Franklin County sees small increase in new home starts

                Franklin County is seeing a small uptick in new home construction.

County director of Administrative Services Alan Pierce said that during the last fiscal year, Franklin County issued 45 permits for new home construction.

That’s up from 26 in 2013.

The average since 2009 has been about 28 new home permits per year.

Even though we have seen an increase in new homes – Franklin county is still well below the peak reached in 2004 and 2005 when the county was seeing over 150 housing starts a year.

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Alan Pierce agrees to delay retirement for one year

                County administrative Director Alan Pierce will spend another year working for Franklin County.

Mister Pierce announced his retirement earlier this year, but it turns out his job has so many important responsibilities that the county commission asked that he stay on the job for another year to help make sure that his replacement is fully trained.

Mister Pierce said he will stay through next September, but the county had to agree to give him a substantial raise and an extended vacation next summer.

Mister Pierce began working for the county in 1988 as the county planner.

Since that time his job description has been expanded to where he has to have knowledge and competence in a broad number of areas, not just one single department.

His position requires that he is able to ask questions and understand responses from senior government officials at the state and federal level, often times without immediate consultation with the Board.

He also has to deal with the public and the news media, and has to be able to articulate Board positions and policies on a wide range of topics.

The person who takes over when Mister Pierce leaves will require extensive training – and Allen said he will spend much of the next year working with whoever is hired to replace him.

The county agreed to keep Mister Pierce on at a salary of 82 thousand dollars effective October the 1^st.

That’s about 19 thousand dollars more than he’s making now.

They also agreed to give him 2 weeks off in May, and an extended vacation in July and August.

So far 15 people have applied for Alan’s job, but the county decided to extend the application period for another 4 weeks.

They also increased the starting salary range to be between 45 and 57 thousand dollars in the hopes of getting more qualified applicants.

Commissioners said that once the application period is finished they would like Alan to narrow down the applicants to 5 and the commission would make the final hiring decision.

They would like to have the new hire in place by early 2015 so that Alan can work with the new hire for at least 6 months between January and June which would coincide with the normal six month probationary period of any new county employee.

The transition period would end on September 30^th.

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FWC Law Enforcement Weekly Report 10/17 - 10/23/2014

(Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.) FWC Division of Law Enforcement   Weekly Report October 17 – October 23, 2014 This report represents some events the FWC handled over the past week; however, it does not include all actions taken by the Division of Law Enforcement. Patrol, Protect, Preserve NORTHWEST REGION GADSDEN COUNTY Officer Johnson responded to an anonymous complaint regarding a subject hunting deer out of season near Gulf Power Road.  The complainant advised that the subject had shot several times earlier that morning with a high-powered rifle.  Officer Johnson followed drag marks to the suspect’s residence and observed several fresh deer legs.  He also followed the blood trail leading to a deer-skinning rack hanging in a tree. A large puddle of blood was underneath the skinning rack.  Officer Johnson asked the subject where the gun and deer meat was.  The subject pointed out the meat in a large white cooler and stated the gun was in the house.  The subject also admitted to taking two small bucks, a six-point and a one-antlered spike, with a Stevens 308.  Upon further investigation, Officer Johnson discovered six potted marijuana plants and three mature plants up to nine feet in height.  Captain Duval, Officer Forehand and one additional FWC officer arrived to assist.  The subject was charged with taking deer during closed season. The subject was informed that the charges for the cultivation of marijuana would be filed through the State Attorney’s Office.  The rifle, two deer, and marijuana were seized as evidence.  The rifle was reported stolen from Wakulla County and Officer Johnson is continuing the investigation. COPS – COMMUNITY ORIENTED POLICING OKALOOSA Officer Maltais presented the laws portion for the Hunter Education Course held at the Okaloosa Correctional Institution.  There were 42 students in the class.  The volunteer staff was short on help, so Officer Maltais stayed as a course instructor and conducted range supervision.

