Thursday, March 26, 2026

Gulf County Chamber Member Spotlight and Business News

#shoplocal #shopgulfcountyfl

🩺 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁


We’re proud to spotlight ChiroLife Wellness, a family-focused chiropractic practice and valued member of the Gulf County Chamber of Commerce!

Located in Port St. Joe, 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 is led by Dr. Kelley Hensley, a Doctor of Chiropractic with over 20 years of experience dedicated to helping individuals and families live healthier, more active lives.


ChiroLife Wellness takes a holistic, personalized approach to care, offering services designed to improve mobility, reduce pain, and support overall wellness. Their services include chiropractic adjustments, wellness consultations, and specialized techniques such as NAET (a non-invasive allergy elimination protocol).


Dr. Hensley is also Webster Technique certified, providing specialized care for expecting mothers, and has extensive experience working with children — making ChiroLife Wellness a trusted resource for patients of all ages.

With a mission centered around helping patients “live life well,” ChiroLife Wellness is committed to creating a welcoming environment where individuals and families can achieve better health and long-term wellness.


📍𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺: 310 3rd St., Suite B, Port St. Joe, FL


🌐 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲: www.thechirolifewellness.com


We’re proud to recognize ChiroLife Wellness and the positive impact they bring to the health and well-being of our community!


#GulfCountyChamber #MemberSpotlight #ChiroLifeWellness #SupportLocal #ChiropracticCare #Wellness #PortStJoe #HealthyLiving

We’re excited to spotlight FloridaRentals.com, a premier vacation rental platform and valued member of the Gulf County Chamber of Commerce!

𝗙𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝗥𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹𝘀.𝗰𝗼𝗺 is a Florida-focused vacation rental marketplace that connects travelers directly with property owners and managers, offering thousands of vacation homes across the state — from beachfront condos to family-friendly houses and luxury coastal retreats.


What sets FloridaRentals.com apart is their commitment to value and transparency. The platform charges no booking or service fees, helping travelers save up to 20–25% compared to other rental sites, while allowing direct communication with property owners for a more personalized experience.


Their mission is simple: to help visitors find the perfect Florida getaway while supporting property owners with an easy-to-use, cost-effective platform. With a wide range of rental options and expert customer support, FloridaRentals.com makes planning a trip to the Sunshine State easier and more affordable.


Whether you're planning a family vacation, romantic escape, or group trip, FloridaRentals.com offers the space, comfort, and flexibility of home — right here in Florida.


🌐 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹𝘀: www.floridarentals.com


We’re proud to have FloridaRentals.com as part of the Gulf County Chamber of Commerce and appreciate the role they play in promoting travel and tourism throughout our region!


#GulfCountyChamber #MemberSpotlight #FloridaRentals #VacationRentals #SupportLocal #Tourism #ForgottenCoast #TravelFlorida

We’re proud to spotlight Emerald Coast Federal Credit Union, a trusted, locally owned financial institution and valued member of the Gulf County Chamber of Commerce!


Founded in 1939, 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗙𝗖𝗨 has a long history of serving the community and has grown into a full-service, member-owned financial cooperative dedicated to helping individuals and businesses achieve their financial goals.

As a community credit union, they proudly serve those who live, work, worship, or attend school in Gulf and Franklin Counties and the City of Mexico Beach, offering personalized service with a strong local focus.


💳 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲:

• Checking and savings accounts with competitive rates

• Auto, personal, mortgage, and business loans

• Credit cards and financial planning tools

• Online and mobile banking for convenient access anytime, anywhere

• Additional services like direct deposit, debit cards, bill pay, and more


Emerald Coast FCU is committed to providing lower fees, better rates, and member-first service, ensuring that every member benefits from being part of a cooperative financial institution.


With locations in Port St. Joe, Wewahitchka, and Eastpoint, their team makes banking easy, accessible, and community-focused.


🌐 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲: www.emeraldcoastfcu.com


We’re proud to recognize Emerald Coast Federal Credit Union for their dedication to financial wellness and their continued support of the Gulf County community!


#GulfCountyChamber #MemberSpotlight #EmeraldCoastFCU #SupportLocal #CommunityBanking #FinancialWellness #PortStJoe #BankLocal

𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀

Visit our NEW website for a complete list.

#shoplocal #supportlocal

Joe Whitmer

President/CEO

 

Gulf County Chamber of Commerce

321B Reid Ave

Port St Joe, FL

gulfchamber.org

850-227-1223 Office

FacebookShare This Email
 
XShare This Email
 
LinkedInShare This Email




http://live.oysterradio.com/

Gulf Council Holds Fisheries Photo Contest to Showcase 50 Years of Fisheries

Gulf Council Holds Fisheries Photo Contest to

Showcase 50 Years of Fisheries

For Immediate Release

March 25, 2026


In celebration of its 50th Anniversary, the Gulf Council is inviting photographers of all skill levels to participate in a special Gulf Fisheries Photo Contest highlighting the people, places, and marine life that define fisheries in the Gulf region.



For five decades, the Council has worked to manage federal fisheries in the Gulf of America. As part of this milestone celebration, the Council is seeking powerful images that reflect the heritage, resilience, and vibrancy of Gulf fisheries and coastal communities.


Contest Categories

Participants may submit photos in the following categories:

  • Best Overall Photo
  • Best Recreational Fishing Photo
  • Best Commercial Fishing Photo
  • Best Historical Photo
  • Best Marine Life or Habitat Photo
  • Best Coastal Community Photo


Recognition

Winning photographers will be publicly acknowledged as part of the Council’s 50th Anniversary celebration. Selected photos will be displayed in Council offices and featured prominently in Council materials, including displays, print publications, the Council’s website, and other communications materials.


Submission Guidelines

To be eligible:

  • Photos must be taken in the Gulf region.
  • Images must be submitted in digital format (high-resolution preferred).
  • Entries must be original. Minor adjustments including color correction and cropping are allowed. However, AI-generated or heavily manipulated images are not permitted.
  • Photographers must have permission from any identifiable individuals in the photo. If a subject is a minor, permission must be granted by a legal guardian.
  • By submitting a photo, participants grant the Council a royalty-free license to use the image in communications and outreach materials.



How to Enter

Submit your photos using this Photo Entry and Release Form.

A separate submission must be made for each photo entered in the contest.

Submission Deadline: 5:00 PM Eastern Time on Thursday, April 30th, 2026


“This contest is an opportunity to reflect on 50 years of fisheries management and celebrate the communities and marine resources that make our region unique,” said Council Chair, Mr. JD Dugas. “We look forward to seeing the Gulf through the eyes of those who live and work on its waters.”




http://live.oysterradio.com/

Tuesday, March 24, 2026

April Events Along Florida's Forgotten Coast

Carrabelle Riverfront Festival April 25
The Carrabelle Chamber of Commerce invites you to experience a fun-filled day along the beautiful historic Carrabelle Florida Riverfront! The 2026 Carrabelle Riverfront Festival, scheduled for April 25, is a full day of family-friendly activities, live music, unique entertainment, colorful arts & craft vendors, and delicious food vendors.  There will be plenty of activities for the young and old along the beautiful historic harbor. Visitors can browse tons of festival vendors and booths with unique arts and craft items, delicious food, yummy treats and interesting products. Food vendors will be offering shrimp, conch fritters, BBQ, kettle corn, funnel cakes, shaved ice, cotton candy, pork skins, and more. Plus, there will be family-friendly exhibitors with engaging local displays.  Details. 
9th Annual SGI Brewfest April 18
The 2026 SGI Brewfest will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026 from 1-4 pm (Eastern) in the public parking area adjacent to SGI Lighthouse Park. The SGI Brewfest is a one-day beer tasting festival to promote the appreciation of craft beer. All proceeds benefit the Franklin County Humane Society. This year’s event features an even broader selection of amazing craft beers, friendly faces and furry friends. This is a very limited engagement and tickets must be purchased in advance. Tickets will NOT be sold at the door. This event will SELL OUT, so buy your tickets early! Details.
Lighthouses Host Full Moon Climbs April 1, 2
The April Sunset and Full Moon Climb at the Cape St. George Lighthouse on St. George Island will be held on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 from 7:45 - 9:45 p.m. Fifteen-minute time slots will be allotted for each group on a first come, first served basis. No advanced reservations will be taken.  Details. 

The Crooked River Lighthouse
 will be hosting Twilight at the Tower on Thursday, April 2 from 7-10 pm in Carrabelle, FL. Attendees will be treated to a plein air painting demonstration by an Ambassador of the Forgotten Coast en Plein Air, Cheryl Ploegstra, watercolorist. Details.
Celebrate Estuaries Day at ANERR May 1
The Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve will celebrate Estuaries Day on Friday, May 1st, from 1:30-5:30 pm E.T. in Eastpoint. The event is free and will include fun educational activities for kids and adults, and estuary-themed games. Please note that all children must be accompanied by an adult.

New activities will be debuting this year such as ink block art printing, Be Bay Aware, the junior water quality lab, and living shoreline demonstrations. Old favorites will also be returning, including the cast net game, the wacky waterfront race, aquatic animal touch tanks, live oyster microscope viewing, glass grinding and sand art, Be-A-Bear, and more! Attendees can also tour ANERR’s 5,400 square-foot Nature Center with its three large aquariums filled with local estuarine and marine life, an 80-foot-long mural depicting the area ecosystems, and a hands-on Bay Discovery Room. Details. 
UPCOMING EVENTS 
Last Chance!
Win A Getaway to Florida's Forgotten Coast

Ready to go play outside? Us too!  Here's your last chance to win a Spring Outdoor Getaway to Florida's Forgotten Coast. Enter by April 1, 2026. Click here for a chance to win a 2-night stay on St. George Island, evening meals at area Franklin County restaurants, kayak rental and tour of the area’s two historic lighthouses. 
Apalachicola Boat & Car Show April 18
The Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce present the 27th Annual Boat & Car Show on April 18 from 10am to 3pm at Riverfront Park in Apalachicola. Come see Boats, Cars and Golf Carts of all makes and models while enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of being on the river in Apalachicola. If you would like to register your Car, Boat or Golf Cart for the show, you can visit Apalachicolabay.org to download a form or stop by the Chamber of Commerce office in downtown Apalachicola.
Details. 
FSU Marine Lab Open House April 25
FSUCML’s Open House will take place on April 25, 2026! Join us for a day of hands-on educational displays, food trucks, a silent auction, and a celebration of scientific knowledge from land to sea.
The FSU Open House highlights the work of FSU’s scientists and their graduate students, providing a unique opportunity to explore research focused on coastal and marine ecosystems. Details. 
Historic Home Tour May 2 in Apalachicola
The Historic Apalachicola Home and Garden Tour returns Saturday, May 2, inviting visitors to explore some of the community’s most distinctive homes. A featured highlight this year is a residence redesigned by noted Modernist architect Hugh Newell Jacobsen, known for his work on a Martha’s Vineyard home for Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. The weekend begins Friday, May 1, with a 6 p.m. Evensong service and reception. On Saturday, a public silent auction opens at 9 a.m. on the church grounds. Details. 
More History! 
If This House Could Talk May 2-17

The Apalachicola Area Historical Society (AAHS) announces the return of its popular self-guided history tour, “If This House Could Talk,” taking place May 2 through May 17, 2026, throughout historic Apalachicola. This free event transforms the town into an open-air museum with 30 locations expected where visitors can explore local history through engaging visual storyboards. Guests are invited to view the storyboards (but not enter the properties) at their own pace during this event. Details.
Franklin County Tourist Development Council • 731 Hwy. 98, Eastpoint, FL 32329 • 850-670-3474




http://live.oysterradio.com/