Oyster Radio News

Franklin County on the web January 27th, 2012

2012-01-27T19:13:00.001-05:00

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

Carrabelle Chamber of Commerce e-news for January 27, 2012

2012-01-27T17:27:00.000-05:00

Jan. 27,2012

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

FWC promotes boating access with new database

2012-01-27T17:22:00.002-05:00

For immediate release: January 27, 2012

Contact: Katie Purcell, 850-459-6585

Photo: Go toMyFWC.com/Newsand click on the headline for this story.

FWC promotes boating access with new database

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) introduced a new feature on its website this week. Users can now view and search a database of Florida boat ramps.

“Providing safe, convenient access to Florida’s waterways is one of our goals,” said Pat Harrell, the FWC’s Boating Access Coordinator. “This database is designed to help keep boaters informed about facilities that are currently available.”

Boaters can visit the Public Boat Ramp Finder site to locate and obtain details for more than 1,600 publicly accessible boat ramps.

“People can look for boat ramps within a certain county, on a lake they’d like to visit or even search for boat ramps near a specific street address or GPS coordinates,” Harrell said. “The database provides a map, details and often photos of the ramps.”

The database was created from an inventory conducted for the Statewide Boating Access Inventory and Economic Assessment. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service provided funding through the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration’s Boating Access Program. Working with boating access management partners, including Florida’s counties and the Department of Environmental Protection, the FWC identified and indexed approximately 3,440 boat ramps around the state.

Toaccess the database,visit MyFWC.com/Boating. To help the FWC improve and update this database, the public is asked to emailBoatRamps@MyFWC.comto report errors or new information.

-30-

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

Apalachicola Maritime Museum News

2012-01-27T17:21:00.000-05:00

Apalachicola Maritime Museum Newsletter

January 2012

In This Issue

View from the Stern: A Year of Accomplishments

View from the Bow: Plans for a Paddle Wheeler

At the Helm: Greg LaSchum

Volunteer Spotlight: Dr. Skip Arnold

From the Archives: Oystering by Sailboat

Quick Links

Visit Our Website

Course Registration

Contact Us

Join Our List

Staff Contacts

George K. Floyd

Founder

Augusta R. West

Research & Education Director

Daniel Stewart

Operations Manager

2011 At a Glance

The museum reopened last April following a complete renovation of our facility.

We offered a variety of educational and recreational excursions.

Our beautiful new docks were the perfect venue for shrimp boils, oyster roasts, and other evening events.

Three staff members attended the WoodenBoat School in Maine.

Maritime author Robert Macomber sounding a conch shell on our dock. The museum hosted a Friends of the Library event with Macomber as special guest.

Capt. Jim Edwards and his schooner on a sailing trip in Apalachicola Bay.

Capt. Pete Burgher, one of our outstanding volunteers.

Staff spent many weeks this summer working on the hull of our flagship vessel, Heritage of Apalachicola.

Heritage with her new hull paint, ready to launch.

Heritage was a striking sight on her return sail to Apalachicola.

Museum founder George Floyd with friends Jack and Anne Rudloe of the Gulf Specimen Marine Lab, at one of many events on our docks.

Forgotten Coast native Michael Bodiford shared his knowledge of local history and wildlife on working waterfront and estuary tours.

Boat building in our wooden boat shop.

George Floyd acquired his ancestral family home, built by riverboat captain Theodore Archibald Floyd in 1890. After renovation, the home will operate as both a bed and breakfast and as housing for visiting lecturers and guests of the museum.

Nautical Knots 101 by Capt. Pete Burgher

Research & Education Director Augusta West with Project Impact students.

Annapolis Wherry Completed in our Wooden Boat Shop

Craftsman Greg LaSchum has completed an Annapolis Wherry rowing shell to add to our fleet.

This build-it-yourself kit offers thoroughbred performance on the water combined with breathtaking grace.

Find out about how you can build this and other wooden boat models by clicking here.

From the Founder

Plan Now to Join Us on River Trip 2012, an Epic Kayak Adventure

In 2012 we will host our fifth annual paddle trip from the start of the Apalachicola River at our 140-acre campus of the historic riverboat landing in Chattahoochee, Florida and travel eight days and 106 miles southward to the end of the river at the Museum Docks on the historic Apalachicola waterfront. The trip will begin with a rally and camp out at the Chattahoochee Landing on October 26. We will arrive in Apalachicola November 2, at the start of the Florida Seafood Festival where all paddlers will take part in the Blessing of the Fleet ceremony. For the more ambitious paddlers, there is the option to begin the trip at Columbus, Georgia, one week and 145 miles earlier. Participants would be able to start or stop at Chattahoochee, the approximate halfway point.

The Apalachicola River is the largest river in the state of Florida and fifth largest in all of North America. It begins its journey to the Gulf of Mexico as the Chattahoochee River, springing from the mountains of North Georgia along the Appalachian Trail. Its southward journey is joined by the Flint River which joins the Chattahoochee near the Florida/Georgia/Alabama state lines. The confluence of these two rivers at Lake Seminole creates the Apalachicola, which flows uninterrupted into Apalachicola Bay and the blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Cool nights, warm days and a moderate river temperature will beckon a hike through the woods or a swim. This is a great time to camp on the sandbars while enjoying autumn in the sparsely developed river basin. Learn about the flora and fauna unique to the basin from educational presentations along the way. To traverse the river with only boat, paddle, and the spirit of adventure brings forth reconnection with the natural world and knowledge of river heritage. We will explore the floodplains, streams, bluffs, tributaries and some of the communities along the river. We will look at historical sites and the culture of river life. You will experience the broad diversity of flora and fauna uniquely adapted to the flood plains and steep head ravines. We will learn how reduced water flows affect the nutrient flow into the Gulf and the impact on productivity in the seafood harvest. We will learn to know each other and the river one paddle stoke at a time.

For more information, visit the RiverTrip Web Page, view the video from previous river trip or email us. In order to sign up for the river trip, go to the RiverEcoLogic web store.

George Kirvin Floyd

View from the Bow

The Return of a Paddle Wheeler to the Apalachicola River

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, paddle wheel boats were the primary mode of transportation on the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River system. In addition to passengers, they transported cotton, turpentine, merchandise, mail, and other goods.

It is our vision to return a paddle wheeler to the river in the next few years, offering luxury charters with a small number of spacious cabins for overnight passengers, and also large group tours that are of a day or evening trip nature. With many points of historical and ecological interest along the span of the river, the venture will expand our ability to provide unique tours that are both educational and recreational. The new concrete museum docks have been constructed to moor our new vessel upon arrival and dockage at our Chattahoochee operations will provide the mooring facility upriver on the way to Columbus.

We have begun planning discussions with naval architect Kevin Kerwin in Panama City on the design of an 88' vessel with a two foot draft that will be ideally suited for the shoal waters of the Apalachicola River. Kevin has designed many vessels, from large ocean-going yachts to naval vessels and large commercial vessels plying the waters of the Mississippi. Kevin is a maritime heritage enthusiast as well and is very passionate about this opportunity. We are planning to hire on the crew necessary to build this vessel in either Chattahoochee or Apalachicola. Once the steel hull and framework are constructed and fitted with power, we plan to build the cabins and finish work at the Apalachicola Museum docks. We are planning to have Kevin do a number of presentations in Apalachicola and Chattahoochee to present the designs and seek local input.

A final worthy note is that museum founder George Floyd's grandfather (Albert Floyd), great grandfather (Theodore Archibald Floyd) and great great grandfather (Samuel Augustus Floyd) were all employed by the riverboat trade. Albert Floyd was the boiler engineer on the last passenger paddlewheel boat, the J.W. Callahan, where he met his wife, Margaret Floyd, on her downriver passage from Bainbridge.

Below are photos of one of the many steamers that once traveled the river system.

Pactolus in 1887. This paddle wheeler made frequent trips between Columbus, Georgia, and Apalachicola.

Another view of Pactolus. Note the freight on the main deck and passenger cabins above.

The opulent dining room with the table set for a meal.

For a taste of what river travel on such a boat was like, consider this excerpt from the Civil War recollections of Apalachicola resident Cora Mitchell.

My next recollection was that Apalachicola was to be abandoned as an army post. The blockade had shut up the port. All the soldiers were sent to the interior except a company of scouts, which was stationed about twenty miles away, near some "dismal swamps," and used to keep an eye on the coast, and report any unusual occurrence.

Of course, business was at a standstill, and many moved up to Columbus, Georgia, and other towns on the river. My brother-in-law decided to go to Columbus, and I was sent, too, in order that I might go to school.

The steamboat was crowded and, as it was at the time of a great flood, there was much to see and remember. The banks of the river were entirely under water, and sometimes the river was a large and continuous lake. Only those who have traveled on one of the Southern rivers can understand the romance and beauty of it all. The huge, moss-draped trees, the landings at night, with the crew singing their weird songs while unloading by the light of pine knots burning in wire cages.

The trip was none too long for my excited fancy.

View from the Stern

2011 a Year of Accomplishments at the Museum

2011 began with a major renovation of our facility, a former seafood processing warehouse in the historic working waterfront district. Operations Manager Daniel Stewart led the transformation, creating a beautiful exhibit space and gift shop.

Throughout the spring, summer, and fall, we were busy with evening events on our docks, sailing excursions, and a variety of educational and recreational cruises.

In July, three of our staff traveled to the renowned WoodenBoat School in Maine for week-long courses. We gained invaluable insight into running our own boat building and maritime education programs, which are now underway.

Our fleet of kayaks was expanded by specially constructed vessels of our own design made in Georgia using recycled plastic. As the only kayak outfitter on the water in Apalachicola, we treated many visitors to guided kayak excursions, while others enjoyed exploring the estuarine areas just beyond our docks on their own.

Many long hours went into hull maintenance work on our flagship vessel, the 58-foot wooden ketch Heritage of Apalachicola. She was hauled out at the boat yard in Carrabelle for weeks of grueling work. We sailed her back home to the museum in October, making the passage along the gulf side of St. George Island accompanied by several playful dolphins. Heritage is a museum exhibit in its own right as a beautiful example of classic wooden boat design.

Another exciting development was the acquisition by museum founder George Floyd of the home built by his great-grandfather, a riverboat captain. Located on Avenue E in Apalachicola, it will house visiting lecturers and students of our wooden boat school, and will also welcome the general public as a bed and breakfast. The 1890 home will first undergo an extensive renovation.

At the Helm

Capt. Greg LaSchum

Greg LaSchum is not only one of our tenured boat building staff, but also an experienced mariner. Greg captains the Starfish Enterprise on our full complement of excursions including estuary cruises, working waterfront tours, dinner cruises, and full moon cruises. He has also sailed our flagship vessel, the 58-foot wooden ketch Heritage.

Growing up on a lake in Madison, Wisconsin, Greg was always fascinated by sailing. But it wasn't until he was 21, when his brother bought an old 16-foot wooden sailboat that he got to try it firsthand. It took a dozen tubes of caulk to keep it from sinking, but the brothers kept the vessel afloat and learned to harness the wind.

Greg's introduction to boat building came in 1980, when he went to work for Nimphius Boat Company. His general interest in carpentry soon grew into a passion for building wooden boats. His career as a professional mariner began as a crew member aboard a 50-foot replica of a 1597 Dutch frigate called Red Lion, which operated on Lake Michigan. He then sailed on the Californian, a 100-foot schooner, spent the next five years on tall ships, and earned his 100 ton license.