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Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce November Newsletter

Forgotten Coast Business Newsletter November 2014                                                                                                                                   Vol 23, No 11 In This Issue Meetings This Month Visitor Stats Board of Directors New Members Sponsors Events  Meetings  Monthly Business Luncheon  November 5th 2014  Up The Creek Avenue I & Water Street  Apalachicola 12:00 pm   Business After Hours   November 13th 2014 Bowery Station 252 Water Street Ste B  Apalachicola 5:30-7:00 pm   Monthly Business Luncheon December 3rd 2014  Gormley's at The Gibson 51 Ave. C Apalachicola  12:00 pm   Visitor Statistics  Sept 2001 661 Sept 2002 680 Sept 2003 854 Sept 2004 758 Sept 2005 624 Sept 2006 1,125 Sept 2007 1,575 Sept 2008 1,357 Sept 2009 1,688 Sept 2010 1,002 Sept 2011 1,165 Sept 2012 1,882 Sept 2013 1,380  Sept 2014 1,253   Website stats  September  2014 Sessions 13,855 Users 11,214 Pageviews 45,282 Pages / Session 3.27 Avg. Session Duration 00:03:03 Bounce Rate 49.39% % New Sessions 73.45%   Board of Directors   PRESIDENT Donna Duncan 653-8976 VICE-PRESIDENT Bud Hayes 927-3305 TREASURER Jerry Hall 653-9510 SECRETARY Kristin Anderson 653-2249 Brenda Ash 653-8805 Bonnie Fulmer 509-5009 Craig Gibson 653-8853 Ginny Griner 653-8853 Beverly Hewitt 653-9510 Mike Koun 653-2191 Karen Rudder 927-2312 Michael Shuler 653-1757 Jean Ulrich 653-2900 Optional Link Executive Director John C. Solomon execdirector@apalachicolabay.org 850-370-6602 Visitor Guide Advertisement   We are producing the 2014-2015 Official Visitors Guide to promote businesses in our area. This is a professionally produced glossy full-color guide that includes area maps, professional photographs, brief histories of the area, things to do, dining, places to stay, shopping, places to see and relocation information. This publication is mailed to anyone requesting visitor and relocation information. Also it is given to walk-in visitors, included in presskits and distributed throughout the county at member businesses. The guide is also available as a downloadable PDF on our website at www.apalachicolabay.org. We will print appox. 20,000 copies of the guide. Advertisers will receive copies for their own distribution. If you are interested in advertising, please contact John Solomon or Cindy Collins at the Chamber office (850) 653-9419 orinfo@apalachicolabay.org. New Members Red Pirate Family Grill & Oyster Bar Owned by Jimmy & Shirley Sapp located at 236 Hwy 98 in Eastpoint. The Red Pirate is a full service Returaunt that features Putt Putt golf course and big screen TV's displaying multiple sporting events. They serve Oysters on the half shell, Wings, Steaks and Seafood. They also have live music on the front deck.   Gormley's at The Gibson Chef Brett will be creating the fare while Fayah manages the front. described as modern cuisine in a historical setting. They look forward to providing you with a wonderful dining experience in the coziness of the historic Gibson Inn located at the foot of the Apalachicola Bridge at 51 ave C. Galloway Construction Inc. Owned by Charles "Heath" Galloway, Galloway Construction has been creating custom residences along the Florida gulf coast for over 20 years. They offer every level of residential and commercial building and remodeling services across Cape San Blas, Apalachicola, St. George Island, Port St. Joe, Indian Pass and Eastpoint. Located at 20 Ave D Suite 202 Apalachicola, Florida 32320 850-653-3505 Gulf Coast Aggregates Located at 55502 County Road 67, Hosford, FL. They mine fossilized oyster shells that are a estimated 400,000 years old and