If you think you are smart enough to keep black bears out of your trash – the state would like to see how you do it.
One of the biggest complaints people have about black bears is how easily they get in to residential garbage cans and since bear proof containers are not available statewide, the FWC wants to provide residents with cost-effective methods that can keep bears out of existing garbage cans.
The FWC is holding a contest to find the most effective and cost efficient design during this year’s Florida Black Bear Festival in Umatilla on March 27th. The challenge of this contest is to secure a standard 95-gallon-capacity rolling garbage bin. Designs can include attaching materials to the garbage container or creating an enclosure for the can.
The limitations are that the Designs must completely prevent bears from accessing garbage and the garbage man must be able to open the can within five seconds. The total cost also can’t be more than $150.
And do be warned, your design will be tested using captive black bears.
The top three designers will win $100 gift cards from Lowe's and the winners will be recognized on the FWC Web site.
For full contest rules and festival information, CLICK HERE.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Friday, March 12, 2010
Accuweather expects busy hurricane season
The 2010 Atlantic hurricane season is expected to be more active than last year’s and poses an “above- normal” threat to the U.S. Gulf and East coasts, according to AccuWeather Inc.
AccuWeather forecasters expect 16 to 18 named storms forming in the Atlantic Ocean this season, with five becoming hurricanes and two or three of them going ashore in the U.S. as major systems. In all, 15 storms probably will be in the western Atlantic or the Gulf of Mexico, and seven may make landfall in the U.S.
Only nine named storms formed during the 2009 season, the fewest in 12 years. Last year was the first time since 2006 that no hurricane hit the U.S. mainland. The historical average is for 11 named storms, with six of them becoming hurricanes, two of them major.
Accuweather said it expects increased activity from last year because of a weakening El Nino, and because waters are warmer than normal from Africa to the Caribbean while being cooler to the north, a common pattern in major storm seasons.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
AccuWeather forecasters expect 16 to 18 named storms forming in the Atlantic Ocean this season, with five becoming hurricanes and two or three of them going ashore in the U.S. as major systems. In all, 15 storms probably will be in the western Atlantic or the Gulf of Mexico, and seven may make landfall in the U.S.
Only nine named storms formed during the 2009 season, the fewest in 12 years. Last year was the first time since 2006 that no hurricane hit the U.S. mainland. The historical average is for 11 named storms, with six of them becoming hurricanes, two of them major.
Accuweather said it expects increased activity from last year because of a weakening El Nino, and because waters are warmer than normal from Africa to the Caribbean while being cooler to the north, a common pattern in major storm seasons.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Severe weather crosses Franklin County; spins police car
Franklin County saw some severe weather Thursday including winds strong enough to spin a police car.
The county was hit by strong storms early Thursday morning that dropped upwards of 2 inches of rain on the area in just a few hours. That led to reports of minor flooding, including a portion of Highway 98 at Turkey Point.
The emergency management office said that strong winds also crossed the eastern portion of Franklin County and may have blown up a waterspout strong enough to spin a police vehicle on Airport Road 180 degrees.
The winds also split a tree near Carrabelle.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
The county was hit by strong storms early Thursday morning that dropped upwards of 2 inches of rain on the area in just a few hours. That led to reports of minor flooding, including a portion of Highway 98 at Turkey Point.
The emergency management office said that strong winds also crossed the eastern portion of Franklin County and may have blown up a waterspout strong enough to spin a police vehicle on Airport Road 180 degrees.
The winds also split a tree near Carrabelle.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Carrabelle man damages boat but protects dog
A carrabelle man escaped injury but did damage his boat when he veered to miss a dog on Highway 98 near Hammock Cove Road on Wednesday.
The Highway patrol said Michael Ray Messer was headed east on Highway 98 towing a boat and trailer behind his truck when he had to swerve to miss a dog in the road. The trailer broke free from the truck and rolled across the highway before hitting a tree.
Mister Messer was not hurt in the accident, but was cited for not having a tag on his truck.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
The Highway patrol said Michael Ray Messer was headed east on Highway 98 towing a boat and trailer behind his truck when he had to swerve to miss a dog in the road. The trailer broke free from the truck and rolled across the highway before hitting a tree.
Mister Messer was not hurt in the accident, but was cited for not having a tag on his truck.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Franklin County on the web March 12th, 2010
*Waterspout spins ashore, picks up patrol car
*Suwannee Co. Delivers Food to Franklin Co.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
*Suwannee Co. Delivers Food to Franklin Co.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Thursday, March 11, 2010
This is termite swarming season in Florida
The state department of Agriculture is warning homeowners that this is the time of year when termites begin search for new nesting sites.
Termites cost Floridians 700 million dollars each year for damage they do to homes and the costs of controlling them. Termites are a fact of life in Florida and people need to actively protect their homes by using a licensed professional pest control company to provide termite protection services.
Other steps you can take to protect your home are to Remove wood piles from under and next to your house, Direct air conditioner drip lines and roof downspouts away from your home, and make sure to have a licensed professional pest control company conduct an inspection soon, and then have it done annually.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Termites cost Floridians 700 million dollars each year for damage they do to homes and the costs of controlling them. Termites are a fact of life in Florida and people need to actively protect their homes by using a licensed professional pest control company to provide termite protection services.
Other steps you can take to protect your home are to Remove wood piles from under and next to your house, Direct air conditioner drip lines and roof downspouts away from your home, and make sure to have a licensed professional pest control company conduct an inspection soon, and then have it done annually.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Franklin County Emergency Management unveils new web site
The Franklin County Emergency Management Office has a new website where people can find information about local emergency management activities.
The site, called Franklinemergencymanagement.com is still a work in progress but will soon include discussion pages on preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation plans and activities. There are links to allow homes, businesses and individuals to create disaster preparedness plans.
The site also provides emergency shelter information, as well as information on current weather and disaster recovery conditions to help visitors make their vacation plans and to help residents keep track of what's going on in the county. The site also provides information for people with special medical needs and for transportation disadvantaged and will provide information about federally mandated programs.
You can see the site for yourself from any computer with an internet connection.
Again, the website is Franklinemergencymanagement.com.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
The site, called Franklinemergencymanagement.com is still a work in progress but will soon include discussion pages on preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation plans and activities. There are links to allow homes, businesses and individuals to create disaster preparedness plans.
The site also provides emergency shelter information, as well as information on current weather and disaster recovery conditions to help visitors make their vacation plans and to help residents keep track of what's going on in the county. The site also provides information for people with special medical needs and for transportation disadvantaged and will provide information about federally mandated programs.
You can see the site for yourself from any computer with an internet connection.
Again, the website is Franklinemergencymanagement.com.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Congressman Boyd seeks constitutional amendment to require balanced federal budget
Congressman Allen Boyd has introduced legislation that he hopes will force the federal government to balance the budget.
Congressman Boyd’s legislation would amend the United States Constitution to require the President to submit and Congress to approve balanced budgets for the country. Congressman Boyd said he has supported enacting a balanced budget amendment throughout his years of public service.
The proposal is part of a 15 point plan that Blue Dog Democrats are pushing called the Blueprint for Responsible Fiscal Reform designed to reduce the US deficits, pay down the national debt, and balance the nation’s checkbook.
Last month, two key components of this plan came to fruition. In February, Congress passed and President Obama signed pay-as-you-go (PAYGO) legislation back into law. The President also established a bipartisan fiscal commission to recommend ways to balance the budget and reduce the deficit that has been growing since 2002.
Congressman Boyd said “It is imperative that we get our fiscal house in order so that we can effectively confront the other critical challenges facing our country. Taken together, these accomplishments will help build a stronger economic future for our country and secure a more prosperous future for our children and grandchildren.”
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Congressman Boyd’s legislation would amend the United States Constitution to require the President to submit and Congress to approve balanced budgets for the country. Congressman Boyd said he has supported enacting a balanced budget amendment throughout his years of public service.
The proposal is part of a 15 point plan that Blue Dog Democrats are pushing called the Blueprint for Responsible Fiscal Reform designed to reduce the US deficits, pay down the national debt, and balance the nation’s checkbook.
Last month, two key components of this plan came to fruition. In February, Congress passed and President Obama signed pay-as-you-go (PAYGO) legislation back into law. The President also established a bipartisan fiscal commission to recommend ways to balance the budget and reduce the deficit that has been growing since 2002.
Congressman Boyd said “It is imperative that we get our fiscal house in order so that we can effectively confront the other critical challenges facing our country. Taken together, these accomplishments will help build a stronger economic future for our country and secure a more prosperous future for our children and grandchildren.”
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Local unemployment tops 11 percent in January
More than one in ten working age people in Franklin County were looking for work in January according to numbers released Wednesday by the Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation.
Franklin County’s unemployment rate jumped from 9.2 in December percent to 11.1 percent in January. 534 Franklin County residents were looking for work – that’s nearly 92 more people than were looking for jobs in December.
The average unemployment rate in Florida was 12.2 percent in January. 57 of Florida’s 67 counties had unemployment rates above 10 percent with the highest unemployment in the state in Flagler County at 17.1 percent.
Gulf County saw its unemployment pass 12 percent in January rising from 11.2 percent to 12.2 percent. 773 people were jobless there in January up from 725 in December.
Wakulla County’s unemployment rose from 8.4 percent to 9.2 percent – there are nearly 1500 people looking for work there. Liberty County continues to have the lowest unemployment rate in Florida at 7.5 percent.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Franklin County’s unemployment rate jumped from 9.2 in December percent to 11.1 percent in January. 534 Franklin County residents were looking for work – that’s nearly 92 more people than were looking for jobs in December.
The average unemployment rate in Florida was 12.2 percent in January. 57 of Florida’s 67 counties had unemployment rates above 10 percent with the highest unemployment in the state in Flagler County at 17.1 percent.
Gulf County saw its unemployment pass 12 percent in January rising from 11.2 percent to 12.2 percent. 773 people were jobless there in January up from 725 in December.
Wakulla County’s unemployment rose from 8.4 percent to 9.2 percent – there are nearly 1500 people looking for work there. Liberty County continues to have the lowest unemployment rate in Florida at 7.5 percent.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Franklin County on the web March 11th, 2010
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
County Commisioners plan to start budget process early this year
Franklin County Commissioners will start their budget process early again this year. The board has asked that its department heads and constitutional officers have their department budgets in by May the 1st, a month earlier than usual.
