| Popular Fishing Pier Reopens in Apalachicola
Apalachicola’s popular “V” fishing pier was officially reopened recently thanks to a $500 million infrastructure grant from the Franklin County Tourist Development Council (TDC). The July 24 ribbon cutting hosted by TDC and City of Apalachicola, marks the completion of phase I of the project in which TDC funds were used to replace the 350-foot pier damaged in 2018’s Hurricane Michael. The “V” pier (so named because of the shape) is considered a major draw for locals and visitors as it provides access to both the Apalachicola Bay and River and is one of the first landmarks visitors see when crossing the bridge into Apalachicola. A key feature of the newly opened pier section is the addition of ADA-accessible fishing areas, ensuring that people of all abilities can experience the pier. If approved, a proposal from the City to fund phase II of the project may be used to help complete 430 additional feet of pier that borders Apalachicola’s Battery Park recreational boat marina.
Other recent TDC-funded infrastructure projects include new ball field lighting and pickleball courts in Apalachicola and Carrabelle, the replacement of dune walkovers on St. George Island and Carrabelle Beach and the addition of 620 feet of Mobi-Mat at eight beach access points at Carrabelle Beach and boat ramp improvements in Eastpoint. Over the past six years, more than $10 million in TDC lodging tax funds have gone towards upgrading infrastructure throughout the county including renovations to Apalachicola’s historic Fort Coombs Armory, public bathrooms on St. George Island, and future dock facilities in Carrabelle as well as ongoing park and museum infrastructure repairs.
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| Forgotten Coast Waterways Are a Favorite for Paddle Enthusiasts
The Apalachicola River and associated tributaries have long been a favorite destination for paddling enthusiasts. Kayaks and canoes are ideal ways to experience the Apalachicola’s 107 miles from the Jim Woodruff Dam to its mouth under the John Gorrie Bridge in Apalachicola. The scenery is beautiful and the river, sloughs, coves, and bluffs are perfect for quiet exploration. Kayaks and canoes are ideal ways to experience the river and the area’s natural habitat, and many of the best places are accessible only by paddling. Below are a couple of reliable resources to begin learning about local paddling trails.
Apalachicola River Paddling Trail System The Apalachicola River Paddling Trail System is actually broken into 11 separate smaller trail sections. Paddlers at all levels of ability will enjoy these 11 canoeing and kayaking trails - nearly 100 miles through the swamps of the Apalachicola River. Distances range from short, easy trips to multi-day river trips flowing into open bays of the Gulf of Mexico. Click here to learn more. The Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail (The CT) The premiere Mac-daddy thru-paddling trail in Florida is the 1515-mile Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail, or the "CT" for short. There are 26 segments of the CT. Franklin County's portion of the CT is in sections 4 and 5, the Forgotten Coast and Crooked River. Click here to learn more. The Florida Paddling Trails Association Identifies paddling trails within Franklin County. The Apalachicola Bay segment winds along the coast and features several barrier islands and bay. The Ochlocknee segment features eastern Franklin County paddling opportunities including the Carrabelle River, Crooked River and Bald Point State Park. Click here to learn more. |
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SGI Full Moon Climb August 28The Cape St. George historic lighthouse on St. George Island will host a Full Moon Climb on Saturday, August 28 from 8-10 pm. The August full moon is called the Sturgeon moon because sturgeon, large fish common to the Great Lakes and other large bodies of water, are most readily caught in August. Full Moon names are attributable to native American tribes.
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| August Farmers Markets
The Apalachicola Farmers' Market will host its August events on Saturday August 8 and August 22 from 9 am to 1 pm at the Mill Pond at Scipio Creek. The Crooked River Lighthouse is hosting a Country Farmer's Market Saturday August 1 and August 15 from 9 am-1 pm at the foot of the lighthouse at 1975 Hwy 98 W, Carrabelle Beach. Both markets feature vendors from the community with locally made goods, veggies, plants, art, and baked goods.
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| | Labor Day Music Festival Celebrating Jimmy Buffet Day September 4-6
Mark Your Calendars for Labor Day Weekend 2026! Forgotten Coast Parrot Heads are putting on a Fins Up Music Fest to Celebrate Jimmy Buffett Day along the Forgotten Coast. The festival will feature three full days of FREE music in more than 80 shows Friday through Sunday September 4-6. This is a fundraiser from donations benefiting Franklin County education and reading programs. Learn more here. |
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| Carrabelle's Role in American History Exhibit Through September 30
The Carrabelle History Museum is proud to present a featured exhibit, “Foundations of Freedom – Carrabelle’s Role in America’s Story.” This exhibit will be on display through Wednesday, September 30. This unique exhibit, in honor of America’s 250th birthday, tells the story of Carrabelle’s history, independence, democratic participation, and civic identity through artifacts, photographs, and stories. Visitors can explore this exhibit on Wednesdays from 12 to 5 pm ET, Thursdays through Saturdays from 10 am to 5 pm ET, and Sundays from 12 to 5 pm ET. Admission is free, with donations warmly welcomed. Details. |
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| Turtle Talks Through August 18
The Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve (ANERR) hosts "Turtle Talks" each Tuesday from 2-3 pm through August 18. The weekly talks, which started in June, help visitors learn about our nesting sea turtles. The weekly talks are held at the ANERR Visitor Center in Eastpoint.
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Special Services Exhibit at Camp Gordon Johnston through Aug. 29
Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum in Carrabelle is presenting a special exhibit about the Special Services Forces at Camp Gordon Johnston until Saturday, August 29.
While Camp Gordon Johnston is best known for training infantry divisions in amphibious assault, the camp’s mission changed in late 1943 when it became a U.S. Army Special Services Forces Training Center. Thousands of soldiers came to Carrabelle to train in highly specialized support roles that were essential to Allied success overseas. These units prepared to build, repair, supply, and sustain the ports and transportation networks that kept troops and equipment moving throughout the war. Details.
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