shipping them to Maryland and other sites around the country to reestablish oyster beds. 850.697.4669. Contacts are Carl Gilbert and Tevin Ray Sweet Confessions Owned by Sharon Solomon and located in Eastpoint. She specializes in event cakes such as Weddings, Birthdays and Showers. From sheet cakes to cupcakes and all sizes in between. She can decorate the cake to match the event or personality of anyone. Check out some of her designs on her facebook page Sharon Solomon 850.653.7230  Clothesline Est. in1981 and has been locally owned for 33 years. They specializes in custom screen printing, embroidery and promotional products. They work with many local events and organizations. Local sales representative Shena Lefeavers (850)877-9171 orpromo@clothesline.net visit them on facebook (Clotheslinefl )    Member News Oysterbones Presents basic dog obedience training with Melissa McCutchen. A fundraiser for the Franklin County Humane Society. At the Apalachicola Dog Park 17th st and Ave. L in Apalachicola. Registration is Tue. Nov. 4th at 5:30pm. Classes start Tue. November 11th and will run thru Dec. 16th. The 6 week Class is $90 Oyster City Brewing Company Oyster City Brewing Company won their first award last month by winning the gold medal for "Hooter Brown" at the Destin Beer Fest   Ribbon Cuttings Eastpoint Medical Center Gromley's at The Gibson On The Waterfront   Apalachicola Bay Chamber of  Commerce Events    Downtown Oyster Roast October 31, 2014 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM (ET)  Downtown Apalachicola.  Love oysters? Don't miss the 10th annual Downtown Oyster Roast on October 31st,  6:00 to 9:00 pm in  Apalachicola. This enchanting event, sponsored by the Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce, will feature roasted oysters, oysters on the half shell, creamy artichoke, oyster and thyme soup, fresh local shrimp, blue crabs, salad greens and fantastic desserts.  Dine under the stars next to the Apalachicola River.  Local blues man Joe Hutchinson will provide live entertainment. For tickets call (850) 653-9419 or emailinfo@apalachicolabay.org Sponsored in part by: Roberson & Assoc. Centennial Bank Apalachicola Ace Hardware Yeti Cooler Raffle The Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce will be holding a raffle for a Yeti 50 Cooler. The Cooler was donated by Taylors Building Supply. Tickets are a donation $5.00 each or 5 for $20.00. You do not have to be present to win. The winner will be announced Saturday night Nov. 1stat the Florida Seafood Festival. Tickets are available now at the Chamber office at 122 Commerce Street in Apalachicola. They will also be sold during the Downtown Oyster Roast onFri. Oct. 31st and on Saturday at the Seafood Festival. get your tickets you can call John or Cindy at 850-653-9419.  Apalachicola Christmas Celebration The Friday after Thanksgiving, November 28th, the streets of Apalachicola will be lined with luminaries and filled with holiday spirit. Merchants will be open late and the sounds of carolers will echo through the streets filling the evening with the Christmas spirit. Santa will arrive on a shrimp boat at 4:00 p.m. at the City Dock on Water Street. Saturday, November 29 th1:00-3:30 pm Santa has a special day devoted to visiting his furry friends. There will be a pet costume contest at 3:00 and special treats for dogs. For more info call (850) 653-9419.   Shop Small Saturday Shop Small Saturday November 29th 11:00 am -6:00 pm Shop at our amazing independently owned and operated small businesses. From art to jewelry, food or antiques, you'll find the perfect gift for everyone on your list, minus the crowds and the hassle of going to the mall.        