The board said it expects a very challenging budget process and they want to start looking at where they can cut costs.
County Commissioner Bevin Putnal said that with falling property values and decreased revenue, he thinks the county will struggle to fund what it has now – and it might not be able to. Clerk of the Court Marcia Johnson agreed adding that she thinks this year’s budget process may be harder than last year.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
The board said it expects a very challenging budget process and they want to start looking at where they can cut costs.
County Commissioner Bevin Putnal said that with falling property values and decreased revenue, he thinks the county will struggle to fund what it has now – and it might not be able to. Clerk of the Court Marcia Johnson agreed adding that she thinks this year’s budget process may be harder than last year.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Franklin County signs advertising agreement with North Florida Beaches International Airport
Franklin County has signed off on a ten year advertising agreement with the new airport in Bay County which opens in May.
The Airport, which is the first new airport built in the United States in over a decade, is expected to bring tens of thousands of people to North Florida every year. The North Florida Beaches International Airport has already signed an agreement with Southwest airlines which plans to bring eight non-stop flights to the airport daily.
Franklin County wants to make sure that all of those people are aware that we are the best venue for nature-based tourism as well as uncrowded beaches, lighthouses and a variety of historical and cultural attractions. To do that, the local tourist development council has agreed to spend about 7000 dollars a year advertising in the airport.
Last week the TDC received county approval to sign a ten year agreement with the new airport that will provide space for brochures as well as advertising in the airport’s baggage area. Local tourism officials say they feel this will be an effective use of local tourist development money especially since Bay and Walton counties will be spending millions of dollars a year to bring people to the airport where they can see Franklin County’s ads.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
The Airport, which is the first new airport built in the United States in over a decade, is expected to bring tens of thousands of people to North Florida every year. The North Florida Beaches International Airport has already signed an agreement with Southwest airlines which plans to bring eight non-stop flights to the airport daily.
Franklin County wants to make sure that all of those people are aware that we are the best venue for nature-based tourism as well as uncrowded beaches, lighthouses and a variety of historical and cultural attractions. To do that, the local tourist development council has agreed to spend about 7000 dollars a year advertising in the airport.
Last week the TDC received county approval to sign a ten year agreement with the new airport that will provide space for brochures as well as advertising in the airport’s baggage area. Local tourism officials say they feel this will be an effective use of local tourist development money especially since Bay and Walton counties will be spending millions of dollars a year to bring people to the airport where they can see Franklin County’s ads.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Census letters inform that census forms will arrive next week
You should receive a letter from the US Census this week alerting you that the Census is about to begin.
The U.S. Census Bureau this week began mailing advance letters to about 120 million addresses nationwide, notifying households that 2010 Census forms will be arriving between March the 15th and the 17th. The one-page letter urges households to complete the 10-question census form when it arrives and to return it in the accompanying prepaid envelope as soon as possible.
And remember, if you don’t fill out the form then you can expect a visit from a census worker sometime in April.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
The U.S. Census Bureau this week began mailing advance letters to about 120 million addresses nationwide, notifying households that 2010 Census forms will be arriving between March the 15th and the 17th. The one-page letter urges households to complete the 10-question census form when it arrives and to return it in the accompanying prepaid envelope as soon as possible.
And remember, if you don’t fill out the form then you can expect a visit from a census worker sometime in April.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Franklin County EOC providing re-entry tags for local residents
The Franklin County Emergency Management Office is now issuing re-entry tags for Franklin County residents. The tags are designed to be a proof of residency of Franklin County for use after a major storm or other event that requires an evacuation.
The tags simply hang from your rear-view mirror, and make it easier for police to recognize you as a county resident which might allow you back into the county more quickly after an evacuation. The tags are also color coded by your city of residence.
The Emergency Management office is asking that all county residents pick up a re-entry tag as soon as possible, but certainly before hurricane season begins on June the 1st. You can pick them up at the Emergency Management office at the Apalachicola Airport.
If you do that make sure to bring a photo ID like a driver’s license and proof of residence like a utility bill.
You can also fill out the form on-line by clicking HERE.
You will still have to go to the emergency management office to pick up your tag.
The Emergency Management Office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 till 4:30.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
The tags simply hang from your rear-view mirror, and make it easier for police to recognize you as a county resident which might allow you back into the county more quickly after an evacuation. The tags are also color coded by your city of residence.
The Emergency Management office is asking that all county residents pick up a re-entry tag as soon as possible, but certainly before hurricane season begins on June the 1st. You can pick them up at the Emergency Management office at the Apalachicola Airport.
If you do that make sure to bring a photo ID like a driver’s license and proof of residence like a utility bill.
You can also fill out the form on-line by clicking HERE.
You will still have to go to the emergency management office to pick up your tag.
The Emergency Management Office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 till 4:30.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Franklin County on the web March 10th, 2010
*UF team spends spring break using arts to deliver health messages to beleaguered rural coastal community
*1st Annual Apalachicola Marine Art and Maritime History Exhibition
*104.5 Eastpoint/Apalachicola is on the air as WOYY-FM
*The Beauty of Florida... Apalachicola Bay
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
*1st Annual Apalachicola Marine Art and Maritime History Exhibition
*104.5 Eastpoint/Apalachicola is on the air as WOYY-FM
*The Beauty of Florida... Apalachicola Bay
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Harry A's offers reward for information on weekend theft
Police are investigating a burglary over the weekend at Harry A’s Restaurant and Bar on St. George Island. The burglary happened overnight Sunday after large crowds of people visited the establishment after chili cookoff making it one of the busiest days of the year for the business.
It’s believed nearly 40 thousand dollars was taken from Harry A’s sometime between 3:30 and 7 Sunday morning.
Harry A’s is offering a 1000 dollar reward to anyone with information that will lead to an arrest and conviction in the theft.
If you have any information please contact the Franklin County sheriff’s office at 670-8500.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
It’s believed nearly 40 thousand dollars was taken from Harry A’s sometime between 3:30 and 7 Sunday morning.
Harry A’s is offering a 1000 dollar reward to anyone with information that will lead to an arrest and conviction in the theft.
If you have any information please contact the Franklin County sheriff’s office at 670-8500.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
UF Fine Art Students coming to Franklin County
Students from the University of Florida’s College of Fine Arts will be spending their Spring Break in Franklin County this year helping local workers in the oyster industry.
Many local seafood workers were impacted by the heavy rains and freezing temperatures that crossed Florida in December, January and February. In February, the USDA declared Franklin County an agricultural disaster area, less than two weeks after Franklin County commissioners declared a local state of emergency.
The weather led to an unusually high number of bay closures over the three month period which left many oyster harvesters without a way to make money. According to a report from Big Bend Community Organizations Active in Disaster, between 1,000 and 1,300 families are suffering financially because of the bay closures.
A local group called BayAid was established to help address local needs and BayAid is now working with a group of faculty, staff and students from the University of Florida who will be spending their spring break delivering aid in Franklin County through healthcare and the arts.
The project is called “AIM for the Panhandle”.
AIM for the Panhandle will work directly with workers at seafood houses, providing health screenings and education while collecting oral histories and engaging residents in community art projects with healthcare messages, including the construction of a mural. The group has also assembled toiletry and art supply kits which will be distributed to affected families.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Many local seafood workers were impacted by the heavy rains and freezing temperatures that crossed Florida in December, January and February. In February, the USDA declared Franklin County an agricultural disaster area, less than two weeks after Franklin County commissioners declared a local state of emergency.
The weather led to an unusually high number of bay closures over the three month period which left many oyster harvesters without a way to make money. According to a report from Big Bend Community Organizations Active in Disaster, between 1,000 and 1,300 families are suffering financially because of the bay closures.
A local group called BayAid was established to help address local needs and BayAid is now working with a group of faculty, staff and students from the University of Florida who will be spending their spring break delivering aid in Franklin County through healthcare and the arts.
The project is called “AIM for the Panhandle”.
AIM for the Panhandle will work directly with workers at seafood houses, providing health screenings and education while collecting oral histories and engaging residents in community art projects with healthcare messages, including the construction of a mural. The group has also assembled toiletry and art supply kits which will be distributed to affected families.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Chili cookoff draws crowds to St. George Island
Beautiful weather brought huge crowds to St. George Island over the weekend for the 28th annual Charity chili cookoff and auction. A couple thousand people turned out to eat chili and take part in the annual auction.
70 cooks took part in this year’s professional chili cookoff – This year’s winner was Doug Roy of Clearwater, Florida – who cooked under the name KATN chili. Doug picked up a check for 500 dollars for his chili – and is also eligible to take part in the National chili cookoff in Las Vegas later this year where he will compete for a 25 thousand dollar grand prize.
2nd place this year and a check for 300 dollars went to Wanda Gambley of 3 Sheets to the wind chili out of Panama City; third place and 200 dollars went to Glen Chandler of Outlaw chili out of Albany, Georgia.
The Blue Water Cooking Company out of Tallahassee had something to be proud of too since its members won the titles of Mister Hot Sauce and Miss Chili Pepper. Hillary Lamont of Tallahassee was chosen Miss Chili Pepper after shotgunning a beer for the crowd, John Grauer of Tallahassee was voted Mister hot sauce after singing channeling Marilyn Monroe to sing Happy Birthday to one of the judges.
You can see pictures of the winners by clicking HERE.
The St. George Island Fire Department is still totaling the amount raised over the weekend through the cookoff and the charity auction and expect to release figures later this month. All of the money raised on Saturday helps fund the St. George Island Fire Department and first responders unit – it makes up about half of their budget.
70 cooks took part in this year’s professional chili cookoff – This year’s winner was Doug Roy of Clearwater, Florida – who cooked under the name KATN chili. Doug picked up a check for 500 dollars for his chili – and is also eligible to take part in the National chili cookoff in Las Vegas later this year where he will compete for a 25 thousand dollar grand prize.
2nd place this year and a check for 300 dollars went to Wanda Gambley of 3 Sheets to the wind chili out of Panama City; third place and 200 dollars went to Glen Chandler of Outlaw chili out of Albany, Georgia.
