Downtown Christmas Celebration

Against the backdrop of Historic Apalachicola more reminiscent of a scene from a Dickens novel, the Panhandle Players strolled through the streets of downtown Apalachicola singing Christmas carols during the Annual Historic Apalachicola Christmas celebration.

The celebration is an annual event sponsored by the Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce and the Apalachicola Business Association. The two organizations hold the event each Friday after Thanksgiving as a means to jumpstart the holiday shopping season here in historic Apalachicola.

In addition to the caroling, the event featured the lighting of the City’s Christmas tree by the Towns Mayor, and Santa setting aside his traditional mode of transportation to travel to Apalachicola by shrimp boat to the delight of the hundreds of kids who Christmas wishes he entertained.

Christmas music filled the air and luminaries lined the sidewalks, while holiday shoppers gaited in and out of the downtown shops looking for that unique gift only Historic Apalachicola can offer. To accommodate the eager shoppers, downtown merchants stayed open as late as 8:00 PM.

There was something for everyone as the Raney House Museum held its Festival of Trees. Chamber members are already making plans for the 2009 Christmas celebration.

Footage and photos courtesy of Gail D. Johnson

Mayor’s Holiday Season Proclamation

WHEREAS, more than three centuries ago, our forefathers, after a time of hardship and peril, humbly and respectfully set aside a special time of the year during which to give thanks to God for their preservation and for the good harvest from which they had benefited and in celebration of God’s great gifts. Grave and unknown dangers remained. Yet by their faith, strength of character and hard work they looked to the future with a shared hope of better things to come; and

WHEREAS, this year, as we begin the holiday season, we look upon a past year of great anxiety in our country, and, as the year approach its end, awesome perils again remain to be faced. We are at war on two fronts. Our economy faces great challenges known to but a few in this generation. Yet we have, as in the past, ample reason to be thankful and to have hope for the future. In the words of the late President Kennedy “we are grateful for the blessings of faith and health and strength and for the imperishable spiritual gifts of love and hope; and

WHEREAS, we too give thanks, for our freedom as a nation; for the strength of our arms and the faith of our friends; for the beliefs and confidence we share; for our determination to stand firmly for what we believe to be right and to resist mightily what we believe to be wrong. And for the heritage of liberty bequeathed by our ancestors, which we are privileged to preserve for our children and our children’s, children.”

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Van W, Johnson, Sr., Mayor of the great City of Apalachicola, proclaim Friday, the twenty-eighth day of November of this year, as the official beginning of the holiday season. I urge all citizens to make this season not merely a holiday from their labors, but rather a time of consideration. Let us observe this time with reverence and with goodwill for others. Let us through our labor and thoughts demonstrate the strength and will to not only overcome our temporary adversities and preserve our blessings, but also to extend them to those among us who by providence are less fortunate.

HEREBY PROCLAIMED, at the City of Apalachicola on this 28th day of November in the year of our Lord 2008.

FOR THE CITY OF APALACHICOLA

VAN W. JOHNSON, SR., MAYOR

Happy Thanksgiving Apalachicola!

At the onset of this holiday season, I like to take this opportunity to pause and give thanks for the many blessing we have received and to reflect upon how fortunate we are to live in such a wonderful city.

A city made wonderful and livable through the many dedicated men and women who make up our departments.

As I reflect, I like to thank Betty and her staff at City Hall for being responsive to the needs of the people and her personnel in the Street and Public Works Departments for keeping Apalachicola a clean and functional community.

I like to thank Bobby and his Police Officers for a job well done, in making Apalachicola a safe community to raise our families.

I like to express my sincere gratitude to Bert and the members of our Volunteer Fire Department for their wiliness to leave the comfort of their homes to come to the aid of this city.

To Ginger and the members of our First Responders; thank you for bringing prompt medical attention to us, during our dire times of need.

Most importantly, special thanks go to Jesus Christ and to the entire Apalachicola community, for entrusting me to be Mayor of this great city.

Happy Thanksgiving,

Van W. Johnson, Sr., Mayor
The Historic City of Apalachicola

The strength of our City

Some people argue that the strength of a city is in its leadership. In some instances, this is true. However, in the case of the City of Apalachicola, the true strength of our city is in its people and their resilient sense of community.

Over the past year, the city commission has solicited the assistance of community volunteers to help make great things happen for the residents of Apalachicola. They readily answered the call and the many successes we see today are possible because of their wiliness to serve their community.

While I will not attempt to list every committee or individual here, I will highlight the following committees and programs.

The Citizens Budget Committee (CBC) – is comprised of a group of private citizens with backgrounds in business and finance - provided assistance to the city by helping staff develop the city’s annual operating budget for fiscal year 2008-2009.

Adopt-A-Block program – is a group of individuals that have volunteered to serve as block Captains and crews to canvass the neighborhoods in which they reside to identify overgrown lots, dilapidated buildings, abandon vehicles and other infrastructure problems – afterward the group will report their findings to the city commission for resolution.

The Community Garden – is located off Eighth Street where the old city trailer park used to sit. The community garden is comprised of local residents that are interested in gardening. Through this process, the group will give city residents the opportunity to share their gardening experience to help others grow flowers, fruits, and vegetables as well as to help foster a sense of community and belonging within the City of Apalachicola.

A Diversion Program – is a concerted effort underway by the City of Apalachicola Police Department, the newly elected Sheriff and Superintendent of Public Schools, the Franklin County Public Library and the Department of Juvenile Justice to implement a program to keep first time youthful offenders, out of the legal system and in the classroom learning.

The Mayor’s Seasonal Campaign – is a holiday season solicitation to raise funds to aid the Franklin County Food Pantry purchase food for distribution to those in our community who are less fortunate or who have fallen on hard times. The goal is to raise $4,000 to purchase a tractor-trailer load of food from the Church of God organization in South Florida.

This is just a handful of programs implemented using community volunteers to make Apalachicola a strong city. A strong city doesn’t just happen. It is the product of its citizens. By coming together and working as one community, the City of Apalachicola has realized great things, with the potential for many more great things to happen.

Again, I thank you for allowing me to serve as Mayor of this great city; if I can be of assistance to you or your family please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Apalachicola awarded Senior Center Grant

The City of Apalachicola is the proud recipient of a $1,500,000 Senior Citizen Center Capital Outlay grant from the Florida Department of Elder Affairs. Governor Charlie Crist and Secretary of the Department of Elder Affairs Dr. Doug Beach announced the award at a groundbreaking ceremony in Miami Friday, November 21.

The 2008 Florida Legislature appropriated $10,000,000 for statewide use with State Representative Will S. Kendrick securing $1,500,000 out of the pot for the City of Apalachicola.

The funds will go toward the renovation of the Historic Holy Family School located on Dr. Fredrick Humphries Street for a dedicated center where seniors can congregate without interruptions.

The City Commission first gave staff the go ahead to apply for funding in late November 2007. However, at that time the State awarded the grant to several South Florida communities. On July 8, the commission again gave staff the nod to reapply and with the help of Kendrick, the City submitted a successful application.

Other Florida communities awarded the Category 3 grant were the City of Gainesville, which received $2 Million and Miami-Dade County, which also received $2 Million.

Think about it!

Due to the current, financial conditions both nationally and locally the Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce has embarked upon a campaign to encourage local residents to shop at home especially during the holiday season.

When we shop locally, our money is recycled back into the community and pays the salaries of family members, friends, and neighbors. It also goes back in the form of property taxes to help fund the local government and to upgrade needed infrastructure. Local businesses then have money available to contribute to our many worthwhile causes, such as youth league programs, and high school trips.

However, when we spend our payroll dollars in other communities, we are effectively funding better roads, schools, and parks within those communities. Then we wonder why other communities have smooth roads, great schools, and beautiful parks.

Ask yourself, when was the last time your favorite out of town store sponsored a local youth league baseball team, or contributed to a local benefit? They should, because that is where we spend our money. However, they don’t, but our local merchants do.

When we shop at home, we contribute to the success of our own community and not others.

Think about it… think local first.

Historic Apalach Christmas Celebration

The Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce and the Apalachicola Business Association has planned a host of holiday season activities for the Apalachicola community.

Beginning on Nov 28 from 4:00 – 8:00 PM the Friday after Thanksgiving, also known as “Black Friday”, the start of the Christmas shopping season, there will be a tree lighting celebration at the city’s Christmas tree in downtown Apalachicola. Santa will arrive by shrimp boat and be available for photo opportunities with children of all ages and I will be on hand around dusk to light the Christmas tree. The downtown businesses are making plans to be open until 8:00 PM that day and the Raney House Museum will begin its Festival of Trees.

On Saturday Nov 29, Santa will be making a return visit from 1:00 – 4:00 PM to help spread more holiday cheers and local residents and visitors will once again gather around the Christmas tree at dusk for the lighting of the Yule Log.

Then at 3:00 PM on Sunday, Nov 30, Big Bend Hospice will hold a non-denominational Remembrance Ceremony at the Christmas tree and everyone is encouraged to attend.

On Saturday, Dec 6 from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, there will be a Holiday Fresh Market setup where you can purchase hand created Apalachicola specialties from fresh seasonal wreaths to vintage glass bead jewelry as a holiday gift for someone special.

For more information on the Christmas Celebration, or to reserve space for the Holiday Fresh Market, you can contact the Chamber Office at 653-9419 or email mailto:info@apalachicolabay.org.

Mixon charged in Bank fire

Apalachicola Police Chief Bobby Varnes announced Thursday, Nov 2 the arrest of 43-year-old Joseph Mixon in connection with the Apalachicola Bank fire. On Saturday, Nov 15, Mixon slammed the seafood truck he was driving into the Apalachicola State Bank building causing an explosion and the subsequent fire that destroyed the historic structure.

Assisted by the State Attorney’s Office, the Apalachicola Police Department (APD) conducted an extensive investigation into the crash and on Thursday, Nov 20, the judge issued a warrant for Mixon arrest.

The Apalachicola Police Department charged Mixon with two counts of felony criminal mischief, and his bond was set at $250,000. If convicted, Mixon could face up to 10-years in prison and $10,000 in fines on the two counts brought by the APD. Under Florida law, criminal mischief resulting in property damage of $1,000 or more is punishable by up to 5-years in jail and/or $5,000 in fines.

The Franklin County Sheriff Office (FCSO) charged Mixon with one count of grand theft auto and a separate bond was set at $20,000.

Mixon could face even more charges in connection with the fire. The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) has an ongoing investigation into the crash and further charges may be forthcoming against Mr. Mixon by the FHP.

At this time all charges against Joseph Mixon are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

After Thanksgiving Kids Dance

Out of Tragedy lies Hope

The November 15, fire that destroyed one of Apalachicola’s historic structures was not only a tragic loss to the owners and staff of Apalachicola State Bank, but also to the entire Apalachicola community. It is my sincere prayer, that in the face of this tragedy, that we look toward God for peace and embrace each other for the strength that is needed for tomorrow.

To our local and neighboring fire departments and to all who assisted, thank you, you all preformed a magnificent, unselfish service toward humanity. While I’m thankful that there were no human fatalities, I am hopeful that out of this tragedy will develop a renewed sense of urgency, whereby we join as a community to resolve the issues surrounding fire protection in our city.

The lessons learned from this event will surely help shape future policies and expenditures that govern fire services throughout the City of Apalachicola.

We are a resilient people; throughout my 49-years as a native Apalachicolian, I have witnessed the resolve of this community to bounce back from tornados, hurricanes, red tide, and a host of other foreseen and unforeseen disasters, all with a renewed sense of community.

Because of this, I truly believe that our today is a better day than our yesterday, and that all of our tomorrows will be even better.

Tragic Fire Hits Apalachicola

Residents of the City of Apalachicola arose this morning in the face of a tragic fire in the downtown commercial district. The Apalachicola Fire Department received a dispatch around 5:00 AM after a seafood truck traveling east on U.S. 98 at a high rate of speed slammed into the Apalachicola State Bank building and then exploded.

With assistance from fire departments throughout the county, volunteer firefighters were able to bring the blaze under control before the fire could spread. At this time, injuries to the driver of the vehicle are unknown.

Many thanks to the Harris Brothers and to the Carrabelle, Eastpoint, and St. George Island Volunteer Fire Departments for their dedication to the call of duty in providing the much-needed assistance to the City of Apalachicola.

To see footage of the fire, click the video below.

Footage & photos taken by Gail Johnson

American Legion holds Veterans Day Service

American Legion Post 106 of Apalachicola held the first Veterans Day memorial service this morning at the newly completed Veterans Memorial Plaza, the site of the Three Serviceman Statue Detail. The program started promptly at 11AM, the hour of the signing of the Armistice by the Allied Forces and Germany that ended World War I, on November 11, 1918.

The service was officiated by Post Member Al Mirabella. Mirabella opened the service with a welcome followed by an invocation given by Post Chaplain, Charles Scott and the pledge of allegiance to the U.S. Flag.

The event speaker was also Scott, who gave a brief history on the origin of Veterans Day and honored veterans of all wars and conflicts in his remarks. Scott also performed the Missing Man Ceremony, a reference to an empty table that sat to symbolize soldiers missing in action.

Below is video footage of the memorial service.

Happy Veterans Day

The Apalachicola Board of City Commissioners and Staff would like to wish you and your family a Happy Veterans Day and to let you know that all City Offices and Departments excluding the Police Department will close today in celebration of this national holiday.

Apalachicola broke ground on Community Garden

In an effort to make the City of Apalachicola a little more greener, city officials together with local residents broke ground on a new community garden at the corner of 8th Street and Avenue F on Sunday, November 9.

City Commissioner Valentina Webb, City Administrator Betty Taylor-Webb, Chief of Police Bobby Varnes, community garden coordinator Karla Ambos, community members, and volunteers were on hand to celebrate the groundbreaking.

As part of the City’s Community Pride Partnership Program, volunteers from the community will work together to create twenty-eight, 24’x 4’ plots that will grow flowers, fruits, and vegetables. Each plot will be raised, with two much larger tilled areas set aside on the NE corner for the Franklin County Food Pantry and the ABC Charter School.

Ambos, was astonished by the turnout at Sunday’s groundbreaking ceremony, “this is very positive, I’m surprised at the amount of people that showed up today”, Ambos said.

About forty local residents including city officials attended the event.

All community members are encouraged to take part in the development of this worthwhile cause. The garden will provide an excellent opportunity for the more experienced gardeners to share their experiences with others as well as to foster a greater sense of community and goodwill.

For more information on how to participate in the community garden, email Karla Ambos at dambos@mchsi.com.

Photos courtesy of Paul Puckett

Mayor's Veterans Day Proclamation

WHEREAS, at 11:00 AM on November 11, 1918, after four years of bitter conflict, the world rejoiced and celebrated the signing of an Armistice by the Allied Forces and the Federal Republic of Germany for the cessation of World War I; and

WHEREAS, to remember the sacrifices that the men and women made to ensure that lasting peace, on November 11, 1919, Woodrow Wilson the 28th President of the United States proclaimed an Armistice Day in the United States; and

WHEREAS, on June 4, 1926, the United States Congress passed a concurrent resolution requesting Calvin Coolidge the 30th President of the United States to issue another proclamation to observe November 11 with all the appropriate ceremonies; and

WHEREAS, on May 13 1938, twenty-years after World War I, Congress passed an Act making November 11 in each year a federal holiday, a day to be dedicated and celebrated thereafter as Armistice Day; and

WHEREAS, in order for a grateful Nation to pay homage to veterans of all wars, on June 1, 1954, Dwight Eisenhower the 34th President of the United States, signed into law a bill introduced by U.S. Representative Edwin Rees from Kansas renaming Armistice Day to Veterans Day; and

WHEREAS, in 1971 Richard Nixon the 37th President of the United States, declared Veterans Day to be observed on the second Monday in November; and

WHEREAS, because the commemoration of Veterans Day was a matter of historic and patriotic significance, on September 20, 1975, Gerald Ford, the 38th President of the United States signed Public Law 94-97 (89 Stat. 479), which returned the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date of November 11; and

WHEREAS, Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls:

NOW THEREFORE, I, Van W. Johnson, Sr., Mayor of the City of Apalachicola, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the City Charter, do hereby proclaim and call upon all residents of the City of Apalachicola, to observe a moment of silence at 11:00 AM on November 11, 2008, in remembrance of all the Veterans who fought to safeguard our heritage and freedom, and to celebrate and proudly display the flag of the United States of America throughout the City of Apalachicola on Tuesday, November 11, 2008, Veterans Day.

HEREBY PROCLAIMED, in the year of our Lord this 9th day of November, 2008.

FOR THE CITY OF APALACHICOLA
VAN W. JOHNSON, SR., MAYOR

Commission Report: November 4, 2008

Public hearings, ordinances, resolutions, the city’s visioning initiative and grants highlighted the Nov. 4, agenda and regular scheduled meeting of the Apalachicola Board of City Commissioners.

* The Board held two public hearings to garner public input concerning the adoption of the City’s FY 2008/2009 budget and the Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR), followed by the adoption of Ordinance No. 2008-06 regarding the budget and Ordinance No. 2008-05 relating to the EAR. Commissioners also approved three resolutions, one supporting the millage rate of 5.96 for FY 2008/2009, another endorsing the nomination of the Florida’s Big Bend Scenic Byway for designation as a National Scenic Highway and the last was an application for a $500,000 grant to renovate and expand the existing municipal Library.

* Representatives from the University of Georgia’s Project Riverway provided the commission with an outline of their work performed in June relating to the City of Apalachicola’s Visioning Initiative.

* Karla Ambos reported that she has witness an increase number of golf carts operating on U.S. Highway 98 and other safety issues. The Board instructed staff to conduct an educational campaign relating to the golf ordinance using the local media and the city’s website, and to report back with recommendations to implement an annual golf cart registration with fees. The commission also instructed Police Chief Bobby Varnes to have his officers address this concern as well. Ambos also invited the commission to attend the Community Garden’s groundbreaking ceremony on Sunday.

* Under the Chamber of Commerce monthly report, Anita Grove, Executive Director updated the commission on current chamber activities and upcoming events. She requested closure of the road in front of the Christmas tree for the annual tree lighting ceremony and invited Board members to attend the chambers monthly luncheon at AJ’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill.

* Chief of Police Bobby Varnes reported success with the Community Policing Program and the downtown business checks. Beverly Hewitt, co-owner of the Grill confirmed that both programs were responsive to the needs of the business owners.

* The Board agreed to allow city grant writer, Cindi Giametta submit two grant applications through the Stan Mayfield Working Waterfronts Florida Forever grant program. The Stan Mayfield grant was created by the 2008 Florida Legislature to fund local government’s purchase of working waterfront properties for public ownership. The properties that the city is interested in are the wharf lots adjacent to the Wheelhouse restaurant owned by Ben Watkins and the property owned by Charlie Williamson located on Water Street adjacent to Levins Seafood.

* At the request of city administrator, Betty Taylor-Webb, the commission announced the first reading of Ordinance No. 2008-07 (Scipio Creek Amendment) to extend the grandfather clause in Ordinance No 88-4 by one-year. The clause allows commercial shrimpers to pay a reduced rental rate to the city for docking their boats at the Scipio Creek Boat Basin.

* The commission closed the meeting with a lengthy discussion concerning the dilemma the city recently experienced with the Department of Revenue after the Apalachicola Times mishandling the city’s legal notice advertising the final public hearing to adopt the FY 2008/2009 budget. The commission agreed to allow city attorney, Pat Floyd to speak directly with the Times management before taking any action.

The Country wanted Change

During the Nov. 4, election, for better or worst sixty-three percent of Franklin County voters, voted for the status quo, while the vast majority of the electorate across the Country voted for Hope and Change.

While I concede that every voter has the right to vote, as they will, I couldn’t help but wonder whether the sixty-three percent of Franklin County voters really understood the message coming from the Campaign for Change.

The message of Change that I heard reverberating across this country sounded like a middle class tax cut, universal healthcare, and a strong economy. Here at home, the message echoed was sympathetic toward the plight of the local seafood industry, as it relates to the reduction of freshwater flowing down the Apalachicola/Chattahoochee/Flint River system and a pledged from the candidate to make protecting Florida’s water resources a priority. Throughout the World, the message heard was a message of hope, trust and an end to the Iraqi War.

This is something that every hard working American struggling to make ends meet, should have been able to embrace, especially our local seafood workers.

In addition, this message of Change came from the only candidate (based upon the election results) whom most American’s believed had the necessary qualifications to handle the job. His credentials included a law degree from Harvard Law School; he was a practicing civil rights attorney, a junior U.S. Senator from Illinois, a three terms Illinois State Senator, a constitutional law professor, a graduate of Columbia University and the first African-American to serve as the president of the Harvard Law Review.

His extraordinary display of character is also commendable.

As he stood steadfast on the issues, the opposition launched untrue charges of Muslim, Arab, terrorist, unpatriotic, liar, and antichrist at him like a volley of Iraqi Scud Missiles.

He showed even greater character after the election and during his acceptance speech when he pledged to unite all Americans, regardless of whether they were blue, red, democrats, republicans, blacks, or whites to find solutions to the problems plaguing this country.

The speech sounded to me as if the President-elect was advocating one America, united and working together for the benefit of all. I don’t know about Franklin County, but the Country and the rest of World understood that this is exactly what America needed.

When I really think about it all, I’m reminded of the song released by rock singer Sheryl Crow in 1997, titled, “A Change will do you good”.

Click play on the player to hear the title track "A Change will do you good".

Worlds Reaction to Obama’s Election

Click on the video below to see the world’s reaction to the news of Barack Obama’s election as the 44th President of the United States of America.



Video photos courtesy of Myrtis Wynn

Today is Election Day

After several months of intense campaigning by local candidates and a hotly contested Presidential race, Election Day is finally here and the eight polling stations located throughout the county opened at 7AM and will close at 7PM tonight.

Mayor's Seasonal Campaign

I am proud that the City of Apalachicola is fast becoming one of the more livable cities in our area and that we have been able to achieve this without compromising our heritage or our relationship to the environment. I am sure I speak for all of the staff and commissioners when I say thank you.

As we enter the holiday season, I’m reminded of those living among us who do not share fully in our level of comfort and blessings.

Easily 25% of the residents throughout Franklin County live below the federal poverty level. With the national and local economic crisis, declines in the real estate market and challenges before the seafood industry, this holiday large numbers of our residents will face bleak circumstances.

This season I have made it my personal challenge to do what I can to see that those who are less fortunate have something to look forward to, that’s why I have joined with the Franklin County Food Pantry to make sure all our residents have not only a holiday meal but also a meal throughout the year.

The goal is to raise the $4,000 necessary to purchase a tractor-trailer load of food from the Church of God organization in South Florida. We would be able to purchase 24,000 to 30,000 pounds of food at approximately 10 cents per pound. A truckload of this magnitude will be enough food for 3-4 months of distributions.

I hope you will join me by making a generous contribution to the “Mayor’s Seasonal Campaign”. I appreciate all your support and extend to you and your families the warmest of holiday blessings.

Please make your contribution check payable to:

The Franklin County Food Pantry
Attn: Mayor’s Seasonal Campaign
1 Bay Avenue
Apalachicola, Florida 32320

Thank you!

Van W. Johnson, Sr., Mayor
The Historic City of Apalachicola, Florida

For more information on the Franklin County Food Pantry, please contact Lori Switzer at (850) 323-0515.

Born on Election Day

I grew up in an era where my father and mother drilled into my siblings and myself the importance of voting in every election, regardless of whether the election was a local school board race, a state senator’s race, or the race for the Presidency of the United States of America.

My mother often reminded me that the only election in which she did not vote, was in the election held in November 1959, the month, and year of my birth.

During that year’s election, my mother was in the delivery room at George E. Weems Memorial Hospital in labor and giving birth to me.

She wanted to vote, but because of me, she couldn’t.

Her account of the event was so inspiring that four months after I reached my 18th birthday I went to the Supervisor of Election office and registered to vote.

In our democracy, we hold elections for federal offices on the first Tuesday following the first Monday of November, so the earliest possible date for a federal election is November 2 and the latest is November 8.

Since my birth, on November 7, 1959, my birthday has fallen on Election Day a total of 8-times, with the next occurrence in the year 2017.

Some states including Delaware, Hawaii, Kentucky, Montana, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, and West Virginia have passed laws making Election Day a legal holiday. Other states have laws that allow workers to take time off from work to vote without reprisal, and often without loss of compensation.

I know firsthand the importance of voting. In 1993, during my first campaign for a seat on the Apalachicola Board of City Commissioners, I lost that election by just 14 votes. At stake in this year’s election is the local education of our children and the future direction of our country.

Although November 4, is neither my birthday nor a legal holiday, however, it is Election Day and you need to get up, get out, and vote.

FSU Students involved in Community Cleanup

This morning about 30 students from Florida State University (FSU) Center for Leadership & Civic Education converged upon Franklin County. Half of the students visited Historic Apalachicola to take part in a volunteer cleanup project adjacent to the site of the Community Garden and the others performed work at Indian Creek Park in Eastpoint.

The students were in the county as part of a FSU experiential learning and service program.

According to information found on the FSU Center for Leadership & Civic Education website, the University setup the program as a means to integrate community service into the academic curriculum of the students. They designed the program to enhance the students learning and development, encourage their civic responsibility, and to address identified community problems and social issues.

One identified community problem here in Apalachicola was the vista of the privately owned property adjacent to the site of the city’ proposed community garden.

Andrew Smith with the Apalachicola Riverkeeper coordinated the student’s arrival and participation in the cleanup.

Under the supervision of Karla Ambos, Community Garden Coordinator and Betty Taylor-Webb, City Administrator, the students started at 9AM removing piles of old junk stored at the site and placed it next to the right-of-way off 8th Street.

The community garden is an expansion of the Apalachicola Community Pride Partnership Program.

Click HERE to visit the FSU Center for Leadership & Civic Education website, and click below to review a short video of the student’s cleanup efforts.

Click on the video below to see footage of the cleanup.