Sponsors Events  Ghost Walk October 25, 2014 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM (ET) Hauntings will abound at the Chestnut Street Cemetery when local history enthusiasts don the garb and take on the persona of the cemetery's more notable inhabitants to tell their tale of life in Apalachicola more than 100 years ago. Admission $5.00 at the door.  All proceeds are for cemetery preservation efforts.  Lantern Fest October 25, 2014 1:00 AM (ET)  1975 US Hwy 98 West Carrabelle Beach This year it's all about LIGHT and besides our usual array of over a hundred brilliant lanterns around the park, we will have an awesome laser light presentation on our 70 foot pirate ship, the Carrabella. The production, engineered by Rick Ott of From the Heart Recording Studio, will explore our fascination with light thruout history. The talented Tallahassee Community College Dance Company will again dazzle us with a magical, expertly choreographed performance. The Carrabelle Lighthouse Association is thrilled to be "adopted" by the community college's outreach program. Lantern Fest provides these talented dance students with an opportunity to create an original concept and performance for an outdoor public venue....in the dark! Don't miss their amazing presentation. A new musical feature this year was our Forgotten Coast Maritime Heritage Song Contest. Local talented songwriters submitted tunes that will make Crooked River Lighthouse legendary! The top ranked songs will be featured and the winner will be announced at the festival. A $200 cash prize and a stay at the Old Carrabelle Hotel will be awarded to the winner. Sweet smelling beeswax candle making is back by popular demand, using ancient methods. This year pre-made candles will be for sale.  Learn how to make arrow or spear points too, at the flint napping demonstration. Running for the Bay Marathon October 26, 2014 7:15 AM - 10:30 PM (ET) Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K & Ultra Marathon 50K (All with wheelchair & walking divisions!) SUNDAY, 10/26/2014 7:15AM MAIL-IN REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!!! Mark Henderson, Race Director  2421 Player Court Duluth, GA 30096 Florida Seafood Festival   October 31, 2014 to November 1, 2014 Come celebrate the 51st year of the Florida Seafood Festival, Florida's oldest maritime festival. This two-day celebration offers the best in fresh quality seafood that annually draws thousands of visitors to the historic town of Apalachicola.  The Festival is held at the mouth of the Apalachicola river under the shady oaks of Apalachicola's Battery Park. The festival features delicious seafood, arts and crafts exhibits, seafood related events and musical entertainment.  Some of the notable events include Oyster Eating and Oyster Shucking Contest, Blue Crab Races, Parade, 5k Redfish Run and the Blessing of the Fleet. Camp Gordon Johnston  Golf Tournament   November 7th- 8th The 4th annual Camp Gordon Johnston Golf Tournament at St. Joe Bay Golf Club Friday they will be having a Silent Auction Starting at 6pm with many unique items $ 10.00 admission unless registered for the Golf tournament by Oct. 26th Saturday tournament kicks off with ceremony saluting American veterans followed by a shot gun start 4 player best ball format.  entry fee is $50 for members and $60 for nonmembers contact them if interested at 850.227.1751     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?  If you would like to be a volunteer with the Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce. Ideas are always welcome.  Feel free to call or email us with your ideas at info@apalachicolabay.org. Apalachicola Bay Chamber | execdirector@apalachicolabay.org  | http://www.apalachicolabay.org 122 Commerce Street Apalachicola, FL 32320

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Fort Gadsden has reopened to the public

TALLAHASSEE -- Fort Gadsden National Historic Landmark on the Apalachicola Nation Forest has re-opened to the public. Fort Gadsden was recently closed for repairs, which included replaced the vaults under the bathrooms at the site to ensure no leakage into the soil.

The site of two successive forts, the first built during the War of 1812 by the British, and of the tragic massacre of more than 300 African-Americans who held the fort under the British flag in 1816, Fort Gadsden played an important role in Florida history.

Located along the Apalachicola River, this interpretive area offers detailed interpretive information about the site and its history along with trails, river access, and a picnic area.

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November Events and Activities in Franklin County

Lodging Partners Launch Fall Deals Come for a holiday weekend getaway at a bed and breakfast or enjoy the beach at fall values. Check out our lodging specials page often. New specials are posted weekly.  ST. GEORGE ISLAND Enjoy End of Summer Savings atCollins Vacation Rentals.  Book 4 Nights and Get the 5th Night FREE on participating properties for the Fall and Winter 2014 season. Resort Vacation Properties: Stay the minimum number of nights in a participating home betweenSeptember 1 and January 4, 2015 and take 15% off when the advertised rate for your chosen dates is greater than $2,000. Repeat Renters can take an additional 5% off the adjusted rate, as well! New phone reservations only. St. George Inn is featuring a book three, stay 1 night free. Also featuring a seven night special. Suncoast Vacation Rentals is offering value season rates through February.  APALACHICOLA The Gibson Inn is offering a special through mid October on a three night stay. Reserve two nights and we give you the 3rd night absolutely FREE! 49 Palmetto, located within the Apalachicola historic district is offering 20% off discount with a three night minimum stay.Apalach Guest House is offering a 10% discount when you mention “TDC”. Best Western Apalach Inn is offering guests that stay 2 nights a 20% discount.  on the 3rd night. Stay at the Rexford Suite above the Dixie Theatre during the month of October, mention the FCTDC and get 10% off. The Water Street Hotel is offering a winter specialDecember 1 –February 15 take $10.00 off the best available rate when booking advance reservations through The Water Street Hotel & Marina.  EASTPOINT The Coastline RV Resort is offering an October Special. Save $10.00 during October when you mention promo code: FALL2014. CARRABELLE AREA St. James Bay Golf Resort is offering a Stay & Play package which include accommodations at the Residences Condominiums, plus unlimited rounds of golf on our perfectly manicured 18-hole championship course. If you mention the Franklin County TDC when you reserve your stay withHarbor Point Vacation Rentals they will waive reservation fee.  Does not apply to existing reservations.Points to View is offering discounts on 2 or more weeks and/or 2 or more months of rental and pets stay free! Save up to 50% when you book a stay of 2 nights or more withPickett’s Landing Rentals in Carrabelle. Sandy Beach Properties is offering 10% discount for guests returning to the same property more than once in any calendar year. Pirates Landing Condos and Sands of Carrabelle Townhomes: Mid-Week Special - Book two nights and get the third night free! The Sunset Ilse RV & Yacht Club is featuring a November special - 25% off regular weekly rate - Stay 2 nights and get the 3rd free at the Old Carrabelle Hotel.Restaurant breakfasts are included, just mention SaltyFall2014. Apalachicola School of Art Exhibit and Classes Michael Harrel Exhibit Oct. 30-Dec. 13, Apalachicola School of Art Adding the Figure to your Landscapes with Michele Byrne Jan. 23-25, 2015 9-4 PM (ET) See it, Say it, Paint it with Katie Dobson Cundiff March 9-12,  9-4 PM (ET)  Painting the Head in Oil with Dawn Whitelaw March 15-18,9-4 PM (ET) Unless otherwise noted, all classes are held at the Apalachicola School of Art. SGI Park Hosts Outdoor EventsThe St. George Island State Park is hosting several outdoor family events this month. Unless otherwise noted, the programs are free with paid park entry. Click here for event details.  Apalachicola Bay Seafood Sat., Nov. 1, 3 p.m. Have you ever wondered where your shrimp, oyster or fish came from? We will have a ranger led talk about the history of the local area and its’ fishing industry.  Panhandle Seashells Coffee in the Campground Sat., November 8, 9 a.m. Featuring a hands-on ranger led shell identification program in the interpretive center.  Get up close and personal with some of the area’s amazing local seashells. Participants can bring a breakfast item to share if they would like. Coffee provided.  Cast Iron Campfire Cooking Coffee in the Campground  Sat., Nov. 15, 10 a.m. Rise and shine!  Come out and learn how to make your next camping adventure a little sweeter.  