Apalachicola man faces multiple charges, deputy escapes injury

A 32-year-old Apalachicola man was arrested Friday. Sept. 21 and faces six charges following a prescription drug forgery investigation and a speedy vehicle drive off that nearly injured one of the investigating deputies, according to Sheriff Donnie Crum. Joshua Nathan Dansereau was arrested and charged with resisting an officer by fleeing and attempting to elude law enforcement; aggravated assault on a police officer; forgery by altering a prescription; resisting an officer with violence; resisting an officer without violence; and forgery to obtain a controlled substance. Dansereau is also being held for an out of county warrant from Franklin County. The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office reported that Dansereau was wanted in their jurisdiction for the theft of a drug prescription pad from an Apalachicola doctor’s office. Pharmacy officials at Wal-Mart contacted the Wakulla Sheriff’s Office about a suspicious prescription request. Contact was made with the doctor’s office which confirmed that the prescription was not valid. WCSO deputies closed in on their suspect and attempted to arrest Dansereau when he fled the store on foot and jumped into a motor vehicle to flee the area. Deputy Will Hudson attempted to verbally stop the suspect while also opening the vehicle door as the suspect attempted to drive away. Dansereau rapidly accelerated his vehicle with Deputy Hudson’s arm caught inside the vehicle. Deputy Hudson was nearly crushed between the fleeing vehicle and a vehicle parked in the Wal-Mart parking lot. Deputy Hudson was able to safely free himself from the vehicle as Dansereau slowed to make a right turn toward U.S. Highway 319. Dansereau turned southbound on U.S. Highway 319 where he was spotted by Detectives Derek Lawhon, Nick Boutwell and Lorne Whaley in the area of Donaldson-Williams Road. A traffic stop was conducted by the detectives but Dansereau refused to exit the vehicle or open the vehicle window. Deputies used force on the vehicle window to secure the suspect for officer safety. Dansereau was transported to the Wakulla County Jail where he remains under a $43,000 bond. The vehicle was impounded at the sheriff’s office. Sgt. Jeremy Johnston and Deputy Nick Gray also investigated the case.

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

Fun and learning at Estuary Day 2012

It was a big turnout at the Estuaries Day celebration on Friday. Hundreds of families came out to tour the Research Reserve and learn a little about our area. 

The touch tank 

Volunteering with a smile 

The tattoo parlor

flounder on display

future scientists

So much to learn

oyster tongin'

cast nettin'

He gave his life for science

Learning to be black bears

a pelican on a leash

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

Epizootic hemorrhagic disease found in North Florida Deer

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says that a viral disease has been found in some North Florida white-tailed deer.

 Florida is the latest state to report the presence of epizootic hemorrhagic disease in its white-tailed deer herd.

This disease has been confirmed in two deer and suspected in at least 10 others from North Florida that were examined this year.

In addition to Florida, at least 12 other states are reporting EHD cases.

This is a disease that you typically see in late summer or the fall, and it often occurs after periods of drought.

EHD is an insect-borne disease, transmitted to deer by small biting flies known as midges or “no-see-ums.”

Deer infected with EHD may have pronounced swelling of the head, neck, and tongue, and often have large ulcers in the mouth.

Infected deer are often found near water and may be lethargic, lame and emaciated.

The disease can cause illness or death in individual deer but should disappear when freezing temperatures halt insect activity.

EHD cannot be transmitted to humans or pets; however, as a general rule, people should avoid consuming sick or unhealthy deer.

FWC says the good news is they don’t expect long-term impacts to Florida’s deer herd.

The FWC is asking people to report sightings of sick or dead deer.

You can make a report at the state’s chronic wasting disease hotline number at 866-293-9282.