It was while sailing the waters of the Caribbean that Greg got his first introduction to Apalachicola, when he met and befriended Kristin Anderson. He was invited to visit and hired to build a dinghy for Kristin's mother, Helen Hay Anderson, who enjoyed rowing and sailing the Herreshoff-designed boat. After she passed away, the vessel was donated to the museum. It is on display as a beautiful piece of traditional wooden boat craftsmanship.

Greg's skills make him well qualified as the instructor for our wooden boat school, where individuals or groups can build their own small vessel. He is also the instructor for our youth boat building program, teaching traditional maritime skills that once flourished in Apalachicola to a new generation.

This is Greg's second year at the museum. He enjoys life in Apalachicola for its small town pace and cultural aspects. His interests include kayaking, 3-D photography, nautical heritage, and participating as a stagehand at the Dixie Theatre. This native of the Great Lakes region also appreciates our mild weather that makes it possible to bicycle year-round and enjoy sailing during the winter months. And of course, the simple pleasure of life on the water.

Volunteer Spotlight

Dr. Skip Arnold

We are honored to have Dr. Skip Arnold back for a second year of volunteering at the museum during an extended visit to the forgotten coast. Skip hails from Sandusky, Ohio, where he was a Political Scientist at Heidelberg University before retiring. He is a past Commodore of the Sandusky Sailing Club, volunteers at the Sandusky Maritime Museum, and is a sailing instructor.

Skip's wife, Dr. Mary Jane Hahler, taught romance languages at Bowling Green University. As a Master Gardener, she also volunteers locally at the Orman House botanical gardens. The couple travels to such faraway places as New Zealand, but they enjoy spending time in our historic, one-stoplight town for the feeling of being in "Old Florida." We hope they continue to return to Apalachicola for many years to come. Our community is enriched by their friendship and generous donations of time and talent.

Following is an account of Skip's volunteer experience with us in his own words.

A Volunteer's Journal

By Dr. Skip Oliver

As I climbed on board the classic sailing vessel, brush & bucket in one hand and a garden hose in the other, I scanned the teak decks and varnished bright work for bird droppings. My job was to remove them, and make the boat presentable for visitors to the Apalachicola Maritime Museum. Boat cleaning and crewing on the historic ketch, the Heritage of Apalachicola, are part of my volunteer work for the Museum.

Yes it's true. After scaling the heights of academia, I have become a Boat Boy. How the mighty have fallen! Hey, just kidding. Actually, it is loads of fun. I think E. B. White expressed it well in The Wind In The Willows: "There is nothing half so much fun as messing around in boats." Working for the Museum allows me to do that. The work may not sound glamorous, but to me it is a wonderful opportunity to do a bit of sailing-- for which I have an abiding passion-- as well as to learn something about the Forgotten Coast, and meet some interesting people.

The Museum staff has also been very kind, taking us to their favorite oyster bars, and not subjecting my northern accent to excessive ridicule. In sum, I highly recommend volunteering at the Museum. There are many ways to make yourself useful, including crewing on Heritage (my personal favorite), greeting visitors and docenting, and of course the dreaded office work. There are even jobs for professors turned boat boys.

From the Archives

January Oystering, early 20th Century Style

This photo was taken in January, 1909, by famed New York photographer Lewis Hine. Hine is best known for his iconic photographs of construction workers at the Empire State Building. He took a series of photos in Apalachicola while en route from Columbus, Georgia, to other points in Florida on assignment. He noted, "Boy shucking oysters he helped to catch." Boys as young as 12 were employed in the oyster industry, often beginning work at 4 a.m. and laboring well into the day.

Sails have long since been replaced by outboard motors on oyster boats. However, other than the mode of propulsion, oystering in Apalachicola Bay has not changed substantially compared to 100 years ago. It is still physically demanding, hard work. And it still brings forth from the sea the world's best oysters.

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

Check out the latest newsletter of the Northwest Florida Water Management District

2012-01-27T17:19:00.002-05:00

Dear Friends,
Follow this link to the latest newsletter of the Northwest Florida Water Management District.
You will always have the option of subscribing or unsubscribing or forwarding the link to anyone you think would be interested.
Thank you so much,
Faith Eidse

Public Information Specialist
Northwest Florida Water Management District
81 Water Management Drive
Havana, FL 32333
850-539-5999
Click this link to view the newsletter: http://www.nwfwmd.state.fl.us/pubs/newsletter/NWFWMD_newsletter_v4n1.pdf

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

Come see Tora Tora Tora at the Camp Gordon Johnton Museum on Saturday

2012-01-27T17:18:00.000-05:00

At CGJ WWII Museum we are showing the movie Tora Tora Tora, the attack on Pearl Harbor. Movie starts at 1100 hours. Free popcorn and admission is by donation.
It is shown on Saturday, January 28th.

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

Red drum, spotted seatrout management efforts change Feb. 1

2012-01-27T17:16:00.002-05:00

For immediate release: January 27, 2012

Contact: Amanda Nalley, 850-410-4943

Photo and maps: Go toMyFWC.com/News and click on the headline for this story.

Red drum, spotted seatrout management efforts change Feb. 1

Red drum and spotted seatrout management changes made by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) at their November 2011 meeting will take effect Feb. 1. Many of these changes mean more angling opportunities, including increased recreational bag limits in some regions and longer spotted seatrout fishing seasons for commercial fishermen.

Changes affecting red drum include:

§ The creation of three management zones (see map) for red drum instead of one statewide management area. The areas represent the northwest, northeast and southern sections of the state’s waters;

§ Increasing from one to two the number of red drum that a recreational fisherman can take per day in the Northeast and Northwest zones;

§ Establishing a statewide vessel limit of eight red drum;

§ Limiting the number of red drum that can be transported in a vehicle on land to six red drum per person.

Changes affecting spotted seatrout include:

§ Redefining the areas where spotted seatrout are managed by splitting the state into four management zones instead of three (see map);

§ The recreational season will be open year-round statewide (this includes the removal of the February closure in northern Florida, and the November-through-December closure in southern Florida);

§ Raising the recreational bag limit in Northeast Florida from five to six;

§ Changing commercial seasons based on region – lengthening them from three months to five months in the Northwest and Southwest zones (June 1 - Oct. 31 for both) and in the Southeast region (May 1 - Sept. 30), and from three months to six months in the Northeast zone (June 1 - Nov. 30);

§ Allowing spotted seatrout to be sold 30 days after the close of the regional commercial season with the proper paperwork;

§ Changing the commercial vessel limit to 150 when there are two commercially licensed fishermen aboard.

Both species’ rule changes are the result of a successful management strategy.

“This is our version of having a listed, protected species and being able to take it off that list. This is a success story,” said Commissioner Brian Yablonski about the increased recreational fishing opportunities.

Other recreational red drum and spotted seatrout rules will remain the same.

To learn more aboutred drum andspotted seatrout recreational fishing, visit MyFWC.com/Fishing and click on “Saltwater Fishing” and then “Recreational Regulations.”

-30-

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

Franklin County Humane Society Pet of the Week

2012-01-27T17:15:00.001-05:00

Bradley and his brother Hal were left in the drop-off pen here at the
Adoption Center. They are 1 year old Dachshund/Beagle mixes and neither
of them could be cuter. They are happy, social little guys and at 11 and
18 pounds, they are that perfect little size for anyone looking for a
small dog that isn't too small. Come meet these fine fellows, they're
worth it!!

Volunteers are desperately needed to socialize Bradley and all of
the other 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 log onto the
website at www.forgottenpets.org to see more of our adoptable pets.

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

Freaky Florida January 26th, 2012

2012-01-26T22:58:00.002-05:00

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

All things oyster January 26th, 2012

2012-01-26T22:38:00.003-05:00

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

Millions pour in to Florida's state parks in 2011

2012-01-26T19:35:00.002-05:00

Florida’s state parks were very populardestinations in December.

The Florida Park Service marked record-breakingattendance for December 2011; nearly one and a half million visitors visitedone of the state’s 160 state parks.

There werenearly 450 thousand more visitors at Florida’s state parks than a year earlier.

A total of20.4 million people visited a state park during the last fiscal year which hadan estimated economic impact of more than $967 million for local communities.

Nearly 193thousand people visited the St. George Island state park last year – making it thecounty’s most popular state park – it had an economic impact to the county ofover 9 million dollars.

The John Gorrie Museum in Apalachicola saw nearly 2500 visitors and theOrman House about 4800.

The BaldPoint state park at Alligator Point drew over 33 thousand visitors.

The St. Joseph Peninsula state park saw 163 thousand visitorsover the past year.

There’s afull list of all the state parks in Northwest Floridaalong with their visitation and economic impact totals posted on the news pageat oysterradio.com.

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

1:00 Meeting tomorrow Friday at Gibson Inn with Representative Jimmy Patronis on ACFand Water issues

2012-01-26T18:46:00.001-05:00

Apalachicola Sub-Basin Caucus

Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint(ACF) Stakeholders

January 9, 2012

HonorableBill Montford

Florida Senate

208 SenateOffice Building

404 S. Monroe St.

Tallahassee, FL 32399

DearSenator Montford:

At yourrequest we have prepared the attached report identifying the current managementissues on the Apalachicola River and Bay. We are also providing a request for thesupport of the Florida Legislature in dealing with water flows and uses withinthe Apalachicola-Chattahoochee- Flint (ACF) RiverSystem.

As youknow, the flows of the River at the Florida State line have been reduced to adangerously low volume threatening the productivity and the natural systembalance of our River, Floodplain and Bay. Our entire Florida system is approaching a point atwhich our resources cannot be sustained; moreover, we are not aware of anycomprehensive Florida initiative to ensure an equitabledistribution of the waters of the ACF Basin. This has special concern for the 6Florida riparian counties bordering on andsustained by the Apalachicola River and Bay – Jackson, Gadsden, Liberty, Calhoun, Gulf and Franklin Counties.

SenatorMontford, this letter, with copies to our House of Representative members inthe Basin, is a request for the Florida Legislature to evaluate the State of Florida’s position on the ACF basin. If appropriate, we would request that thelegislature undertake a special legislative study of the situation, accompaniedwith recommended needs for legislative action. This could be done perhaps next session. Our State needs to put its best team on thefield to deal with the growing upstream water demands.

Thanks youfor your lifelong interest in the Apalachicola River and Bay System.

Sincerely,

DaveMcLain, ACFS Apalachicola Caucus Coordinator

For: ApalachicolaSub-Basin Caucus Stakeholders, ACF Stakeholders

BillMcCartney, PhD., ACFS Executive Committee

DanTonsmeire, ACFS Executive Committee

Betty Webb,City of Apalachicola stakeholder

ChadTaylor, Jackson County stakeholder

JeremyBranch, Jackson County stakeholder

Homer Hirt,Jackson County stakeholder

Joe Brown,Liberty County stakeholder

Tom Waits,Lake Seminole stakeholder

Charles McClellan,Gadsden County stakeholder

BreanneWhite, Calhoun County stakeholder

BillWilliams, Gulf County stakeholder

ShannonHartsfield – Commercial seafood stakeholder

Lee Garner– City of Chattahoochee stakeholder

CC:Apalachicola Basin House of Representatives Members

RepresentativePatronis

RepresentativeColey

RepresentativeDrake

RepresentativeBembry

RepresentativeWilliams

Riparian County Stakeholder Coalition (RCSC) Representatives

Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Northwest Florida Water Management District

Senator Bill Montford Apalachicola Riverand Bay Package

Overview

I. FloridaAction Plan for Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River Basin: Objectives 1-5 (1/4/2012)

II. Matrixof Players in ACF Management (FL, AL, GA, COE, TVA, Georgia Farm Irrigators,Atlanta Regional Commission, etc.)

III. Statusof Law Suit and Issues

IV. MajorFlorida Issues by the Apalachicola Basin Stateholders

V. ACFSCoordinated Program of Equitable Sharing of Interstate waters (SustainableWater Management Plan and Instream Flow and Lake Level Assessment for ACF Basin)

I. FloridaAction Plan for Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River Basin: Objectives 1-5 (1/4/2012)

Purpose – This memorandum outlines actionsby State government recommended to ensure an equitable allocation of thefreshwater flows in the Apalachicola River and Bay. Such flows are necessary to sustain the economies,health and productivity of the Apalachicola and the communities those watersnurture and support.

