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.