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

Agenda for October 2nd Franklin County Commission meeting

Agenda (11)

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

GOVERNOR RICK SCOTT APPEALS FEMA DENIAL FOR HURRICANE ISAAC, SEEKS AID FOR ELEVEN COMMUNITIES IMPACTED

RICK SCOTT Governor	BRYAN W. KOON Director
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, September 28, 2012 CONTACT: FDEM External Affairs, (850) 921-0217
GOVERNOR RICK SCOTT APPEALS FEMA DENIAL FOR HURRICANE ISAAC, SEEKS AID FOR ELEVEN COMMUNITIES IMPACTED
TALLAHASSEE - Governor Rick Scott filed a formal appeal on September 28, 2012, on behalf of Hurricane Isaac survivors throughout Florida, asking the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to reverse its recent decision denying public assistance to Florida. The appeal includes the original seven counties Collier, Escambia, Monroe, Okaloosa, Palm Beach and Santa Rosa, and a request for four additional counties Broward, Franklin, Martin and St. Lucie counties. Joint preliminary damage assessments conducted by local, state and federal government teams identified more than $38.4 million of damage in the 11 counties included in the appeal. "The State’s appeal to FEMA to revisit their decision on the denial for federal assistance for Hurricane Isaac ensures Florida’s citizens and communities have all resources available to recover quickly and completely," said Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Bryan W. Koon. “Florida surpassed the $25 million threshold in the original request for a federal declaration. The appeal includes an additional $11.6 million in damage for the four additional counties. It is my hope that FEMA will recognize the legitimacy of this request and grant a federal disaster declaration for Hurricane Isaac’s damage in Florida.” On September 10, Governor Scott requested Public Assistance for seven of the state's hardest hit areas, Bay, Collier, Escambia, Monroe, Okaloosa, Palm Beach and Santa Rosa counties. In FEMA’s September 19 denial letter, it was determined that the damage from Isaac was within the capabilities of the state and counties to recover. In its appeal, the State cites six factors FEMA considers when evaluating the need for Public Assistance after a disaster, including estimated cost of the assistance, localized impacts, insurance coverage in force, hazard mitigation, recent multiple disasters and programs of other Federal assistance. The first factor, estimated cost of the assistance, is meant to ensure that the disaster receiving Federal assistance is of such size that it might warrant Federal assistance.  Currently, the per-capita statewide threshold is established at $1.35 per resident of the State.  Based on the 2010 census, Florida has a statewide threshold of $25,381,769.  Preliminary damage assessments performed in 15 counties revealed $48,345,637 in total damage. This amount is well above the statewide threshold for Public Assistance. The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Public Assistance provides grant assistance for debris removal and emergency protective measures. Costs for repair, replacement, or restoration of disaster-damaged, publicly-owned facilities can also be covered under Public Assistance. Due to the potential impacts of Hurricane Isaac, Governor Scott signed Executive Order 12-199, declaring a statewide state of emergency on Saturday, August 25. Hurricane Isaac made landfall south of New Orleans, Louisiana on August 28, 2012, but not before impacting Florida counties. Some areas of Florida experienced record rainfall and flooding, as well as tornadoes spawned from the storm.

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

Sacred Heart Health System Names Chief Operating Officer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                      Contact:  Mike Burke, 850-416-1153

Sacred Heart Health System Names Chief Operating Officer

            Pensacola, Fla. (September 28, 2012) – Sacred Heart Health System has named Kerry Eaton, RN, as its new Chief Operating Officer.

            Starting on Oct. 1, Eaton takes responsibilities for Sacred Heart’s hospitals in Pensacola, Destin, and Port St. Joe as well as its outpatient facilities in six counties from Baldwin County,Ala. to Gulf County, Fla. 

            She comes to Pensacola with more than 25 years of experience in hospital leadership. She served most recently as senior vice president and chief operating officer at St. Vincent’sMedical Center in Bridgeport, Conn.  Eaton also served in a variety of other leadership roles atSt. Vincent’s, including chief administrative officer, vice president of patient outcomes, and director of case management. Kerry began her career in nursing and served as an emergency department head nurse.

            Susan Davis, the president and CEO of Sacred Heart Health System, said, “I have known Kerry for many years and there is no one who is more passionate about quality improvement, patient safety and excellent outcomes than Kerry. She is recognized for her expertise in operations leadership and the ability to consistently produce high-quality care and strong patient satisfaction.”

            Eaton is a graduate of the Ona M. Wilcox School of Nursing. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Central Connecticut State University and her master’s degree in nursing from the University of Connecticut.  For the past six years, Kerry served as a courtesy faculty instructor at the Yale University School of Nursing where she taught a graduate level course on Quality Improvement and Patient Safety.

