The Ilse Newell Concert Series is preparing for its 2026 season, and are looking for sponsors for the events

The Ilse Newell Concert Series is preparing for its 2026 season, and are looking for sponsors for the events.

2026 will be the 41st season of the concert series, which brings a variety of musical performers to our area.

The first concert of the 2026 season will be held on January 10th.
Next years performances will include American soul, jazz piano, blues, bluegrass, classical and Broadway show tunes.

The Ilse Newell Fund for the Performing Arts board relies on sponsors to help pay for the performances and to allow students to attend them for free.

They are currently seeking sponsors for the upcoming season.
Sponsorships range from just 25 dollars for a friend sponsorship to 1000 dollars or more for a benefactor level sponsorship.

Patron level sponsorships and above, which start at 100 dollars, will also come with come with complimentary tickets to some of the shows.

They need to have the donations by November 15th to secure all of next year’s shows, so if you would like to be a sponsor, visit inconcertapalachicola.org for all of the information.

www.inconcertapalachicola.org

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The Gulf Council is trying to get a better understanding of what’s happening with gray triggerfish in the Gulf

The Gulf Council is trying to get a better understanding of what’s happening with gray triggerfish in the Gulf and they are hoping that fishermen will help them out.

The Council believes active fishermen may notice trends or interesting things happening in the Gulf that the scientists and managers may not be aware of yet.

For that reason, they have created an on-line fishermen feedback tool where fishermen can provide their information.

A scientific stock assessment of gray triggerfish will begin this summer and the information provided through the Fisherman Feedback Tool will help to inform scientists and managers as they formulate a current understanding of the gray triggerfish stock.

Responses are due by 5:00 PM, on August 29th.

You can find the Fisherman’s feedback tool for gray triggerfish at gulfcouncil.org.

https://gulfcouncil.org/gulf-council-asks-fishermen-for-information-on-gray-triggerfish/

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Recreational harvest of Gulf gray triggerfish opens Aug. 1

The 2025 recreational season for gray triggerfish in Gulf state and federal waters will open Aug. 1. The season is scheduled to close on Jan. 1, 2026.

If you plan to fish for gray triggerfish or other specific reef fish species in Gulf state or federal waters from a private recreational vessel, you must sign up for the State Reef Fish Angler Designation.

As a State Reef Fish Angler, you could be selected to receive a mail survey component of the State Reef Fish Survey.

By participating in the State Reef Fish Survey, you are improving recreational data that is used to provide optimum recreational fishing opportunities in Florida. To learn more about the State Reef Fish Survey, visit MyFWC.com/SRFS

For current recreational gray triggerfish regulations, visit MyFWC.com/Marine and click on “Recreational Regulations” and “Triggerfish.”

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Gulf County Chamber Member Spotlight 2025

#shoplocal #shopgulfcountyfl Stephen Teekell is a professional photographer and visual storyteller, dedicated to capturing life's most precious moments with authenticity and artistry. Based in Port St. Joe, FL, Stephen specializes in candid and documentary-style photography, capturing your most cherished moments against the stunning backdrops of Mexico Beach, Cape San Blas, Indian Pass, and Panama City Beach. Whether it’s family portraits, a maternity shoot, or romantic wedding photography, Stephen’s keen eye and unique style bring your stories to life. Stephen Teekell specializes in much more than just family, maternity, and wedding photography. Whatever your photography needs, Stephen is ready to help bring your vision to life. Reach out today to discuss your project! Real Estate Photography Senior Portraits for Graduation Lifestyle and Portraits Event Photography Landscape Photography Stephen Teekell Port St. Joe, FL stphotos21@gmail.com (325) 899-2440 www.stephenteekellphotography.com Aqua Force is the top choice for pressure washing services in Northwest Florida, proudly serving Bay, Franklin, Gulf, and Washington counties. Their expert team specializes in pressure washing, soft washing, roof and gutter cleaning to tackle those stubborn mildew and lichen buildups that can detract from your property's appearance. With Aqua Force, you can trust that they will restore your roof and surfaces to like-new condition, enhancing curb appeal and extending the life of your investment. Contact them today to experience the Aqua Force difference and keep your home or business looking its best! Aqua Force 850-381-1527 AquaForceFL@gmail.com Www.gettheforce.com Precision Stoneworks is your go-to partner for transforming spaces with stunning surfaces! Specializing in cabinets, countertops, sinks, and tiles, they cater to homeowners, builders, and contractors alike. Their expertise spans residential, multi-family, and commercial projects, ensuring they can handle any size or scope. Whether you're renovating a kitchen, bathroom, or any other room, the right materials are crucial, and Precision Stoneworks simplifies the selection and purchasing process for you. Their team ensures smooth design and installation, tailored to your needs and budget. They also excel in high-volume stone fabrication and cabinet solutions, perfect for apartments, condominiums, and other commercial spaces. Visit their Port St. Joe Showroom and start bringing your vision to life! Delivering Surfaces Worthy Of Beautiful Homes Precision Stoneworks Port St. Joe Showroom: 301 Reid Ave, Port St Joe, FL 850) 234-3868 https://precisionstoneworks.com 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 Visit our NEW website for a complete list. #shoplocal #supportlocal Sponsor Form Joe Whitmer President/CEO   Gulf County Chamber of Commerce 321B Reid Ave Port St Joe, FL gulfchamber.org 850-227-1223 Office Share This Email   Share This Email   Share This Email

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August is the time to do all of your back-to-school shopping

August is the time to do all of your back-to-school shopping.

The 2025 Florida Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday runs for the entire month of August, from Friday, August 1st, to Sunday, August 31st.

This is a permanent annual event and replaces previous shorter tax holidays.

During the sales tax holiday you won’t have to pay Florida’s 6 percent sales tax on Clothing and shoes priced $100 or less, School supplies that cost $50 or less and Learning aids like books, flashcards, and puzzles under $30.

Computers and accessories like headphones and printers priced at $1,500 or less are also tax free.

There is a list of items that will be tax free available through the Department of Revenue.

And for those of you who love the outdoors, a new sales tax holiday for Hunting, Fishing & Camping equipment is also scheduled for September 8th through December 31st, 2025.

This information is based on official Florida Department of Revenue guidelines and publications. More detailed information is available on the Florida Department of Revenue website.

https://floridarevenue.com/taxes/tips/Documents/TIP_25A01-08.pdf

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The My Safe Florida Home Program will begin accepting applications for free hurricane home inspections on August the 4th

The My Safe Florida Home Program will begin accepting applications for free hurricane home inspections on August the 4th.

The state program provides grants for low-income homeowners and moderate-income homeowners to help fund home improvements to keep homes hurricane safe.

The home must be a dwelling with an insured value of $700,000 or less.

Funding is limited and grants are on a first-come, first served basis.

Eligible applicants can apply for a free home hurricane inspection.

The owner will receive an inspection report and recommended improvements.

Eligible applicants can then apply for program grant money for home strengthening improvements.

The Florida Legislature has allocated $280 million for the 2025–2026 fiscal year to fund new Wind-mitigation Inspections and Grants under the Program.

For more information about eligible activities and grant applicants, go online to www.MySafeFLHome.com

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Teenagers applying for their learner’s permits in Florida will have to study a little harder to get that ID card starting in August

Teenagers applying for their learner’s permits in Florida will have to study a little harder to get that ID card starting in August.

A new law requires first-time driving permit applicants under the age of 18 to complete a new six-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety course.

The new course will replace the current four-hour Traffic Law Substance and Education course.

The course is meant to be on par with the Florida Department of Education’s driver education and traffic safety curriculum.

The course requires students to demonstrate knowledge of traffic laws and safe driving.

It covers defensive driving strategies, distracted driving, and know best practices for driving in Florida weather conditions.

It also covers the consequences of substance use while driving, as well as how to interact with law enforcement during a traffic stop.

The class can be taken in person or online.