Scope – This memo specifies goals andobjectives and the necessary actions to accomplish each. In most cases the recommended actions will bejoint actions involving potentially more than one State agency or Departmentaloffice. These goals and objectives beginwith priority, scheduled committee hearings in the State legislature.

Objectives -

Objective #1 - The initial objective is a clearunderstanding of what Florida has at stake in this equitable allocation ofthese freshwater flows from the Tri-State Basin that is theApalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint (ACF) River Basin.

Required Actions – Identify the Florida Senate and Housecommittee(s) having primary jurisdiction over the issue, seek concurrence andpriority scheduling by the Chairman/ Staff Director of those committees. Establish a list of State witnesses to becalled, to include Secretaries of DEP and Agriculture, Director of theNorthwest Florida Water Management District, Director Florida Fish and WildlifeConservation, and the Florida Attorney General, plus a representativeidentified by the Office of the Governor as his personal representative on thisissue. With the potential exception ofthe Governor, principals should be sought to testify in all cases.

Objective #2 – As necessary consequence of the legislativehearings, seek creation of a special Florida Task Force to be established andfunded to pursue the feasibility of a non-litigation approach to equitableallocation.

Required Actions – Reconvene the hearing to get testimonyfrom Apalachicola Basin stakeholders on what would constitute “success” fromtheir perspective. An associated work-product will be ways to measurefreshwater flows that correspond to health and productivity of the ApalachicolaBasin. Likewise call members of the ACFStakeholders organization to describe efforts underway to create a “SustainableWater Management Plan”, an “In-stream Flow Assessment” of the Basin’s waterneeds, and a University Collaborative (FL, GA, AL) assessment of extant modelsfor “Regional Management of Shared, Interstate Waters”.

Objective #3 – Seek appropriate funding for specified TaskForce recommendations as supportive of job retention and/or job creationderived from a healthy and productive Apalachicola Basin (for example, fundsfor oyster relay and shelling to renew the productivity of the ApalachicolaEstuary).

Required Actions – Convene an interagency workshop includingpublic participation to identify sources of public/private funding for priorityprojects. Identify those that willdocument and validate scientifically the quantities and quality of freshwaterflows necessary to sustain the health and productivity of the ApalachicolaBasin. But most particularly, identifyfunding for the Florida share of an ACFS “Sustainable Water Management Plan”, an”In-streamFlows Assessment” and the “University Collaborative Assessment of RegionalManagement of the Waters of the ACF”. Identify line items in the State budgetto support priority projects and seek matching Federal grants as well.

Objective #4 – Identify and document the interactiverelationship between the State’s on-going investment in litigation and thisstakeholder-proposed, grassroots-sponsored program, since both seek to achievethe common objective of an equitable allocation of the freshwater flows of theApalachicola in the ACF Basin.

Required Actions – The key is coordinated action betweenlitigation and this Stakeholder sponsored initiative. Opportunities must be established to ensureactions on one initiative re-enforce actions on the other, and not thereverse. The value and advantage of acoordinated way ahead must be accepted by State decision-makers at alllevels. A legislative element to overseeeffective, on-going coordination must be identified.

Objective #5 – Florida needs to welcome and exploit Federalinterest in and support for an equitable allocation of the interstate, sharedwaters of the ACF Basin. Mostspecifically, the State needs to focus on the US Army Corps of Engineers(USACE) requirement to update the Water Control Manual (WCM).

Required actions - Asa matter of deliberate inclusion, State agencies responsible for commenting onCorps proposals for an updated WCM must reach out to Stakeholders forassistance in formulating a State response to USACE proposals. In addition the State of Florida shouldpro-actively seek opportunities for cooperation and joint sponsorship,including funding opportunities and enlisting elected representatives andFederal agencies in the equitable allocation of the freshwater flows of theApalachicola Basin.

Next Steps – Begin the process outlined aboveby formal presentation of this Action Plan to Senator Bill Montford. Get his advice on necessary challenges tothis draft and develop and execute an effective way ahead.

II. Matrix of Players in ACF Management

FederalAgencies

· USArmy Corps of Engineers:

· USDept. of Agriculture (USDA, NRCS)

· TennesseeValley Authority (TVA)

· USEPA

· USGS

· NOAA

· USDepartment of Interior (DOI)

o USFish and Wildlife Service (FWS)

· USDepartment of Energy (DOE)

StateAgencies

· ALABAMA

o AlabamaDepartment of Environmental Management

o Soiland Water Conservation District (SWCD)

· FLORIDA

o FDEP

o FDACS

o NWFWMD

o Soiland Water Conservation District (SWCD)

o CountyCommissions of the 6 Florida Riparian Counties – Jackson, Gadsden, Liberty,Calhoun, Gulf and Franklin Counties.

· GEORGIA

o GeorgiaDepartment of Natural Resources (GDNR)

§ GeorgiaEnvironmental Protection Division (GEPD)

§ REGIONALWATER COUNCILS

· NorthGeorgia Metropolitan Planning District

· Upperand Lower Chattahoochee River Planning District

· LowerFlint River Water Planning District

o Soiland Water Conservation District (SWCD)

Overviewof Major Authorities

FEDERAL

US ArmyCorp of Engineers (South Atlantic Division): Authorized by Congress to:

· Manage5 major reservoirs in the ACF Basin (4 of which control water on theChattahoochee River and 1 on the Chattahoochee and Flint River at Jim WoodruffDam) (Mobile District)

· Maintainauthorized navigation waterways and facilities on the ACF Rivers (MobileDistrict)

· Permitprivate and public reservoirs on ACF River Basin thru Section 404 permittingprocess (Savannah District)

The Corpsis currently revising its Water Control Manual (WCM) which dictates how itmanages the reservoirs in the ACF Basin. This revision is the first since 1958 and requires an EnvironmentalImpact Statement (EIS) which is the document the current 3-state litigation wasstarted over.

US Dept. ofAgriculture (USDA, NRCS) – Implements national and state agriculture and silviculturepolicy and programs.

TennesseeValley Authority (TVA) – Authorized by Congress to develop and manage water inthe Tennessee River Valley which includes Tennessee and much of north Georgiaand Alabama.

US EnvironmentalProtection Agency (EPA) – Authorized by Congress to protect environmentalresources and delegated Section 404 permitting process to USACOE. EPA is allowed to override the Corps in the Section404 permitting process.

USDepartment of Interior (DOI)

US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) – Manages nationalprogram to protect fish and wildlife, particularly endangered species under EndangeredSpecies Act (ESA). USACOE is required toconsult with USFWS if there is potential impact under ESA.

USDepartment of Energy (DOE) – Implements national energy programs and policy.

STATES

Alabama Deptof Environmental Management (ADEM): Responsible for protection of environmentalresources statewide

FloridaDept of Environmental Protection (FDEP): Responsible for protection ofenvironmental resources statewide

FloridaDept of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Division of Aquaculture: Manages oyster harvesting in ApalachicolaBay

NorthwestFlorida Water Management District (NWFWMD): Regional Special District underChapter 373 F.S. tasked with management of water resources within the 16 countyarea of NW Florida.

Georgia Departmentof Natural Resources (GDNR) - Environmental Protection Division (GEPD): Responsible for developing the State ofGeorgia Water Plan statewide

Georgia Regional Water Councils: Established by GA StateLegislature to represent local areas of the state for water planningpurposes. Members appointed.

· NorthGeorgia Metropolitan Planning District

· Upperand Lower Chattahoochee River Planning District

· LowerFlint River Water Planning District

III. Status of Law Suit and Issues

The ACFlitigation was initiated as a National Environmental Policy Act challenge in1989 by the State of Alabama against the USACOE. The case basically claimed that the Corpsreallocated water in Lake Lanier from hydropower to water supply without doinga proper Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Florida intervened on the side of Alabama. Georgia intervened on the side of theUSACOE. Over 22 years later we appear tobe no closer than we were at the beginning of the suits even though atremendous amount of information has been put together by all sides in theirdefense. More importantly the State ofGeorgia has allocated more and more water from within the ACF system forvarious uses and continues to do so to this day.

Over thecourse of the past 22 years some 9 different cases were filed in the state andfederal courts. In 2007, these caseswere consolidated into one federal court in the Middle Florida District Courtin Jacksonville, Florida under Federal Judge Paul Magnuson. He split the cases into two phases, whichdealt with different aspects of the arguments.

· Phase1 – Corps authority to allocate water in Lake Lanier

· Phase2- Environmental Harm and Endangered Species claims

In 2009 heruled on Phase 1 that the Corps had exceeded its legal authority and could notreallocate water (provide water supply) without authorization from U.S.Congress. This decision was appealed tothe 11^th Circuit Federal District Court in Atlanta. In 2011, the panel of three judges reversedJudge Magnuson’s decision and gave the USACOE one year to determine the maximumamount of water it could allocate for water supplies from Lake Lanier. The Corps is currently working on the EIS forthe WCM revision. The rulingsubstantially changes how they may manage the federal reservoirs and thereleases.

The Stateof Alabama has stated that it will appeal the 11^th Circuit decisionto the U.S. Supreme Court and requested an extension of time from the SupremeCourt to file its appeal. An extensionwas granted until February 2012. The Stateof Florida has not stated publically whether it will join the Appeal.

It isimportant to understand that the resolution of these current cases does notresolve the management of the basin waters, but only deals with the limitedamounts in Lake Lanier. Barring aTri-state agreement for an equitable allocation of the waters of the ACF, anoriginal action filed in the U.S. Supreme Court by one state suing another overthe use of the interstate waters is required to resolve the overall managementand use of water in the basin. It hasbeen speculated by some attorneys that the resolution of the current andsubsequent original action may require more than a decade to run its coursethru the U. S. Supreme Court.

IV. Major Florida Issues by the Apalachicola BasinStakeholders

A. Flows(spring and early summer) at Florida State line (Jim Woodruff Dam) are currently30-38% lower than pre-dam flows during the dry and drought years. This can be 1,500 – 3000 cfs lower thannormal. Current flows for December 2011 are5000 CFS as compared to the annual median flow of approximately 12,000 CFS.

B. LowFlows in the Apalachicola River are resulting in:

1. Lowerflows do not provide nutrient to support productivity in Bay

2. Muchhigher salinities in the lower River and Bay

3. Dryingup of River sloughs, wetlands, floodplain resulting in loss of hundreds ofmiles of fish habitat in the floodplain

4. Lossof 4 million trees in the Apalachicola Floodplain

5. Depletionof shell fish and many finfish species that require a more dependable saltwater/freshwaterrelationship to support estuarine production and avoid destructive infestationsof Red Tide algae blooms such as have closed Texas oyster beds.