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

Carrabelle Chamber of Commerce E-News for September 28th, 2012

E-News for September 28^th, 2012

There will be a Ribbon cutting for the new Pavilion on Friday, Oct. 5^th, 2012 at 5:30.  Please come and dedicate the new structure with

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

All things oyster September 28th, 2012

• Oyster prices rising as oysters dying in Gulf of Mexico off Florida
• Outdoor Life: Low Chattahoochee River hurting oyster harvest
• Fresh Find: Giant mollusks invade the Strip District!
• Oyster Community Continues to Recover From Isaac as Seasonal Harvest Begins
• Chadwick Bay couple grows oysters in the backyard
• Group spat effort: 39 families raise more than 11,000 baby oysters for Great Bay restoration project
• West Coast Oysters: A Guide To Origin, Flavor And How To Eat Them
• After Isaac, oyster harvest struggles
• Wellfleet shellfishers subject of documentary
• Bay County Oystermen Ask For and Reiceve Stricter Regulations

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 28, 2012 CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850.245.2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us  FIRST LADY ANN SCOTT CELEBRATES NATIONAL ESTUARIES DAY ~Event highlights importance of estuarine education and conservation~ First Lady Ann Scott reads to children inside the nature center of Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve EASTPOINT – More than 600 guests were in attendance as the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve hosted First Lady Ann Scott at its annual open house celebration in honor of National Estuaries Day. The event focused on the importance of the water and environment in estuaries that are home to an abundance of Florida’s birds, wildlife and fish. “National Estuary Day provides an opportunity to teach our children about the importance of Florida’s waters and coasts,” said First Lady Ann Scott, “Florida’s ecosystems are delicate and require preservation for our future generations to learn from and enjoy.” The First Lady participated in a variety of events set up around the Reserve and led an educational reading session for the children and families. Children of all ages listened to Mrs. Scott read the environmental children’s book A House for Hermit Crab, written by Eric Carle. After the children finished their sea critter activity sheets, touched tanks of living sea creatures and created environmental art projects, the First Lady took a tour of the reserve’s research facility. The facility features advanced technology that monitors the health of the Apalachicola ecosystem, one of the most productive and pristine estuarine systems in the northern hemisphere. “We are so honored that First Lady Ann Scott attended this important event in support of National Estuaries Day,” said Kevin Claridge, director of the Department’s office of Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas. “The area that Apalachicola Reserve protects is a critical estuarine system and her attendance highlights the importance of these systems to Florida.” This celebration also included activities such as T-shirt giveaways, a beach scavenger hunt, ocean bingo and other activities for young children. A similar event was held in St. Augustine at the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve and an event is scheduled for Saturday in Naples at the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. Florida is home to three of the nation’s 28 reserves protected by the NERR System, totaling more than 1.3 million acres of resilient estuaries and coastal watersheds where human and natural communities thrive.

About Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas is responsible for oversight of the State’s 41 Aquatic Preserves, three National Estuarine Research Reserves, The Coral Reef Conservation Program, and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. It is the mission of CAMA to protect, enhance, and restore natural habitats and resources of nearly 4.5 million acres of coastal and submerged lands. For more information on DEP’s Office of Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas, visit http://www.dep.state.fl.us/coastal http://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/FLDEP-5542d4

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

American Cancer Society Relay for Life kicks off fundraising

Franklin County is getting ready for the Relay for Life fund-raiser! 

When: April 6, 2013

6:00PM

Where: Riverfront Park, Apalachicola

Help them out if you can

Getting everything set up

Welcome to the event!

Local Cancer survivor speaks of the importance of Relay for Life

Featured entertainment

Everyone is getting involved

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

NWFWMD ADOPTS FINAL FISCAL YEAR 2012-2013 BUDGET

HAVANA - The Northwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board today adopted a $27.8 million budget for Fiscal Year 2012-2013 (Oct. 1, 2012 – Sept. 30, 2013). This budget allows the District to maintain its current millage rate, while continuing to support the District’s core mission responsibilities of water supply, water quality, natural systems and flood protection.