The Blue Water Cooking Company out of Tallahassee had something to be proud of too since its members won the titles of Mister Hot Sauce and Miss Chili Pepper. Hillary Lamont of Tallahassee was chosen Miss Chili Pepper after shotgunning a beer for the crowd, John Grauer of Tallahassee was voted Mister hot sauce after singing channeling Marilyn Monroe to sing Happy Birthday to one of the judges.
You can see pictures of the winners by clicking HERE.
The St. George Island Fire Department is still totaling the amount raised over the weekend through the cookoff and the charity auction and expect to release figures later this month. All of the money raised on Saturday helps fund the St. George Island Fire Department and first responders unit – it makes up about half of their budget.
Franklin County on the web March 9th, 2010
*Wrapping up Florida
*Apalachicola
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
*Apalachicola
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Monday, March 8, 2010
Wakulla County School gets Ag-Tag funding
The Florida Agriculture in the Classroom organization has awarded 33 grants to schools around the state so that students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade can learn about the production of Florida fruits, vegetables and horticulture.
The grants help pay for school gardens and other classroom agriculture projects.
Franklin County was not one of the award recipients, but Wakulla County did receive some money that will allow third graders at Crawfordville Elementary to learn about plant and animal life cycles and water cycles using a schoolyard garden and writing poetry about what they experience with the garden. The program is called "Agri-Cycles: A Life Cycles Book of Poetry"
The Gainesville-based Florida Agriculture in the Classroom organization spent about $34,000 on the grant projects that are reaching an estimated 6,300 students around the state. The funding comes from the sale of the agriculture specialty license plate called the "Ag Tag."
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
The grants help pay for school gardens and other classroom agriculture projects.
Franklin County was not one of the award recipients, but Wakulla County did receive some money that will allow third graders at Crawfordville Elementary to learn about plant and animal life cycles and water cycles using a schoolyard garden and writing poetry about what they experience with the garden. The program is called "Agri-Cycles: A Life Cycles Book of Poetry"
The Gainesville-based Florida Agriculture in the Classroom organization spent about $34,000 on the grant projects that are reaching an estimated 6,300 students around the state. The funding comes from the sale of the agriculture specialty license plate called the "Ag Tag."
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Franklin County hopes to lure German boat company to area
County commissioners hope they can lure a German boat building company into Franklin County.
A company called Nautikpro has expressed an interest in finding some office space in Florida where they can build small boats which are used as tenders for large yachts. The company says it needs about 200 square feet for office space but they need it near an airport and near the water.
Franklin County has hangars at the airport which it would like to rent out so county planner Alan Pierce has contacted the company for more information.
There are a few roadblocks to getting a deal. One is that the company’s information has been sent statewide which means there would be lots of competition for the business.
The other is the language barrier – Mister Pierce said he sent an e-mail to the company which they responded to in German. He is now looking for a translator to make sure the county can converse with Nautikpro.
County commissioners feel the company could create some good jobs and put people to work and told Mister Pierce to keep Nautikpro on the front burner.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
A company called Nautikpro has expressed an interest in finding some office space in Florida where they can build small boats which are used as tenders for large yachts. The company says it needs about 200 square feet for office space but they need it near an airport and near the water.
Franklin County has hangars at the airport which it would like to rent out so county planner Alan Pierce has contacted the company for more information.
There are a few roadblocks to getting a deal. One is that the company’s information has been sent statewide which means there would be lots of competition for the business.
The other is the language barrier – Mister Pierce said he sent an e-mail to the company which they responded to in German. He is now looking for a translator to make sure the county can converse with Nautikpro.
County commissioners feel the company could create some good jobs and put people to work and told Mister Pierce to keep Nautikpro on the front burner.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Prebble Rish hired to design Carrabelle Beach sidewalk
The Prebble Rish engineering firm in Gulf County has been awarded the project to design a multi-use path from Carrabelle beach to the Crooked River lighthouse.
The firm was the only company to bid on the project – they will be paid 44 thousand dollars to design the path which will allow people to safely walk or bike between the beach and the lighthouse.
It will still be a few years before money is available to actually build the path. The design work will have to be completed by the end of 2011. The state will then provide 442 thousand dollars for construction in 2012.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
The firm was the only company to bid on the project – they will be paid 44 thousand dollars to design the path which will allow people to safely walk or bike between the beach and the lighthouse.
It will still be a few years before money is available to actually build the path. The design work will have to be completed by the end of 2011. The state will then provide 442 thousand dollars for construction in 2012.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Local police prepare for Special Olympics Torch Run
Local police officers are looking for public support for this year’s Special Olympics torch run.
For the past 10 years officers with the Franklin County sheriff’s office have taken part in the Special Olympics torch run, which is a way to draw attention to the games and to raise money to send athletes to the Special Olympics. Local officers are among 85 thousand law enforcement officers who took part in the torch run in 2008 raising over 34 million dollars for the games.
The Torch Run is an actual running event in which officers and athletes run the "Flame of Hope" to the Opening Ceremonies of local Special Olympics competitions. Money raised through the event will also help fund the game s and help athletes from around the area make the trip to compete at the state and national level.
The Franklin County leg of the torch run will be held on April the 8th- and if you would like to help out either by donating your time or money to the cause you can contact Wayne Nash or Bobby Shiver at the Franklin County Sheriff’s office at 670-8500.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
For the past 10 years officers with the Franklin County sheriff’s office have taken part in the Special Olympics torch run, which is a way to draw attention to the games and to raise money to send athletes to the Special Olympics. Local officers are among 85 thousand law enforcement officers who took part in the torch run in 2008 raising over 34 million dollars for the games.
The Torch Run is an actual running event in which officers and athletes run the "Flame of Hope" to the Opening Ceremonies of local Special Olympics competitions. Money raised through the event will also help fund the game s and help athletes from around the area make the trip to compete at the state and national level.
The Franklin County leg of the torch run will be held on April the 8th- and if you would like to help out either by donating your time or money to the cause you can contact Wayne Nash or Bobby Shiver at the Franklin County Sheriff’s office at 670-8500.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Saturday, March 6, 2010
2010 SGI Chili cookoff rocks!
It was a beautiful day for chili cookoff. The weather was perfect and tons of people showed up. Here are just a few of the pictures from the day.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Friday, March 5, 2010
Franklin County firefighters say county needs a third ambulance
County commissioners are looking at the feasibility of adding a third full-time ambulance to Franklin County’s fleet. The board has created a committee comprised of firefighters, the ambulance service, the clerk of the court and the county commission chairman to look at the issue and consider ways to pay for a third ambulance.
Currently Franklin County has two full time ambulances in operation – a third comes on-line during the summer months when more tourists come to the area. Local firefighters however, feel that two ambulances are not enough especially since on average Franklin County goes three hours a day with only one ambulance available while the second provides transport out of the area. They are asking that the county bring in a third ambulance to take over transporting patients for non-life threatening calls which would leave two ambulances free at all times for emergency services.
The cost may be prohibitive – adding an advanced life support ambulance full time and staffing it can cost up to 300 thousand dollars a year – but firefighters say the costs would not be that high. They argue that you won’t need an ALS ambulance for routine transport, and non-emergency calls are covered by insurance and Medicare. They feel that a transport ambulance would make money or at least bring in enough money so that the county could more easily cover any shortfall.
There is also the question as to whether there are enough calls to justify a third ambulance. Currently the two ambulances in operation average 2.1 runs a day per truck.
County commissioners say they do want to make sure that residents and visitors are protected so they have agreed to take a closer look at the ambulance issue. The committee they created was tasked with considering short term responses to the ambulance issue and with the longer term costs of adding a third ambulance.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Currently Franklin County has two full time ambulances in operation – a third comes on-line during the summer months when more tourists come to the area. Local firefighters however, feel that two ambulances are not enough especially since on average Franklin County goes three hours a day with only one ambulance available while the second provides transport out of the area. They are asking that the county bring in a third ambulance to take over transporting patients for non-life threatening calls which would leave two ambulances free at all times for emergency services.
The cost may be prohibitive – adding an advanced life support ambulance full time and staffing it can cost up to 300 thousand dollars a year – but firefighters say the costs would not be that high. They argue that you won’t need an ALS ambulance for routine transport, and non-emergency calls are covered by insurance and Medicare. They feel that a transport ambulance would make money or at least bring in enough money so that the county could more easily cover any shortfall.
There is also the question as to whether there are enough calls to justify a third ambulance. Currently the two ambulances in operation average 2.1 runs a day per truck.
County commissioners say they do want to make sure that residents and visitors are protected so they have agreed to take a closer look at the ambulance issue. The committee they created was tasked with considering short term responses to the ambulance issue and with the longer term costs of adding a third ambulance.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
No swimming advisories for chili cookoff weekend
There are no swimming advisories in Franklin County this week though bacteria were found in water samples taken from two beaches.
The Department of Health said enterococcus bacteria were found in water samples taken Monday from Alligator Point and Carrabelle beach but neither beach received a swimming advisory. The presence of those bacteria, however, indicates either human or animal waste in the water. There was also bacteria found in the waters off Mash’s Island in Wakulla County – though there was no swimming advisory issued for that site either.
There were no bacteria found at any of the four sites tested weekly on St. George Island. Gulf County water quality results have not yet been released for this week.
People who would like to check the water quality results for themselves can find a link to do so on the news page at oysterradio.com.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
The Department of Health said enterococcus bacteria were found in water samples taken Monday from Alligator Point and Carrabelle beach but neither beach received a swimming advisory. The presence of those bacteria, however, indicates either human or animal waste in the water. There was also bacteria found in the waters off Mash’s Island in Wakulla County – though there was no swimming advisory issued for that site either.
There were no bacteria found at any of the four sites tested weekly on St. George Island. Gulf County water quality results have not yet been released for this week.
People who would like to check the water quality results for themselves can find a link to do so on the news page at oysterradio.com.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Wakulla police arrest man wanted in Texas
Wakulla County Sheriff's Office investigators captured a Dixie County man Wednesday who was wanted in Texas for a sexual assault on a child. 50 year old Robert Neal Chambers of Old Town was captured on Highway 98 in Newport.
Deputy Derek Lawhon conducted a felony traffic stop and members of the Criminal Investigations Division surrounded the 1995 Mercury and arrested Chambers without incident.
Sheriff Harvey said the suspect was wanted out of Aransas County, Texas for a sex offense involving a child. Wakulla officials received information from Texas that Chambers would be coming through the area and had an outstanding arrest warrant. The warrant had been active for one year.