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Gulf Council Asks Fishermen for Information on Gray Triggerfish

Gulf Council Asks Fishermen for Information on Gray Triggerfish For Immediate Release July 29, 2025   The Gulf Council would like to gain a better understanding of what’s happening with gray triggerfish in the Gulf. The Council recognizes that as active fishermen, you may notice trends or interesting things happening in the Gulf that the scientists and managers may not be aware of yet.   We rely on your on-the-water expertise to guide our current understanding of what’s happening. A scientific stock assessment of gray triggerfish is set to begin soon. The information you provide through our Fisherman Feedback Tool will help to inform scientists and managers as they formulate a current understanding of the gray triggerfish stock.   Please submit your responses to our: Fisherman Feedback Tool for Gray Triggerfish   Responses are due by 5:00 PM, EST on August 29, 2025.   Thank you for taking the time to enhance our understanding of gray triggerfish in the Gulf. Your knowledge leads to better, more informed management decisions. View this press release on our webpage About The Gulf Council The Gulf Council is one of eight regional Fishery Management Councils established by the Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976. The Council prepares fishery management plans, which are designed to manage fishery resources within the 200-mile limit of the Gulf of America.    Sign up for Gulf Council News here!

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Florida DEP permit activity for Port St. Joe

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF Environmental Protection Bob Martinez Center 2600 Blair Stone Road Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2400

Ron DeSantis Governor Alexis A. Lambert Secretary

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Permitting Application Subscription Service Subscriber email address: manager@oysterradio.com   Profile Name: Oyster Radio Permit: Water - ERP Noticed General Permit Project Name: CITY OF PSJ VICTORIA AVENUE Location Id: 462321 Location Name: CITY OF PORT ST JOE VICTORIA AVE County: Gulf Application Number: 462321-002 For further information, please contact the Northwest District permitting office in Pensacola at (850) 595-8300 Link to Department's application file: CITY OF PORT ST JOE VICTORIA AVE If you would like to comment on the pending application, please go here: Public Comment | DEP Business Portal (fldepportal.com)

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Month-Long Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday Starts August 1st

PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla.— Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the return of Florida’s Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday, which will run from Friday, August 1 through Sunday, August 31, giving families a full month of savings on essential school supplies and more.

“Proud to deliver additional sales tax holidays, including the Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday that begins on August 1. With the new school year just around the corner, Florida families can save on back-to-school shopping during the tax holiday for the entire month of August,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “By cutting taxes, empowering parents, and growing our economy, we're making it easier for people to live, work, and thrive in the Free State of Florida.”

With a consistently low unemployment rate and a AAA credit rating from all major agencies, Florida has maintained one of the lowest per-capita tax burdens in the nation. Earlier this year, Governor DeSantis signed the Fiscal Year 2025–26 budget, which included $2 billion in tax relief, including the permanent repeal of the Business Rent Tax and several targeted sales tax holidays. This year’s tax relief package specifically delivers $450 million in savings through sales tax holidays designed to support Florida families and residents.

The Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday includes exemptions for:

School supplies selling for $50 or less

• Binders
  
  
• Notebooks
  
  
• Pens and pencils
  
  
• Lunch boxes

 

Clothing, footwear, and apparel priced at $100 or less

• Backpacks
  
  
• Pants
  
  
• Shoes
  
  
• Shirts
  
  
• Sweaters

 

Learning aids selling for $30 or less

• Interactive Books
  
  
• Puzzles
  
  
• Flashcards

 

Personal computers and accessories priced at $1,500 or less (for noncommercial home or personal use)

• Laptops
  
  
• Flash drives
  
  
• Printers
  
  
• Headphones

 

For more information and to view lists of qualifying items, visit: FloridaRevenue.com/BackToSchool.

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FRANKLIN COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY PET OF THE WEEK

 

 

Dandy is a 7-month-old Lab/Hound and he and his 2 sisters and 1 brother were brought to us after someone had dumped them.  They are all very sweet, gentle and social pups.  Often times when people are looking to adopt a dog as a family pet, we will recommend a hound/lab cross as they tend to be gentle pets for children.  If you are ready to add to your family and want a dog for your children, you'll want to consider Dandy or one of his littermates!

 

 

We are always looking for people willing to bring one of our animals into their home to be fostered for various needs.

 

Any time you can spare would be greatly appreciated.

 

Call Karen at 670-8417 for more details or visit the Franklin County Humane Society at 244 State Road 65 in Eastpoint.

 

You may logon to the website at www.forgottenpets.org to see more of our adoptable pets.

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