“The District is committed to taking a responsible and realistic fiscal approach, resulting in a budget that accurately reflects anticipated projects and expenditures over the next fiscal year,” said Governing Board Chairman George Roberts. “We’re proud to adopt a budget that remains focused on the protection of our water resources without adding to the financial burden of northwest Floridians.”

The Governing Board adopted an ad valorem tax millage rate of .04 mill, the same rate as the current fiscal year. Under this rate, property owners pay 40 cents for every $1,000 in assessed property value. This will produce an estimated $3.3 million in revenue for the upcoming fiscal year.

The adopted budget includes funding for many projects vital to achieving the District’s mission, including:

-        Springs protection — $1.5 million over the next two years for important restoration and protection projects for Williford Spring. These projects represent the second phase of the Econfina Springs Complex Restoration and Protection project; building on $1.3 million already invested in protection, restoration and improved access to Pitt and Sylvan Springs.

-        Wetland restoration — Approximately $3.6 million for watershed and wetland restoration projects designed to enhance wetland habitat, improve water quality and enhance flood water storage within the Perdido River, Yellow River, Choctawhatchee River and St. Andrews Bay watersheds.

-        Watershed protection — Approximately $2.3 million in combined funding for stormwater retrofits, water quality improvements and habitat restoration in the Apalachicola River and Bay, St. Andrews Bay and St. Marks River watersheds.”

For more information and a copy of the budget, visit the Business and Finance page of the District’s website at www.nwfwmd.state.fl.us.

####

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

Estuaries Day celebration on Friday in Eastpoint

            The Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve is celebrating National Estuaries Day Friday at their new facility in Eastpoint.

National Estuaries Day is a way to draw attention to the important estuary systems in the country.

There will be celebrations at all 28 National Estuarine Research Reserves around the country Friday including the three in Florida.

The local reserve will have plenty of activities including over a dozen free games and learning activities for children and adults.

The Florida Wild mammal Association will bring live animals and there will be door prize drawings for adults.

There’s also free t-shirts for the first 600 people to show up.

Estuaries Day will be held from 1:30 to 6 on Friday at the research reserve at 108 Island Drive in Eastpoint near the foot of the St. George Island bridge.

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

Smokey Parrish named King Retsyo

The Florida Seafood Festival has its King Retsyo.

The festival has chosen Franklin County Commissioner and Apalachicola resident Smokey Parrish to represent the festival this year.

Parrish has a 31 year history in the Seafood Industry.

He’s a seafood processor at Buddy Ward Seafood and has also worked at shrimping and oystering.

Smokey will join Miss Florida Seafood Christina Collins to promote the seafood festival which is coming up November 2^nd and 3^rd.

He will also take part in a number of events during the seafood festival including the parade, the blessing of the fleet and the oyster eating and shucking contests.

Retsyo, by the way, is Oyster spelled backwards.

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

Shrimp continues to be the most popular seafood for Americans

Shrimp was once again the most popular seafood for Americans in 2011.

Shrimp has topped the most popular seafood list for years – last year Americans ate 4.2 pounds of shrimp apiece.

That’s up from 4 pounds each in 2010.

Number two on the list was canned tuna – we ate about 2.6 pounds per American last year.

Salmon rounded out the top three.

Other popular seafoods in 2011 included Alaska Pollock, Tilapia, catfish, crab, cod and clams.

The federal government recently reported that the overall seafood volume was 4.6 billion pounds pounds. 

The data also showed American seafood companies exported a record 3.3 billion pounds of seafood last year valued at $5.4 billion dollars.

