News from Apalachicola Center for History Culture and Art

CELEBRATING HISTORY, CULTURE, ART & COMMUNITY! Your contribution makes great things happen at HCA... all year round! Click here to make your donation. Summer is coming soon and we're gearing up for a busy season! Here's a look at the upcoming exhibits and events for May and June...and as always, thank you for supporting the arts! QUANTA An Exhibit by Dave Levick May 8-29, 2021 "These works reveal some of the correlations unlocked by squaring the circle by equal perimeter/circumference; and insoluble problem; but for practical purposes, reconciling the irreconcilable." "Lines drawn tangent to the extremities of the coil inscribe an architecturally and geometrically accurate cross-section of the great pyramid at Giza." -Dave Levick     "Rebirth" by Rae Ruff June 5-30, 2021 Reception June 5th @ 5pm "My re-awakening of painting vivid abstracts created through synesthesia, in the form of visualizing colors through the vibrations of music and then painting that which I see. I cannot describe a song in words; in a work of art, I can. I also create pieces by channeling a client's musings or my own emotions and bringing them to life on canvas."   Project Impact's: Paper Hand Puppet Intervention "Kid Series"   This exhibit is the upstairs gallery now until October. The afterschool program Project Impact created a larger-than-life Seahawk puppet along with Monarch Butterflies, Flowers and Fish. Come see the amazing work from our talented local young students.   "Community Moving Education" Youth Arts Program June 1 - July 2 For ages 10-19 This 5 week summer program is designed to introduce our local pre-teens and teenagers about several different aspects of the arts. From culinary art to performance art, photography, painting, music and more! To sign up contact HCA at 850-653-1458, email info@apalachicolahca.com or come by 86 Water Street. Registration is due by May 28th at 5pm.  All paperwork must be completed and turned in before workshops begin.   Clyde Butcher Exhibit "Florida Landscapes" This exhibit is on loan to HCA from Clyde Butcher after being in the Blountstown Community Center that was destroyed in Hurricane Michael in 2018. Come see this large-scale Black and White Photography exhibit in the upstairs gallery at HCA.   Apalachicola Winter Wonderland 2021 Winter Wonderland 2021 will give our community an opportunity to celebrate the Holidays in a big way after a challenging couple of years, while giving the HCA the financial boost it desperately needs. We’ll dress up the beautiful History, Culture and Arts Center in grand holiday splendor, and then use it as a backdrop for lots of fun holiday events for kids and adults.  The premier event of the season will be the Winter Wonderland Ball, a gala dinner-dance, a major source of funding to keep the HCA alive and strong.    Here’s how you can help-- Decorations, inside and outside our beautiful historic building are needed. The goal is fun stuff for kids and adults, Christmas village houses and gizmos, lots of greens, ornaments lights and moving parts.   If you have any old decorations you would like to donate, please bring them to HCA from 11-5 Tuesdays through Saturdays, beginning now! We are starting early and appreciate any help with this!!

The Apalachicola Center for History Culture and Art is located in an iconic 19th century brick building that faces Riverfront Park.  Come visit us Monday - Saturday from 12p.m. - 5p.m.  We look forward to greeting you!   Apalachicola Center for History Culture and Art (HCA) 86 Water Street Apalachicola, FL 32320 850-653-1458 Stay tuned for updates on HCA projects and programs as we navigate the new year. Most exhibits will include virtual ways to participate, and be available on our Facebook page and at www.apalachicolahca.com The Mission of the City of Apalachicola's National Historic District's Center for History, Culture and Art, housed in one of the two remaining renovated 1836 Cotton Exchange buildings located on the waterfront, is to teach that the arts continue to define civilization.  Led by its board and its Director, the Center also creates an economic impact for the region, while messaging to its community of all ages, as well as to tourists, that visual, spoken and written arts, as well as musical art create unique individual and communal experiences which offer solace to the soul of mankind. HCA operates under the auspices of the City of Apalachicola but relies entirely for its funding upon donations, grants, fundraising events and the generous support of our members.  All donations are tax-deductible. Thank you for your continued support!!! Donate Here Copyright © *2021* *Apalachicola Center for History, Culture and Art*, All rights reserved.

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Florida DEP permit activity for Wakulla County

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

Ron DeSantis Governor Jeanette Nuñez Lt. Governor Noah Valenstein Secretary

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Permitting Application Subscription Service Subscriber email address: manager@oysterradio.com   Profile Name: Oyster Radio Permit: Water - Domestic Wastewater Collection/Transmission System Project Name: CRAWFORDVILLE RETAIL SEWER Location Id: 403538 Location Name: CRAWFORDVILLE RETAIL County: Wakulla Application Number: 403538-001 For further information, please contact the Northwest District permitting office in Pensacola at (850) 595-8300

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FWC Releases 2020 Boating Accident Statistical Report

With the release of the 2020 Boating Accident Statistical Report, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) encourages boaters to focus on taking the necessary steps for a safer boating experience.

“A leading contributor to boating accidents is the operator’s inattention or failure to maintain a proper lookout, said Lt. Seth Wagner, FWC Boating and Waterways Section. “Many operators believe they are looking around but they are not recognizing potential hazards or are distracted by dividing their attention between things like electronic devices or other occupants in the boat.”

In 2020, 402 boating accidents involved collisions and 44% of them were due to the operator’s inattention or failing to maintain a proper lookout.

“It is important for boaters to keep in mind that a vessel should be treated with the same responsibility as a car or truck so everyone can enjoy Florida’s beautiful waters,” Wagner said.

Florida had 836 boating accidents in 2020, which is 113 more accidents than in 2019, a 16% increase. A total of 79 people lost their lives last year in boating accidents, 14 more than the previous year. Since 2003, falling overboard has been the leading type of fatal accident with drowning as the leading cause of death. Of the drowning victims, 88% were not wearing a life jacket. Today’s boaters can choose from several models of light and comfortable, inflatable belt-pack or over-the-shoulder life jackets that can be worn while fishing or enjoying the sun. Events can happen quickly and unexpectedly, and boaters might not have time to grab their life jacket before finding themselves in the water. The message is clear, “Life Jackets Save Lives.”

The FWC is responsible for reviewing, analyzing and compiling boating accident data for the state. Its statistical report details boating accidents and their causes. FWC officers want to help keep Florida’s beautiful waterways a safe place to boat.

For a copy of the 2020 Boating Accident Statistical Report, visit MyFWC.com and select “Boating,” “Safety & Education” then “Recreational Boating Accidents.”

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The Florida Public Service Commission agreed this week to allow the St. Joe Natural Gas Company to levy a temporary storm restoration recovery charge

The Florida Public Service Commission agreed this week to allow the St. Joe Natural Gas Company to levy a temporary storm restoration recovery charge that allows the company to recover costs for Hurricane Michael.

The company began collecting the surcharge in May 2020.

The surcharge ranges from $1.68 to $3.10 per month based on the level of usage. 

The Agreement reached this week will continue the surcharge through December 2024. 

The St. Joe Natural Gas Company will recover about 330 thousand dollars based on the Agreement. 

St. Joe Natural Gas Company provides natural gas service to customers in Port St Joe, St Joe Beach, Mexico Beach, White City, Overstreet and Wewahitchka.

Hurricane Michael—a Category 5 storm—made landfall near Mexico Beach on October 10th, 2018, causing widespread destruction of utility infrastructure, as well as roads, homes, and businesses.

St. Joe’s service territory took a direct hit from Hurricane Michael, and its system was severely damaged.

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Mexico Beach is Thriving Again

BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPING

The palm trees are back and they are great! The City of Mexico Beach continues to develop and restore the beaches. The plan, which is on the city's website, mexicobeachgov.com, includes thousands of plants, twenty different varieties of ground covers, and over ninety-five palm trees. The landscaping consists of native coastal plants that are environmentally friendly and designed to protect the structure of the beach. The cost of the renovations, around $470,000, have been funded by the Florida Department of Transportation. The Mexico Beach Artificial Reef Association, along with the City, also has plans to place educational signage about the reef program near the beach walkovers for demonstration and educational purposes. We are very proud of our beaches and how the city is coming together so beautifully.   AND THE WINNER IS... Last month, we had a fishing shirt from KC Sportfishing up for grabs, and the lucky winner is Laine Harowitz, from Woodstock, Georgia. Congrats, Laine! MAY GIVEAWAY This month, we are giving away a 2021 Kingfish Tournament shirt from the Mexico Beach Artificial Reef Association. Mexico Beach has one of the most active artificial reef associations in the country. Our reef system helps generate the quantity and variety of fish caught off these beautiful shores, and it creates a fishing and diving playground. For every one hundred members, MBARA can build and deploy two eight-foot pyramid reefs that will be here for decades. To place your name in the hat, send an email to Kathy at kathy@mexicobeach.com.

MEET MEXICO BEACH

This month, we are delighted to let all our readers know that the Express Lane gas station, on Highway 98 near 8th Street, has opened. We can now get gas locally, along with beach items, snacks, beer and wine. The new manager, Ms. January, indicated that they will be moving to a twenty-four-hour convenience store shortly. There are six gas pumps as well as the Florida Lotto. The long-awaited return of Subway is under way, and Ms. January expects it to be opened in three to four months. When you're driving by next time, be sure to stop by, fuel up, and grab a snack or two!

MEXICO BEACH ANNUAL PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST April 1-July 31 Get ready to print those pictures and try your hand at our annual photography contest. The 21st Annual Mexico Beach Photography Contest opens for submissions on April 1 and runs through July 31. We welcome all photographs taken in Mexico Beach-past and present. Categories are Around Mexico Beach, Sunrises & Sunsets, The Beach, Fishing & Boating, People, and Flora & Animal Life. We hope you will capture Mexico Beach through your "eyes" and enter our photography contest. READ MORE

MEXICO BEACH MOBILE LIBRARY MAY 13 Come check out a book, or two, or three from the Mobile Library! The Mobile Library will be set up at City Hall, located at 201 Paradise Path, near the covered pavilion from 12:30 p.m. till 3:00 p.m. The Mobile Library is open to the public and will be stocked with books for all ages (print and audiobooks) and DVD movies. Library patrons will be able to register for a library card and borrow and return items. So, if you don’t have a library card, don’t let that stop you. Patrons who place requests for items at other libraries can pick up those items from the Mobile Library, so patrons are not limited to the titles on the vehicle. With a nice selection of books, there will be something for everyone to read. Reading is a wonderful activity you can enjoy while at the beach, so be sure to stop and experience the benefits of the library being brought to you. READ MORE

LICENSE-FREE FISHING DAY June 5 & 6 Ready to fish without having to purchase a license? The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission is offering license-free fishing days for those wanting to test the waters. This is an excellent opportunity for those who don't already have a fishing license to experience fishing, take young people fishing, or introduce a friend to fishing without having to purchase a State of Florida-issued fishing license. On the listed days, the fishing license requirement is waived for all recreational anglers, including both State of Florida residents and nonresidents. READ MORE

GOLLYWHOPPER CLASSIC June 12 The first fishing tournament of the summer, the GollyWhopper Classic, is set for June 11-12, 2021! Both the Captain's Party and the Weigh-In will take place at the Mexico Beach Boat Ramp, located at 109 44th Street. This year's categories are Red Snapper, Grouper, and King Mackerel. There will also be a youth division (14 & under). The Captain's Party will be held on Friday, June 11, at 5:00 p.m. The Weigh-In will take place on Saturday, June 12, from 3:30 p.m. till 5:30 p.m. There will be live music and food on both nights. This one-day tournament is one you'll want to enter. Get ready to fuel up, head out, and compete for your chance at some great cash prizes. READ MORE

A FRIENDLY REMINDER:

Mexico Beach is a Leave No Trace community, and we appreciate your assistance in helping us keep our beaches clean. Any items left on the beach unattended from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. will be removed and disposed of by the City of Mexico Beach. Items include, but are not limited to, tents and tent frames, beach chairs, coolers, umbrellas, toys, etc. Also, please fill in any holes before you leave and please remain off the sand dunes and out of the sea oats to ensure their continued nourishment. There are boardwalks and walking paths that can be accessed to reach the beach. Your assistance with these requests will keep our beaches beautiful and pristine. For full details on this ordinance or questions, click here or contact City Hall at (850) 648-5700.

LIME GRILLED POMPANO This delicious dish is a great appetizer and party favorite! We publish it compliments of the Mexico Beach Artificial Reef Association Seafood Cookbook (www.mbara.org). INGREDIENTS 4 8-ounce pompano fillets 3 tablespoons vegetable oil 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 2 limes, halved 2 tablespoons chopped parsley Salt Cracked black pepper PREPARATION Rub the fillets with vegetable oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Grill the fillets skin-side up over a medium-hot fire for about 3-4 minutes, until the fish is opaque all the way through. Remove the fillets from the fire, drizzle them with the olive oil, squeeze a half lime over each, and sprinkle them with the parsley. Serve with your favorite side dish and fresh bread, and enjoy!

IT'S ALL ABOUT SHOES

Shoes: they are an important part of an outfit as well as great foot protectors. Here are some humorous thoughts on shoes. —Cinderella is proof that a new pair of shoes can change your life. —No matter how much I eat, the shoes still fit. —If you don't think shoes are important, just ask Dorothy. —Shoes are like dessert: there is always room for more. —Be a stiletto in a room full of flats. —Give a girl the right set of shoes and she can conquer the world. —Forty percent of women have thrown a shoe at a man, the other 60 percent would never disrespect a shoe that way. —Chocolate is good, but shoes are carb-free. —Keep your heels, head, and standards high. —When in doubt, wear red shoes.

PLAYING THE FIELD

We generally consider "playing the field" to mean a single person going out with a variety of people and not having a steady or exclusive relationship. This phrase goes back to the nineteenth century and has transferred from horse racing to dating. In the old days, some gamblers believed they could increase their chances of winning at a horse race by betting on every horse except the favorite. This was called "playing the field" of horses-and it was generally unsuccessful. MEXICOBEACH.COM

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Florida DEP permit activity for Gulf County

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

Ron DeSantis Governor Jeanette Nuñez Lt. Governor Noah Valenstein Secretary

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Permitting Application Subscription Service Subscriber email address: manager@oysterradio.com   Profile Name: Oyster Radio Permit: Water - ERP Exemption Permit Project Name: 244 SEA LAVENDER LN [BOAT LIFT Location Id: 403458 Location Name: 244 SEA LAVENDER LN [BOAT LIFT] County: Gulf Application Number: 403458-001 For further information, please contact the Northwest District permitting office in Pensacola at (850) 595-8300

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