Officers made their arrest at 10 a.m. Wednesday and Chambers was taken to the Wakulla County Jail where he is being held for Texas law enforcement officials pending extradition.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Deputy Derek Lawhon conducted a felony traffic stop and members of the Criminal Investigations Division surrounded the 1995 Mercury and arrested Chambers without incident.
Sheriff Harvey said the suspect was wanted out of Aransas County, Texas for a sex offense involving a child. Wakulla officials received information from Texas that Chambers would be coming through the area and had an outstanding arrest warrant. The warrant had been active for one year.
Officers made their arrest at 10 a.m. Wednesday and Chambers was taken to the Wakulla County Jail where he is being held for Texas law enforcement officials pending extradition.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Dixie Youth League to sell water at Eastpoint fishing pier on Saturday
The Franklin County Dixie Youth league will be out and about on Saturday selling bottled water to help raise money for families who can’t afford the Youth league’s entry fee.
The Dixie Youth league includes organized baseball, softball and t-ball – it is extremely popular with children in the county.
This year, however, because of the number of days the bay has been closed to oyster harvesting, there are many families who are having a hard time paying their bills, much less paying the 50 dollar fee to have their children take part in Dixie Youth. To help cover those expenses, Dixie Youth supporters are going to be at the entrance to the Eastpoint fishing pier on Saturday during chili cookoff selling bottled water to folks driving to the island and who are fishing along the pier.
If you would like to help the cause, then certainly stop by to buy some water or make a donation. They should be out there through much of the day.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
The Dixie Youth league includes organized baseball, softball and t-ball – it is extremely popular with children in the county.
This year, however, because of the number of days the bay has been closed to oyster harvesting, there are many families who are having a hard time paying their bills, much less paying the 50 dollar fee to have their children take part in Dixie Youth. To help cover those expenses, Dixie Youth supporters are going to be at the entrance to the Eastpoint fishing pier on Saturday during chili cookoff selling bottled water to folks driving to the island and who are fishing along the pier.
If you would like to help the cause, then certainly stop by to buy some water or make a donation. They should be out there through much of the day.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Franklin County pic of the day
The Franklin County version of a bridge to nowhere...
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Congressman Boyd seeks to protect Gulf Fishing Industry
U.S. Congressman Allen Boyd has introduced legislation to protect the jobs of Gulf Coast fishermen and enhance the economic benefits the local fishing industry brings to Gulf Coast communities.
Boyd’s legislation, called the Gulf of Mexico Red Snapper Fishery Protection Act, would require the federal government to submit a detailed analysis on the number of red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico prior to proposing any reductions in the number of days red snapper are able to be fished.
The administration recently restricted fishing of red snapper in large areas off Florida’s Atlantic coast because of suspected overfishing. Congressman Boyd’s legislation would prevent this type of closure from happening again without proper review, accurate information, and justifiable explanation.
Boyd’s bill also calls for a congressional review of the federal government’s new restrictions on commercial, recreational, and charter fishing in Florida and requires the federal government to perform a study to explicitly demonstrate the need for any reduction in the number of annual fishing days.
Congressman Boyd said “This legislation will ensure that our fishermen’s jobs are protected from any unjust future closures and that the economies of our local coastal communities are never again put in jeopardy because of outdated or incomplete information.”
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Boyd’s legislation, called the Gulf of Mexico Red Snapper Fishery Protection Act, would require the federal government to submit a detailed analysis on the number of red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico prior to proposing any reductions in the number of days red snapper are able to be fished.
The administration recently restricted fishing of red snapper in large areas off Florida’s Atlantic coast because of suspected overfishing. Congressman Boyd’s legislation would prevent this type of closure from happening again without proper review, accurate information, and justifiable explanation.
Boyd’s bill also calls for a congressional review of the federal government’s new restrictions on commercial, recreational, and charter fishing in Florida and requires the federal government to perform a study to explicitly demonstrate the need for any reduction in the number of annual fishing days.
Congressman Boyd said “This legislation will ensure that our fishermen’s jobs are protected from any unjust future closures and that the economies of our local coastal communities are never again put in jeopardy because of outdated or incomplete information.”
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Franklin County versus the beavers
Franklin County may take some aggressive action against beavers in the near future. The county commission is considering a proposal to begin trapping nuisance beavers in the county.
Beavers build their dams in local ditches and waterways and have cause flooding in some areas. In the past county workers and private citizens have tried destroying the dams but the beavers tend to rebuild them very quickly. County commissioners say they are aware of at least 4 or 5 problem areas at this time especially in the eastern end of the county.
Now the county is considering naming Dewitt Polous as the county’s beaver trapper – Mister Polous currently heads up the county mosquito control department. If they move forward with the plan the county would have to buy a number of steel traps with which to catch the beavers.
The county commission will take a final vote on the matter once the proposal has been considered by the county’s insurance company.
County extension agent Bill Mahan said the traps that are used to catch beavers are not supposed to pose a danger to dogs or other wildlife, but county commissioner Cheryl Sanders said she’s not so sure. Commissioner Sanders said she doesn’t like the use of snares or steel traps and she’s afraid that other animals will get caught in them.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Beavers build their dams in local ditches and waterways and have cause flooding in some areas. In the past county workers and private citizens have tried destroying the dams but the beavers tend to rebuild them very quickly. County commissioners say they are aware of at least 4 or 5 problem areas at this time especially in the eastern end of the county.
Now the county is considering naming Dewitt Polous as the county’s beaver trapper – Mister Polous currently heads up the county mosquito control department. If they move forward with the plan the county would have to buy a number of steel traps with which to catch the beavers.
The county commission will take a final vote on the matter once the proposal has been considered by the county’s insurance company.
County extension agent Bill Mahan said the traps that are used to catch beavers are not supposed to pose a danger to dogs or other wildlife, but county commissioner Cheryl Sanders said she’s not so sure. Commissioner Sanders said she doesn’t like the use of snares or steel traps and she’s afraid that other animals will get caught in them.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Franklin County tops the list for EOC grant money
Franklin County commissioners are hoping this may be the year the county gets money to build a new Emergency Management Office.
The current office at the Apalachicola airport is very old and is also in a flood zone. The county would like to build a new EOC possibly closer to the center of the county on Highway 65 but the county doesn’t have the money to do the work.
A recent grant application for funding, however, has been ranked 1st for a new emergency management office by the state Emergency Management Division who will now submit the application to the federal emergency Management Agency for funding.
The county will find out if it will get the money in September.
The grant could provide the county with a million dollars for construction as long as the county can provide a 25 percent match.
Emergency Management coordinator Mike Rundell warned the county commission not to get too excited yet because what they say and what they come through with are two different things. County planner Alan Pierce agreed adding that last year the county ranked second in the state and received no money for a new building.
County commissioners said they will try to help the process along by informing our legislative delegation of the high ranking so that they can put pressure on the right people to insure that Franklin County gets its money.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
The current office at the Apalachicola airport is very old and is also in a flood zone. The county would like to build a new EOC possibly closer to the center of the county on Highway 65 but the county doesn’t have the money to do the work.
A recent grant application for funding, however, has been ranked 1st for a new emergency management office by the state Emergency Management Division who will now submit the application to the federal emergency Management Agency for funding.
The county will find out if it will get the money in September.
The grant could provide the county with a million dollars for construction as long as the county can provide a 25 percent match.
Emergency Management coordinator Mike Rundell warned the county commission not to get too excited yet because what they say and what they come through with are two different things. County planner Alan Pierce agreed adding that last year the county ranked second in the state and received no money for a new building.
County commissioners said they will try to help the process along by informing our legislative delegation of the high ranking so that they can put pressure on the right people to insure that Franklin County gets its money.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Forgotten Coast Trailer
This is the trailer for a student film that was shot in Franklin County last year. You might recognize a few spots around Carrabelle.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Shark attacks in Florida declined in 2009
Shark attacks were up worldwide last year, but the number of attacks in Florida was down.
University of Florida researchers said there were 28 unprovoked shark attacks in the United States last year. That’s down from 41 in 2008. Worldwide there were 61 attacks last year, that’s up from 60 in 2008.
Florida still leads the world in shark attacks, but the number of attacks in the Sunshine State was down substantially. There were 32 attacks in both 2007 and 2008 but that fell to 19 last year. 8 of the attacks happened in Volusia County, followed by 4 in Brevard, 3 in Palm Beach, 2 in Pinellas, and one each in Lee and Monroe counties.
After Florida, there were four attacks in California, three in Hawaii and one each in Texas and Georgia.
Worldwide, victims died in five attacks, compared with four the previous year.
The United States led the world with 28 attacks, followed by 20 in Australia and 6 in South Africa. There were also two attacks in Egypt and one each in Ecuador, Indonesia, Mozambique, New Caledonia and Vietnam.
More than half the attacks — 33 out of 61 — were surfers. Swimmers were the second largest group of victims, accounting for 10 of the attacks. The remaining incidents involved scuba diving, paddle boarding, body surfing, boogie boarding, kite surfing, snorkeling, spear fishing, and wading.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
University of Florida researchers said there were 28 unprovoked shark attacks in the United States last year. That’s down from 41 in 2008. Worldwide there were 61 attacks last year, that’s up from 60 in 2008.
Florida still leads the world in shark attacks, but the number of attacks in the Sunshine State was down substantially. There were 32 attacks in both 2007 and 2008 but that fell to 19 last year. 8 of the attacks happened in Volusia County, followed by 4 in Brevard, 3 in Palm Beach, 2 in Pinellas, and one each in Lee and Monroe counties.
After Florida, there were four attacks in California, three in Hawaii and one each in Texas and Georgia.
Worldwide, victims died in five attacks, compared with four the previous year.
The United States led the world with 28 attacks, followed by 20 in Australia and 6 in South Africa. There were also two attacks in Egypt and one each in Ecuador, Indonesia, Mozambique, New Caledonia and Vietnam.
More than half the attacks — 33 out of 61 — were surfers. Swimmers were the second largest group of victims, accounting for 10 of the attacks. The remaining incidents involved scuba diving, paddle boarding, body surfing, boogie boarding, kite surfing, snorkeling, spear fishing, and wading.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Congressman Boyd to hold Military Academy Day on Saturday
If you have a child that you hope will attend one of the military academies then you need to be in Tallahassee on Saturday. Congressman Allen Boyd will host his annual Military Academy Day on Saturday from 10 till noon at the Leon County High school.
