida is not
quite as dry as central and south Florida, there is still a high
chance of wildfires.
St. George Island was impacted by one
of the largest wildfires in recent memory on Saturday when a yard
trash fire grew out of control.
.
Volunteer firefighters county-wide
along with members of the Division of Forestry battled for over 12
hours against the fire that stretched from 7th street east to 11th
street east.
To minimize the wildfire risk,
officials are asking residents and visitors to do their part,
including: Never leave any fire unattended.
Report any suspicious fire by calling
911.
Do not burn yard waste during dry,
windy conditions, and do not toss cigarettes or other lighted
materials out of car windows.
Moreover, homeowners are reminded to
clear leaves and pine needles from their roof and gutters, remove
dead vegetation from around the home and trim trees and limbs within
15 foot of a chimney.
To see the locations of all active
wildfires in Florida, the public can download the “FLBurnTools”
app in Apple’s App Store or on Google Play.
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