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

Friday, 9/28/12 SEAHAWK SCOOP

bulletin.9.28.12

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

October 2012 Apalachicola Bay Chamber Newsletter

October 2012 Vol 21, Number 10
Meeting Notices Monthly Business Luncheon October 3, 2012 noon Papa Joe’s 301-B Water Street Apalachicola Business After Hours October 11, 2012 Big Bend Hospice & Centennial Bank 22 Avenue E Apalachicola Monthly Business Luncheon November 7, 2012, 12:00 TBA Visitor Statistics August 2001   829 August 2002   791 August 2003   969 August 2004   930 August 2005 1,210 August 2006 1,740 August 2007 1,798 August 2008 1,696 August 2009 1,978 August 2010    876 August 2012 1,678 Website stats July 21,348 Visits 16,894 Unique Visitors 77,756 Pageviews 3.64 Pages/Visit 00:03:23 Avg. Time on Site 19.47% Bounce Rate 71.53% % New Visits Chamber Board of Directors PRESIDENT  Donna Duncan 653-8976 VICE-PRESIDENT Bud Hayes 927-3305 TREASURER Jerry Hall 653-9510 SECRETARY Kristin Anderson 653-2249 BOARD MEMBERS Brenda Ash 653-8805 Kristy Branch Banks 670-1255 Mark Friedman 670-1253 Ginny Griner 653-8853 Bonnie Gomes 670-8450 Beverly Hewitt 653-9510 Mike Koun 653-2191 Michael Shuler 653-1757 Ouida Tartt 653-4687 Jean Ulrich 653-2900 Kevin Ward 899-0669	New Members Wilderness Coast Libraries Welcome Pat Gilleland with Wilderness Coast Libraries who joined our chamber last month. The Wilderness Coast Libraries (WILD) system is a consortium of libraries established in October, 1992, as an administrative office for the cooperative multi-county library system that includes Wakulla, Jefferson, and Franklin counties. The system serves over 58,105 residents with a combined collection of approximately 100,000 items in its four libraries. The library administrative office has the responsibility for the library automation system. WILD is governed by a board consisting of two members from each participating county and their office is located in Monticello. WILD offers many special services that larger libraries offer, like a fully automated database of magazines and newspapers online. They will also offer ebooks for your Kindle or IPad by the end of October. You can download right from your office or your home using your library number! Visit their website athttp://www.wildernesscoast.org or contact them at (850) 997-7400. Franklin Correctional Facility Welcome Warden Russell Hosford head of the Franklin County Correctional Facility. Built in 2005, this facility houses up to 1,346 adult males and employs 312 people. The Bay City Work Camp is also under the supervision of Franklin Correctional Facility. Inmates can take part in numerous trade programs including Pipe Trade System Technology (Residential Plumber Helper), Electrical Program (residential electrical helper), and a Culinary Arts Program. They also offer institutional betterment programs including a 100-Hour transition program, 63-hour wellness education program, active and passive sports, a smoking cessation program, a law library program, and inmates can get their GED. The Franklin Correctional Facility is located at 1760 Highway 67 North in Carrabelle. Warden Hosford can be reached at (850) 697-1105 Spring Break Schedule We posted the 2013 Spring break calendar dates for the 2013 school year on our Website http://www.apalachicolabay.org/index.cfm/pageID/214. Looks like March 10-16 (FSU, Auburn….) will be busy as well as March 17-23 and March 24-31. Easter is on March 31st, 2013. K-12 school breaks will be March 24-30th, in Alabama and Tennessee and the first week in April for Georgia. Golf Tournament The 9th annual Apalachicola Bay Chamber Of Commerce Golf Tournament on Wednesday, October 10th. Tee-time is 1:00 pm on the beautiful St. James Golf Course, just east of Carrabelle. The tournament will be a flighted four man scramble, low score wins, with prizes for the top three teams. Scores will be totaled and prizes awarded at a reception following the tournament. Cost per team is $400. Fees include range balls, and golf carts equipped with the latest color GPS system. For more info, contact us at (850) 653-9419 oranita@apalachicolabay.org. Oyster Roast November 2nd Love oysters? Of course you do. Join us on November 2nd and eat your fill. We’ll have roasted, raw, stewed and marinated oysters, plus steamed shrimp, salads and fabulous desserts. Tickets are $50.00 each. They are selling fast so call or stop by to purchase yours today at the Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce, 122 Commerce Street in Apalachicola(850) 653-9419. FaceBook Page The Apalachicola Bay Chamber has a Facebook page for members to announce specials, sales, new hours, new products, or ask questions and make connections. Restaurants can post their daily specials, retailers can post sales, and businesses can announce openings, employment opportunities. Check it out and friend us it is Apalachicola Chamber http://www.facebook.com/apalachicolabay We also have a Facebook page at Apalachicola Visitor Center & Chamber of Commerce http://www.facebook.com/pages/Apalachicola-Visitor-Center-Chamber-of-Commerce/126685957379876 