Featuring a demonstration of cast iron campfire cooking over an open fire.  Participants should bring a chair and a breakfast item to share if they would like. Coffee provided.  Campfires Sat., Nov. 22, 9:30 a.m. See different fire set-ups and their uses. Discuss campfire safety.  Discover natural materials used for fire making and the tools used to light them.  Participants can bring a breakfast item to share if they would like. Coffee provided.  Bald Point State Park and St. Vincent Attract Birders Two of Franklin County's most popular migrating bird stopovers are located at opposite ends of Franklin County. And where the birds are, you're sure to find the birders too! Bald Point State Park, located at the extreme eastern tip of Franklin County,  is considered one of the best areas in the Southeast to view the annual bird and butterfly migrations. Some of the migrating bird species you might encounter on a quiet morning or late afternoon might include warblers, Peregrin Falcons, hawks and Bald Eagles.  Common migrating species of butterflies include the Gulf Fritillary and Monarch.  St. Vincent Island, a federally owned National Wildlife Refuge at the westernmost end of Franklin County, is also an important stop-off point in the Gulf of Mexico region for migratory birds, including the majestic Wood Stork. The St. Vincent Wildlife Refuge Office/Visitor Center is located in Apalachicola but the Island itself is located nine miles east of town and is accessible by boat only.  To learn more about Franklin County's birding opportunities and to watch birding videos, click here. Ilse Newell Concert Series Kicks off with Holiday Fare Bay Area Choral Society Holiday Concert Sun., Dec 14  Trinity Episcopal Church, Apalachicola Read Gainsford Sun., Jan 11, Trinity Episcopal Church, Apalachicola Jack Hastings, Pianist Sun., Jan. 25, Trinity Episcopal Church, Apalachicola Unless otherwise noted, all concerts begin at 4 pm (ET). Click here to view the entire Ilse Newell Concert Series schedule. Florida Seafood FestivalOct. 31-Nov. 1 The 51st Annual Florida Seafood Festival kicks off in ApalachicolaOctober 31-November 1. Heralded as the State’s oldest maritime event, this annual fall classic is a celebration of the Franklin County commercial seafood industry.Watch a video of the event here.The Florida Seafood Festival promises to feature delicious seafood, arts and crafts exhibits, seafood related events and musical entertainment including recording artist Craig Campbell.For more information, click here. Seafood Rules World-famous Apalachicola Bay oysters enjoy a spotlight in Franklin County, but they are just one of many seafood species to thrive here thanks to a pristine habitat. The bay system serves as a critical nursery area for the majority of both commercial and recreational species harvested from Gulf waters including shrimp, crab and finfish. Click here to learn more. Go Fish! Fall fishing promises to be bountiful this month. Fishermen load up their boats or hire guides and hit the water in search of a coastal harvest. Click here to learn more. Christmas Celebration Kicks off Nov. 28-29 Be in Apalachicola the day after Thanksgiving to enjoy the kickoff to Apalachicola's annual Christmas Celebration. On Friday, Nov. 28, from 4-8 p.m. the streets of downtown Apalachicola will be lined with luminaries and filled with holiday spirit. Santa arrives on a shrimp boat, merchants will be open late and carolers will fill the evening with the Christmas spirit. Visit the Historic Raney House and Orman House as each hosts an open house decorated in holiday finery. Click here for more. Holiday Events Countywide Holiday events continue Dec. 6 in Apalach with aHoliday Fresh Market. On Dec. 13, Carrabelle will host its annualBoat Parade of Lights.  Eastpoint will hosts its annual Christmas Parade and festivities on Dec. 12. Panhandle Players Present Hallelujiah Girls Nov. 21-22The Panhandle Players will perform The Hallelujia Girls, a Jones Hope Wooten comedy,  onNov. 21-22 at the Dixie Theatre7:30 pm. Check out the video here. Rivers & Floodplains Class Nov. 13 The Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve (ANERR) will host a River & Floodplains class Nov. 13 from 8:45am-4:30pm. The class explores the ecology, geology, and natural history of the rivers and floodplains of the Florida Panhandle.  Participants will spend part of the day in the classroom and part in the field on our boat the Tideline exploring the river and walking in the floodplain. Click here for more information.  Lighthouse Climb  The St. George Lighthouse will host a full moon climb Nov. 6 andDec. 6 from 5:30-7pm. Dixie Theatre Performances Begin  in January Tallahassee Swing Band Sat., Jan. 3, 2015 Spencer Bohren Sat., Jan. 10, 2015 Pas de Vie Ballet Sat., Jan. 17, 2015 The Lady With All The Answers Sat., Jan. 24, 2015 Tribute to Patsy Cline Sat., Jan. 31, 2015 To see the entire Dixie Theatre 2015 Season Calendar, click here.

Franklin County Tourist Development Council . P.O. Box 819, Apalachicola, FL 32329 . 866-914-2068

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