County Commissioners hope to deal with local homelessness

County commissioners agreed this month to pay 300 dollars in dues so the county can be part of a regional group dealing with homeless issues.

Commissioner Pinki Jackel was named to the Continuum of Care Facilitating Group in December.

The group works through the Big Bend Homeless Coalition; it was federally mandated for continued federal HUD funding exceeding 1 million dollars that helps address homelessness in the Big Bend.

Under the group’s charter, each of the 8 county commissions in the Big Bend was required to name a member to the Board.

While the county commission was surprised that there was a membership fee, commissioners said they feel the money is being well spent.

Commissioner Cheryl sanders said it was quite eye-opening as to how many people are really homeless, and in a lot of cases its people you wouldn’t even know are homeless.

The issue impacts families with children as well as a large number of veterans.

Commissioner Pinki Jackel said there has never been a full homeless survey done for Franklin County and she hopes that one of the benefits of being part of this group is that a true survey will get done.

Then the county will be able to formulate some direction on how to move forward and address the local homeless issue. 

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Golf to protect the Apalachicola River & Bay JUNE 7

Inaugural Golf Tournament  Salty Dog Scramble benefitting Apalachicola Riverkeeper When Saturday June 7, 2014Shotgun start 9 am Where ST. JAMES BAY GOLF RESORTCarrabelle, FL St. James Bay Golf Resort offers an eco-friendly layout, the area's only Audubon Signature Sanctuary, meticulously groomed and maintained, two practice putting greens, full size driving range and 15 beautiful lakes. Cost $125 per person.  $500 per team.  Package includes golf cart, range practice,  golf balls, continental breakfast and lunch buffet   Click here for Golf Club Details Registration deadline May 1st Register before April 25 and be entered into  drawing for one night stay at Clubhouse Villa To register call Shannon Lease at Apalachicola Riverkeeper 850.653.8936 or email shannon@apalachicolariverkeeper.org For sponsorship information, please contact  Georgia Ackerman 850-321-9250 or Tom Herzog 262-269-6447 or email riverkeeper@apalachicolariverkeeper.org

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Full Moon Climb at Cape St. George Lighthouse

The April Full Moon Climb at the Cape St. George Lighthouse on St. George Island will be held on Monday, April 14, 2014.  The Sunset/Full Moon Climb will take place from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and will include light hors d'oeuvres and a sparkling cider toast to the full moon.  Cost is $15.00 for the general public and $10.00 for members of the St. George Lighthouse Association.

The sun will set at 8:06 p.m. and the moon will rise at 7:44 p.m. on April 14.  

After sunset, people are invited to climb to the top of the lighthouse for a breathtaking view of the full moon, as space and time permit.  Cost is $10.00 for the general public and $5.00 for SGLA members. 

The Cape St. George Light is located in St. George Lighthouse Park at the center of St. George Island, where Island Drive (the road off the bridge) ends at Gulf Beach Drive.  Parking is available in lots at either side of the park.

Because space is limited, reservations are recommended.  For reservations or more information, please contact the Lighthouse Gift Shop at 850-927-7745.

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Spring means return of Spanish mackerel to north Florida waters

(Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.)          For immediate release: April 8, 2014 April “Gone Coastal” column By Amanda Nalley Spring means return of Spanish mackerel to north Florida waters Across Florida there are signs that spring has sprung, from the fine layer of yellow pollen coating everything in the north to folks returning to the water sans wetsuit in the south. Warmer water also means the return of Spanish mackerel, a feisty fish that migrates south when the water temperature dips below 70 and should be returning to north Florida waters right about now. Spanish mackerel are easy to catch, making them a great target for kids and those new to the sport, but their aggressive fighting behavior when on the line also makes them exciting for seasoned veterans. Interested in catching a Spanish mackerel or two? Spring and early summer are a great time to target these fish as they move north along the coast. They frequent nearshore sandy and grassy areas, from bays to beaches and piers, but can also be caught farther offshore. Spanish mackerel typically follow baitfish, so look for areas where fish are jumping. The main two ways to target Spanish mackerel are trolling for them (running a line behind your boat while it is in motion) and casting. When it comes to gear, the goal is to replicate baitfish. If you are trolling for them, many people use what is called a mackerel tree, a series of hooks on a line with pieces of tubing acting as lures near each hook followed by a trolling spoon. If you plan to fish for Spanish mackerel by casting, then spoons, jigs or any shallow diving lure will work. Spanish mackerel are a fairly fragile fish that need to be handled carefully and quickly when catching and releasing. If your artificial lures have treble hooks on them, consider bending down all the barbs or replacing the treble hooks with single hooks. Treble hooks can cause significant damage to a fish. Unlike some species, Spanish mackerel will go after a wide variety of artificial lures, but if you are a natural-bait fan, try threadfin herring, cigar minnows or finger-sized mullet. Mackerel have extremely sharp teeth. So if you don’t want to lose your lure and your line, make sure to use a leader that is at least 30 pound test. Above that, a good light spinning rod with 10- to 15-pound test will be plenty to reel in the fish. Whether or not you ever hit the daily bag limit of 15 Spanish mackerel per person in state waters, there are plenty of other fish nearby to target, such as bluefish and lady fish, which also follow bait around. Be sure to keep a measuring device nearby. The minimum size limit for Spanish mackerel is 12 inches fork length, which is measured from the tip of the lower jaw with the mouth closed to the center of the fork in the tail. Be sure to use a straight line measurement and not a flexible tape, as this can throw off your measurement. Size limits and bag limits help ensure the Spanish mackerel population remains sustainable for future generations. The first statewide daily bag limit was set in 1986 and was four fish per person. This was increased to five in 1991, to 10 in 1993 and to where it is today, 15, in 2000. The size limit went into effect in 1999. Find a keeper or two? Spanish mackerel are best eaten fresh, not frozen, within the first three days of being caught. Make sure to ice them down good and keep them cold. They can be grilled, fried, baked or smoked. Catch a really big one? The current state record is 12 pounds, caught off Fort Pierce in 1984, and the world record is 13 pounds caught in North Carolina in 1987. If you think you can beat that, visit the International Game Fish Association website at IGFA.org or, for state records, visit MyFWC.com/Fishing and click on “Saltwater” and “Grand Slam/Fishing Records.” Learn more about Spanish mackerel at MyFWC.com/Fishing by clicking on “Saltwater,” “Recreational Regulations” and “Mackerel, Spanish.” Email comments, questions, photos or suggestions to Saltwater@MyFWC.com. Don’t forget to record all of your catches on the iAngler phone app or at snookfoundation.org. “Gone Coastal” is one of many ways that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Division of Marine Fisheries Management is helping recreational anglers understand complex saltwater regulations and learn more about saltwater fishing opportunities and issues in Florida. We are also available to answer questions by phone or email anytime, and we would love the opportunity to share information through in-person presentations with recreational or commercial fishing organizations. To contact the FWC’s Regulatory Outreach subsection, call 850-487-0554 or email Saltwater@MyFWC.com.

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Agenda for April 10th Franklin County School Board meeting

  04-10-14-website

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NOAA Fisheries Bulletin seeking public comment on proposed rule for king and Spanish mackerel in the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic

Below is a NOAA Fisheries Southeast Fishery Bulletin announcing modifications to the federally permitted seafood dealer reporting requirements for the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic.    SOUTHEAST FISHERY BULLETIN   (Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic)        FB14-024      Rick DeVictor                          727-824-5305    April 9, 2014      Modifications to the Current Federally   Permitted Seafood Dealer Reporting Requirements NOAA Fisheries is modifying the current reporting requirements for federally permitted seafood dealers. The actions are specified in a final rule for the Generic Amendment to the Fishery Management Plans in the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic Regions (79 FR 19490). Changes to Reporting Requirements The most notable changes involve how and when reports must be submitted. The rule implements the following five items: (1) Establishes a new, single dealer permit (called the Gulf and South Atlantic dealer permit) that is required to purchase products managed in the fishery management plans listed below. See the description under the heading "Effective Dates" within this bulletin for an explanation of when this permit is required for dealers with or without an existing valid federal dealer permit for any Gulf or South Atlantic fishery. South Atlantic Fishery Management Plans Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources Golden Crab Fishery of the South Atlantic Region *Shrimp Fishery of the South Atlantic Region Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Spiny Lobster of the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic *South Atlantic rock shrimp only Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Plans Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources Red Drum Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico Spiny Lobster of the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic Atlantic Fishery Management Plans Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources Dolphin and Wahoo Fishery off the Atlantic States (1) Purchase forms must be submitted online, once per week. Forms will be due 11:59 p.m., local time, every Tuesday. (2) Dealers reporting purchases of king mackerel landed by the gillnet sector for the Gulf West Coast Florida Southern Sub-Zone will be required to submit forms daily by 6:00 a.m., local time. (3) If no purchase is made, a no-purchase form must also be submitted online, once per week. (4) Delinquent reports will automatically result in Gulf and South Atlantic dealers becoming ineligible to receive the specified federally managed species regardless of any notification by NOAA Fisheries. A dealer is only authorized to receive the specified federally managed species if the dealer's previous reports have been submitted and received by NOAA Fisheries. In addition, the permit office will not renew the new single permit if there are deficiencies in these reporting requirements. Need for Action This action will improve the completeness and timeliness of purchase information. The current reporting frequency may result in landings significantly less or greater than the annual catch limits. Underages leave fish unharvested. Overages may trigger management measures, which have the potential to result in significant disruption in fishing behavior and reductions in revenue and profit for fishermen. Overages may also affect the ability of stocks to rebuild when overfished and may lead to overfishing conditions. Effective Dates The reporting requirements, as listed previously in this bulletin (i.e., weekly, electronic submittal of purchase and no-purchase forms), are effective beginning August 7, 2014. Dealers that currently do not have a valid federal dealer permit for any Gulf or South Atlantic fishery may submit an application for a Gulf and South Atlantic dealer permit beginning April 9, 2014. Dealers that currently do have a dealer permit may continue to use their existing dealer permit until their existing permit(s) expire, but must report as required for the Gulf and South Atlantic dealer permit as of August 7, 2014. It is important to note that the Gulf and South Atlantic dealer permit is not effective until August 7, 2014. For More Information Electronic copies of the amendment and rule may be obtained from the NOAA Fisheries Web sitehttp://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/sustainable_fisheries/gulf_sa/generic/2013/dealer_reporting/index.html. For more information on the revised dealer requirements, refer to the Frequently Asked Questions on the NOAA Fisheries Web site. This summary is not a substitute for the actual regulations. We encourage you to read the full text of the regulations, available at http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/.   About Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council is one of eight regional Fishery Management Councils established by the Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976. The Council prepares fishery management plans, which are designed to manage fishery resources within the 200-mile limit of the Gulf of Mexico.       Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council Charlene Ponce Public Information Officer 888-833-1844 ext. 229

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Gulf County Emergency Management asking residents to prepare for possible river flooding

As of Noon today the Blountstown river level was at 20.4 ft and is expected to rise to 22.9 ft by Friday morning. This number is subject to change as conditions dictate. 

 Therefore, Gulf County Emergency Management would like to notify residents and property owners in the river basin areas of Gulf County, that they should closely monitor the river readings for potential flooding. They should also be prepared to take any precautions and protective actions in the event that their area is impacted by flooding conditions. 

Based upon current conditions the potential exists to begin flooding homes in the Apalachicola and Chipola River basin areas of Gulf County. 

Additional information is available at the Southeast River Forecast Center website at: http://www.srh.noaa.gov/serfc/ or by calling Gulf County Emergency Management at (850) 229-9110.


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Thurs, 4/10/14 SEAHAWK SCOOP

  bulletin.4.10.14

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Everything you ever wanted to know about oysters on April 9th, 2014

• Vibrio outbreak prompts changes in oyster handling
• Oyster Martini
• Technology advance to measure oyster freshness
• Fried Oyster Tostado
• Oyster Gardening
• Researcher Jill Bible Studies the Effects of Ocean Acidification on Olympia Oysters and Advocates Science Education
• [VIDEO] Oyster Shucking 101 with Island Creek’s Chris Sherman
• Bay oyster grower adamant sea levels unchanged
• State officials present Vineyard oystermen with new Vibrio control plan
• The plight of the Southern oyster
• Oyster Aquaculture Could Significantly Improve Potomac River Estuary Water Quality
• A Brief History of Oysters
• Nanoscopic Structure of Oyster Shells Could Inspire New Design in Bulletproof Glass

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Franklin county seeks funding to repair culvert on Bluff Road

County official are seeking funds to repair a major culvert on Bluff Road near the Apalachicola airport.

The culvert provides drainage for an estimated 1000 acres including much of the airport – county administrative director Alan Pierce said the pipe is rusting on the bottom and beginning to bow in.

Replacing it will probably be an expensive job as it is a large culvert and traffic will have to be maintained while the work is done.

The county has approach the Department of Transportation with a proposal to replace the 12 foot diameter culvert with two smaller culverts, but there is still a question of who will pay for the job.

The County hopes DOT will find funding to pay for at least most of the work; commissioner Smokey Parrish said he would use a portion of his paving funds if necessary to cover what DOT will not.

There is also a time issue, as the county plans to pave that section of Bluff Road paved soon and the culvert has to be replaced before the paving is done.

Commissioners agreed that this situation counts as an emergency and told staff to expedite the process as much as possible. 

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County commission asks for 2 percent cut in department budgets

Franklin County Commissioners are starting their annual budget process.

The board last week approved a resolution asking all of its departments heads to cut their budgets by 2 percent this year.

The motion was made by Commissioner Pinki Jackel who pointed out that the county has raised its millage every year for quite a few years.

This year it appears that property values are stopping their steep decline which should allow the county to give taxpayers a little break.

Commissioner Jackel said she would like to at least keep next year’s millage rate the same as this year’s, and that should start by asking that all county departments cut 2 percent from their budgets.

The 2 percent cut also applies to non-governmental groups that the county helps fund.

That will help compensate for increases the county can’t control like insurance rates and unfunded mandates from the legislature.

Commission chairman Cheryl Sanders agreed that she would also like to see the budget stay close to the rollback rate next year.

State rules require that county departments have their budgets submitted by the beginning of June.

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Florida DEP permit activity for Franklin and Gulf Counties

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION BOB MARTINEZ CENTER 2600 BLAIRSTONE ROAD TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA 32399-2400

RICK SCOTT GOVERNOR CARLOS LOPEZ-CANTERA LT. GOVERNOR HERSCHEL T. VINYARD JR. SECRETARY

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Permitting Application Subscription Service Subscriber email address: manager@oysterradio.com   Profile Name: Oyster Radio Permit: Water - Dredge and Fill Permit Project Name: INTERCOASTAL - PERMIT EXT. Location id: 259097 Location name: INTERCOASTAL ENTERPRISES LLC MULTI-FAMILY DOCK SOUTH LONG ST County: Gulf Application number: 259097-003 For further information, please contact the Northwest District permitting office in Pensacola at (850) 595-8300 Permit: Water - ERP Noticed General Permit Project Name: USHWY 98 SORIA DRIVEWAY Location id: 325539 Location name: US HWY 98 SORIA DRIVEWAY County: Franklin Application number: 325539-001 For further information, please contact the Northwest District Branch ( Tallahassee ) permitting office in Tallahassee at (850) 245-2984

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Dixie Theatre Season Wrap Up and New for 2015

The Best in Live Professional Theatre, Music & Dance since 1913 Mrs. Mannerly Season 17 is but a fond and distant memory, season 18 full steam ahead...mostly. We want to thank all the faithful patrons of the Dixie for once again supporting, attending and enjoying the plethora of talent and entertainment we presented during our 2014 season. Thanks too, to all of you who donated and contributed your time and funds, we couldn't do it without you. We continue struggling to get that cultural word out and hope you will help us spread it.  And while we are in no way a community theatre, we are a professional theatre for the community and we thank you, our devoted patrons, for your continued support. We have big changes afoot as we slide into spring. We're moving the Pet Shop, PETunia, the fund raising arm of the Dixie Theatre Foundation, to a brilliant new location that will be more fun than you can imagine and we're also slowly changing the name to OYSTERBONES®. As some of you may know, OYSTERBONES® are delicious dog biscuits made with the world famous Apalachicola Bay oyster shells and have been around since 1998, the same year we reopened the Dixie. Now it will also be the name of the best pet shop in the world, woof, woof! Our new location at 58 Market Street is right across from the new and oh so elegant Up the Stairs Restaurant, we'll be in the old Medicine Shop location with lots of room for new and exciting items for your pet and testing areas for doggies. We've already booked several dates for our 2015 Season 18 and hope to have the calendar set by June 1 - see below. If we can't get better attendance and contributions, I fear it may be our last season. Unfortunately, the powers that be IE those with the ability to designate local grants and funding seem to keep designating elsewhere. Hope you have a cool summer, Dixie 2015 Professional Season 18 Dates already set, you can make your reservations now! 1.10 - Spencer Bohren1.31 - Tribute to Patsy Cline by Margo Anderson 2.7 - Bob Milne Ragtime Piano 2.28 - Elvis & Friends do the Dixie Stay Connected

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Wed, 4/9/14 SEAHAWK SCOOP

  Bulletin.4.9.14

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Sheriff's office says no arrests to be made in Apalachicola shooting

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Department said there will be no arrests made in a shooting last week in Apalachicola.

On April 3rd, 20 year old Charles Thomas Wayne Fasbenner Jr. was shot once in the chest by 24 year old Ronald Joseph Page outside Page’s home at 277 Timothy Simmons Road in Apalachicola.

The sheriff’s Department received the 911 call at about 9:45PM and deputies and Apalachicola city police officers arrived at the scene within minutes.

EMS arrived on scene shortly after pronounced Fasbenner deceased.

Mister Page was detained but not arrested.

In a press release the Sheriff’s Department said Mister Page and his mother, JoAnna Page, were at their home when Mister Page heard someone entering the gate of their chain link fence.

Page went to the door and saw a man on his property.

He retrieved a .22 caliber rifle before verbally confronting the man.

Mister Page told investigators that he told the man several times to leave, but Fasbenner did not comply even after Mister Page fired a warning shot into the ground.

Mister Page said he fired a single shot in the direction of the man, after Mister Fasbenner began walking up the steps to the porch reaching in Mister Page’s direction.

Page then advised his mother to call 911 because he had just shot someone.

He tried to render aid to Mister Fasbenner until law enforcement arrived on scene.

Sheriff’s investigators came to the conclusion that there would be no charges filed based on the information at this time.

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Gulf County Emergency Management warns of flood conditions

The Gulf County Emergency Management Office is asking residents and property owners in the river basin areas of Gulf County, that they should closely monitor the river readings for potential flooding this week.

A Flood Warning has been issued for the Apalachicola River at Blountstown affecting Calhoun County, Liberty County, Gulf County and Franklin County.

The Apalachicola is forecasted to continue rising rapidly through Friday and crest at near 21.9 feet by Friday afternoon.

Additional rises may be possible.

The Chipola River at Altha is also forecast to rise rapidly and crest near 21 feet by Wednesday.

Based upon current conditions the potential exists to begin flooding homes in the Apalachicola and Chipola River basin areas of Gulf County and residents should be prepared to take any precautions and protective actions in the event that their area is impacted by flooding conditions. 

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ABC school to receive School Recognition Funding

The Apalachicola Bay charter school along with one school in Gulf County, 2 in Liberty County and 4 in Wakulla are among almost 1,200 schools throughout Florida that will share in over 107 million dollars in School Recognition Program funding this year.

Florida’s School Recognition Program recognizes public schools by giving financial rewards to schools showing sustained or significantly improved student achievement in reading, mathematics, science and writing.

Schools eligible for recognition awards include those receiving an “A” school grade like the Apalachicola Bay Charter School did last year.

It also includes schools which have improved at least one letter grade from the previous year, or which improved more than one letter grade and sustained the improvement the following school year.

The ABC will receive just over 28 thousand dollars through the program this year, which can be used for faculty or staff bonuses, to purchase educational equipment or materials, or hire temporary staff to help maintain or improve student performance.

Port St. Joe High school will receive nearly 50 thousand dollars.

2 schools in Liberty County, including Liberty County High School and the Hosford Elementary and Junior High School will share in nearly 67 thousand dollars.

4 schools in Wakulla County including Wakulla High school and Middle school will share in over 280 thousand dollars through the School recognition Program.

The school staff and school advisory council at each recognized school jointly decide how to use the financial award.

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