Events October is so full of event we decide in the interest of space, time and to make sure everyone got full exposure to add a link to our website we have them posted on our website athttp://www.apalachicolabay.org/index.cfm/m/14/locationSectionId/0/Calendar_of_Events Member News Strengthen Your Workforce According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States. Smokers who quit will, on average, live longer and have fewer years living with disability. Smoking causes heart disease, stroke, multiple cancers, respiratory diseases and other costly illnesses. Secondhand smoke causes lung disease and lung cancer. More than 70% of smokers want to quit, but few succeed without help. Smoking Costs Florida $19.6 Billion a Year: • $4.4 billion in workplace productivity losses • $7.9 billion in costs of premature death • $7.3 billion in direct healthcare expenditures The Franklin Health Department can assist employer in smoking cessation programs. For more information contact David Walker (850) 653 - 2111 ext 119 ordavid_walker@doh.state.fl.us Flu Vaccines The Franklin County Health Department will also offer flu vaccines in eight locations in Franklin County throughout October. For more information contact the Franklin County Health Department at (850) 653-2111. Fall 2012 Job Search Workshop Gulf Coast State College will hold a Job Search Workshop on Thursday, October 11th, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00, noon at the Student Union West, Room 302. Topics included: Resumes that Work; Social Media/Networking for Today’s Job Seeker / presented by Lara Herter, Marketing Consultant and Manager, Pier One Imports; Overcoming Obstacles and Making the Right First Impression / presented by Dr. Saundra Ciccarelli, retired GCSC Psychology Professor; Professional Q&A Panel Discussion / panelists include GCSC Alumni Advisory Council Members and Community Leaders with hiring experience. RESERVATIONS are REQUIRED due to limited seating. Contact the GCSC Office of Alumni Affairs Email:alumni@gulfcoast.edu or call (850) 873-3583.	Directors Column The Apalachicola Bay Chamber has been working with Loretta Costin at Gulf Coast State College (GCSC), Gulf Franklin Center to create training for oyster harvesters and oyster house workers facing a difficult season. GCSC has already started a corrections training course set to begin in October and they are looking at the feasibility of offering a courses in healthcare- CNA, Home Health Care Aid training, EMS & paramedic training, child care aid, and welding. Kim Bodine at the Gulf Coast Workforce Board has found funding to help workers expand their skills through training while the bay recuperates, plus pay folks to work at local businesses. If you would be interested in hiring someone, contact us for more informationanita@apalachicolabay.org. Workshop & B2B Counseling Christine S. Urban, Business Analyst, MBA from the Small Business Development Center at FAMU will be coming again to the Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce on October 3rd and will be available by appointment for one to one counseling on topics related to opening and managing a small business. She will also present a workshop on Facebook Basics. The session will focus specifically on Facebook. Basic terms will be explained and showcased. Account creation and claiming pages will be discussed, as well as a comparison of good vs. bad Facebook pages and posts. Register for this class at https://clients.floridasbdc.org/workshop.aspx?ekey=100320083and call or email Christine to set up a one to one appointment at 850-561-2041 orChristine.urban@famu.edu. Anita Grove, Executive Director Press -Scarlett Collier with TOTI Media, Inc was sent images for a story on the area. She writes for Times of the Islands, BONITA & ESTERO, GULF & MAIN, RSW LIVING Regional Southwest Florida’s Lifestyle magazine.\ -Robin Draper blog author of AuthenticFlorida.com wrote another wonderful piece on the area http://www.authenticflorida.com/blog/travel/islands-on-my-mind/ -Greg Insco with Miles Media was set information on the area for the Visit Florida vacation guides and on the Visit Florida website. -Marta Aldrich with American Profile magazine was here in late September working on an article about oysters. Got Ideas? Suggestions? How can the Apalachicola Bay Chamber better serve you? Is there something that we can do better to help your business?  Is there something you would like to see us add or change on the website, at the visitor’s center or in the visitors’ guide?  Ideas are always welcome.  Feel free to call or email us with your ideas atinfo@apalachicolabay.org. Volunteers Needed  The Apalachicola Bay Chamber Visitor Center seeks volunteers to help at the visitors center and with special projects.  Duties include giving our visitor information, answering questions about places to stay, restaurants and things to do.  If you would like to help, we’d love to have you.  It can be a fun and rewarding.  Contact us for details (850) 653-9419 or email us at info@apalachicolabay.org