The event is open to high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors who are interested in attending one of the U.S. military academies. The event will give interested students and parents an opportunity to learn more about our nation’s military academies, requirements for admission, and the appointment process.
The event is free and open to the public.
Congressman Boyd and members of his staff will be joined by representatives from each of the service academies including West Point, the Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy, the Merchant Marine Academy, and the Coast Guard Academy. Representatives from the ROTC units of Florida State University, Florida A & M University, and the University of Florida also will be in attendance.
For more information contact Edna Parker in Congressman Boyd’s Tallahassee office at (850) 561-3979.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
The event is open to high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors who are interested in attending one of the U.S. military academies. The event will give interested students and parents an opportunity to learn more about our nation’s military academies, requirements for admission, and the appointment process.
The event is free and open to the public.
Congressman Boyd and members of his staff will be joined by representatives from each of the service academies including West Point, the Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy, the Merchant Marine Academy, and the Coast Guard Academy. Representatives from the ROTC units of Florida State University, Florida A & M University, and the University of Florida also will be in attendance.
For more information contact Edna Parker in Congressman Boyd’s Tallahassee office at (850) 561-3979.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Gulf County woman dies on the Apalachicola River
A Gulf County woman was found dead in the Apalachicola River over the weekend.
The body of 47-year-old Monica Cunard McLemore was found southeast of Wewahitchka late Friday night. Miss McLemore was on a 14 foot aluminum boat taking supplies to a houseboat at about 5:30 Friday afternoon.
Her husband became concerned when he couldn’t get in touch with her and went out on the river to look for her around sundown. He contacted Gulf County Search and Rescue around 7:30 p.m.
Her body was found just after 10 p.m.
She was wearing her life jacket and was found a few hundred yards below the point where the Chipola joins the Apalachicola Rivers.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
The body of 47-year-old Monica Cunard McLemore was found southeast of Wewahitchka late Friday night. Miss McLemore was on a 14 foot aluminum boat taking supplies to a houseboat at about 5:30 Friday afternoon.
Her husband became concerned when he couldn’t get in touch with her and went out on the river to look for her around sundown. He contacted Gulf County Search and Rescue around 7:30 p.m.
Her body was found just after 10 p.m.
She was wearing her life jacket and was found a few hundred yards below the point where the Chipola joins the Apalachicola Rivers.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Gulf Specimen Marine Lab needs money to replace display tanks
The Gulf Specimen Marine Lab in Panacea is looking for money to replace a major marine education display.
The tank, which was built in the 1970s, was the marine lab’s shark tank. The U- shaped 120 foot long tank held four thousand gallons of sea water. The tank finally gave way to age and was demolished earlier this year.
The marine lab is now seeking money to rebuild the facility and fill the empty space with new tanks and exhibits including a bioluminescent tank where people can see luminous sea pansies and plankton. The lab said new temperature controlled tanks will give them more room to hold a greater number of endangered sea turtles during cold stun emergencies.
They estimate it will cost $40,000 to do the upgrades.
For information on the Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratory, you can visit their website at www.gulfspecimen.org or call them at (850) 984-5297.
Send checks to Gulf Specimen Marine Lab, P.O. Box 327, Panacea, Florida 32346. We are a 501 (c) 3 tax exempt educational organization.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
The tank, which was built in the 1970s, was the marine lab’s shark tank. The U- shaped 120 foot long tank held four thousand gallons of sea water. The tank finally gave way to age and was demolished earlier this year.
The marine lab is now seeking money to rebuild the facility and fill the empty space with new tanks and exhibits including a bioluminescent tank where people can see luminous sea pansies and plankton. The lab said new temperature controlled tanks will give them more room to hold a greater number of endangered sea turtles during cold stun emergencies.
They estimate it will cost $40,000 to do the upgrades.
For information on the Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratory, you can visit their website at www.gulfspecimen.org or call them at (850) 984-5297.
Send checks to Gulf Specimen Marine Lab, P.O. Box 327, Panacea, Florida 32346. We are a 501 (c) 3 tax exempt educational organization.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Water Management District gets grant to finish elevation mapping program
The Northwest Florida Water Management District has received federal money that will allow the group to complete an elevation mapping program across the Panhandle this spring. The $225,000 grant from U.S. Geographical Survey will be used to acquire Light Detection and Ranging data from Liberty County and part of Calhoun County.
The program has already collected and processed about 13,000 square miles of data across the Florida panhandle since 2005.
The program, which began in 2005, is collecting data on the Apalachicola National Forest that will be used to restore ecology and hydrology, especially in southern Liberty County, which drains to Apalachicola Bay. It will also be helpful for flood hazard mapping, wetland mitigation projects, stormwater planning, designing stormwater facilities, assessing watersheds and water supplies and many other environmental planning and analysis projects.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
The program has already collected and processed about 13,000 square miles of data across the Florida panhandle since 2005.
The program, which began in 2005, is collecting data on the Apalachicola National Forest that will be used to restore ecology and hydrology, especially in southern Liberty County, which drains to Apalachicola Bay. It will also be helpful for flood hazard mapping, wetland mitigation projects, stormwater planning, designing stormwater facilities, assessing watersheds and water supplies and many other environmental planning and analysis projects.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
SBA is making economic injury disaster loans available to Florida counties
The US Small Business Administration is making federal economic injury disaster loans available to people and businesses affected by the record cold temperatures and hard freeze in January.
62 of Florida’s 67 counties are eligible for the loans, including Franklin, Gulf, Liberty and Wakulla counties.
The loans, which can be for up to 2 million dollars are available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and most private, non-profit groups of all sizes. The loans are available for up to 4 percent interest for small businesses and 3 percent interest for non-profit groups for terms of up to 30 years.
Loan applications can be downloaded at www.sba.gov.
You can also get more information by calling the SBA Customer Service center at 1-800-659-2955.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
62 of Florida’s 67 counties are eligible for the loans, including Franklin, Gulf, Liberty and Wakulla counties.
The loans, which can be for up to 2 million dollars are available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and most private, non-profit groups of all sizes. The loans are available for up to 4 percent interest for small businesses and 3 percent interest for non-profit groups for terms of up to 30 years.
Loan applications can be downloaded at www.sba.gov.
You can also get more information by calling the SBA Customer Service center at 1-800-659-2955.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Franklin County on the web March 2nd, 2010
Monday, March 1, 2010
Franklin County Commission meets Tuesday in Apalachicola
The Franklin County Commission will meet on Tuesday in Apalachicola.
There’s not a long agenda, but there are a few items of interest.
A discussion about the local ambulance service will be on the agenda – local firefighters have recently expressed concerns Franklin County does not have enough ambulances in operation. That, they say, is not only creating a dangerous situation for residents but its also putting more pressure on local fire departments.
County commissioners will also open proposals for design services for a proposed sidewalk between Carrabelle beach and the Carrabelle lighthouse, and they’ll open proposals from companies interested in leasing the new hangar at the Franklin County airport.
Helen Spohrer, representing the Franklin County tourist Development Council, will discuss plans for advertising at the new Panama City Airport and Wayne Nash will attend the meeting to discuss the torch run for the Special Olympics which is coming up in April.
The meeting is open to the public – it begins at 9 Am at the Franklin County Courthouse Annex in Apalachicola.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
There’s not a long agenda, but there are a few items of interest.
A discussion about the local ambulance service will be on the agenda – local firefighters have recently expressed concerns Franklin County does not have enough ambulances in operation. That, they say, is not only creating a dangerous situation for residents but its also putting more pressure on local fire departments.
County commissioners will also open proposals for design services for a proposed sidewalk between Carrabelle beach and the Carrabelle lighthouse, and they’ll open proposals from companies interested in leasing the new hangar at the Franklin County airport.
Helen Spohrer, representing the Franklin County tourist Development Council, will discuss plans for advertising at the new Panama City Airport and Wayne Nash will attend the meeting to discuss the torch run for the Special Olympics which is coming up in April.
The meeting is open to the public – it begins at 9 Am at the Franklin County Courthouse Annex in Apalachicola.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
FWC ends rules that allowed cleanup of fish kills
In January the Florida Fish and wildlife Conservation Commission temporarily suspended certain saltwater fishing rules to allow people to clean up fish that were killed during the severe cold snap.
Those rule suspensions ended today.
The order removed specific harvest regulations for all dead saltwater fish of any species that died as a result of prolonged exposure to cold weather in Florida waters. The order also allowed people to collect dead saltwater fish from Florida's shoreline and from the water by hand, cast net, dip net or seine.
The order was initially slated to end on February 1st; the order was extended through February the 28th because the state continued to receive reports of dead saltwater fish in many areas around the state. The FWC says it is no longer receiving many reports of dead saltwater fish around the state, and people must now observe all normal fishing and licensing regulations that apply to the harvest and possession of saltwater fish.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Those rule suspensions ended today.
The order removed specific harvest regulations for all dead saltwater fish of any species that died as a result of prolonged exposure to cold weather in Florida waters. The order also allowed people to collect dead saltwater fish from Florida's shoreline and from the water by hand, cast net, dip net or seine.
The order was initially slated to end on February 1st; the order was extended through February the 28th because the state continued to receive reports of dead saltwater fish in many areas around the state. The FWC says it is no longer receiving many reports of dead saltwater fish around the state, and people must now observe all normal fishing and licensing regulations that apply to the harvest and possession of saltwater fish.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Methodist Church has assistance for seafood workers
The First United Methodist Church in Apalachicola will accept applications today for financial assistance for local seafood workers.
The church says it has a limited amount of funds to help local seafood workers who are facing financial problems because of the bay closures over the past three months. To be eligible for assistance you have to have been directly affected by the recent bay closures and have not already received financial assistance from another organization like Catholic Charities, the Salvation Army or the Capital Area Community Action Agency.
If you do apply for assistance through the Methodist Church you will need to bring in a seafood workers license as well as your drivers license and social security card. They also want to see proof of recent income related to the bay, sources of household income for the past year, and a list of monthly household expenses.
The First United Methodist Church in Apalachicola will accept applications this afternoon from 2 until 5 PM.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
The church says it has a limited amount of funds to help local seafood workers who are facing financial problems because of the bay closures over the past three months. To be eligible for assistance you have to have been directly affected by the recent bay closures and have not already received financial assistance from another organization like Catholic Charities, the Salvation Army or the Capital Area Community Action Agency.
If you do apply for assistance through the Methodist Church you will need to bring in a seafood workers license as well as your drivers license and social security card. They also want to see proof of recent income related to the bay, sources of household income for the past year, and a list of monthly household expenses.
The First United Methodist Church in Apalachicola will accept applications this afternoon from 2 until 5 PM.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Seafood workers meet tonight to prepare for shelling program
The Franklin County Seafood Workers Association will meet this evening to discuss the upcoming shelling program. The shelling program is being funded through federal disaster relief money – its paying for 100 thousand dollars worth of oyster shells and is providing an additional 100 thousand dollars to pay oystermen to spread the shell on local oyster bars.
The program is expected to begin this Friday, but the first step for people interested in taking part in the shelling program is to attend today’s Seafood Workers Association meeting.
Oystermen will be able to register for the shelling program tonight and will draw for shelling order. The meeting will begin at 6 this afternoon at the Carrabelle City Complex, which is the old Carrabelle High School building.
The shelling program itself will be held at the Lombardi Seafood Park at 2 mile in Apalachicola.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
The program is expected to begin this Friday, but the first step for people interested in taking part in the shelling program is to attend today’s Seafood Workers Association meeting.
Oystermen will be able to register for the shelling program tonight and will draw for shelling order. The meeting will begin at 6 this afternoon at the Carrabelle City Complex, which is the old Carrabelle High School building.
The shelling program itself will be held at the Lombardi Seafood Park at 2 mile in Apalachicola.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Franklin County on the web March 1st, 2010
*Florida Senator Files Bills to Change Red Snapper Restrictions
*Road Trip - Day 3
*ANERR Estuarine Walk Trailhead - Apalachicola, FL
*Gulf Specimen Lab Needs Help!
*Group Meets to Resolve Water Wars
*2010 Feb. 25: FL Gulf County: Biomass Plant Permit Challenged
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
*Road Trip - Day 3
*ANERR Estuarine Walk Trailhead - Apalachicola, FL
*Gulf Specimen Lab Needs Help!
*Group Meets to Resolve Water Wars
*2010 Feb. 25: FL Gulf County: Biomass Plant Permit Challenged
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Friday, February 26, 2010
Franklin County pic of the day
My shadow among the oyster shells ...
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Department of Agriculture sets up temporary telephone number for Bay status reports
Oystermen trying to find out the status of oyster harvesting waters in Franklin, Gulf and Wakulla counties over the weekend will have to call a different phone number than they usually do.
The department of Agriculture says it is having problems with the usual number so oystermen need to call 850-491-5873 to find out which areas of the bay are open to oyster harvesting.
The following areas of the Apalachicola Bay are currently open:
The Approved winter east and west areas of the bay ( 1611)
The Conditionally Approved Winter East Area of the bay (1642)
As of Sunrise Saturday, the conditionally approved winter west 2 area (1622) will also be opened.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
The department of Agriculture says it is having problems with the usual number so oystermen need to call 850-491-5873 to find out which areas of the bay are open to oyster harvesting.
The following areas of the Apalachicola Bay are currently open:
The Approved winter east and west areas of the bay ( 1611)
The Conditionally Approved Winter East Area of the bay (1642)
As of Sunrise Saturday, the conditionally approved winter west 2 area (1622) will also be opened.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Lighthouse Challenge coming to Franklin, Gulf and Wakulla Counties
The first lighthouse challenge ever held in Florida will be held during Florida Lighthouse Day in April in Franklin, Gulf and Wakulla Counties. A Lighthouse Challenge is an event that “challenges” participants to visit or climb a number of lighthouses in a specified time period.
Four area lighthouses will be open for climbing during the Challenge on April 24th and 25th – Cape San Blas Lighthouse, Cape St. George Light, Crooked River Lighthouse, and St. Marks Lighthouse.
The Forgotten Coast Lighthouse Challenge is intended to raise awareness about northwest Florida’s lighthouses and encourage support for the efforts to preserve the historic structures.
Visitors to the four Forgotten Coast lighthouses during the two-day event will receive a complimentary commemorative souvenir at each lighthouse, with a fifth souvenir awarded to participants who visit all four. Each of the lighthouses will offer raffle prizes, as well as other activities during the Challenge.
There will be a special participant in the Forgotten Coast Lighthouse Challenge. Miss Megan Clementi, the reigning Miss Florida USA, will take part in the event.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Four area lighthouses will be open for climbing during the Challenge on April 24th and 25th – Cape San Blas Lighthouse, Cape St. George Light, Crooked River Lighthouse, and St. Marks Lighthouse.
The Forgotten Coast Lighthouse Challenge is intended to raise awareness about northwest Florida’s lighthouses and encourage support for the efforts to preserve the historic structures.
Visitors to the four Forgotten Coast lighthouses during the two-day event will receive a complimentary commemorative souvenir at each lighthouse, with a fifth souvenir awarded to participants who visit all four. Each of the lighthouses will offer raffle prizes, as well as other activities during the Challenge.
There will be a special participant in the Forgotten Coast Lighthouse Challenge. Miss Megan Clementi, the reigning Miss Florida USA, will take part in the event.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Speckled Trout fishing opens on Monday
The recreational fishing season for speckled trout will open in North Florida waters on Monday, March the 1st.
Fishing for Spotted seatrout is prohibited in February in Gulf of Mexico waters north of the Pinellas-Pasco county line, to the Florida-Alabama border. This one-month closure helps maintain the spotted seatrout population.
The maximum daily bag limit for spotted seatrout in the reopened waters is 5 fish per person. The statewide size limit for spotted seatrout is 15-20 inches total length, but fishermen can keep one spotted seatrout larger than 20 inches as part of the daily bag limit.
Speckled trout may not be harvested by any multiple hooks with live or dead natural bait, and snagging or snatch-hooking spotted seatrout is illegal. Anglers may take spotted seatrout with hook-and-line gear and cast nets and must land the fish in a whole condition.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Fishing for Spotted seatrout is prohibited in February in Gulf of Mexico waters north of the Pinellas-Pasco county line, to the Florida-Alabama border. This one-month closure helps maintain the spotted seatrout population.
The maximum daily bag limit for spotted seatrout in the reopened waters is 5 fish per person. The statewide size limit for spotted seatrout is 15-20 inches total length, but fishermen can keep one spotted seatrout larger than 20 inches as part of the daily bag limit.
Speckled trout may not be harvested by any multiple hooks with live or dead natural bait, and snagging or snatch-hooking spotted seatrout is illegal. Anglers may take spotted seatrout with hook-and-line gear and cast nets and must land the fish in a whole condition.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Grand Jury indicts German grandmother on first degree murder charge
A Franklin County grand jury has decided that there is enough evidence to charge a German grandmother with first degree murder in the January drowning death of her grandson.
The 20 member grand jury met Thursday morning at the Franklin County Courthouse and took about two hours to indict 71 year old Marianne Bordt first degree murder and aggravated child abuse with a deadly weapon.
Mrs Bordt was arrested on January the 5th after her 5 year old grandson Camden Hiers was found drowned in the bathtub of a rental house on St. George Island. Police reports state that she claimed to have done it because she didn't want to see her grandson grow up in a divorced home.
Camden's parents were divorced in 2006 but still live near one another in Georgia. Mrs. Bordt is a German national; she was living in Roswell, Georgia.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
The 20 member grand jury met Thursday morning at the Franklin County Courthouse and took about two hours to indict 71 year old Marianne Bordt first degree murder and aggravated child abuse with a deadly weapon.
Mrs Bordt was arrested on January the 5th after her 5 year old grandson Camden Hiers was found drowned in the bathtub of a rental house on St. George Island. Police reports state that she claimed to have done it because she didn't want to see her grandson grow up in a divorced home.
Camden's parents were divorced in 2006 but still live near one another in Georgia. Mrs. Bordt is a German national; she was living in Roswell, Georgia.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Franklin County on the web February 26th, 2010
*Ambulance situation puts county residents at risk
*February Hot Catches
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
*February Hot Catches
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Four arrested after argument turns into car chase and gunfight
Three Eastpoint men and one juvenile have been charged with shooting into an occupied vehicle and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after an argument turned in to a gunfight.
The Franklin County sheriff’s department said the incident happened on February the 7th on Twin Lakes Road in Eastpoint.
There was an argument between people in two vehicles, a blue Toyota tundra and a red Toyota tundra – that led to a chase down Twin Lakes Road. During the chase, several shots were fired from a .22 caliber semi-automatic rifle, a 12 gauge shotgun and a co2 pellet pistol.
Most of the shots didn’t hit anything, but Paul Zachary Sanders, who was a passenger in the blue Toyota, was hit by one of the pellets, and the tailgate of the red Toyota was hit by a shotgun blast. Luckily none of the seven people in the red truck was injured.
After investigating the incident over the past few weeks, police arrested Jordan Kyle Richards, Paul Zachary Sanders, and Johnny Alan Turner.
All three are 20 years old and all live in Eastpoint.
Police also arrested an juvenile in the case.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
The Franklin County sheriff’s department said the incident happened on February the 7th on Twin Lakes Road in Eastpoint.
There was an argument between people in two vehicles, a blue Toyota tundra and a red Toyota tundra – that led to a chase down Twin Lakes Road. During the chase, several shots were fired from a .22 caliber semi-automatic rifle, a 12 gauge shotgun and a co2 pellet pistol.
Most of the shots didn’t hit anything, but Paul Zachary Sanders, who was a passenger in the blue Toyota, was hit by one of the pellets, and the tailgate of the red Toyota was hit by a shotgun blast. Luckily none of the seven people in the red truck was injured.
After investigating the incident over the past few weeks, police arrested Jordan Kyle Richards, Paul Zachary Sanders, and Johnny Alan Turner.
All three are 20 years old and all live in Eastpoint.
Police also arrested an juvenile in the case.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
April 3rd is "Tonya's Hope Day" in Franklin County
Franklin County commissioners have named April 3rd as Tonya’s Hope Day in honor of cancer victim Tonya Bridges and the fundraiser that has been named after her. The county took step at the request of American Legion Post 82 in Lanark Village which holds the annual event.
The group has held the Tonya’s Hope fundraiser since 2007 to raise money for cancer patients in Lanark Village; this year they will expand the program to help cancer patients around the county. The money raised through "Tonyas Hope" goes to help relieve some of the stress of everyday bills not covered by insurance such as - gas, tires, babysitting services, house cleaning, groceries, and utility bills.
The event, which is held at the legion post includes a yard sale, a pig roast, live entertainment and an auction.
Organizers will be visiting merchants in Franklin County over the next month asking for donations for the auction. People who would like to donate items to the cause should call 697-9533.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
The group has held the Tonya’s Hope fundraiser since 2007 to raise money for cancer patients in Lanark Village; this year they will expand the program to help cancer patients around the county. The money raised through "Tonyas Hope" goes to help relieve some of the stress of everyday bills not covered by insurance such as - gas, tires, babysitting services, house cleaning, groceries, and utility bills.
The event, which is held at the legion post includes a yard sale, a pig roast, live entertainment and an auction.
Organizers will be visiting merchants in Franklin County over the next month asking for donations for the auction. People who would like to donate items to the cause should call 697-9533.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
FWC bans fishing for Lemon Sharks in Florida waters
Lemon Sharks will soon be off limits to fishermen in Florida waters.The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission have approved a rule to prohibit all recreational and commercial harvest of lemon sharks from Florida waters. That rule will take effect on March the 23rd.
Officials said the species needs protection because it is susceptible to overfishing. Lemon Sharks are slow-growing, and reproduce slowly. Healthy lemon shark populations are especially important to Florida's dive charter industry which provides ecotourism trips to see lemon shark aggregations in the winter months.
The harvest of lemon sharks will still be allowed in offshore federal waters adjacent to state waters.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Officials said the species needs protection because it is susceptible to overfishing. Lemon Sharks are slow-growing, and reproduce slowly. Healthy lemon shark populations are especially important to Florida's dive charter industry which provides ecotourism trips to see lemon shark aggregations in the winter months.
The harvest of lemon sharks will still be allowed in offshore federal waters adjacent to state waters.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
there will be a speed limit change on St. George Island beginning next week
There will be a change in the speed limit on St. George Island leading up to the St. George Island Bridge.
Beginning next week the speed limit on the new alignment of the St. George Island Bridge from north of West Bayshore Drive to north of the old bridge entrance will be posted at 35 mph. In order to provide a smooth transition the speed limit from the old bridge to the beginning of the St. George Island Bridge will be 45 mph.
The Department of Transportation says the speed limit change was made because of the high level of traffic going to the fishing pier and boat ramps.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Beginning next week the speed limit on the new alignment of the St. George Island Bridge from north of West Bayshore Drive to north of the old bridge entrance will be posted at 35 mph. In order to provide a smooth transition the speed limit from the old bridge to the beginning of the St. George Island Bridge will be 45 mph.
The Department of Transportation says the speed limit change was made because of the high level of traffic going to the fishing pier and boat ramps.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Senator nelson calls for review of federal fishing closures
Florida Senator Bill Nelson has called for a congressional review of the federal government’s new restrictions on commercial, recreational and charter fishing in Florida and other coastal states.
In recent months, the federal government has closed off huge areas of Florida coastal waters to fishing for several kinds of fish including red snapper, grouper and amberjack. Regulators say that’s because the areas are overfished.
On Tuesday, Nelson requested that the Senate Commerce Committee examine the ban on red-snapper fishing and fisheries closures in Florida. He also asked for a determination of whether federal officials are using reliable data to support the tough fishing restrictions.
Fishermen contend federal fisheries managers are using outdated or incomplete data to make the decisions.
Senator Nelson also said the panel should examine whether economic aid could be provided to communities hardest hit by the fishing bans. Nelson also said he intends to file legislation soon to address red-snapper restrictions in the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
In recent months, the federal government has closed off huge areas of Florida coastal waters to fishing for several kinds of fish including red snapper, grouper and amberjack. Regulators say that’s because the areas are overfished.
On Tuesday, Nelson requested that the Senate Commerce Committee examine the ban on red-snapper fishing and fisheries closures in Florida. He also asked for a determination of whether federal officials are using reliable data to support the tough fishing restrictions.
Fishermen contend federal fisheries managers are using outdated or incomplete data to make the decisions.
Senator Nelson also said the panel should examine whether economic aid could be provided to communities hardest hit by the fishing bans. Nelson also said he intends to file legislation soon to address red-snapper restrictions in the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Methodist Church in Apalachicola has limited assistance for oystermen
The United Methodist Churches in Franklin County have a limited amount of funds to help local seafood workers.
The First United Methodist Church in Apalachicola will accept applications for financial assistance on Monday, March the 1st from 2 until 5 PM.
To be eligible for the assistance you have to have been directly affected by the recent bay closures and have not already received financial assistance from another organization like Catholic Charities, The Salvation Army or the Capital Area Community Action Agency.
If you do apply for assistance through the Methodist Church you will need to bring in a seafood workers license as well as your drivers license and social security card. They also want to see proof of recent income related to the bay, sources of household income for the past year, and a list of monthly household expenses.
Again, applications will be accepted on Monday, March the 1st from 2 until 5 PM.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
The First United Methodist Church in Apalachicola will accept applications for financial assistance on Monday, March the 1st from 2 until 5 PM.
To be eligible for the assistance you have to have been directly affected by the recent bay closures and have not already received financial assistance from another organization like Catholic Charities, The Salvation Army or the Capital Area Community Action Agency.
If you do apply for assistance through the Methodist Church you will need to bring in a seafood workers license as well as your drivers license and social security card. They also want to see proof of recent income related to the bay, sources of household income for the past year, and a list of monthly household expenses.
Again, applications will be accepted on Monday, March the 1st from 2 until 5 PM.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
City of Apalachicola wants and independent survey of fire hydrants
The City of Apalachicola has decided to hire a company out of New Jersey to provide an independent assessment of the city’s fire protection system, especially the fire hydrants.
City officials say the study is necessary after a February 8th fire that destroyed the old Wright residence on 16th street in Apalachicola. While firefighters were fighting the blaze they discovered that some of the hydrants in the city are not connected.
Apalachicola Fire Chief George Watkins expressed surprised when he learned that at least five fire hydrants in the city have been disconnected by city staff and rendered inoperable for over a year leading up to the blaze that destroyed the old Wright residence. Mayor Van Johnson said he’s afraid the five hydrants the city knows about may be the tip of the iceberg.
During a special meeting called by the Mayor, City Administrator Betty Taylor-Webb was directed by the City Commission to “proceed with haste” in arranging for an independent study of the City’s fire hydrants by Insurance Services Office Headquartered in Jersey City, New Jersey.
Mayor Johnson said he wants the study done by the next City Commission meeting on March 2nd. The cost for the study is not yet known, but will most likely be paid for from the City’s reserve fund.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
City officials say the study is necessary after a February 8th fire that destroyed the old Wright residence on 16th street in Apalachicola. While firefighters were fighting the blaze they discovered that some of the hydrants in the city are not connected.
Apalachicola Fire Chief George Watkins expressed surprised when he learned that at least five fire hydrants in the city have been disconnected by city staff and rendered inoperable for over a year leading up to the blaze that destroyed the old Wright residence. Mayor Van Johnson said he’s afraid the five hydrants the city knows about may be the tip of the iceberg.
During a special meeting called by the Mayor, City Administrator Betty Taylor-Webb was directed by the City Commission to “proceed with haste” in arranging for an independent study of the City’s fire hydrants by Insurance Services Office Headquartered in Jersey City, New Jersey.
Mayor Johnson said he wants the study done by the next City Commission meeting on March 2nd. The cost for the study is not yet known, but will most likely be paid for from the City’s reserve fund.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
FWC keeps close watch on closed areas of the Apalachicola Bay
Resource Protection officers are making sure oystermen are not working closed areas of the bay – something at least three oystermen found out the hard way.
Earlier this month officer John Allen was on water patrol in Apalachicola Bay when he saw three individuals harvesting oysters in the area of the bay called "Sugar Lumps". That area of the bay was closed at the time. Officer Allen was in an unmarked boat and was wearing plain clothes so the individuals did not realize Officer Allen was an FWC officer until he identified himself and conducted a boating stop.
The three subjects were cited for harvesting oysters in a conditionally closed area and for not having an Apalachicola Bay Oyster Harvesting Permit. The oysters were returned to the bay.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Earlier this month officer John Allen was on water patrol in Apalachicola Bay when he saw three individuals harvesting oysters in the area of the bay called "Sugar Lumps". That area of the bay was closed at the time. Officer Allen was in an unmarked boat and was wearing plain clothes so the individuals did not realize Officer Allen was an FWC officer until he identified himself and conducted a boating stop.
The three subjects were cited for harvesting oysters in a conditionally closed area and for not having an Apalachicola Bay Oyster Harvesting Permit. The oysters were returned to the bay.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
FWC modifies deer hunting dates
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission passed new rules last week that will modify season dates for deer hunting on private property beginning with the 2010-2011 season. The season date changes are designed to better align the deer hunting seasons with the rut.
Changes to season dates in Northwest Florida push opening day of archery season back one week. The first phase of muzzleloading gun season will have four additional days and move from November to December, where it will fill a gap that was previously closed to deer hunting in that zone.
As a result, hunters in North Florida will have continuous deer hunting opportunities from the beginning of archery through the last phase of muzzleloading gun season, and total deer hunting days have been increased from 123 to 128.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Changes to season dates in Northwest Florida push opening day of archery season back one week. The first phase of muzzleloading gun season will have four additional days and move from November to December, where it will fill a gap that was previously closed to deer hunting in that zone.
As a result, hunters in North Florida will have continuous deer hunting opportunities from the beginning of archery through the last phase of muzzleloading gun season, and total deer hunting days have been increased from 123 to 128.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Franklin County on the web February 24th, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Franklin County pic of the day
The crows come out to clean the oyster boats.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Franklin County seeking millions in federal stimulus money
Franklin County hopes the money it spent to hire a company to help get federal stimulus money will finally pay off. The county last year spent 20 thousand dollars to hire a lobbying firm called Governance Services to try and get its share of more than 12 billion dollars in federal economic stimulus money that came to Florida.
So far Franklin County has received enough money to build sidewalks in Apalachicola and St. George Island, but now the county says it is in the running for more substantial projects.
Governance applied for a two and a half million dollar grant to help repair Alligator Point Road. The grant winners should be announced in the next few weeks.
Governance has also submitted a half million dollar Energy Efficiency and Conservation grant that could provide money for the county courthouse and the Carrabelle City Complex. That money would fund an energy audit at retrofit of windows at the courthouse and the Carrabelle City Complex and would also fund the installation of solar panels on the courthouse annex.
According to county planner Alan Pierce, Governance is also working with the Alligator Point Fire Department to submit a grant to help pay for a new fire station.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
So far Franklin County has received enough money to build sidewalks in Apalachicola and St. George Island, but now the county says it is in the running for more substantial projects.
Governance applied for a two and a half million dollar grant to help repair Alligator Point Road. The grant winners should be announced in the next few weeks.
Governance has also submitted a half million dollar Energy Efficiency and Conservation grant that could provide money for the county courthouse and the Carrabelle City Complex. That money would fund an energy audit at retrofit of windows at the courthouse and the Carrabelle City Complex and would also fund the installation of solar panels on the courthouse annex.
According to county planner Alan Pierce, Governance is also working with the Alligator Point Fire Department to submit a grant to help pay for a new fire station.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Portion of Apalachicola Bay reopens to oyster harvesting
A portion of the bay reopened to oyster harvesting at sunrise this morning. The Department of Agriculture reopened the conditionally approved winter east area of the bay today. That is area 1642.
The area has been closed because of high river levels and heavy rainfall in the area over the past few weeks.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
The area has been closed because of high river levels and heavy rainfall in the area over the past few weeks.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
County opposes plans to move Coast Guard cutter Seahawk
Franklin County Commissioners say they will oppose any plans to move the Coast Guard Cutter the Seahawk out of Carrabelle.
The 87 foot cutter has been stationed in the Carrabelle River since the 1990’s to respond to the increased number of boating assistance requests that are coming from our area. The ship is used for search and rescue operations as well as general patrol duties. Along with the cutter there is also a 900 foot pier as well as support facilities and office and storage space.
County Commissioners say the Coast Guard is now re-evaluating Carrabelle as the homeport for the Seahawk and could move the boat to Coast Guard Station in Panama City or the Naval Air Station in Pensacola. This is not the first time the Coast Guard has considered moving the cutter, and county and city officials have successfully lobbied to keep the Seahawk here in the past. Commissioners say they will do it again – and agreed last week to send letters of opposition to our federal representatives.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
The 87 foot cutter has been stationed in the Carrabelle River since the 1990’s to respond to the increased number of boating assistance requests that are coming from our area. The ship is used for search and rescue operations as well as general patrol duties. Along with the cutter there is also a 900 foot pier as well as support facilities and office and storage space.
County Commissioners say the Coast Guard is now re-evaluating Carrabelle as the homeport for the Seahawk and could move the boat to Coast Guard Station in Panama City or the Naval Air Station in Pensacola. This is not the first time the Coast Guard has considered moving the cutter, and county and city officials have successfully lobbied to keep the Seahawk here in the past. Commissioners say they will do it again – and agreed last week to send letters of opposition to our federal representatives.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Wakulla County sheriff investigates attempted child abduction
The Wakulla County Sheriff's Office says it is investigating a report of an attempted child abduction which happened Sunday at the Wakulla County Recreation Park in Medart.
According to the sheriff’s office a stranger at the Park reportedly approached a 12-year-old girl. The girl was waiting for her parent to pick her up from the facility when the man opened the door of his vehicle and turned up the music before approaching her. The victim ran from the man and approached the park caretaker who contacted law enforcement officials.
The suspect was described as a black male, six foot, two inches to six foot six inches tall wearing a white T-shirt. He was estimated to be in his late 20s or early 30s.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
According to the sheriff’s office a stranger at the Park reportedly approached a 12-year-old girl. The girl was waiting for her parent to pick her up from the facility when the man opened the door of his vehicle and turned up the music before approaching her. The victim ran from the man and approached the park caretaker who contacted law enforcement officials.
The suspect was described as a black male, six foot, two inches to six foot six inches tall wearing a white T-shirt. He was estimated to be in his late 20s or early 30s.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Another week with no swimming advisories
Franklin County has gone another week without a swimming advisory. The health department said that water quality tests came back clean for almost all of the beaches tested last week for bacteria.
Health officials did find moderate levels of the enterococcus bacteria at Carrabelle beach for the second week in a row, but not in high enough concentrations to issue an advisory.
There were also no advisories issued last week for the two beaches tested in Wakulla County or for any of the beaches tested in Gulf County.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Health officials did find moderate levels of the enterococcus bacteria at Carrabelle beach for the second week in a row, but not in high enough concentrations to issue an advisory.
There were also no advisories issued last week for the two beaches tested in Wakulla County or for any of the beaches tested in Gulf County.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Monday, February 22, 2010
Franklin County pic of the day
We have a big barge in town right now to dredge the intracoastal waterway.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Franklin County opposes Lake Talquin Dam project
Franklin County Commissioners are opposing a plan to build a new spillway at the dam along Lake Talquin in Leon County. The board last week heard a presentation from the City of Tallahassee who explained their plans to replace an existing earthen spillway on the dam with an 820 foot long spillway made out of concrete.
The concern is that because of the type of soil we have in Northwest Florida, the existing spillway would erode away if the water levels were high enough. That would send an uncontrolled wave of water down the Ochlocknee River into Franklin and Wakulla Counties.
If the project gets the permits it needs it would begin next October and be complete by June of 2011. Project managers say the work would be done without lowering the lake or affecting the flow of the Ochlocknee River.
Franklin County Commissioners, however, say they don’t feel that there is enough concern for people living downstream from the dam and they aren’t sure the new spillway will actually protect people living downstream from the dam. The board said it would also like to see river gauges placed downstream so people can monitor how much water is being allowed through the dam.
The board voted to issue a resolution opposing any permits for the spillway project which they will forward on to the Northwest Florida Water Management District as well as to our representatives in the federal government.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
The concern is that because of the type of soil we have in Northwest Florida, the existing spillway would erode away if the water levels were high enough. That would send an uncontrolled wave of water down the Ochlocknee River into Franklin and Wakulla Counties.
If the project gets the permits it needs it would begin next October and be complete by June of 2011. Project managers say the work would be done without lowering the lake or affecting the flow of the Ochlocknee River.
Franklin County Commissioners, however, say they don’t feel that there is enough concern for people living downstream from the dam and they aren’t sure the new spillway will actually protect people living downstream from the dam. The board said it would also like to see river gauges placed downstream so people can monitor how much water is being allowed through the dam.
The board voted to issue a resolution opposing any permits for the spillway project which they will forward on to the Northwest Florida Water Management District as well as to our representatives in the federal government.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
FWC changing the way it issues hunt permits
There will be a change in the way the state issues some of its hunt permits beginning with the 2010-2011 hunting season.
Last week the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission approved a random-drawing method of obtaining certain hunt permits instead of the first-come, first-served method in use now. This change takes place for all permit hunt types currently using the first-come, first-served issuance method, other than recreational use permits which will move to the random drawing process in the 2011-12 hunting season.
The FWC says the current system resulted in numerous complaints from hunters and an unequal distribution of permits.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Last week the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission approved a random-drawing method of obtaining certain hunt permits instead of the first-come, first-served method in use now. This change takes place for all permit hunt types currently using the first-come, first-served issuance method, other than recreational use permits which will move to the random drawing process in the 2011-12 hunting season.
The FWC says the current system resulted in numerous complaints from hunters and an unequal distribution of permits.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Eastpoint Fire Department purchases new truck
The Eastpoint Fire Department has purchased a new truck. The Department recently took possession of a brand new Blanchette B-27 Minuteman which is a fire, foam and rescue truck.
Fire chief George Pruett said the truck is state of the art and fully loaded. It does everything from pumping water and foam to carrying jaws of life and much more rescue equipment.
The Department will pay 199 thousand dollars for the truck, which is almost 40 thousand dollars off the sticker price.
Even though the fire department had been working for nearly three years to get a truck to replace its 1989 Ford FMC Pumper, this truck sort of fell in its lap. The Blanchette company was using the truck as part of a tour around the southeast when it stopped at the Eastpoint Fire Department. The fire department made an offer on the truck – which the company accepted. They wound up having to take the driver to the airport so he could pick up another fire truck to finish his tour.
The Fire Department got the truck on February the 10th; it was already needed for a fire on the 12th and a rescue on the 13th. The 1989 Ford FMC Pumper that the new truck replaced is currently on loan to the Apalachicola Fire Department but is up for sale for 8000 dollars.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Fire chief George Pruett said the truck is state of the art and fully loaded. It does everything from pumping water and foam to carrying jaws of life and much more rescue equipment.
The Department will pay 199 thousand dollars for the truck, which is almost 40 thousand dollars off the sticker price.
Even though the fire department had been working for nearly three years to get a truck to replace its 1989 Ford FMC Pumper, this truck sort of fell in its lap. The Blanchette company was using the truck as part of a tour around the southeast when it stopped at the Eastpoint Fire Department. The fire department made an offer on the truck – which the company accepted. They wound up having to take the driver to the airport so he could pick up another fire truck to finish his tour.
The Fire Department got the truck on February the 10th; it was already needed for a fire on the 12th and a rescue on the 13th. The 1989 Ford FMC Pumper that the new truck replaced is currently on loan to the Apalachicola Fire Department but is up for sale for 8000 dollars.
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Franklin County on the web February 22nd, 2010
*The Tick Part One by Rein Reiart
*The Tick Part Two by Rein Reiart
*Carrabelle, Florida Camping
*Oyster bar - Boss Oysters, Apalachicola
*Out and About
*Students' art reaches out for Haiti
*Florida Saltwater Fishing Inside Secrets
*Lighthouses
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
*The Tick Part Two by Rein Reiart
*Carrabelle, Florida Camping
*Oyster bar - Boss Oysters, Apalachicola
*Out and About
*Students' art reaches out for Haiti
*Florida Saltwater Fishing Inside Secrets
*Lighthouses
http://www.oysterradio.com
e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)