6. Reductionin productivity of Tupelo honey industry.

C. Georgiairrigation demands are basically unregulated. Currently there are over 30,000 center pivot systems across the stateline and greatly impact flows on the spring-fed Flint River

D. TheACF system is currently in an extended drought situation. Droughts are a recurring natural event buttheir frequency and duration are directly attributable to human actions orfailures to act.

E. Thereis no water allocation/budget for the river system accepted by the 3 States.

F. Thereare 18 dams on the ACF System. Five (5) formlarge lake-reservoirs (Sidney Lanier, West Point, Walter F. George, GeorgeAndrews, Seminole) managed by the USACOE. Local communities are actively seeking that the Corps maintain high reservoirlevels for water use, recreation, and property values, all of which translate understandablyto economic advantage in Georgia and Alabama. Some dams are not in the USCOEsystem. Power companies also havecritical interest in sustainable reservoir levels and river flows.

G. Alabama and Georgia have nocomparable water management structure to Florida. Although the NWFWMD has not recently been a significantproponent for defending the Apalachicola River needs against ever-increasingupstream diversions.

H. Floridaneeds a flow regime that is comparable to the predam flows in its timing, andvariability. A minimum of 6,500 – 8,000 CFSat the state line during low flow conditions (July – November) has beenrequested by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. A scientifically sound “Instream FlowAssessment” is needed to establish sustainable minimum flows and levels on theApalachicola River.

I. Georgiahas not implemented comprehensive water conservation or alternative watersupply programs to mitigate water demands.

J. Withthe large number of organizations, agencies, interests in the ACF River systemeach of which have their own special interests, there is a growing need for acomprehensive – single authority approach to system management. One which can deal with five major river managementissues which are:

1. Definingactual water needs by type and amount

2. Documentinginteraction between ground and surface waters

3. Redefiningstate and Federal agency responsibilities

4. Identifyingoverall water availability and potential demand reduction

5. Balancinghuman and natural system needs.

K. Twentypercent of water available in GA is controlled by the Tennessee ValleyAuthority and is discharged to the Tennessee River to the north.

V. ACFS Coordinated Program for an Equitable Sharing of Interstate Waters(October 12, 2011)

Purpose – This memorandum documents theessential components of the ACFS program for equitable allocation of thefreshwater flows of the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint (ACF) River Basin.

Scope – There are three interrelated projectsthat together comprise the ACF Stakeholders (ACFS) coordinated program forsharing the waters of the ACF Basin, an interstate waterway of concern to the 3riparian states of Georgia, Alabama, and Florida. These projects address discrete, but inter-dependentaspects of regional water management. Each will be executed with separate contractor resources but funded bythe ACFS Governing Board and overseen and coordinated by the ExecutiveCommittee of the ACFS. As approved bythe Governing Board of the ACFS, the three essential component tasks are:

· SWMP– (Sustainable Water Management Plan) Develop a sustainable water managementplan. Through a series of iterativesteps, tailor collaboratively developed models based on Stakeholder proposedperformance indicators/metrics of water needs. Use the resultant automated model(s) to examine alternative options forthe management of ACF waters to meet Stakeholder needs and achieve an equitableallocation of the shared ACF resource. After peer review, present these options to the ACFS Governing Board fora consensus-based approval.

· IFLLA – (In-stream Flow and Lake LevelsAssessment) Assess In-stream Flow andLake Level requirements of the ACF Basin for a healthy and productiveinterstate water resource. Evaluate existing IFLLA data for the entire ACFBasin, taking inventory of existing, available information and identifying datagaps, i.e. unavailable data necessary to develop an IFLLA. Importantly, the ApalachicolaRiver has been studied for years and data for the basin may be adequate tocomplete a preliminary IFLLA that addresses minimum instream flow requirementsfor downstream habitat, target species, vegetation communities, recreation, orother (e.g. industry, agriculture) uses. The resultant data compilation will lead to a critical measurement ofresource carrying capacity and will directly feed into the ACFS GoverningBoard’s Sustainable Water Management options decision.

· IOBM (Institutional Organizational Basin-wide Management) –Document and evaluate institutional, organizational alternatives for basin-widewater resource planning and management. Specifically, identify and assess existing precedents for Regionalplanning and management of shared, interstate water resources as they arecurrently practiced in other river basins – what works, what doesn’t work, andwhy. In particular, what are thestrengths of these water management organizations that might have applicationin the ACF Basin, and what are the pitfalls to be avoided. Compile and presentdata in support of all conclusions for ACFS Governing Board consideration inthe consensus-based water management option decision.

Funding – Each of the interrelated projectslisted above are undertaken based on the availability of necessary funding to covercontracted costs. A separate ACFS-widesolicitation of potential funding is underway and has been sufficientlysuccessful to underwrite a phase 1 approach in the first two cases. It has been projected that early return ofsubstantive work from phase 1 efforts will greatly assist in an expandedfunding opportunity. (NOTE: In excess of $600K of private monies has beendonated to underwrite these efforts to date)

Next Steps – Each of the 4 Sub-Basin Caucusesthat comprise the ACFS need to accept organizational and personalresponsibility for identifying potential funding for subsequent phases. A Sub-Basin Caucus-wide commitment topublication and outreach needs to be established, including renewed initiativesfor seeking State and Federal funds for this coordinated program.

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

1/27/12 SEAHAWK SCOOP

2012-01-26T16:54:00.002-05:00

bulletin.1.27.12

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

Gulf of Mexico Recreational Grouper Season to Close February 1

2012-01-26T16:50:00.002-05:00

Press Release

January 26, 2012

Reminder - Gulf of Mexico Recreational Grouper Season to Close February 1

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council reminds anglers that the recreational shallow-water grouper fishery will close from February 1 through March 31.

The annual closure, which includes gag, black, red, yellowfin, scamp, yellowmouth, rock hind and red hind, is designed to protect gag, which are often found and caught with the other grouper species. The two-month spawning season closure helps reduce overfishing of gag and rebuild its populations so that larger annual harvests may be possible in the future.

Gag grouper, which is also part of the shallow-water grouper complex, has been closed since November 16, 2011.The proposed 2012 recreational gag season is July 1 through October 31.

About Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council is one of eight regional Fishery Management Councils established by the Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976. The Council prepares fishery management plans, which are designed to manage fishery resources within the 200-mile limit of the Gulf of Mexico.

The Gulf Council has an APP for that - Download it for free!

iPhone

Droid

Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council

Charlene Ponce

Public Information Officer

888-833-1844 ext. 229

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

Governor Rick Scott Reappoints Two to Florida Inland Navigation District

2012-01-26T16:49:00.002-05:00

Governor Rick Scott Reappoints Two to

Florida Inland Navigation District

Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott announced the reappointment of Gail Kavanagh and Jerry H. Sansom to the Florida Inland Navigation District.

Kavanagh, 69, of Port St. Lucie, is the executive vice president of Treasure Coast Builders Association. She is reappointed for a term beginning January 26, 2012, and ending January 9, 2015.

Sansom, 64, of Rockledge, is the executive director of the Organized Fishermen of Florida. He is reappointed for a term beginning January 26, 2012, and ending January 9, 2015.

The appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

Gulf grouper recreational season closes Feb. 1

2012-01-26T16:40:00.000-05:00

Forimmediate release: January 26, 2012

Contact:Amanda Nalley, 850-410-4943

Gulf grouper recreational season closes Feb. 1

Several species of grouper, including black, red, yellowfin,scamp, yellowmouth, rock hind and red hind will close to recreational harvestfrom Feb. 1 through March 31 in Gulf of Mexico statewaters excluding Monroe County.

Gag grouper, which has been closed in Gulf state waters sinceNov. 16, 2011, is alsoincluded in the seasonal closure through March 31. The gag grouper populationis considered too low, and too many are being caught for the population to besustainable.

Federal fishery managers are working to rebuild the gaggrouper population. Changes in federal management efforts include setting thegag grouper recreational harvest season from July 1 to Oct. 31, although thenew management changes will not be implemented until the final rule is printedin the Federal Register. FWC Commissioners,at their February Commission meeting in Havana,will consider whether to adopt similar standards for Gulf of Mexicostate waters.

The upcoming two-month recreational harvest closure of alleight grouper species, often referred to as shallow-water grouper, is alsointended to help rebuild the gag grouper fishery. Gag grouper spawn during theFebruary and March closure, so limiting the harvest of other grouper helpsreduce the number of gag grouper that are caught unintentionally and die afterbeing released.

More information regarding grouperfishing regulations, including the current grouper closure inAtlantic and Monroe County waters, is available onlineat MyFWC.com/Fishing. Visit MyFWC.com/Commission to learn more about the February Commissionmeeting.

-30-

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

Hazardous Weather Outlook - Updated Information

2012-01-26T16:38:00.002-05:00

Please see the attached briefing from the National Weather Service-Tallahassee Weather Forecast Office with additional information regarding today's threat for severe weather.

Summary:
* There is a slight risk of severe storms from this afternoon into tonight.
* The highest probability of severe storms, will be over Southeast AL and the Florida Panhandle. However, severe weather will be possible across the entire forecast area.
* Most of the severe weather is expected to occur between 3 PM EST and 11 PM EST.
* Damaging wind gusts and isolated tornado will be the main severe weather threats.

EMBriefing26Jan12MW

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

Snook season reopening on Atlantic coast only

2012-01-26T16:31:00.002-05:00

For immediate release: January 26, 2012

Contact: Amanda Nalley, 850-487-0554

Snook season reopening on Atlantic coast only

The recreational harvest season for snook reopens on Feb. 1 in Florida’s Atlantic coastal and inland waters, including Lake Okeechobee and the Kissimmee River.

Anglers may keep one snook between 28 and 32 inches total length per day in the allowable harvest areas only. Fishermen targeting snook must have a snook permit as well as a saltwater license unless they are exempt from having a license. Using snatch hooks and spears is prohibited.

It is illegal to buy or sell snook.

The harvest of snook remains closed in all of Florida’s Gulf of Mexico state waters, including Everglades National Park and Monroe County, until Aug. 31. Anglers may still catch and release snook during the closure, but the FWC encourages everyone to handle and release these fish carefully to help ensure their survival upon release.

This Gulf closure went into effect Dec. 15, 2010, after the population was impacted by prolonged cold weather. The closure will give the Gulf snook population time to rebound. A stock assessment completed by the FWC’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute is due to the Commission in 2012.

Visit MyFWC.com/Fishing and click on “Saltwater” for more information on snook.

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

All things oyster January 25th, 2012

2012-01-25T23:10:00.001-05:00

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

Freaky Florida January 25th, 2012

2012-01-25T22:45:00.002-05:00

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

Visitor and Economic impact data for state parks in Northe\west Florida

2012-01-25T18:45:00.001-05:00

ecoimpact-nw

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

Law-breaking hunters continue to fall for the old "fake deer" trick

2012-01-25T18:23:00.000-05:00

Deerhunters should probably think twice about shooting deer illegal deer – becausethat deer might be working for the cops and it might not even be a real deer.

Last week wildlifeofficers Percy Cook and Carmon Brownell conducted decoy deer operations in theTate’s Hell Wildlife Management Area after receiving complaints of huntersillegally harvesting whitetail deer that did not meet the forked antlerrequirement for the management area.

During the detail, twohunters attempted to harvest an illegal deer.

Both hunters were chargedwith the misdemeanor violations.

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

Humane Society DAWGS program gets 2000 dollar grant

2012-01-25T18:16:00.002-05:00

The St. Joseph Bay Humane Society has received a 2000 dollar grant to help continue itsDAWGS in prison program.

The grant from the T. Douglas HaleFund of The Philadelphia Foundation will help support thedog-inmate program.
D.A.W.G.S. in Prison allows prisoners to workwith local pound puppies to make the dogs more sociable and hopefully moreadoptable.
DAWGS stands for Developing Adoptabledogs With Good Sociability – its designed to result in permanent homes for the dogs, while teaching inmates viable jobskills which will hopefully lead to productive jobs and a law-abiding life uponrelease.
The grant will provide training toolsand pay for medical expenses for the dogs.

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

2 killed in Gulf County accident

2012-01-25T18:15:00.002-05:00

Two people were killed in a single car accident in Gulf County onTuesday.

23 year old Canda Joy Borden of Port St. Joe and 23year old Adam Kennedy of Panama City both died when their Suzuki Forenza wentoff the road on State Road 30 A at Heron Bay Lane.

The highway patrol said the two were driving weston 30A just after midnight Tuesdaywhen they failed to negotiate a curve.

The car left the roadway and Miss Borden tried todrive back onto the roadway.

She overcorrected and the car went into a spin beforehitting a tree with the driver’s side and turning over.

Neither of the victims was wearing a seat belt.

The cause of the accident is under investigation.

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

1/26/12 SEAHAWK SCOOP

2012-01-25T18:09:00.003-05:00

bulletin.1.26.12

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

Comedy and Music This Weekend; Plan now for Valentine's Day

2012-01-25T16:41:00.002-05:00

Plan Your Valentine's Getaway Now!

Plan now to get away to Franklin County for a special Valentine's treat. Several lodging providers are offering sweet deals during February. On St. George Island, you can get a free night's stay and free admission to the Cape St. George Lighthouse and state park from Collins Vacation Rentals if you book four nights between Feb. 11-18 and use the code "LOVESGI". You can stay the entire month of February at Carrabelle Beach's Sand castle (sleeps up to 10!) for a reduced rate. Click here to see all accommodations that are offering sweet specials right now. Many restaurants are also offering Valentine's dinners, click here and get a jump-start on Cupid next month!

Upcoming Theatre, Concerts and Music Performances

Elvis & Friends do the Dixie January 27, 2012 to January 29, 2012 1:00 AM (ET) Tribute artist Todd Alan Herenden & his Follow That Dream Band have become one of the Dixie Theatre's most popular shows.

Dinner & Show - The Complete History of America abridged January 27, 2012 to January 28, 2012 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM (ET) St. James Bay Golf Resort -Crooked River Grill

The Complete History of America abridged. Adam Long, Reed Martin and Austn Tichenor. Director Mark A. Marple. Friday January 27th and Saturday January 28th, 6:30 pm Dinner and 8:00 Show

David Kalhous, Florida State University School of Music Piano Faculty January 29, 2012 1:00 AM (ET) Ilse Newell Concert Series 4 p.m. at the historic Trinity Episcopal Church in Apalachicola Admission $5.00, students free

Franklin County Tourist Development Council • Post Office Box 819 • Apalachicola, Florida 32329
Toll Free: 866-914-2068 • www.ANaturalEscape.com

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

Florida DEP permit activity

2012-01-25T16:13:00.000-05:00

Florida Department of

Environmental Protection

Bob Martinez Center
2600 Blair Stone Road
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2400

Rick Scott

Governor

Jennifer Carroll
Lt. Governor

Herschel T. Vinyard Jr.

Secretary

Permitting Application Subscription Service

Following are the permit applications which match your subscription requests:

Profile name: Oyster Radio

Permit: Stormwater - Large Construction (>= 5 AC)
Project name: OCHLOCKNEE BAY SHARED USE PATH
Location id: FLR10LG45
Location name: Ochlocknee Bay Shared Use Path
Address: Not available
County: Wakulla
Application number: FLR10LG45-001

For further information, please contact the Tallahassee Npdes Stormwater permitting office in Tallahassee at (850)245-7522

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

TPD News Release - Missing Endangered Adult

2012-01-25T16:11:00.002-05:00

Missing Endangered Adult

Jennifer Casey Norred
31 years old, 5'3", 115 pounds, black hair, brown eyes
The Tallahassee Police Department's Special Victims Unit is seeking information on the location of Ms. Norred.
Norred was last seen on 1/24/12 at approximately 6:00 pm on Yancey Road. Norred should be in a red 2001 Mazda 626, 4 door vehicle, with a Florida License Plate of #C904HH. There is a concern for her welfare due to issues relating to her mental health.
Anyone with information should contact the Tallahassee Police Department at 850-891-4200
Contact: David Northway, Public Information Office, (850) 891-4255

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

News from Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council

2012-01-25T16:10:00.002-05:00

Press Release

January 25, 2012

Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council to Hold

Shrimp Stock Assessment Workshop

The Gulf Council will convene a Shrimp Stock Assessment Workshop February 14 - 16, 2012, from 8:30 am - 5:00pm daily. The workshop will be held at the NOAA Fisheries Galveston Laboratory, 4700 Avenue U, Galveston, Texas 77551-5997.

The Shrimp Stock Assessment Review Workshop will evaluate the data used in the recent stock assessment and determine whether data uncertainties acknowledged/reported are within normal or expected levels. For example: recruitment deviations; whether data were applied properly within the assessment model; are input data series reliable and sufficient to support the assessment approach and findings; whether selectivity functions are acceptable and biologically realistic for both fisheries independent and dependent data.

The Workshop will also evaluate the assessment findings with respect to the following:

are abundance, exploitation, and biomass estimates reliable and consistent with input data and population biological characteristics, and useful to support status inferences;
are quantitative estimates of the status determination criteria for this stock reliable, and;
how uncertainties in the assessment, and their potential consequences, are addressed.

A Panel Review Report summarizing the evaluation of the stock assessment and addressing each Term of Reference will be developed along with a list of tasks to be completed following the workshop.

Copies of the agenda and other related materials can be obtained by calling 813-348-1630.

Although other non-emergency issues not on the agenda may come before the Shrimp Stock Assessment Workshop for discussion, in accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, those issues may not be the subject of formal action during this meeting. Actions will be restricted to those issues specifically identified in the agenda and any issues arising after publication of this notice that require emergency action under Section 305(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, provided the public has been notified of the Council's intent to take action to address the emergency.

This meeting is physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Kathy Pereira at least five working days prior to the meeting.

About Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council

Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council

Charlene Ponce

Public Information Officer

888-833-1844 ext. 229

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

Apalachicola National Forest Prescribed Burning Today

2012-01-25T16:09:00.002-05:00

USDA FOREST SERVICE NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: January 25, 2012

Contact: Susan Blake (850) 523-8500

Website:www.fs.fed.us/r8/florida

Apalachicola National Forest Prescribed Burning Today

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The U.S. Forest Service is prescribed burning in the Apalachicola National Forest today.

The 1,000 acre prescribed burn using aerial ignition will take place in the area of Forest Roads 306 and 344 in Leon County. The burn will improve wildlife habitat, eliminate vegetation build up and reduce the threat of wildfires.

People are reminded that the smoke they may see today and tomorrow in this vicinity is not coming from a wildfire. Motorists are cautioned to drive slowly with lights on while traveling in smoky areas. Drivers should be particularly cautious in areas where prescribed fires have taken place when it is foggy. Morning fog can mix with smoke and decrease visibility further.

This is one of many prescribed burns the Apalachicola National Forest is doing during the 2012 prescribed burning season.

Individuals who are sensitive to smoke may contact the Apalachicola Zone Fire Management Officer at (850) 926-3561, ext. 6523, to be placed on a notification list for future burns.

Today’s burn is in burn unit 243 (see the Apalachicola’s 2012 planned burn map): http://www.nationalforestsinflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/FY12_burn_plan_public.pdf

# # #

Susan Blake

Public Affairs Specialist

National Forests in Florida

325 John Knox Road, Suite F-100

Tallahassee, FL 32303

Office: 850.523.8590

Cell: 850.509.9952

sblake@fs.fed.us

http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

NOAA unveils improved way to estimate saltwater recreational fishing

2012-01-25T16:07:00.002-05:00

Contact: Monica Allen FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Christine Patrick Jan. 25, 2012

301-427-8003

Editor’s note: Eric Schwaab, acting assistant secretary of commerce for conservation and management, will host a media call today at 2 p.m. to discuss the improved method to estimate saltwater recreational fishing. Please contact Monica Allen or Christine Patrick for call-in information at 301-427-8003.

NOAA unveils improved way to estimate saltwater recreational fishing

Method improves accuracy of recreational fishing catch statistics

NOAA today announced it has begun to use an improved method to estimate the amount of fish caught by saltwater anglers, which will allow rules that fishermen follow to be based on more accurate information.

The method is part of an overall effort to improve the accuracy of recreational catch data collected by the Marine Recreational Information Program, and was developed by a team of NOAA scientists and outside experts.

“The new estimation method is a fundamental change that better reflects what is happening on the water and within the recreational fishing community,” said Eric Schwaab, NOAA’s acting assistant secretary of commerce for conservation and management. “Better, more accurate estimates can only be a plus for the saltwater recreational fishing industry, which provides jobs for many Americans and contributes to the economic vitality of our coastal communities.”

The agency today released recalculated estimates going back to 2004 using the new method. There were no overall trends in terms of size or direction of the new estimates; catch estimates for some species go up, some go down, and some remain about the same. To view comparisons of recreational catch estimates using the previous method and the revised method, go to: http://www.CountMyFish.noaa.gov.

“The recreational fishing community has a shared interest in scientifically sound, accurate data and a shared responsibility in making it available,” said Bruce Freeman, a New Jersey recreational fisherman, scientist and member of the Jersey Coast Anglers Association. “With this new estimation method, NOAA is taking an important first step toward the high-quality catch data that many of us have been calling for.”

Using these new estimates, NOAA will now work with the regional fishery management councils, the states, and other stakeholders to integrate these results into fisheries science and management.

Beginning this year, NOAA will use the new method to calculate estimates for the Atlantic coast and Gulf of Mexico for use in fishery management and stock assessment by NOAA, regional fishery management councils and states. Other areas of the country, such as the West Coast, Hawaii, and Alaska, use different survey and estimation methods for saltwater recreational catch. NOAA is working with these regional partners to conduct similar evaluations and, as necessary, implement improvements to their estimation methods.

The improved methodology addresses a key issue identified in the 2006 report by the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences. The study, commissioned by NOAA, identified a series of untested assumptions the agency was using to generate estimates based on information gathered from anglers. Some of those assumptions included the average amount of fish anglers were catching at different locations and the amount of fishing anglers were doing during different times of day.

By reviewing past data, the team of NOAA scientists and outside experts developed corrections as needed, resulting in more accurate estimates. Improving catch estimates was a major focus of the Magnuson-Stevens Reauthorization Act, passed by Congress and signed by the President in 2007.

Another important part of the Marine Recreational Information Program is the National Saltwater Angler Registry, which will help NOAA improve the accuracy of fishing effort estimates by increasing the proportion of fishing households that are surveyed. Additional improvements that will increase the accuracy of the estimates are being developed, including revised dockside survey methods, testing of approaches to improving data timeliness, and use of electronic logbooks in the for-hire vessel sector. To learn more about MRIP, go to: http://www.CountMyFish.noaa.gov.

NOAA’s mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth's environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and to conserve and manage our coastal and marine resources. Join us on Facebook, Twitter and our other social media channels.

- 30 -

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

FLORIDA STATE PARKS ANNOUNCES DECEMBER ATTENDANCE RECORD

2012-01-25T15:59:00.002-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 25, 2012

CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850.245.2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us

FLORIDA STATEPARKS ANNOUNCES DECEMBER ATTENDANCE RECORD

~State parks served a recordnumber of visitors in December 2011,

and mid-year attendance is 9 millionvisitors higher than last year~

Park visitors stop at the Ranger Station before enjoying a day at

Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park in Tallahassee.

TALLAHASSEE -The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Florida ParkService marked record-breaking attendance for December 2011, serving nearly 1.5million visitors in Florida’s 160 state parks. This is the most Decembervisitors ever recorded.

“Providing access to Florida’s award-winning state parks isa top priority for DEP, and we’re pleased to see citizens and visitors takingadvantage of the opportunity to enjoy one-of-a-kind natural resources,” saidDEP Secretary Herschel T. Vinyard Jr. “Our state parks not only provide anaffordable, fun and family-friendly places to spend a day, but also help localcitizens and visitors learn more about, and gain an appreciation for, ourenvironment.”

In December, Florida State Parks served 1,494,874 visitors,an increase of 439,937 visitors from December 2010. Six months into this fiscalyear, attendance is up by more than 9 million visitors than at this time lastyear.

“The Florida Park Service continually strives to providehigh quality nature-based recreation and maintain pristine natural and culturalresources,” said DEP’s Florida Park Service Director Donald V. Forgione. “I’mproud of all the staff and volunteers who work daily to ensure each visitor hasa positive, memorable experience and that Florida’s resources are preserved for futuregenerations to enjoy.”

During Fiscal Year 2010-2011, Florida State Parks welcomed20.4 million visitors and made an economic impact of more than $967 million inlocal communities. Daily entrance fees to most state parks range from $4 to $8for a vehicle with up to eight people. As Florida’seconomy continues to rebound, Florida’sstate parks and trails lead the way in affordable adventure.

View last year’sindividual state park attendance.

About Florida State Parks, Greenways and Trails

The nation’s best state parks and trails have joined forces. Now a part of the Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida Park Service, the award-winning Office of Greenways and Trails manages the 110-mile Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway, eight state trails and more. Florida’s award-winning state parks have inspired residents and visitors with recreation opportunities and scenic beauty that helps to strengthen families, educate children, expand local economies and foster community pride. With 160 parks, 700,000 acres, 100 miles of beaches and more than 600 miles of multi-use trails, visit soon and often to enjoy Florida’s natural treasures. For more information, visit www.FloridaStateParks.org or www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/.

http://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/FLDEP-27f442

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

All things oyster January 24th, 2012

2012-01-24T23:04:00.001-05:00

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

Franklin County on the web January 24th, 2012

2012-01-24T22:52:00.001-05:00

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

Dense Fog advisory for Northwest Florida

2012-01-24T22:38:00.002-05:00

.DENSE FOG EXPECTED TO DEVELOP TONIGHT FROM THE FL BIG BEND
REGION INTO FAR S. GA.

.AS CLOUD COVER CONTINUES TO ERODE ACROSS THE REGION.ESPECIALLY
TO THE EAST OF THE APALACHICOLA & FLINT RIVERS.CLEARING SKIES
WILL SET THE STAGE FOR SOME FOG FORMATION. THE FOG WILL BE MOST
LIKELY TO THE SO. OF A STALLED FRONT WHERE GREATER LOW LEVEL
MOISTURE EXISTS. THE DRIER AIR TO THE NO. OF THE FRONT WILL
SLOWLY SAG SO. OVERNIGHT.WHICH SHOULD BEGIN TO GRADUALLY LIMIT
FOG POTENTIAL THROUGH SW GA BY EARLY WEDNESDAY
MORNING. THEREFORE.THE DENSE FOG ADVISORY FOR GA COUNTIES
IS SCHEDULED TO EXPIRE EARLIER /AT 5 AM EST/ THAN THE ADVISORY FOR
FL BIG BEND COUNTIES. WITH TRANSIENT CLOUD COVER OVERNIGHT
VISIBILITIES MAY HAVE A TENDENCY TO FLUCTUATE. THEREFORE MOTORISTS
SHOULD EXPECT SUDDEN REDUCTIONS IN VISIBILITY AROUND FOG.

GAZ147-148-158>161-251000-
/O.NEW.KTAE.FG.Y.0006.

120125T0300Z-120125T1000Z/
COOK-BERRIEN-THOMAS-BROOKS-LOWNDES-LANIER-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF.ADEL.SPARKS.NASHVILLE.
THOMASVILLE.QUITMAN.VALDOSTA.LAKELAND
916 PM EST TUE JAN 24 2012

.DENSE FOG ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM EST WEDNESDAY.

THE NATL WEATHER SVC IN TALLAHASSEE HAS ISSUED A DENSE
FOG ADVISORY.WHICH IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM EST WEDNESDAY.

* VISIBILITY.AROUND ONE QUARTER MILE IN SPOTS.

* IMPACTS.LIMITED VISIBILITY MAY CAUSE HAZARDOUS DRIVING
CONDITIONS IN SPOTS. ADDITIONALLY.MOTORISTS SHOULD EXPECT
SUDDEN REDUCTIONS IN VISIBILITY AROUND FOG.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS.

A DENSE FOG ADVISORY MEANS VISIBILITIES WILL FREQUENTLY BE
REDUCED TO LESS THAN ONE QUARTER MILE. IF DRIVING.SLOW DOWN.
USE YOUR LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS.& LEAVE PLENTY OF DISTANCE AHEAD
OF YOU.

&&

$$

FLZ014-015-017>019-026>029-034-114-115-118-127-128-134-251300-
/O.NEW.KTAE.FG.Y.0006.120125T0300Z-120125T1300Z/
INLAND GULF-INLAND FRANKLIN-LEON-INLAND JEFFERSON-MADISON-LIBERTY-
INLAND WAKULLA-INLAND TAYLOR-LAFAYETTE-INLAND DIXIE-COASTAL GULF-
COASTAL FRANKLIN-COASTAL JEFFERSON-COASTAL WAKULLA-COASTAL TAYLOR-
COASTAL DIXIE-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF.WHITE CITY.WEWAHITCHKA.
TALLAHASSEE.SPRING HILL.MONTICELLO.MADISON.GREENVILLE.
SWEETWATER.CRAWFORDVILLE.PERRY.MIDWAY.MAYO.CROSS CITY.
PORT SAINT JOE.APALACHICOLA.CARRABELLE.SOPCHOPPY.
SAINT MARKS.KEATON BEACH.STEINHATCHEE.SUWANNEE
916 PM EST TUE JAN 24 2012 /816 PM CST TUE JAN 24 2012/

.DENSE FOG ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM EST /7 AM CST/
WEDNESDAY.

THE NATL WEATHER SVC IN TALLAHASSEE HAS ISSUED A DENSE
FOG ADVISORY.WHICH IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM EST /7 AM CST/
WEDNESDAY.

* VISIBILITY.AROUND ONE QUARTER MILE IN SPOTS.

* IMPACTS.LIMITED VISIBILITY MAY CAUSE HAZARDOUS DRIVING
CONDITIONS IN SPOTS. ADDITIONALLY.MOTORISTS SHOULD EXPECT
SUDDEN REDUCTIONS IN VISIBILITY AROUND FOG.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS.

A DENSE FOG ADVISORY MEANS VISIBILITIES WILL FREQUENTLY BE
REDUCED TO LESS THAN ONE QUARTER MILE. IF DRIVING.SLOW DOWN.
USE YOUR LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS.& LEAVE PLENTY OF DISTANCE AHEAD
OF YOU.

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

Apalachicola Bay Business Report February 2012

2012-01-24T17:32:00.000-05:00

February 2012

Vol 21, Number 2

Meeting Notices

Monthly Business Luncheon
February 1, 2012, noon
AJ’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill
120 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
Apalachicola

Business After Hours
February 9th, 2012
American Red Cross
Capital Area Chapter
5:30-7:00 pm
170 5th Street
Apalachicola

Monthly Business Luncheon
March 7, 2012 noon
Up The Creek Raw Bar
313 Water Street
Apalachicola

Visitor Statistics
Dec 2001       523
Dec 2002       432
Dec 2003       858
Dec 2004       946
Dec 2005    1,288
Dec 2006    1,189
Dec 2007    1,660
Dec 2008    1,135
Dec 2009    1,258
Dec 2010      1,310
Dec 2011    1,209

Website stats December 2011
Visits  12,405
Unique Visitors 9,830
Page Views 49,951
Average Page Views 4.03
Time on Site (mins) 3:41
Bounce Rate 35.36%

Chamber Board of Directors

PRESIDENT
Mark Friedman 670-1253

VICE-PRESIDENT
Ginny Griner 653-8853

TREASURER
Jerry Hall 653-9510

SECRETARY
Kristin Anderson 653-2249

BOARD MEMBERS
Brenda Ash 653-8805
Kristy Branch Banks 670-1255
Donna Duncan 653-8976
Bonnie Gomes 670-8450
Bud Hayes 927-3305
Beverly Hewitt 653-9510
Mike Koun 653-2191
Michael Shuler 653-1757
Candy Varnes 927-2322
Kevin Ward 899-0669

New Members

Christine’s Cuisine
Welcome Christine Smith with her catering business Christine’s Cuisine. Christine’s Cuisine provides catering for all types of special occasions, from small dinners to large functions. She specializes in Italian cooking. Her love of cooking, especially Italian cooking, was born out of the years she spent in northern Italy. From age eight until sixteen she lived in Italy. Her father, Richard Bloodworth, was in the service. Christine’s was born at Tyndall Air force base and her family has deep roots in Apalachicola. Her brother Ricky Bloodworth manages the Apalachicola River Inn, Caroline’s and the Boss. Christine is married to Tommy Smith and they live in Eastpoint. She can be reached by calling (850) 670-4922, cell (850) 653-6085 of by email bootsietoo@fairpoint.net.

Carol Miley
Welcome Carol Miley. She joined the chamber as an as an Associate Member.

Member News

Suncoast Realty Suncoast Vacation Rentals
Suncoast has moved it Apalachicola office next to the Dixie Theatre on Avenue E. Sam Gilbert says he plans to open the office in February. Stop by and see their new digs.

Roberson & Associates, P.A.
Roberson & Associates, P.A. is pleased to announce that Mark Edenfield has joined their CPA firm in the Apalachicola office. Mark, a native of Apalachicola, received his BS in accounting from Florida State University in 1985. Mark formerly worked with Apalachicola State Bank and Coastal Community Bank serving in several capacities including Chief Operations Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Mark will be a strong asset for the firm with his many years of accounting, business and banking experience. Thanks to the support of the community we are able to provide local job opportunities.

Weatherization Help
Many Franklin County families are struggling with the high utility bills. Capital Area Community Action Agency’s Weatherization Assistance Program may be able to help. This Program provides permanent solutions to keep homes cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Services are provided to low-income residents whose income does not exceed 200% of the poverty level -- $21,780 for a household of one; add $7640 for each additional household member. Homeowners and renters may apply, but renters must have permission of the property owner. Single-family homes, mobile homes, and duplexes qualify. For more information, call Capital Area Community Action Agency’s office in Apalachicola – Monday – Thursday, 8:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m. (850) 653-8057.