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

Bosom Buddies

Most of you know that October is national Breast Cancer Awareness month when
women are encouraged to schedule their annual mammograms. However, did
you know October is also National Adopt-a-Dog from a shelter month?

In light of this, the Franklin County Humane Society in conjunction with Franklin
Needs is offering women the opportunity to adopt a Bosom Buddy. During the
month of Oct, the adoption fee for our dogs will be reduced to only $50.00 and
only $25.00 for our cats in celebration of breast health and the ongoing fight
against breast cancer.

Let’s do everything we can to insure the women of Franklin County and the
homeless pets in Franklin County have the kind of care and support they deserve.


http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

Viral disease detected in North Florida deer

Florida is the latest state to report the presence of epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) in its white-tailed deer herd. This viral disease has been confirmed in two deer and suspected in at least 10 others from North Florida that were examined this year.

EHD is an insect-borne disease, transmitted to deer by small biting flies known as midges or “no-see-ums.” The disease can cause illness or death in individual deer but should disappear when freezing temperatures halt insect activity. EHD cannot be transmitted to humans or pets; however, as a general rule, people should avoid consuming sick or unhealthy deer.

“This is a disease that you typically see in late summer or the fall, and it often occurs after periods of drought,” said Dr. Mark Cunningham, wildlife veterinarian for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). “The good news is we don’t expect long-term impacts to our state’s deer herd.”

Deer infected with EHD may have pronounced swelling of the head, neck, and tongue, and often have large ulcers in the mouth. Infected deer are often found near water and may be lethargic, lame and emaciated.

The FWC is monitoring the health of the state’s deer herd and is examining deer for EHD and other diseases. Sightings of sick or dead deer can be reported to the FWC by calling 866-CWD-WATCH(866-293-9282), which is the state’s chronic wasting disease hotline number.

In addition to Florida, at least 12 other states are reporting EHD cases.

                                                            -30-

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

Wakulla County traffic fatality

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

Seahawk Scoop September 27th, 2012

bulletin.9.27.12


http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

Squirrel hunting on private lands starts early this year

If you consider yourself a squirrel hunter, then circle October 13th on your calendar.

That’s when the gray squirrel season opens throughout Florida on private lands.

The daily bag limit is 12 gray squirrels.

In previous years, the squirrel season always opened in early November.

Last spring, however, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission decided to provide squirrel hunters another month of hunting, similar to dates in other southeastern states.

The change means more opportunity for squirrel hunters but remember it only applies to private property. 

For hunting dates on public lands, go online for specific area dates at MyFWC.com/Hunting and select “WMA Brochures.”

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments

NWFWMD opens new website with elevation and surface data for Northwest Florida

The Northwest Florida Water Management District recently launched a website that makes it easier to find detailed information about elevation and surface features of properties in northwest Florida.

The new site provides elevation data that is ten times more detailed than previous topographic maps.

People can use the data to better understand, assess and plan for activities ranging from landscaping and building construction to evaluating flood risk.

  

The District partnered with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Air Force and local communities to acquire detailed elevation data across the panhandle using light detection and ranging technology called LiDAR.

LiDAR equipment mounted on airplanes sends out laser light pulses at high frequencies and measures elevation from the return beams.

The new information has been compiled into a web mapping application that makes it easy to access in a variety of formats and for specific geographic areas.

Website visitors will be able to see contour elevations for specific areas, such as land around homes or businesses.

Users can also click any point on the map to see elevation information for that specific location.

It also offers a function that allows users to select, extract, zip and export data for areas of interest into a downloadable file. 

If you want to see all the information for yourself, the new website is available at nwfwmdlidar.com/

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments