Find Your Way Outdoors in Gulf County 🌴

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN GULF NEWSLETTER June 2026    |    VIEW IN YOUR BROWSER

Your Summer Reset Starts Here Fresh Air, Quiet Waters, and Time to Recharge Sometimes the best kind of R&R doesn't come with a schedule. It comes from a quiet paddle on the bay, a sunrise walk on the beach, or an afternoon spent exploring the outdoors. In Gulf County, wellness comes naturally through time spent outside, meaningful moments with loved ones, and the simple joy of slowing down. This June, discover how easy it can be to unplug, recharge, and reconnect with what matters most.

Find Your Flow... Slow down, stretch out, and explore the wellness side of the coast at the FREE Discover Yoga & Wellness Community Event on Saturday, June 13th.  Featuring a variety of instructors and experiences for all skill levels, this community event offers a refreshing way to move, connect, and recharge. Take the Scenic Route On Thursday, June 18th, climb aboard a guided tram tour through the St. Joseph Bay State Buffer Preserve and discover one of Gulf County's most remarkable natural treasures. From native wildlife and diverse habitats to fascinating local history, this leisurely tour offers a unique opportunity to experience the wild beauty of this protected natural area.

Meet Our Partners Corrine Costin Gibson Memorial Public Library Discover knowledge, history, and community at the Corinne Costin Gibson Memorial Public Library. Serving Port St. Joe since 1977, this modern, welcoming library offers over 26,000 books, digital resources, public computers, and dynamic programs for all ages. Visitors can also explore the Alfred I. duPont Florida History and Genealogy Center. Rooted in a legacy of local support and enrichment, the library continues to inspire curiosity and connection in the heart of Gulf County. (850) 229-8879 nwrls.com/corinne-costin-gibson-memorial-public-library Constitution Convention Museum State Park Step into Florida’s early statehood at the Constitution Convention Museum State Park in Port St. Joe. Located on 14 scenic acres, this museum commemorates the 1838 drafting of Florida’s first constitution in the once-bustling town of St. Joseph. Explore fascinating exhibits, view original artifacts, and experience a recreated convention hall with life-size animated delegates. It’s a must-visit for history lovers and curious minds exploring the roots of Florida’s path to statehood. (850) 229-8029 https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/constitution-convention-museum-state-park

Gulf County Visitor Guide GET YOUR FREE TRAVEL GUIDE HERE View Digital Guide Request Printed Guide

850-229-7800 800-482-GULF 150 Captain Fred’s Place Port St. Joe, Florida 32456 www.visitgulf.com info@visitgulf.com

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Events & Updates for the Apalachicola Riverkeeper

2026 Katie Herzog Scholarship   Apalachicola Riverkeeper is proud to recognize graduating high school seniors through the Katie Herzog Memorial Scholarship Award, created in honor of a remarkable advocate, volunteer, and community member whose passion for the Apalachicola River and Bay continues to inspire others.   Thank you to Tom Herzog for his generous donations and congratulations to Hailey Loesch, Sheyenne Russell & Averie Johnson on all of their achievements!   Meet the talented graduates...

Join us this Sunday for our annual Ice Cream Social!   Donations greatly appreciated! We'll be introducing the RiverTrek 2026 Team, too!  Thank you to all the sponsors, donors, volunteers and attendees who made Riverpalooza success!

Apalachicola Riverkeeper P.O Box 8 Apalachicola , FL 32329 United States

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UF/IFAS News: Healthy Summer Habits, Invasive Caiman Posing New Challenges, Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month and much more

A message from UF/IFAS Communications | Reply For the week beginning June 1, 2026 TIMELY NEWS The Florida summer can bring out Seasonal Affective Disorder. Hurricane season, daily storms, extreme heat, relentless mosquitoes and more can disrupt sleep, routines, and motivation, especially when it comes to diet and exercise. UF/IFAS experts are available to discuss summer mental health and wellness as it relates to your news audience. Need an expert? Contact us. Recent research, programs, events and more. We can help you cover and localize news to your area; just use the contact links below or reply to this email. Invasive Caiman May Pose New Challenges For Everglades Restoration UF researchers pieced together the first comprehensive review of the spectacled caiman, a small invasive crocodile-like reptile. Scientists say the species could complicate the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan, the largest hydrologic restoration in U.S. history. Contact > EN ESPAÑOL: El Caimán De Anteojos Invasor En Florida Plantea Riesgos Potenciales Para La Restauración De Los Everglades Contacto > Healthy Habits: UF/IFAS Expert Focuses On Alzheimer’s Prevention June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month.  Starting July 16, Jessica Alfonso-Rodriguez, a registered dietitian and family and consumer sciences agent for the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), will lead Keeping the Pressure Down, a live virtual four-week webinar series from noon to 1 p.m. on consecutive Thursdays through August 6.  Contact > EN ESPAÑOL: Cómo los hábitos saludables fortalecen el cerebro: experta de UF/IFAS destaca la prevención del Alzheimer  Contacto > Cold drinks, hot myths: UF expert cuts through summer hydration hype Laura Acosta, an instructional associate professor of food science and human nutrition at the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, breaks down the biggest myths vs. facts about trendy summer beverages and clears up what people often misunderstand about so‑called pre‑hydration — the idea that you should drink extra fluids before you’re even thirsty. Contact > EN ESPAÑOL: Bebidas frías y mitos calientes: una experta de la University of Florida desmiente las creencias comunes sobre la hidratación en verano Contacto > UF/IFAS names Barry Tillman interim Center director of NFREC Longtime UF/IFSA faculty member and peanut breeder Barry Tillman is named as interim Center director of the North Florida Research and Education Center (NFREC), effective July 31, 2026. He will lead research, Extension and teaching programs across NFREC’s campuses in Quincy, Marianna and Live Oak, supporting agricultural producers, natural resource managers and rural communities throughout North Florida.  Contact > From Around IFAS News from across the UF/IFAS network. New Study Highlights Climate and Drought Risks to Gulf Fisheries A new study published in Nature Communications shows that high fishing pressure and an extreme drought during the late 1980s significantly reduced fisheries production in the Gulf, and future drought conditions could cause more severe declines. Results indicate that total fisheries production dropped by approximately 42% in the early 1990s relative to historical baselines.  Contact > The Power of Sleep: Why Rest Matters at Every Age In today’s fast-paced world, sleep is often one of the first things people sacrifice. Whether it is staying up late to finish work, scrolling on phones, studying for exams, or managing busy family schedules, many Americans are not getting the rest their bodies need. However, health experts agree that sleep is just as important as healthy eating and physical activity.  A Look at the New Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2025-2030 There has been a lot of public discussion about recent changes in visuals and messaging, especially around fats, meat, dairy, and ultra-processed foods. At the same time, many families are also dealing with rising grocery costs, which makes healthy eating feel more complex and highly individualized. Best of the rest. Alternative story formats created or supported by UF/IFAS Communications. Our blogs share knowledge: Celebrate National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month This June June is National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month, the perfect time for families to enjoy the flavors, colors, and health benefits of nature’s bounty. With summer gardens beginning to produce and farmer markets filling with fresh local produce, there has never been a better time to add more fruits and vegetables to your family’s plate. Video stories: Water and Mosquitoes That itchy mosquito bite probably started with a rainstorm says UF/IFAS Entomologist Dr. Estelle Martin. RELATED ARTICLE:  Mosquitoes: UF/IFAS expert explains what to expect, how to protect Contact > Visual learning: Eating Florida Produce in Season A visual guide for learning the best time of year to eat local Florida fruits and vegetables. Download >  |  More infographics >  |  Contact > Visit the UF/IFAS Newsroom Find B-roll, photos and more for your coverage needs at ifas.ufl.edu/newsroom. UF/IFAS Communications News and Media Relations Team

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