Forgotten Coast Builders Association
The Forgotten Coast Builders Association is recruiting new members for 2012! Please contact Steve Newman steve.bigfish@gmail.com

Press
-Steve Stephens was here last November. His article Shucking glitz: In a quiet corner of Florida, Apalachicola trades on oysters and its quaint historic district appeared in the Columbus Dispatch Sunday, January 15th in their travel section. http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/travel/2012/01/15/1shucking-glitz.html Steve and his son were here in during Seafood Festival weekend and had a wonderful trip.

-Marty Richardson was sent information on Apalachicola and area events coming up this spring. She is writing a piece for Southern Boating.
-Information on the Antique & Classic Boat Show was sent to the Rudder magazine, Sheerline magazine, and Classic Boating.

-Herb Hiller was in town January 22-January 25th. Herb is a wonderful freelance writer out of Deland. The chamber arranged from him to come to Apalachicola as part of the BP money we received through the TDC to advertise Apalachicola. He also toured St Vincent, St George Island, ANERR and Alligator Point.

Events

Dixie Theatre
The Dixie Theatre has great musical performances almost every weekend in February, and a play, My Nobel Destiny, February 22-26th.
HCOLA
Celebrate African-American History the entire month of February with H'COLA and the City of Apalachicola beginning with the Boys Choir of Tallahassee in concert on Saturday, February 4th at 5:00 pm at the New Life Church, 219 16th Street Apalachicola. Free Admission. For a full list of activities be sure to visit their website www.hcola.org

Panhandle Players
The Panhandle Players promises you an evening of fun and merriment in their second production of the season, "Murder at the Howard Johnson’s."This ultimate lover’s triangle written by Ron Clark and Sam Bobrick and directed by Ed Tiley will be performed at the Eastpoint Firehouse on February 3 & 4 at 7:30PM and February 5 at 3:00PM. Tickets are available at the Butler Agency in Eastpoint, Downtown Books in Apalachicola, and Carrabelle Junction in Carrabelle. Or call 850- 670-5064 for reservations. Don’t miss this killer comedy! The following weekend for your Valentine pleasure "Murder at the Howard Johnson's" becomes dinner theatre on Friday, February 10 & Saturday, February 11 at The Crooked River Grille at St. James Bay Country Club. Call the Crooked River Grille directly for reservations at (850) 697-5050. Season ticket holders may attend the dinner theatre performance by paying the dinner up charge. Dinner begins at 6:30PM and ShowTime is 7:30PM, so don’t be late! http://www.panhandleplayers

Pig Fest
Capital Area Community Action Agency announces their annual BBQ competition, arts and crafts fair, and music festival on Saturday, February 18, 10 - 5:30 pm
Enjoy a wonderful day of fabulous BBQ and foot-stomping music. It is a Florida BBQ Association sanctioned competition with $8,000 in cash prizes. BBQ Cook-off winners are qualified to enter the Jack Daniel World Championship in Lynchburg, Kentucky. Both Days feature an arts and crafts marketplace, kids’ zone, great food, and a wonderful group of vendors that include a country market and food concessions, register for the BBQ competition by January 31st at http://cacaainc.org/Events/Pigfest2012.aspx
Mardi Gras
Habitat for Humanity Mardi Gras celebration will be on February 3-4. Friday, the Mystic Krewe of Salty Barkers, invite you to join them in a parade of dogs and their people. The Krewe's theme is Noah's Bark so have fun dressing yourself and your dog as yourfavorite animal or wear traditional Mardi Gras attire. The parade begins at 5:00 pm at the Bowery and continues to Riverfront Park where the party will continue with live music, dancing, Cajun food, and other festivities for the whole family. For information or to pre-register, call 670-5064 or 653-2025. Laissez les BONE temps roulez!
Spring Break 2012
Click here to see the 2012 Spring break dates for the regional k-12 schools and a link to the Panama City Chamber college spring break date schedule.

Directors Column

We have been very busy at the chamber office. Information packets are going out by the dozens daily and office traffic has increased markedly since the new year. It appears that it will be a very good quarter. We also have a lot of incredible press coming out in the next few months that should garner the area a lot of attention. Make sure your information on our website is up to date. To access it go to the homepage at http://www.apalachicolabay.org, scroll to the bottom and click on Chamber Member Login then My Information. Enter your login information and make your changes. Don't forgot to save your changes at the bottom of the page. If you need your login information email us at info@apalachicolabay.org
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? Ideas are always welcome. Feel free to call or email us with your ideas at info@apalachicolabay.org.

Volunteers Needed
The Apalachicola Bay Chamber Visitor Center seeks volunteers to help at the visitors center and with special projects. Duties include giving our visitor information, answering questions about places to stay, restaurants and things to do. If you would like to help, we’d love to have you. It can be a fun and rewarding. Contact us for details (850) 653-9419 or email us at info@apalachico

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

1/25/12 SEAHAWK SCOOP

2012-01-24T17:03:00.002-05:00

bulletin.1.25.12

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

This is Prescribed Fire Awareness week

2012-01-24T15:38:00.002-05:00

This week is Prescribed FireAwareness Week in Florida.

Prescribed Fire Awareness Week is a time the stateuses to draw attention to the state’s practice of prescribed burning on publicforestland.

Prescribed burns are set as a way to clearundergrowth in Florida’swoodlands – lowering the amount of fuel there is to feed wildfires.

Besidescutting down on hazardous ground fuels, prescribed burning also promoteshealthy forests and improves wildlife habitats.

Onaverage, the state issues more than 120,000 prescribed burn authorizations toburn over two million acres each year.

In 1990, the FloridaLegislature passed the Prescribed Burning Act to recognize the importance ofprescribed fire as “…the most important tool for the management of Florida’s publicand private natural lands.

The state even has a website focusing on prescribedfire information at www.goodfires.org.

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

Area attorneys recognized for pro bono work

2012-01-24T15:37:00.002-05:00

21 attorneys from around the statewill be recognized by the Florida Bar this week for their work on behalf ofpoor and indigent clients.

2 attorneys who work in our area are among thehonorees.

WendyLoquasto who is a managing partner at Fox & Loquasto will be recognized forher work with poor clients in the Second Judicial Circuit which includesFranklin, Liberty andWakulla counties.
BetweenApril and October in 2011, she spent more than 95 hours on pro bono cases.
Innearly eight years in private practice, Loquasto donated nearly 800 hours topro bono service while also recruiting many attorneys to do pro bono work.
MichaelPatrick Dickey will be recognized for his work in the 14th Judicial Circuitwhich includes Bay and Gulf counties.
MisterDickey should be well known in Gulf County forcreating a free legal clinic in the late 90’s to assist workers and theirfamilies displaced by the closure of the paper mill.
TheFlorida BarPresident’s Pro Bono Service Awards were established in 1981.
Theawards recognize pro bono service in each of Florida’s 20judicial circuits and one Florida Bar member practicing outside the state of Florida.
Theyare intended to encourage lawyers to volunteer free legal services to the poorby recognizing those who make public service commitments and to raise publicawareness of the substantial volunteer services provided by Florida lawyersto those who cannot afford legal fees.
Theceremony is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Thursday at the Supreme Court of Florida.

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

Franklin County School Districts comes in 60th in new school district ranking

2012-01-24T15:36:00.001-05:00

The state of Florida has just issued a new ranking of Florida’s school districts.

TheFlorida Department of Education today released a numerical ranking of thestate’s 67 school districts based on each school’s total points derived fromFCAT scores.

The totalis the sum of scores for reading, math, science and writing; learning gains inreading and math; and scores for learning gains in reading and math among thelowest 25 percent of students in each school.

Theschool district ranking is determined by the school grade points they earnedbased on the assessment scores of all students in the district that wereenrolled for the full year.

Under thenew ranking, Franklin County ranked60^th out of Florida’s 67school districts with an overall C grade.

The Gulf County schooldistrict ranked 23^rd, the Wakulla County schooldistrict 11^th.

Thedistrict-by-district ranking is the first phase of an initiative that will sooninclude a list of all of the schools in the state ranked by number.

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

Franklin County Boys Varsity Basketball versus Port Saint Joe

2012-01-24T15:31:00.003-05:00

The Franklin County Seahawks host the rival Port Saint Joe Tiger Sharks in boys Varsity Basketball this Saturday the 28th. Tickets are $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for student tickets.

Thank you,

Coach Wright

Athletic Director - FC

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

MEMORANDUM: Flags at Half-Staff for Specialist Christophe J. Marquis

2012-01-24T15:30:00.000-05:00

MEMORANDUM

TO: Pam Donaldson

Division of Facilities and Operations Maintenance

Ray Herbert

Facilities Administrator, City of Tampa

Lori Hudson

Communications Director, Hillsborough County

FROM: Governor Rick Scott

By and through Charles Trippe, General Counsel

DATE: January 24, 2012

RE: Flags at Half-Staff

________________________________________________________________________

Specialist Christophe J. Marquis died on September 4, 2011, in Landstuhl, Germany, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Specialist Christophe J. Marquis was assigned to 1^st Battalion, 5^th Infantry Regiment, 1^st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25^th Infantry Division, Fort Wainwright, Alaska.

By virtue of the power and authority vested in me by 4 U.S.C. § 7(m), as amended on June 29, 2007, and the laws and Constitution of the State of Florida, I do hereby proclaim and direct as follows:

1. All State and National flags shall be flown at half-staff at the County Courthouse of Hillsborough County, Florida, and the City Hall of Tampa, Florida, on January 25, 2012, in honor of Specialist Christophe J. Marquis.

The State and National flags at the Capitol in Tallahassee, Florida shall also be flown at half-staff on January 25, 2012, in honor of Specialist Christophe J. Marquis.

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

FWC Division of Law Enforcement Operations Weekly Activities Jan 13-19 2012

2012-01-24T15:29:00.000-05:00

FWC

DIVISION OF LAW ENFORCEMENT

WEEKLY REPORT

January 13 – 19, 2012

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.

NORTHWEST REGION

FRANKLIN COUNTY

In the early morning hours, Officers Percy Cook and Carmon Brownell conducted a search of Tate’s Hell Wildlife Management Area to locate five individuals that became stranded when their vehicle became stuck ina ditch. The officers located the vehicle on River Road, north of Double Bridge Road. The occupants were uninjured, but were wet and cold due to walking in the rain while attempting to gain cell phone service to summon aid.

Officers Percy Cook and Carmon Brownell conducted decoy deer operations in the Tate’s Hell Wildlife Management Area to address complaints of hunters illegally harvesting whitetail deer that did not meet the forkedantler requirement for the management area. During the detail, two hunters attempted to harvest an illegal deer. Both hunters were charged with the misdemeanor violation.

OKALOOSA COUNTY

Officer Pete Rockwell and Lt. Keith Clark responded to a complaint involving two hunters trespassing on private land. A description of the hunters was provided. Upon arrival, Officer Rockwell observed a vehicleexiting the area and containing two occupants wearing hunter orange. The occupants matched the description of the trespassers. Through conversation with the individuals, Officer Rockwell determined they were hunting in the area of the complaint. Officer Rockwellobserved the driver in possession of a pistol in a holster on his right hip, concealed under his camouflage coat. Officer Rockwell and FWC Dispatch determined the driver was a convicted felon out of Georgia. Officer Rockwell seized two rifles, pistol, and ammunitionfrom the driver. Officer Rockwell will confirm with Georgia’s Clemency Board if the driver’s rights have been restored. The investigation is ongoing and charges are pending.

Washington County

Officer Lane Kinney worked with Investigations after receiving information regarding the illegal taking of a doe deer. A Cottondale couple was issued citations for taking an antlerless deer during closed season,and written warnings were issued for no hunting licenses and taking deer by using a rim fire rifle.

Officer Lane Kinney worked a trespass complaint that occurred near Chipley. An individual was issued citations for trespass (after warning), taking over the daily bag limit of antlerless deer, no hunting license,and no deer permit.

Officer Kathy Jackson was on patrol in the Orange Hill area when she observed individuals hunting ducks after legal shooting hours. Two subjects received citations for taking or attempting to take ducks after legalshooting hours. One received a written warning and a juvenile was verbally warned.

Holmes County

Officers Kathy Jackson and Warren Walsingham responded to a night hunting complaint on Yancy Road where a doe deer was shot. The investigation revealed four individuals had been driving around and dropping othersoff to hunt at night. The four were charged after returning to the area to pick up the deer and hunters. Twelve charges were levied to include taking deer at night, shooting from the roadway, trespassing, and possession of cannabis. Interviews led to confessionsof at least three other deer being illegally taken in the area over the last month. Further charges are pending.

Jackson County

K-9 Officer Mike Guy and Lt. Mark Clements were on patrol when they received a road hunting complaint near Graceville. The complainants advised they heard a shot from the roadway and saw a vehicle they recognizedleaving the area immediately following the shot. They also reported seeing the vehicle return a short time later. Officer Guy and Lieutenant Clements located fresh blood on the right-of-way and some drag sign coming from a fresh clear-cut area. They found evidencewhere the deer had been shot approximately 40 yards inside the property. After collecting evidence, the officers went to the residence of the person identified as the owner of the vehicle seen in the area. Two subjects subsequently admitted to killing a doedeer from the roadway on the complainant’s property. Freshly cleaned deer meat was located in several coolers in the back of the truck. It was determined that the two subjects had actually killed two deer with one shotgun blast. An illegal doe and a small yearlingwere identified. Appropriate citations were filed with the State Attorney’s Office.

K-9 Officer Mike Guy was called to assist the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office after an armed robbery and attempted murder was committed at a liquor store in Marianna. The suspect was tracked and arrested approximatelya mile from his mother’s house by Department of Corrections K-9 teams. At that time, K-9 Officer Guy deployed K-9 Jake to retrace the track in search of the firearm which the subject discarded somewhere between the liquor store and his mother’s house. Afterseveral minutes, K-9 Jake and Officer Guy located the firearm under a shed in the back yard of the residence.

Calhoun County

Officer Scott Cassels received a trespassing complaint from a hunt club representative who advised that an individual had been seen hunting on the private property. The officer made contact with the suspect, whowas staying on a nearby houseboat along the Apalachicola River. A consented search revealed a scoped rifle inside the houseboat. Interviews confirmed the individual had been hunting in the area. The lease representative positively identified the individualas the person hunting on the property. It was also determined that the individual was a convicted felon and did not have a hunting license. Charges are being filed for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and armed trespassing.

BAY COUNTY

Officers Jim Moore, Nick Price, and David Brady checked an oyster harvester who received a citation for undersized oysters (45%) the previous week. The harvester was once again cited for undersized oysters. Thebag of oysters measured 37% undersized, which is 32% over the allowable limit of 5%.

Officer Joe Chambers responded to a trespass complaint regarding a subject armed with a rifle who entered property at a “No Trespassing” sign. K-9 Officer Mike Guy was contacted and assisted by K-9 Jake. Whileconducting the track, a truck occupied by four subjects was found on the property. Warnings were issued for trespass, but all received citations for possession of cannabis and drug paraphernalia.

Officer Joe Chambers was on patrol in the Pine Log State Forest Wildlife Management Area. Upon pulling into a primitive campsite, he observed numerous campers scrambling around and hiding items. Officer Chambersexited his truck, detected a strong aroma of burnt cannabis, and noted evidence of alcohol around the campsite. Officer Chambers spoke with the campers; two retrieved a partially smoked cannabis cigarette, a container of cannabis, and a glass pipe with cannabisresidue. The two subjects were cited for possession of less than 20 grams of cannabis and possession of drug paraphernalia. They were also issued written warnings for the alcohol violation.

-30-

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

Gulf County Humane Society gets grant for DAWGS in Prison program

2012-01-24T15:12:00.000-05:00

January 23, 2012

Melody Townsend,Shelter Director
850-227-1103/850-247-9476
Townsend.hsdirector@gmail.com
www.SJBHumaneSociety.org

St. Joseph Bay Humane Society is proud toannounce that our D.A.W.G.S. in Prison program has received a grant from theT.Douglas Hale Fund of The Philadelphia Foundation. St. Joseph Bay HumaneSociety received $2,000 to support our dog-inmate program, D.A.W.G.S. in Prison(Developing Adoptable dogs With Good Sociability).
The D.A.W.G.S. mission is to providetraining and education for both inmate and dog, resulting in permanent homesfor the dogs, viable job skills for the inmate, and productive jobs and alaw-abiding life upon release.
The grant provided will be used to give thetroubled dogs of St. Joseph Bay Humane Society a second chance at life. Fundingwill be used to provide training tools, medical expenses for dogs, and the manymore facets required for the success of our program.

The Philadelphia Foundation was established on December 20, 1918for the administration of charitable trust, and is in the businessof “building community” through:

· Building philanthropic resources

· Managing those resources well

· Distributingthose resources effectively

For more information on D.A.W.G.S., visit the website at: www.dawgsinprison.com

For more information on The Philadelphia Foundation, visit: www.philafound.org

St. Joseph Bay Humane Society wishes to Thank all involved whocontinue to make D.A.W.G.S. in Prison a tremendous success!

DebbieFountain

AdoptionCoordinator

St. Joseph Bay Humane Society

www.sjbhumanesociety.org

850-227-1103

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

2 killed in Gulf county accident

2012-01-24T15:01:00.002-05:00

Press Rease 1-24-2012 PDF

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

Apalachicola National Forest Prescribed Burning Today

2012-01-24T14:43:00.002-05:00

USDA FOREST SERVICE NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: January 24, 2012

Contact: Susan Blake (850) 523-8500

Website:www.fs.fed.us/r8/florida

Apalachicola National Forest Prescribed Burning Today

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The U.S. Forest Service is prescribed burning in the Apalachicola National Forest today.

The 1,001 acre prescribed burn will take place south of Orange at the intersection of Forest Roads 109 and 174 in Liberty County. The burn will improve wildlife habitat, eliminate vegetation build up and reduce the threat of wildfires.

This is one of many prescribed burns the Apalachicola National Forest is doing during the 2012 prescribed burning season.

Individuals who are sensitive to smoke may contact the Apalachicola Zone Fire Management Officer at (850) 926-3561, ext. 6523, to be placed on a notification list for future burns.

Today’s burn is in burn unit 28 (see the Apalachicola’s 2012 planned burn map):

http://www.nationalforestsinflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/FY12_burn_plan_public.pdf

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

Meeting Reminder 911 Communications Group

2012-01-24T14:42:00.001-05:00

This is just a reminder about the Franklin County 911 Communications Group meeting at the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, tomorrow ,Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012 at 10am.

Once again , the proposed agenda is attached.

Thank you.

Mike Rundel

Franklin County Emergency Management Coordinator

850-653-8977 (w)

850-653-3643 (fax)

850-370-6576 (cell)

em2frank@gtcom.net

Franklin County 911Communications Group Agenda

Date: 1/25/12
Time 10:00am
AGENDA:
INTRODUCTIONS
UPDATE ORDER: (If in attendance, it is requested thefollowing order be followed)

1. PROGRESS ENERGY UPDATE
2. EMS / WEEMS MEMORIAL HOSPITAL UPDATE
3. FRANKLIN COUNTY SHERIFF DEPARTMENT UPDATE
4. FLORIDA FOREST SERVICE UPDATE
5. DMS DIVISION OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS UPDATE
6. FAIRPOINT UPDATE
7. FRANKLIN COUNTY UNITED FIREFIGHTERS UPDATE
8. FRANKLIN COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT UPDATE
9. OPEN
NOTES:

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

Florida DEP permit activity

2012-01-24T14:19:00.002-05:00

Florida Department of

Environmental Protection

Bob Martinez Center
2600 Blair Stone Road
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2400

Rick Scott

Governor

Jennifer Carroll
Lt. Governor

Herschel T. Vinyard Jr.

Secretary

Permitting Application Subscription Service

Following are the permit applications which match your subscription requests:

Profile name: Oyster Radio

Permit: Stormwater - Large Construction (>= 5 AC)
Project name: PEF ST. GEORGE ISL 69KV TAP RE
Location id: FLR10LG41
Location name: PEF St. George Island 69kV Tap Rebuild
Address: Not available
County: Franklin
Application number: FLR10LG41-001

For further information, please contact the Tallahassee Npdes Stormwater permitting office in Tallahassee at (850)245-7522

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

apalachicola bridge

2012-01-24T00:45:00.003-05:00

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

Crawfordville juvenile is injured after being struck by vehicle

2012-01-23T21:37:00.003-05:00

A 10-year-old Crawfordville female was injured when she was struck by a vehicle driven by Theodore B. Barnes, 62, of Crawfordville Saturday, Jan. 21 at 4:45 p.m. The accident occurred on Shadeville Highway near Tickie Ridge in Crawfordville.
Witnesses said the juvenile darted in front of the vehicle and the motorist was unable to stop before making contact with the child. The child was transported to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital with internal injuries and remains in the ICU. The case investigation continues.
The investigation was conducted by Deputy Mike Crum, Sgt. Mike Helms and Deputy Ben Steinle.

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

Names of Baby Fame for 2011

2012-01-23T21:26:00.000-05:00

From the Florida Department of Health:

Over the years, baby names have become icons of origin, meaning and individuality. The name you give your child is essentially the first step to the formation of his or her identity. Many parents recognize the importance of this initial step and begin discussing the topic of baby names well before pregnancy. But deciding on the perfect name to represent a bundle of joy can be a challenging process. Often times parents will look back at the most ‘popular’ baby names from the years prior in the hopes that they will be filled with inspiration and new ideas.
As a snapshot of the year 2011, the Florida Department of Health (DOH) brings to you the Top 10 Female and Male Baby Names:
Top Females Names of 2011
1. Isabella
2. Sophia
3. Emma
4. Olivia
5. Emily
6. Mia
7. Ava
8. Madison
9. Abigail
10. Chloe
Top Male Names of 2011
1. Jayden
2. Jacob
3. Daniel
4. Michael
5. Noah
6. Anthony
7. Joshua
8. Elijah
9. Alexander
10. Mason

*Names provided by DOH’s Office of Vital Statistics.

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

1/24/12 SEAHAWK SCOOP

2012-01-23T17:32:00.000-05:00

bulletin.1.24.12

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

Franklin County girls soccer team wins district - regional play begins Tuesday

2012-01-23T16:45:00.000-05:00

Franklin County’s varsity girls’ soccer team is now theDistrict champion.

The Seahawks beat Rocky Bayou Friday night to clinch theClass 1A District 1 title.

The regular game was scoreless as were the two overtimeperiods.

The game finally came down to penalty kicks, which FranklinCounty won 3 to1.

Franklin County will now face Hamilton County in theregional quarterfinals.

That game will be played in Franklin County on Tuesdayevening at the Franklin County School.

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments