The Mayor's Blog

Mayor's Remarks at 2012 MLK Day Celebration

2012-01-16T14:50:00.000-05:00

NOTE: Annually the Love & Worship Center Ministries host a community wide celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr's birthday, this year the celebration was held at the Fort Coombs National Guard Armory. Below are written remarks made by Apalachicola Mayor Van Johnson at the event held on January 16, 2012.

As always, it's an honor for me to be in fellowship with the Love & Worship Center Ministries and especially on an occasion where we celebrate the birth and the legacy of one of America's greatest heroes.

I like to thank the Apostle Shirley C. White and the entire Love Center family, not only for the invitation to make a few remarks, but also for the incredible effort poured into this community event year after year. I commend each of you for a job well done.

As Mayor of Apalachicola, it would be remiss of me if I didn't extend a special welcome to one of our native sons and today's keynote speaker, Dr. Fredrick Humphries. Dr. Humphries - welcome home, it is an honor to have you back in the Historic City of Apalachicola.

Although today is a day of great celebration, it is also a day of contemplation, where we not only reflect upon the memory of Dr. King, but also resolve within ourselves to walk in the footsteps of his dream. Otherwise, those precious words of liberty and justice for all - will forever ring hollow.

Dr. King's belief that the American dream was everyone's inalienable right, is the very definition of equality, and the groundwork of our democracy.

All of us, whether we are elected officials or private citizens, should take inspiration from King's dream – not just today, but everyday of our lives.

That is the way we truly honor his legacy.

Again, I thank you for the opportunity to join with you this morning.

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Mayor's Remarks at 2nd Annual Oyster Cook-off

2012-01-16T14:47:00.000-05:00

NOTE: Below are the written remarks made by Apalachicola Mayor Van Johnson on January 14, 2012, at the 2nd Annual Fire Department Oyster Cook-off.

Welcome to the Apalachicola Volunteer Fire Department's Second Annual Oyster Cook-off and silent auction fundraiser.

It's a beautiful day in this historic city and a wonderful opportunity for us to gather in this beautiful Park to benefit such a worthy cause.

Throughout the day, there will be plenty of fried, raw, steamed, and smoked oysters for your enjoyment, along with live music and a play area for the little ones and at the end of the day, it is our sincere hope that this year's event will be just as successful as last years.

In addition, I like to thank all the volunteers, and sponsors for their continued commitment to making sure that the brave men and women who put their lives at risk for the greater good of this community are equipped with the necessary tools to do their jobs.

Welcome all and please enjoy yourselves.

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Main Street Program to Conduct Training

2012-01-07T10:04:00.000-05:00

The Historic Apalachicola Main Street Program will be hosting Florida Main Street 101 training on January 26-27, 2012, at the Center for History, Culture and Art - 86 Water Street, Apalachicola, Florida.

The training will present an excellent opportunity to learn more about the basics of the Main Street Four-Point Approach.

The training will include sessions on each of the four points: Organization, Design, Economic Restructuring, and Promotion all presented by veteran Florida Main Street consultants and program managers.

The training can also serve as a refresher for current program managers and board members, and is an important introduction to the Main Street Four-Point Approach for other interested parties.

For more information telephone Paulette Moss, Program Manager at 1(855)APALACH or send email to info@historicapalachicola.com or visit www.historicapalachicola.com.

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Public Workshop on Scipio Creek Boat Basin Design

2012-01-05T21:45:00.000-05:00

The City of Apalachicola Planning and Zoning Board and the City's Scipio Creek Advisory Committee will host an informational workshop on the Scipio Creek Boat Basin Design at 6:00PM Monday, January 9, 2012.

Architectural illustrations will be on display for public review and board input at the Battery Park Community Center - 1 Bay Avenue, Apalachicola.

The regular Planning & Zoning meeting will follow the 6:00PM workshop.

For more information, contact City Administrator Betty Taylor-Webb at (850) 653-9319.

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Lane Restrictions at U.S. 98 and Island Drive Intersection

2011-12-09T14:20:00.000-05:00

Chipley- Motorists traveling through the U.S. 98 and Island Drive Intersection in Eastpoint can expect intermittent lane closures Tuesday, Dec. 13 and Wednesday, Dec. 14 while construction crews pave the intersection. Lane closures will take place during daylight hours.

Drivers are reminded to pay attention to the speed limit when traveling through the construction area, and to use caution.

For more Florida Department of Transportation District Three information follow on twitter at www.twitter.com/myfdot_nwfl or contact Donna M. Green, Public Information Specialist at (888) 638-0250 Ext. 661.

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Lights On Afterschool National Rally

2011-10-18T02:02:00.000-04:00

On Thursday, October 20, 2011, the city of Apalachicola’s Project Impact Program will join with children, parents, grandparents, educators, community leaders, policymakers, celebrities, and others across the country to commemorate the 12th Annual Lights On Afterschool nationwide rally for afterschool programs.

In collaboration with the St. George Light House Association, Project Impact will celebrate the event by taking participating students on a tour of the historic St. George Island Lighthouse. The tour will feature a special presentation by the Lighthouse Association including a tour of the new Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage and a family hot dog dinner.

Since the Afterschool Alliance organized the first Lights On Afterschool awareness rally in 2000, it has grown to include more than 7,500 events across the country and at U.S. military bases worldwide.

In Florida, more than 600 afterschool programs are expected to participate with many creative events, including craft shows, parades, and musical performances, to show their communities the importance of afterschool programs.

Bus transportation will be provided by Project Impact leaving both centers at 3:30PM and returning at 5:30PM.

For more information, or to reserve a seat at the program site please call (850) 370-0145.

Blues in the Lot is back

2011-10-18T01:59:00.000-04:00

This Saturday, October 22, 2011, the annual “Blues in the Lot” a 10-year outdoor blues festival promoted by local businessman Jerry Garlick is back in full force and has teamed with the Franklin’s Promise Coalition for a full day of blues and great food.

The event will be held on the dock at beautiful Riverfront Park in the heart of historic downtown Apalachicola and feature six exciting blues bands.

The deep stirring sound of blues will start emanating from the dock at Noon and end at 10:00PM and will feature such greats as Chip and the Wolftones, CS Holt Blues Band, Slim Fatz, Fantabulous Blues Band, Swingin’ Harpoon Blues Band and Matt Law.

The concert is free and open to the public, but donations are requested to benefit local seniors with winter necessities. To help, reserved tables will be available for a $300 donation for anyone wishing to sponsor the event.

For more information, please call the Franklin’s Promise Coalition at (850) 653-3930 or visit their website at www.franklinspromisecoalition.org/.

Montford enjoying a fresh Apalachicola Bay Oyster

2011-10-18T01:55:00.000-04:00

Florida State Senator Bill Montford (D) District 6 pictured center enjoying a freshly harvested oyster from the pristine waters of Apalachicola Bay during the October 13 grand opening of his district satellite office in historic Apalachicola.

Mayor Johnson’s Second Term Inaugural Address

2011-10-10T04:03:00.000-04:00

NOTE: Below is a video taken at the City of Apalachicola's October 4, regular meeting of Mayor Van Johnson delivering his second term Inaugural Address.

Video by Joe Taylor

Montford opens Apalachicola office

2011-10-10T03:56:00.000-04:00

Florida State Senator Bill Montford (D) District 6 will be hosting the Grand Opening of his new District Satellite Office in Apalachicola on Thursday, October 13, from 5:30 – 7:30PM at 58 Market Street.

The office has been set up to open each week on Tuesday and Friday from 8:00AM – 5:00PM to serve the coastal communities in District 6 between Wakulla and Bay Counties.

Marcia Mathis, Legislative Aide to Montford will staff the office and be on hand to meet with and answer any questions the constituency of District 6 may have.

City to honor police officer slain decades ago

2011-10-10T03:52:00.002-04:00

The new Fred Earl Babb, Jr., Police/Fire Station

At the behest of Mayor Van Johnson, the Apalachicola city commission unanimously moved at their regular scheduled October 4, meeting to name the new police/fire station located on the corner of U.S. 98 & 10th Street after slain Apalachicola Police Officer Fred Earl Babb, Jr.

Almost 44-years ago, on December 1, 1967, Babb’s was fatally shot during a gun battle with David Edward Barlow, 29, at the time after Barlow had escaped custody from the Franklin County Jail located behind the present day courthouse in Apalachicola.

Barlow had just been released from an Arcadia work camp where he later returned and helped prisoner Francis C. Jacobs, 22, at the time escape. The pair rode stolen cars all the way to Tallahassee where they robbed a woman of $100 and fled in her car.

When they ran out of gas, a State Conservation Officer gave them a ride. The officer observed a pistol in Barlow’s pocket and drove the two men to the county jail. Upon their arrival, Barlow fled the jail in a deputy’s car taken at gunpoint while his partner Jacobs was being placed into custody.

It was at that time that a high-speed automobile chase ensued through the streets of Apalachicola with Babb’s in hot pursuit of Barlow. The chase led to the then Jr. Food Store on the western edge of town where Barlow and Babb’s exchanged a barrage of gunfire as the officer attempted to arrest the fugitive. In the exchange, Barlow hit Babb’s in the head, hand, and abdomen with a .357 Magnum, leaving the mortally wounded officer on the ground.

Barlow then roared out of town in Babb's patrol car, going west to the City of Port St. Joe after breaking through a roadblock in a hail of bullets. While in Port St. Joe with officers closing in, Barlow wrecked his car and sought refuge underneath a nearby house. After realizing his chances of ultimate escape had dwindled, he threw out his pistol and surrendered himself without further incident to the waiting officers.

Barlow was arrested and returned to Apalachicola where he was later whisked out of town for his own safety. At trial, he was convicted of first-degree murder in the death of Officer Babb’s and accordingly sentenced to death by electrocution as provided by statute.

In 1970, being represented by local attorney Alfred O. Shuler, Barlow asked the Florida Supreme Court to vacate his death sentence and reduce it to life imprisonment. His appeal was denied.

Babb’s was 37-years-old at the time of his death and is believed to be the only officer in the history of Apalachicola to be killed in the line of duty.

City to streamline process for board appointments

2011-10-10T03:48:00.002-04:00

At the Apalachicola October 4, city commission meeting Mayor Van Johnson introduced a proposal to be discussed and voted on at the November meeting to streamline the city’s process for selecting individuals to serve on volunteer-based boards, committees, and commissions.

The boards advise city officials on current issues and assist the city in policy development and administration of services. Their members provide valuable insights from the community, which help shape key policy decisions and provide community-based input into the process of governing.

If Johnson’s proposal passes, members of each appointed board will equally number the members on the Apalachicola Board of City Commissioners.

Each city commissioner including the mayor will appoint one person of his or her choosing to each of the boards under the auspices of the commission. Their appointee’s term will run consecutively with their term in office subject to reappointment at the end of the commissioner’s term if the appointing commissioner and/or the mayor are reelected.

Under the proposal, the chairperson of each appointed board will be determined by a vote of the city council and shall remain in that capacity at the discretion of the commission or until the appointee’s term ends. The only exception will be to the Strategic Planning Committee, who’s make up is comprised of the chairperson from each of the 14 appointed volunteer boards.

Appointments to these boards were previously made on an as-needed basis through an application process, which includes the following:

Planning and Zoning Commission
Architectural Review Board
Board of Adjustment
Community Redevelopment Agency
Traffic Safety Committee
Library Board
Housing Authority Board
Revolving Loan Committee
Scipio Creek Marina Committee
Battery Park Marina Committee
Waterfront Working Advisory Committee
History Culture and Arts Committee
Budget Committee
Strategic Planning Committee

Mayor asks for change in practice

2011-10-10T03:43:00.000-04:00

At the City of Apalachicola’s October meeting, Mayor Van Johnson asked members of the city commission to consider using the services of local qualified Architects to conduct plan reviews for the Planning and Zoning Board.

At present, the city commission selects from a predetermined list of mostly out-of-town Architects and firms to provide this service to the city.

In making his request, Johnson said that there were Architects with backgrounds in historic preservation residing in the city, and that the commission needed to maintain those jobs in Apalachicola to benefit the people of Apalachicola.

The city commission will discuss and vote on the mayor’s proposal at their November 8, regular meeting.

UF research team receives $6.3M federal grant

2011-09-30T13:26:00.003-04:00

GAINESVILLE, FL - A University of Florida-led research team has won a three-year, $6.3 million grant to develop genetically improved loblolly pine trees that yield greater amounts of the biofuel terpene, used in transportation fuels.

The grant, announced yesterday, was awarded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Project Agency – Energy, (ARPA-E). It is part of a $156 million funding package dedicated to 60 innovative clean-energy projects.

The researchers hope to bring about a five-fold increase in the amount of terpene produced by loblolly, making it cost-competitive with petroleum-based fuels.

Jack Payne, UF senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources, said the grant award demonstrates the university’s leadership in biofuel research.

“Loblolly pine is economically important throughout the Southeast because it’s widely used for lumber and wood pulp,” Payne said. “By developing loblolly’s potential as a sustainable biofuel source, we can add a new dimension to its value. That has long-term benefits to the entire region and will provide greater economic security for our residents.”

Loblolly pine is planted on more than 25 million acres in 10 southeastern states. The forest products industry provides 5.5 percent of all jobs in the region, according to UF figures.

The research team is led by Gary Peter, an associate professor of forest genomics with UF’s School of Forest Resources and Conservation. The team includes John Davis, a UF forest resources associate professor, and personnel from the University of California – Berkeley, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and the corporation ArborGen LLC, a leading commercial supplier of genetically improved loblolly seedlings.

Peter said that by boosting terpene production, researchers hope to increase its use as a “drop-in” amendment to jet and rocket fuels, requiring little processing before use.

Terpene is a major component of pine tree resin, Peter said. Existing loblolly varieties have a terpene content of 3 percent to 5 percent; the researchers hope to develop varieties that accumulate more than 20 percent.

FDOT Seeks Input on 5-year Work Program

2011-09-30T12:48:00.000-04:00

Chipley, FL - Officials from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) are gearing up to hold three public hearings across the panhandle, on the department’s tentative five year work program. The hearings will be held throughout the district to present and receive input on the work program for fiscal years July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2017 and consider the necessity of making changes to the program.

The hearings are:

· Wednesday, Oct. 5, from 10:00AM to 11:00AM (CDT) in the FDOT Milton Operations Conference Room, 6025 Old Bagdad Highway, Milton. Personnel will discuss and receive input on projects in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton counties.

· Thursday, Oct. 6, from 10:00AM to 11:00AM (CDT) in the Bay County Government Center Conference Room 1030, 840 West 11^th Street, Panama City, FL. Personnel will discuss and receive input on projects in Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, Jackson, Holmes and Washington counties.

· Monday, Oct. 10, from 11:00AM to 12:00PM (EDT) in the FDOT Midway Operations Center Conference Room, 17 Commerce Blvd, Midway. Personnel will discuss and receive input on projects in Franklin, Gadsden, Liberty, Jefferson, Leon and Wakulla counties.

These Public Hearings are being conducted pursuant to Section 339.135(4)(c), Florida Statutes. The purpose of the public hearings is to consider the Department’s Improved Tentative Work Program for District Three, for the period 2012/2013 through 2016/2017, and to consider the necessity of making any changes to the program.

Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability or family status. Persons wishing to express concerns about Title VI may do so by contacting: Florida Department of Transportation District 3 Title VI Coordinator, John Smith 1074 Highway 90, Chipley, Florida 32428 (850) 415-9520 john.smith@dot.state.fl.us or Statewide Title VI Administrator, Charlotte Thomas, Equal Opportunity 605 Suwannee Street , Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0450 (850) 414-4747 charolotte.thomas@dot.state.fl.us . Persons who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Regina Battles at (850) 415-9270 at least seven days prior to the meeting.

Written comments from TPOs/TPAs and other interested parties will be received by the Department at the Public Hearings and within 10 days thereafter. Comments should be addressed to Mr. James T. Barfield, P.E., District Secretary, FDOT, District Three, Post Office Box 607, Chipley, FL 32428.

Work to begin at U.S. 98 and Island Drive

2011-09-27T10:39:00.001-04:00

Chipley, FL - Construction crews will begin a 122-day project to add left-turn lanes at the northbound, east bound and westbound approaches of the U.S. 98 and S.R. 300 (Island Drive) intersection in Eastpoint beginning Monday, Oct. 3. The $601,000 project also includes sidewalk construction, drainage improvements, signage and pavement markings.

Motorists are reminded to use caution while traveling through the construction zones and that traffic violations double when workers are present.

For more information, please telephone (850) 260-4064 or via email at ian.satter@dot.state.fl.us.

Apalach to Eastpoint Transmission Line Project

2011-09-27T09:31:00.003-04:00

Progress Energy will install a new 69-kilovolt (kV) line from Apalachicola substation, through the Eastpoint substation. A final segment will also connect to St. George Island. Construction has begun and is expected to be completed by June 2012.

This transmission project is needed to better address the threat of severe weather in your community and continue to meet acceptable levels of year-round reliability for the entire area.

The portion of the line constructed on land will be single concrete or steel poles, 60 feet to 90 feet above ground. Poles may be taller when crossing roadways, waterways, or other electrical equipment.

Where the line crosses the Apalachicola River and Apalachicola Bay, structures will be either single, self-supporting steel poles or H-frames. Most poles will be replaced at or near their current locations and the majority of the existing foundations within Apalachicola Bay will be reused.

What to Expect:

Installing transmission structures and lines is similar to a typical construction project, with numerous crews, trucks and other equipment. There may be lulls between the phases of activity, but in general, homeowners can expect these stages of construction:

Clearing and grading.
Probably the most noticeable portion of construction is clearing and grading, which is the earliest step. The right of way must be clear during the construction process.

Foundations and installing poles.
Property owners can expect large trucks with drilling equipment or a concrete mixer in the right of way. The concrete is poured at the bottom of a deep hole to form the foundation. The poles arrive in sections and may be assembled on the ground before being installed.

Stringing lines.
Trucks carrying large reels of wire are typically used, with a winch to pull the wire through. Linemen attach the wires to the structures. Later, crews install "ground rods" to the structures. Property owner's' power is not affected when the line is energized.

Helicopters.
Due to the unique aspects of construction activities within the bay, helicopters will be utilized for installation of the structures in the water.

If you have questions about this project, please telephone (888) 272-8133 or email ApalachicolaProgress@pgnmail.com or visit online www.progress-energy.com.

Community cleanup planned for Apalachicola

2011-09-23T00:35:00.000-04:00

A coalition of community organizations and government agencies will be hosting an all volunteer cleanup throughout Apalachicola on October 1-2, 2011.

The plan is to meet at the Community Service Complex (old high school) at 9:00AM Saturday, October 1, to divide into teams. Basic supplies will be provided, however participates can if they so desire bring their own brooms, rakes and gloves and volunteer for the whole day or part of the day.

Throughout the day snacks and drinks will be provided and at 5:00PM the volunteers will gather at AJ’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill for a community supper of AJ’s famous fried chicken and vegetables and to celebrate the success of the day with friends and neighbors.

On Sunday, October 2, the cleanup will commence at 8:00AM in downtown Apalachicola where Main Street volunteers will meet at the corner of Market Street and Avenue D with brooms, rakes, clippers, shovels and gloves. Snacks and drinks will also be provided.

The goal is to clean up the city to make it a better environment for both residents and visitors.

Members of the coalition includes, the Historic Apalachicola Main Street Program, the Hillside Coalition of Laborers for Apalachicola (H’COLA), the Franklin’s Promise Coalition, the City of Apalachicola, the Franklin County Solid Waste Department and Volunteer Florida.

For more information, call (850) 653-3930, or visit http://www.volunteerfranklin.com/.

2011 Apalachicola Municipal Election Results

2011-09-12T02:08:00.003-04:00

MAYOR

Van W. Johnson, Sr. - 489

Precinct Total - 326

Absentee Total - 85

Early Vote Total - 71

Provisional Total - 7

Tom Daly - 295

Precinct Total - 184

Absentee Total - 40

Early Vote Total - 71

Provisional Total - 0

CITY COMMISSIONER SEAT 1

John Mitchell Bartley, Sr. - 519

Precinct Total - 344

Absentee Total - 86

Early Vote Total - 82

Provisional Total - 7

Jerry Hall - 259

Precinct Total - 164

Absentee Total - 36

Early Vote Total - 59

Provisional Total - 0

Thank you, Thank you, and Thank you again!

2011-09-09T11:07:00.000-04:00

Mayor Van Johnson

I can’t say thank you enough as I was completely overwhelmed by your show of support in my bid for reelection as mayor of Apalachicola and humbled by the privilege and awesome responsibility that both the Lord God Jehovah and you the voters have once again entrusted in me to lead this great city.

My love goes out to my entire campaign team, who all worked tirelessly over the last six weeks to help spread the word of my candidacy.

Now that the election is over, we must get back to the work of reinforcing in the minds of everyone that Apalachicola is but one community with a singular purpose. The area of the city in which one lives doesn’t make any part of the city any less or more important than any other. The successes we have experienced thus far were made possible because your city officials have been unified in our vision and focused on what’s good for all, including our employees.

Using this approach, Apalachicola has fared much better than most communities have in the panhandle and I trust that you will join with us as we continue on that path.

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

Mayor's Main Street Celebration Speech

2011-09-06T00:33:00.000-04:00

Mayor Van Johnson

I want to thank each of you for joining with us as we celebrate the recognition of your city as a Florida Main Street community.

I also like to say many thanks to Historic Apalachicola, Inc., for their role in bringing Main Street to fruition and for hosting today’s celebration.

Make no mistake about it… today is a very special day for the City of Apalachicola!

For the last few years our city has faced many economic challenges and as we take the necessary steps to move beyond those challenges - the Main Street approach will give us the opportunity to fortify our downtown area as the economic soul of this city.

The approach will give us the prospect of revitalizing downtown Apalachicola within the context of historic preservation, to create jobs, stabilize and expand the tax base, and to build a positive community image that would attract new business investments through the Main Street experience.

The concept of the program first surfaced over 9-years ago, when City Administrator Betty Taylor-Webb brought the idea back to Apalachicola after attending a Florida League of Cities conference in Daytona.

Since that time many people have worked tirelessly over the last nine-years for the city to reach the milestone of becoming one of forty-five Florida Main Street communities.

As we use the Main Street approach to strengthen downtown Apalachicola, we must also expand opportunities for local entrepreneurs who have dreams of becoming their own boss and owning their own businesses. So that when we look back, we see a Main Street built by local citizens.

Furthermore, our uses for downtown must remain diverse. Not only is downtown Apalachicola a vital business hub, but it’s a place of connection where people live and work, it is also our public square. It provides a space where we can come as citizens—whether it is to celebrate the birth of our nation or to hold a fundraiser to benefit our local fire department.

The only way we can truly grow this community is by working together and by balancing our public values.

Apalachicola... I salute you.

Early voting starts Monday

2011-08-28T13:34:00.001-04:00

Vote for and Re-elect Van W. Johnson, Sr., for Mayor

Early voting in the Apalachicola 2011 Municipal Election will begin on Monday, August 29, and run through Friday, September 2, from 8:30AM to 4:30PM at the Franklin County Supervisor of Elections office at 47 Avenue.

Apalachicola designated Main Street Community

2011-08-28T11:43:00.002-04:00

~ Florida Main Street program to help support city’s
economic and historic preservation efforts ~

TALLAHASSEE – Secretary of State Kurt Browning today announced the designation of Apalachicola as the newest Florida Main Street community. The designation qualifies Apalachicola for three years of intensive training and technical assistance from the statewide Florida Main Street Program to support local revitalization and historic preservation efforts in the community’s traditional commercial area.

“I am proud to welcome Apalachicola to the Main Street Program,” said Secretary Browning. “This important program successfully encourages economic development in historic locations like Apalachicola and emphasizes the traditional assets of downtown – local ownership, personal service and a sense of community.”

Secretary Browning’s designation was based on the August 25 recommendation of the ad hoc Florida Main Street Advisory Committee. Organizations represented on the Advisory Committee included Haines City Main Street, Florida Department of Community Affairs, Florida Division of Historical Resources, Florida League of Cities Florida Redevelopment Association, National Trust Main Street Center, and the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation.

Apalachicola is a small city located on northeast Florida’s gulf coast with a population of around 2,200. Recognized when President James Monroe appointed the first port collector in 1822, Apalachicola has long been a center for commerce, creativity, and independent thinkers. The city was incorporated in 1831 and has evolved from a port city to a lumber boomtown to a seafood center and now a heritage tourism destination.

About Florida Main Street

Florida Main Street is a technical assistance program administered by the Florida Department of State’s Division of Historical Resources. The division conducts statewide programs aimed at identifying, evaluating, and preserving Florida's historic resources. Main Street, with its emphasis on preservation, is an effective strategy in achieving these goals in Florida's historic retail districts. For more about Florida Main Street and other programs conducted by the Division of Historical Resources, visit http://www.flheritage.com/.

Blues on the Dock

2011-08-28T11:35:00.001-04:00

Pepper Drive Blues Band

The 2011 Summer Concert Series continues Labor Day weekend September 3, with blues on the dock at Historic Apalachicola’s Riverfront Park.

Beginning at 8:00PM to 10:00PM blues band Pepper Drive out of Tallahassee will land and serve up some sizzling hot finger licking blues for all to enjoy.

This is the third concert of the Summer Concert Series. It is free to the public, but tables can be reserve by donation to support the Franklin County Food Pantry. Food and refreshment will be available for purchase.

For more information, please contact Lori Switzer at (850) 323-0515 or Clarice Powell at (850) 370-6086 or through the web by visiting: http://www.franklinspromisecoalition.org/

Re-elect Van W. Johnson, Sr., Mayor

2011-08-28T11:27:00.001-04:00

Mayor Van Johnson

To the residents of Apalachicola:

First, I want to thank each of you for the privilege you gave me four years ago to serve as mayor of this great city.

Most of you know me, but for those of you who don’t! I’m a 51-year-old father of five with three beautiful grandchildren, married for the last 30 years to the former Gail Simmons and a county department head with over 29-years of proven service to the Franklin County community. I was born here, raised here, raised my family here, coached your kids in youth league sports here, and chose to stay here out of love of community and a genuine concern and understanding for our people.

As a county department head, my job is to pick up other peoples trash, so I know what it means to work hard every day. As a father of five, I know what it means to struggle to make ends meet and, as a former youth league coach, I know what it means to give back to my community.

Over the last year or so, we have all witnessed the failure of our local banks, homes lost to foreclosure and high unemployment. Because of these unfortunate economic conditions, nothing should matter more than the creation of job opportunities for our struggling families.

From the start of my administration, City staff and your Commissioners joined me in putting forth a course of action that targeted grants, programs, and projects that created over 85 jobs to keep our people working.

Examples include the creation of 35 job opportunities through Project Impact, a $500,000 per year Department of Education-funded after-school and summer enrichment program and over 30 construction jobs through the $1.5 million renovation of the historic Holy Family School into a Senior Citizen Center/African-American Museum.

We also provided support for our business community to sustain jobs by granting them a two-month waiver on a portion of their water and sewer bills because of decreased sales receipts brought on by the seasonal decline in tourist-related traffic.

To help keep our seafood workers, working, we took on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the Tri-State Water Wars over the reduction of freshwater flow down the Apalachicola/Chattahoochee/Flint River Basin, freshwater vital to a healthy Apalachicola Bay and a productive seafood industry. That lawsuit has set the basis for equitable freshwater allocations in the river system. And when last summer’s threat to our Bay arose from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, we took BP to task over funding for our protection strategy, and collected more than $100,000, in cost reimbursements from the oil giant.

Therefore, this year’s election isn’t about false promises, hidden agendas, theatrics, or contrived passion. It’s about our families struggling to make ends meet and worrying about where the next paycheck is coming from. It’s about open and honest government that has the ability to represent the interest and needs of all its people: the retired and elderly, working families, black, white, businesses, and children. It’s about... You and I.

Although these are tough economic times with no easy solutions, I will not stop fighting or become distracted from the task of creating jobs to make life better for our families. On September 6, please vote to re-elect me as your mayor, so that you and I can keep Apalachicola working.

BP confirms no leakage from Macondo well

2011-08-28T11:21:00.000-04:00

Blown Macondo Well (MC252)

HOUSTON - On Aug. 25, 2011, BP confirmed through a standard visual wellhead inspection that there is no release of oil from the Macondo well (MC252).

In addition, BP also conducted a visual inspection of the Macondo relief well confirming the same result.

Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) video inspection was conducted in the presence of representatives from the Gulf Coast Incident Management Team (GCIMT) (MC252 Unified Command) located in New Orleans. GCIMT members watching the live video feed included representatives of the US Coast Guard, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement, and representatives from the states of Louisiana, Mississippi and Florida.

The inspection was prompted by press reports that sheens of oil observed in the vicinity were from the Macondo well. The Macondo well was capped on July 15, 2010 and permanently killed by sealing the well and annulus with cement on Sept. 19, 2010. The well was later plugged and abandoned with the approval and oversight of the US government.

During the course of inspecting both wellheads, small, intermittent bubbles were observed emanating from cement ports at the base of the wellheads. These observations are consistent with testing and sampling performed last year that detected nitrogen bubbles, a residual byproduct of the nitrified foam used in setting the wells’ surface casing cement.

BP and the US Coast Guard have conducted multiple surveys of the area in recent days and found no evidence of oil sheens in the Macondo vicinity.

For further Information, contact the BP US Press Office at (281) 366-4463 or email uspress@bp.com.

Now More Than Ever... You and I

2011-07-28T01:02:00.001-04:00

To the residents of Apalachicola:

During the past four years, the City of Apalachicola has faced the same fiscal difficulties as many other cities in America, difficulties many have now labeled the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. A steady decline in property values, homes lost to foreclosure, bank failures, layoffs and salary freezes unfortunately are now all part of the current economic landscape of Apalachicola, as with the rest of our country.

Notwithstanding these difficulties, at the start of my administration, staff and your city commissioners joined me in devising a course of action that has been extremely beneficial for our community. From the onset, we took a pro-active approach in reinforcing our city as a strong and vibrant place for all of us to continue to live, work and play, and because of these efforts, Apalachicola has fared better, and perhaps achieved more, than most communities of similar size and circumstances.

With an eye toward economic growth, we began our efforts with my initiative to reactivate the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). Breathing new life into this vital group, we appointed new members to its board. In addition, we solicited assistance from the University of Georgia Project Riverway South to start a visioning and planning initiative.

Our efforts continued as we passed a resolution in support of an application for a Florida’s Main Street Program, a movement by communities that focus on revitalization and management of their downtown and commercial districts. Some of our efforts, being impacted by the reduction of freshwater flow down the Apalachicola/Chattahoochee/Flint River Basin, led us to enter the Tri-State Water War litigation between Florida, Georgia, and Alabama to protect and preserve our way of life. Furthering our commitment to protect and preserve, we later took BP to task over funding for our oil spill protection strategy and to date, Apalachicola has received more than $100,000, in cost reimbursements from the oil giant.

Our efforts have also included your elected city officials having the foresight to forge invaluable partnerships with various state and local agencies and organizations, with the goal of benefitting you, the citizens of Apalachicola. Such partnerships have linked us with the Florida Park Service, the Three Servicemen Statue South, Inc., the History, Arts and Culture Committee, Franklin’s Promise Coalition, H’COLA, Apalachee Center and Historic Apalachicola, Inc., all of which have added value to the lives of Apalachicola residents. Solidifying our relationship with the community, we launched the Community Pride Partnership Initiative, which gave birth to a host of other great projects, such as the City Square Community Garden, the Community Services Complex, the Apalachicola Dog Park, and summer concerts at Riverfront Park.

During these past four years, we celebrated our recognition as one of America’s Distinctive Destinations and we fought back tears during the unveiling of the Three Servicemen Detail at Veteran’s Memorial Plaza. Both significant events greatly impacted our economy due to the increase in tourist and visitors who left behind their dollars in our hotels, our restaurants and our stores.

Fully understanding the cyclical nature of our business community, we supported local businesses by granting them a two-month waiver on a portion of their water and sewer bills because of decreased sales receipts brought on by the seasonal decline in tourist-related traffic.

To promote affordable housing, we donated property to the Franklin County Land Trust, and to minimize the onus of property taxes, we successfully balanced last year’s budget without cutting services, raising taxes or increasing fees.

Most importantly, working together, your city commissioners and I were able to procure our fair share of Federal, State and local Tourist Development Tax dollars for land purchases, programs and projects while working in true partnership with the local community.

Furthermore, we were able to create temporary jobs through the renovation of the historic Holy Family site, turning this old structure into a much needed and desired Senior Citizen Center/African-American Museum and by transforming the old Family Dollar Store into a Police/Fire station, as well as through the installation of an $8 million dollar wastewater reclamation system. We were also able to stem the loss of permanent jobs by taking over as lead agency for Elder Care Services, and by taking over as grantee of Project Impact, a $500,000 dollar per year Department of Education-funded after-school and summer enrichment program.

To preserve our working waterfront, we used funds acquired from the Florida Communities Trust and the Stan Mayfield Grant to purchase the McLemore Property, and the Boat Works Building.

We resurfaced the 14th Street tennis court, installed ball field lights at Sylvester Williams Sports Complex, repaired Battery and Lafayette Park Fishing Piers, repaired Anders Fishing Pier and renovated Battery Park Marina, Riverfront Park and Franklin Square 6th Street Park.

We also realigned the intersection at Highway 98 and Prado, replaced the dock and seawall at Riverfront Park, purchased a new fire engine with accessories and with much jubilation unfurled and proudly flew our first ever municipal flag.

We are now in the midst of planning for the renovation of Scipio Creek Marina to help sustain our local seafood industry, an industry with a vital role not only in our immediate area, but with a far-reaching impact throughout the state of Florida and beyond. We are also in the process of making needed repairs to the lights and landscaping at Lafayette Park, which is known throughout the region for its allure as a wedding destination.

Furthermore, I’m proud to say that we are currently the recipients of yet two more grants, one to assist in developing a plan for the preservation of gravesites at historic Chestnut Street Cemetery and the other provides funding for a much-needed facelift of downtown Apalachicola.

Recognizing the need for safe activities for our children, we have established a dedicated youth center, housed in the gym of the former Apalachicola High School.

What a remarkable difference leadership and teamwork can make, for as you can see, in just four short years, we have accomplished much and exceeded many of the expectations placed before us.

Yet, while I am indeed very much pleased with the progress our city has made through these many efforts, as your mayor, I realize there is still much work to be done, many challenges ahead and if we, your elected officials, are to meet these challenges, city government must remain open, honest and continuously-working towards the good of all the citizens of Apalachicola.

We must reinforce the partnerships initiated over the past four years of this administration, partnerships which have proven to be key components in our city’s overall action plan and although we have experienced success because of these important alliances, we cannot rest on the positive outcomes gained.

As your mayor, I must continue to work diligently alongside our city commissioners, and staff seeking creative ways and innovative approaches that can be implemented hand-in-hand with our current efforts to deal with the historic economic downturns our city, as well as so many other American cities, continue to experience.

Through our collaborative efforts as your governmental leaders, I am confident that we will be able to generate productive solutions that will build upon the foundations already assembled; further assisting us in combating our current economic circumstances and re-energize Apalachicola.

While the course ahead remains uncertain, the positive strides our city has enjoyed thus far provide me the assurance in knowing we are currently on the right path and with your support in re-electing me as your mayor for the next four years, this path will continue to lead all of us forward, towards an even more productive Apalachicola, a community filled with citizens who want the best for their city, as do I, and who enthusiastically work towards the best for their city. It is in this regard that I remain.

Truly yours,

Van W. Johnson, Sr., Mayor

The Historic City of Apalachicola

Feinberg agrees to keep an office open in vicinity

2011-07-15T12:01:00.008-04:00

Kenneth Feinberg

Today July 15, Kenneth Feinberg, Compensation Czar wrote U.S. Senator Bill Nelson’s (D-FL) office and agreed to keep an office open in the vicinity to process claims related to last summer’s BP Oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

After concerns were raised by Senator Nelson, Franklin County Commission Chair Noah Lockley and Apalachicola Mayor Van Johnson, Feinberg agreed to keep an office open one day each week and to provide special meetings in the office at times that are convenient for claimants who cannot make it on the day the office is open.

Plans were in the works to close the Apalachicola office located inside the City’s Community Services Complex (former Apalachicola High School) on August 1, because of a sharp drop in claim applicants visits to the location.

In his letter to Nelson office, Feinberg wrote that there are other Gulf Coast Claims Facility offices in the region, but agreed to the accommodation because of the concerns raised.

NOTE: You can read the Mayor’s letter to Feinberg below or by clicking HERE.

Local Author’s Book Produced as a Musical Play

2011-07-14T07:21:00.000-04:00

The award-winning children’s novel, Crossing Jordan is being produced as a musical play that will premier to the general public on Friday, July 22, 2011, in the historic Chapman Auditorium in Apalachicola, Florida.

The book, written by Tallahassee author Adrian Fogelin and published worldwide, is a sensitive portrayal of racial conflict in a Tallahassee neighborhood. “I was inspired to write this book when the 9 year old girl next door told me her family was moving away because there were getting to be too many black people in the neighborhood,” the author explains.

Crossing Jordan was adapted as a play for students from Project Impact, a 21st Century Community Learning Center program in Apalachicola. The stage production will be directed by the author in collaboration with Tallahassee educator Kary Kublin, Liz Sisung of the Franklin County Take-two Players and musician Mario Pugh of Apalachicola.

The performance features Adrian Fogelin as herself, songs by Craig Reeder and Kary Kublin, and Franklin county students portraying the major dramatic and musical roles.

Faye Johnson, the director of Project Impact says, “Crossing Jordan has a very special message and the play brings it to life in the faces of our students. The musical score couldn’t be beat on Broadway! We are thrilled to be a part of presenting this for the very first time and know that the audience will have a wonderfully inspiring and entertaining experience.”

“Crossing Jordan, the Play” will be performed first as an Matinee on Thursday, July 21, 2011, at 3:00PM at the Project Impact City Site – located inside the Municipal Services Complex at Avenue L and 14th Street and again as a World Premiere on Friday, July 22, 2011, at 7:00PM at the Historic Chapman Auditorium at 155 Avenue E, Apalachicola, Florida. Admission to both performances will be free of charge.

Project Impact is a City of Apalachicola operated and Florida Department of Education funded academic enrichment program that provide opportunities for children, particularly students who attend high-poverty and low performing schools.

For more information, call (850) 370-0145.

Mayor’s Letter to Kenneth Feinberg

2011-07-14T07:16:00.007-04:00

Mayor Van Johnson

July 1, 2011

Mr. Kenneth Feinberg, BP Compensation Czar

The Willard Office Building

1455 Pennsylvania Ave, Suite 390

Washington, D.C. 20004-1008

Re: Possible closure of Apalachicola Claims Center

Dear Mr. Feinberg:

It has come to our attention that the Gulf Coast Claims Facility may be closing the Claims Center in Apalachicola, Florida, effective August 1, 2011. That possibility creates a tremendous amount of stress on our service area communities, and we ardently request that you reconsider the action. Please allow me to itemize our situation.

1. Just last month the Port St. Joe/Mexico Beach Claims Center and the Wakulla County Claims Center were closed and consolidated into the centrally located Apalachicola Claims Center. The Apalachicola Claims Center no services clients from Perry, FL (Taylor County), Wakulla County, Franklin County, Gulf County, and the Easton portion of Bay County (Mexico Beach). Closing this location virtually terminates the servicing for residents in these counties. It is impractical for clients in these areas to travel greater distances; the added cost and imposition punishes those in greatest need.

2. We realize that the daily-weekly counts of claims recipients is small compared to other larger areas, but if you analyze the ratios you will note that our service area actually services a higher percentage of needy individuals based on a per capita basis for our population.

3. The Gulf Oil Disaster created an overwhelming burden on an already distressed local economy. Curtailing claims to those qualifying individuals will only serve to create greater stress and hinder any hope for an economic recovery.

4. Lastly, when the Gulf Coast Claims Facility opened an office in Apalachicola we were given a verbal commitment that our local claims center would remain active until 2013. Since the Gulf Oil Disaster continues to have a negative impact upon our community, we implore you to live up to that commitment.

Respectfully submitted,

Van Johnson, Mayor

City of Apalachicola, FL

Senator tells claims czar: don’t let BP off the hook

2011-07-14T07:03:00.000-04:00

U.S. Senator Bill Nelson

“BP doesn’t need to be protected from the citizenry. It’s the other way around.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson charged today that BP is trying to break its promise to residents and businesses in Florida’s Panhandle by trying now to limit future Deepwater Horizon oil spill claims.

Nelson leveled the charge in a letter to Kenneth Feinberg, the attorney in charge of administering the payment of loss claims stemming from the April 2010 oil spill off Louisiana. News broke Friday, July 8, that BP wants to limit future claims because the company argues the Gulf coast economy has recovered enough and there’s no evidence to suggest that the effects of the spill will be long-term.

However, Nelson, in his letter to Feinberg, noted that the fishing industry near the Exxon-Valdez spill in Alaska in 1989 never fully came back.

“BP doesn’t need to be protected from the citizenry,” Nelson wrote to Feinberg. “It’s the other way around.”

It was Feinberg who set up the process to cover future losses if, for instance, more oil surfaced and drove away tourists or tainted seafood. He did that in February.

BP is now asking Feinberg to abandon the process; according to a 28-page document, it sent Feinberg July 7. Under BP’s scenario, it could end up paying out less than $5 billion of the $20 billion it initially promised to set aside right after the Deepwater spill.

“BP made a commitment,” Nelson wrote. “People are still hurting. And we don’t know what will happen in the future, plus there are still claims in an appeals process and large claims that haven’t even been submitted yet.”

Nelson said he thinks it could take years before we know the full extent of damages and based on that, alone, BP should not be allowed to change the claims process.

Senator offers way to cover Social Security checks, if government defaults

2011-07-14T06:46:00.000-04:00

U.S. Senator Bill Nelson

Congress took a similar step in 1996

WASHINGTON, DC – The Treasury Department would be able to cover tens of millions of Social Security checks in the event of a government default, under legislation introduced in the U.S. Senate on Thursday, July 21, 2011.

Saying nearly four million people in Florida alone rely on Social Security checks, U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) filed legislation that would temporarily let officials not have to count Social Security obligations against the national debt limit.

A similar non-traditional approach was passed by Congress in 1996 during a conflict between then-Democratic President Bill Clinton and the Republican-controlled Congress over funding for major programs including Medicare.

Nelson disclosed he’s filing an updated version of the 1996 bill to protect Social Security in a letter to Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner. His letter comes in the wake of President Obama's stark warning this week that Social Security payments may not go out next month, if Congress cannot agree on a package of spending cuts and an increase in the debt ceiling before Aug. 2.

Other lawmakers have filed a few Social Security measures already, but they are generally limited to making benefits a priority among competing government payments. They do not ensure that Social Security checks will be paid.

“During the 1996 debt-limit situation Congress passed a special temporary law that said Social Security didn’t count against the debt limit,” Nelson wrote in his letter to Geithner. “Would such a non-traditional measure be needed today? Would pending legislation that prioritizes Social Security obligations suffice? If not, I stand ready with legislation that would temporarily exempt Social Security obligations from the public debt limit.

“If congressional leaders fail to get beyond the partisan games and reach an agreement on spending cuts … the stakes are high not only for our economy, but also for the millions of seniors who depend solely on Social Security,” he wrote.

The Treasury Secretary anticipates the country will hit the debt limit on Aug. 2. Some benefit checks are supposed to go out as soon as Aug. 3.

“Time is of the essence,” Nelson said in his letter in which he asked Geithner for an immediate response on the best option.

Apalachicola City Commission meets tomorrow

2011-07-04T13:10:00.000-04:00

PUBLIC HEARING & REGULAR MEETING

CITY COMMISSION

CITY OF APALACHICOLA, FLORIDA

TUESDAY, JULY 5, 2011 – 6:00 PM

COMMUNITY CENTER @ BATTERY PARK

#1 BAY AVENUE, APALACHICOLA, FLORIDA

AGENDA

I. PRAYER & PLEDGE

II. PUBLIC HEARING – 6:00 PM – ORDINANCE NO. 2011-03 – O/R DISTRICT

III. REGULAR MEETING

1. Adoption Decision – Ordinance No. 2011-03 – O/R District

2. Approval of June Minutes

3. Chamber of Commerce Report

4. Traffic Safety Team Report

5. Franklin’s Promise Report

6. Historic Apalachicola, Inc. Report

7. Library Report

8. Planning & Zoning Report

a. Confirmation of May Minutes

9. Fire Department Report

10. City Administrator Report – Betty Webb

11. Attorney Floyd Report

12. Other Visitors & Comments

13. Mayor & Commissioner’s Comments

Any person who desires to appeal any decision at this meeting will need a record of the proceeding and for this purpose, may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceeding is made which includes testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is based. Persons with disabilities needing assistance to participate in any of these proceedings should contact the City Administrator’s Office 48 hours in advance of the meeting.

Fun filled holiday weekend planned in Apalach

2011-07-01T12:36:00.001-04:00

This 4^th of July holiday weekend in historic Apalachicola is slated to be filled with fun and lots of activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Starting at 12:00PM Saturday, July 2, there will be an old fashioned barbeque hosted by the Apalachicola Volunteer Fire Department on the dock at Riverfront Park. The firemen will be firing up the grill with some great Boston butts, chicken and ribs to raise funds for much-needed equipment.

Also on the dock starting at 8:00PM will feature a benefit concert by local band Kornbread out of Eastpoint. To reserve a table or front row seating call (850) 653-3930.

On Sunday, July 3, a variety of events will take place including the Annual Red, White and Blue Parade. Participates will meet at Lafayette Park at 5:30PM to decorate their bicycles and golf carts. The parade will promptly leave the park at 6:00PM to head toward Riverfront Park where the real fun begin.

Starting at 6:30PM at Riverfront Park, there will be free ice cream for everyone to enjoy at the Annual Ice Cream Social and at 7:00PM the Apalachicola Rotary Club will hold a Rubber Ducky Race. You can see any Rotary Club member for tickets or go to HandmadeinApalach.com on the corner of Avenue E and Market Street for ducky adoptions and race T-shirts.

Rounding out the evening at 7:30PM, also on the dock, will be a live performance by local favorite Savannah Cook.

For more information, please contact Franklin's Promise Coalition by calling (850) 653-3930 or via email at mail@franklinspromisecoalition.org.

As we celebrate our nation’s 235^th birthday! May we do so in remembrance of those who came before us, those who were willing to pay the price for our collective freedom with their liberty, limbs and lives?

Have a happy and safe 4^th of July Weekend!

Gulf Coast Task Force meeting in Galveston

2011-06-27T03:42:00.000-04:00

From left to right: Lisa P. Jackson, Ken Salazar and Nancy Sutley

The Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force is scheduled to meet today in Galveston, Texas.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa P. Jackson joined by U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and Council on Environmental Quality Chair Nancy Sutley will convene the Task Force to discuss the progress of restoration efforts, ongoing public engagement strategy and international coordination.

The meeting will be held at the Galveston Convention Center from 8:00AM to 2:30PM CDT and is open to the public.

The meeting is the latest in a series of meetings that the Task Force is holding throughout the five Gulf States. The group is committed to ensuring ongoing input from Gulf residents and local leaders throughout the strategy development process and will continue to receive feedback during this meeting.

President Obama issued an executive order in October 2010, to create the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force, continuing the administration’s ongoing commitment to the Gulf region.

For more information on the Task Force, visit www.epa.gov/gulfcoasttaskforce.

Spohrer’s recognized by City and Historic Society

2011-06-27T03:32:00.004-04:00

Apalachicola residents Bill and Lynn Wilson Spohrer were recognized and honored by the Apalachicola Area Historic Society and the City of Apalachicola at their annual meeting held Sunday, June 26, 2011, at the Raney House Museum.

The Spohrer’s who are widely known to be the first to take an interest in historic preservation in Apalachicola, started a movement that later led to hundreds of residential and commercial structures being saved and restored throughout the city.

The couple is most noted for their work restoring the Coombs House Inn, Sponge Exchange, Montgomery Building and the Cotton Warehouse. The Cotton Warehouse recently felled into public ownership after being purchased by the City of Apalachicola a few years back.

Both Spohrer’s are longtime supporters of the Historic Society, with Bill a retired airline executive serving as it past President and Lynn a world-renowned commercial interior designer contributed to the historic decoration inside the Raney House Museum, which is also home to the Historic Society.

Mayor Van Johnson was also on hand to present the Spohrer’s with a Proclamation for their contribution in preserving historic Apalachicola.

Photos and Video footage by Gail D. Johnson

Mayor’s Business Breakfast

2011-06-27T03:27:00.003-04:00

Please join me for breakfast at 9:00AM on Wednesday, June 29, 2011, at Tamara’s Café in historic downtown Apalachicola.

I will be hosting the gathering to give Historic Apalachicola, Inc. an opportunity to present the work plans that have been developed for submittal with the Main Street Florida Application in July.

Last August city commissioners unanimously moved to collaborate with Historic Apalachicola, Inc., to make application for national accreditation as a Main Street Program through the National Trust for Historic Preservation.`

Main Street Programs are movements that help transform the way communities think about the revitalization and management of their downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts.

Typically Main Streets are the economic engines or the core of a community and the City of Apalachicola along with its community partners recognizes that a prosperous, sustainable community is only as healthy as its core.

Space is limited to 50 people, so call ahead to 1-855-APALACH to reserve your seat!

This is a community building activity sponsored by Volunteer Florida’s BEST Neighborhoods, Franklin’s Promise Coalition, Volunteer Franklin, and the City of Apalachicola all working together for the good of historic Apalachicola.

Tamara’s Café is located on the Corner of Market Street and Avenue D. For more information, visit www.historicapalachicola.com and click on “Downtown”.

Emergency burn ban in effect in Franklin County

2011-06-17T18:00:00.003-04:00

Please be advised that Franklin County, including the City of Apalachicola, is currently under an emergency burn ban. The ban was imposed this morning by County officials due to extreme drought conditions countywide.

During this local state of emergency, it is unlawful for any person to ignite or otherwise cause an open fire. This ban shall include, but not limited to the use of fireworks, sparklers and burning in a barrel.

This ban shall not include cooking on grills outside, but grills must be attended at all times and all wood and charcoal grills should be completely extinguished before leaving.

Mayor’s Election Proclamation

2011-06-16T12:27:00.000-04:00

CITY OF APALACHICOLA

I, the undersigned, VAN W. JOHNSON, SR., Mayor of the City of Apalachicola, by authority of law and pursuant to City Ordinance No. 91-4, do hereby proclaim that on Tuesday, September 6, 2011 an election will be held to fill the offices as follows: Mayor for a term of four years, City Commissioner for Seat 1 for a term of four years, and City Commissioner for Seat 2 for a term of four years, and a Run-Off Election, if necessary, will be held on Tuesday, September 20, 2011.

Candidates wishing to qualify may do so at the City Office from 12 Noon Monday, July 18, 2011 until 12 Noon Friday, July 22, 2011. City Office is located at #1 Bay Avenue, and regular office hours are from 8:00AM to 4:00PM, Monday-Friday. Each Candidate must pay to the City Clerk at the time of qualifying a qualifying fee of 4.5% of the first year’s salary, must be a resident of the City of Apalachicola, and must also be a qualified voter of the State of Florida, County of Franklin, and the City of Apalachicola.

All persons not previously registered to vote may register to vote anytime from now up to 4:30PM on Monday, August 8, 2011 for the General Election, and Monday, August 22, 2011 for the Run-Off Election at the Office of the Franklin County Supervisor of Elections located at 47 Avenue F, Apalachicola, Florida, hours 8:30AM to 4:30PM, Monday-Friday.

The polling place will be at the National Guard Armory located at 66 4^th Street in the City of Apalachicola and will be open at 7:00AM and close at 7:00PM. Absentee ballots may be obtained by contacting the Office of the Franklin County Supervisor of Elections at place and time noted previously. Only qualified electors will be permitted to vote. Early voting will be conducted from August 29, 2011 to September 2, 2011 (5 days only) at the Supervisor of Elections Office, 47 Avenue F, Apalachicola, Florida from 8:30AM to 4:30PM.

All residents of the City of Apalachicola not currently registered to vote are urged to register and take part in this election.

Van W. Johnson, Sr., Mayor

City of Apalachicola, Florida

Nelson shows support for housing programs

2011-06-15T00:01:00.005-04:00

U.S. Senator Bill Nelson

U.S. Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL) recently signed onto a letter to the Appropriations Committee requesting funding for the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Section 202 and 811 programs.

These two housing programs provide grant funding for the development of supportive housing and rental assistance for very low-income seniors and disabled individuals.

The letter requests that funding for these two programs in FY11 be maintained at FY10 enacted levels, which is consistent with the President’s 2012 budget at $757 million for Section 202 and $196 million for Section 811.

The Senator also signed onto a letter requesting “the highest possible funding” for the Community Development Block Grants (CDBGs). The CDBG program helps fund a wide range of activities, including homeownership assistance, housing rehabilitation, public improvements, public services, and economic development projects.

The CDBG formula allocation is at its lowest funding level since 1992, and Nelson, a longtime supporter of the grants introduced this year Senate Bill S. 887, which would increase the portion of CDBG funding that may be used to provide public services from 15% to 25% to give cities increased flexibility.

Boat Basin Proposal: Public Workshop Scrapped

2011-06-14T13:30:00.000-04:00

Notice of Cancellation

The Apalachicola City Commission has canceled the Public Workshop scheduled for today, June 14, 2011, at 6:00PM in the Community Center Meeting Room, 1 Bay Avenue, Apalachicola, Florida.

The couple that requested the workshop withdrew their request to appear before the Commission to present a proposal to lease City owned property at Battery Park Point to construct an RV park.

They withdrew the request after being told by Apalachicola Mayor Van Johnson that he felt Battery Park Point was an unacceptable location for an RV park.

Questions should be directed to City Administrator Betty Taylor-Webb at (850) 653-8222 or email: bettywebb@cityofapalachicola.com.

Government claims paid by BP in Franklin County

2011-06-13T00:01:00.002-04:00

As of Thursday, June 9, 2011, BP has doled out close to $2.1 million dollars in claim payments to governmental entities in Franklin County in response to last summer’s Gulf oil spill.

The Franklin County Emergency Management operations received payments totaling $1,905,649.90, for cost associated with responding to the disaster, followed by the City of Apalachicola and the Riverkeepers.

The city received $119,177.85, in reimbursements for response and increased public service cost, while the Apalachicola Riverkeepers an environmental group was compensated $32,117.40, for their role in responding to the crisis.

The total reimbursements received by Franklin County governments thus far stands at $2,056,945.15.

Future reports can be found in the BP Government Claims Payments section of the Florida Gulf Response website.

Three Years and Counting

2011-06-12T00:01:00.085-04:00

Mayor Van Johnson

Today marks the third year anniversary of “The Mayor’s Blog”!

On June 12, 2008, I launched this blog as a means of staying connected, keeping the residents of Apalachicola informed, and bringing transparency to the daily activities of local government.

Three years later and the blog has expanded beyond the cyber borders of Apalachicola, reaching into the depths of virtual reality, bringing in visitors from every state in the union, plus 71 different countries from around the globe. Florida, has the honors of leading the way by sending visitors from 210 different cities to the site.

The most notable visits have come from governmental agencies such as the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the State of Florida, the Florida Supreme Court, the Florida Legislature, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. House of Representatives, the United State Senate, and the U.S. Department of Justice.

Last year I met a man and his wife from Tennessee – the couple shared stories about how they enjoyed learning about Apalachicola through this blog.

Over 700 posts have been blogged to date concerning the activities of my administration, and events surrounding the City of Apalachicola. In case you missed reading them, listed below are the top twenty that sent the most traffic to the site.

1. Tragic Fire Hits Apalachicola

2. Zumba gains popularity in Apalachicola

3. A Spectacular Grand Opening

4. Judge rules in 20-year old Water War

5. Havana officials tour community garden

6. City adds Social Service Component

7. New group formed to lead Economic Redevelopment in Apalachicola

8. Oil spill awareness march and rally held in Apalachicola

9. Apalachicola to expend $2.491 million to support local seafood industry

10. A plea for the protection of Apalachicola Bay

11. The Mayor's letter to the President

12. Government and BP ignore Apalachicola's plea for protection

13. Apalachicola's oil spill protection strategy

14. City to meet with State and BP officials

15. Magnuson issues ruling in Phase II water rights litigation

16. Apalachicola artist captures local essence

17. Skate Park named in honor of Justin “Scab” Griffin

18. Mayors Letter to FDIC Chairman Bair

19. Apalachicola Celebrates African-American History

20. It’s the Main Street Way

I would like to commemorate “The Mayor’s Blog” third year anniversary by thanking each of you for visiting, reading, and for commenting on my posts, and for everything that you do to keep Apalachicola special. I trust you'll hang around and bear with me for another year or perhaps four.

With warm regards,

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

Apalachicola Debuts 2nd Saturday Events

2011-06-11T00:01:00.001-04:00

Beginning today and continuing on the “Second Saturday” of each month, stores and galleries in downtown Apalachicola will be staying open late - restaurants will be serving up great specials and there will be live music and kids’ activities.

Residents and visitors alike will have an opportunity to meet local artists, shop late, and dine at their favorite restaurants and afterwards take a stroll through historic downtown Apalachicola toward Riverfront Park for live music on the dock after 8:00PM.

The “Second Saturday” events are the brainstorm of Historic Apalachicola, Inc., Main Street Promotion Committee to support local businesses by stimulating sales.

For more information on Historic Apalachicola, Inc., or the Second Saturday events please visit www.historicapalachicola.com.

Youth Center readies for Movie Night

2011-06-10T00:01:00.004-04:00

If you haven't been inside the old Apalachicola High School Gymnasium in a while, then you need to do so, because things have dramatically changed.

Apalachicola city officials in collaboration with Franklin's Promise Coalition and Apalachee Center have reoriented the facility to serve as a dedicated center for the youth of Apalachicola and surrounding area.

The center opened its doors on Wednesday, June 1, and inaugurated the advent on Friday, June 3, with the beginning of Friday Movie Nights, which featured the showing of the Incredibles and the Sorcerer's Apprentice.

Tonight’s movie will start at 8:30PM and feature the 2003 release of Daddy Day Care starring Eddie Murphy, Jeff Garlin, Steve Zahn and Regina King. The movie will be shown inside the gym on a large inflatable screen featuring theater sounding audio.

There will also be concessions available, operated by the Kids United Together (K.U.T.) Youth Advisory Board to raise money for programs.

The Youth Center’s hours of operation are Wednesday and Thursday, 6:00PM to 9:00PM, Friday 6:00PM to 11:00PM and Saturday 3:00PM to 11:00PM and starting the week of June 13, the facility will be open on Monday’s and Tuesday’s as well.

For more information, or to help, contact Franklin's Promise Coalition at either (850) 653-3930 or mail@franklinspromisecoalition.org.

Work on reuse system near completion

2011-06-09T00:01:00.004-04:00

Royal American the licensed general contractor out of Panama City, awarded the contract to install the city’s $8 million dollar wastewater reuse system is near completion.

Construction crews are in the final stages of installing an upland spray field west of town and connecting throughout town an irrigation system to city and county land, parks and open spaces.

The project included building a 300,000 gallon storage tank (pictured above), a pump station as well as installing a series of pipe and irrigation that will allow the city to control the system via computer.

The city tapped into the Obama Administration’s federal stimulus monies to fund the project.

The system is designed to take wastewater received at the treatment plant, treat it in accordance with state standards and reuse the treated water or effluent on public lands and eventually in residential areas.

For years now and at present the State has permitted the city to release the effluent into Huckleberry Creek. However, once construction on the system is concluded, the need to discharge into the Creek will be eliminated.

Volunteers recognized at School Board meeting

2011-06-08T00:01:00.003-04:00

A long list of volunteers was recognized during the superintendent’s portion of the agenda at the June 2, 2011, Franklin County school board meeting.

Superintendent Nina Marks acknowledged 52 members of the Franklin County community for their contributions and support toward the students of Franklin County.

Each volunteer was given a hand shaped pin and a certificate of appreciation for giving of their time to either enhancing the quality of education for Franklin County students or improving the functionality of the school district.

Apalachicola Mayor Van Johnson was among those recognized.

Johnson’s name was submitted for consideration by Franklin County High School teacher Elinor Mount-Simmons after the Mayor spoke earlier this year to her academic recovery class.

Photo by Gail D. Johnson

Renovation under way at Holy Family

2011-06-07T00:01:00.001-04:00

Construction crews are ripping out broken windows, pressure washing the exterior and laying new utility lines to the Holy Family structure soon to be a gathering place for the city’s senior population.

Duct work for the new air conditioning and heating system is being installed and the new replacement windows are expected to arrive in a week or so.

Crews are busy adapting the old school/church located at 203 - 7^th Street for reuse into a Senior Citizens Center to house the city’s meals on wheels program, a congregate meal site, and senior activities.

There was a brief interruption in the flow of work due to the discovery of lead paint on the exterior entry doors, and asbestos in the caulking material on the windows. However, work has since resumed with an estimated completion date in early November.

Late 2008, the city received a $1.5 million dollar grant from the Florida Department of Elder Affairs to renovate the old structure built in 1928, into a dedicated Senior Citizen Center.

Peter Brown Construction out of Tallahassee was chosen as the best bidder to oversee the engineering and construction of the project.

Apalachicola meets tomorrow at 5:00PM

2011-06-06T00:01:00.029-04:00

WORKSHOP & REGULAR MEETING

CITY COMMISSION

CITY OF APALACHICOLA, FLORIDA

TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 2011 – 5:00 PM

COMMUNITY CENTER @ BATTERY PARK

#1 BAY AVENUE, APALACHICOLA, FLORIDA

AGENDA

I. 5:00 – WORKSHOP – SCIPIO CREEK PROJECT

II. PRAYER & PLEDGE
III. REGULAR MEETING

1. Recognition of Visitors

a. Jerry Hall – Revolving Loan Status

2. Approval of May Minutes

3. Approval of April Bill List

4. Readdress Scipio Creek Rental Rates

5. Chamber of Commerce Report

6. Traffic Safety Team Report

7. Franklin’s Promise Report

8. Historic Apalachicola, Inc. Report

9. Library Report

10. Planning & Zoning Report

a. Confirmation of March & April Minutes

11. Fire Department Report

12. City Administrator Report – Betty Webb

13. Attorney Floyd Report

14. Other Visitors & Comments

15. Mayor & Commissioner’s Comments

About the Artist: Susan L Richardson

2011-06-05T00:43:00.006-04:00

Susan L. Richardson

Susan L. Richardson of Apalachicola was born and raised in London, England, the youngest child of very creative parents.

Her father was a member of the Royal College of Art and her mother was a draftswoman before starting a family. Susan painted and drew under their direction until academics got in the way.

Always an entrepreneur, Susan has been, in no particular order, a head hunter, restaurateur, inventor, golf ball hunter, fruit and vegetable picker, car washer, dog/cat/horse/bird and squirrel trainer, real estate mogul (not), women’s accessories representative and jewelry designer/manufacturer/wholesaler.

Over the years she has participated in various art workshops and painted watercolors when in England. After oil workshops were held on St. George Island, she was moved to start seriously painting again, with Historic Apalachicola, her river, bay, and Gulf waters providing an endless inspiration.

In 2010, she had 14 paintings accepted into juried shows at the Atlanta Artists Center (AAC), including one honorable mention. Also, in August that same year she had two paintings accepted into the Binders – Limelight show and one photograph accepted into the AAC Defoor’s show.

Won Best Emerging Artist in Plein Air Quickdraw

On May 14 of this year, Susan won Best Emerging Artist for painting within two-hours the beautiful beach scene pictured above in the Plein Air Quickdraw event held in Mexico Beach. The Quickdraw is a signature event for the America’s Great Paint Out, Florida’s Forgotten Coast Plein Air Invitational, where all artists both professional and amateur are invited to participate and paint within a two-hour window. This year’s event was judged by accomplished artist Hodges Soileau, from the Ringling School of Art and Design.

While here at home, Susan has displayed her paintings at the Apalachicola Area Historical Society Ilse Newell Concert series and at the Apalachicola Municipal Library. Her work has also been on exhibition at the Apalachicola Museum of Art and at the Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce office.

Susan’s paintings are available for purchase at selected outlets throughout Franklin County. In Apalachicola they can be found both at Café con Leche and at Forgotten Coast Outfitters, and on St. George Island they can be found at the Sea Oats Gallery.

For more information on Susan L. Richardson paintings, either telephone (850) 653-3838 or email artinapalachicola@gmail.com.

Project Impact is heating up for summer

2011-06-04T12:01:00.000-04:00

The City of Apalachicola’s Project Impact - afterschool and summer program has a slate of hot sizzling activities lined up for the 2011 summer season.

FAMILY CAREER NIGHT

If you’re thinking about your future - the program will kick off with a Family Career Night coupled with an end-of-school year celebration on Tuesday, June 7, from 2:00PM to 5:00PM.

Family Career Night will feature for those seeking an opportunity for summer employment a table with job applications from local businesses.

A representative from Gulf Coast State College, formerly known as Gulf Coast Community College, in Panama City, the City of Apalachicola Police Department and the Division of Forestry along with Smokey the Bear will all be on hand. There will also be information available about programs at Tom P. Haney Technical Center.

Refreshments will be served.

SUMMER CAMP

A free summer camp, “Around the World in 24-days with Project Impact” will begin on June 13 through July 28, at the City of Apalachicola Recreation Site located in the old Apalachicola High School cafeteria and from June 20 through July 28, at the Apalachicola Bay Charter School Site formerly Chapman Elementary.

Both sites with be open Monday through Thursday from 8:00AM to 4:00PM serving Pre-K to 12^th grade, a child must be at least 4-years-old to attend.

There will be pottery, art, horseback riding, drama, music, sports, games, science fun, cooking lessons, computer lab, summer reading, wet and wild Wednesday’s and field trips on Thursday’s.

Breakfast and lunch will be provided.

SIZZLING SUMMER SCHOLARS

Thursday field trips will feature visits to Gulf Coast State College for their Kid's College Summer 2011 Program.

On June 16, students will discover how to become mad for math, and take part in a tour of the college’s radio station broadcasting room, media center and respiratory facility, and on June 30, they will be exposed to the college’s school of visual and performing arts.

On July 7, and at the North Campus students will learn about fire science, defensive tactics and take their turn at the wheel of the driving simulator.

The field trips will wrap up on July 14, as the students learn of robotics, the ins and outs of a video shoot and how to make a movie.

For more information about the summer schedule, how to register or general information about Project Impact, please contact Faye Johnson, Director at (850) 653-1325 or visit www.projectimpactfcs.org.

City open doors to dedicated youth center

2011-06-03T00:33:00.006-04:00

Tonight’s Movie Night

The doors of the former Apalachicola High School gymnasium closed since the school district consolidated both high schools reopened on Wednesday, June 1 as a dedicated center for the kids of Apalachicola.

Scores of children from throughout the community and surrounding area will now be able to benefit from structured programs and supervision at the center provided by staff from the Apalachee Center.

After holding town hall meetings a group of kids formed an advisory council called Kids United Together (K.U.T.), shared ideas and collaborated with the city to provide at the center movie nights, teen dances, lounge areas, and a host of sports, board and electronic game activities.

The opening hours are still being worked out, but as of now they are 6:00PM to 9:00PM Monday through Friday and weekends.

Tonight, Friday, June 3, starting at 7:00PM will feature movies shown on a large inflatable screen, with concession opened and operated by the K.U.T. advisory council.

The youth center is a collaborative effort between the City of Apalachicola, the K.U.T advisory council, the Franklin's Promise Coalition, and the Apalachee Center.

A fun filled Memorial weekend in Apalachicola

2011-06-02T10:33:00.005-04:00

Memorial weekend in Apalachicola kicked off with an amazing outdoor concert Saturday, May 28, on the dock of beautiful Riverfront Park featuring jazz musician Hulon Crayton and the On Call Band.

Crayton and his Band kept the large crowd dancing while covering such great tunes as Mustang Sally by Wilson Pickett, Just my Imagination by The Temptations, Cisco Kid by War and Play that Funky Music by Wild Cherry.

This was the first in a series of summer concerts and the second year that the Franklin’s Promise Coalition and the City of Apalachicola have collaborated to bring the event to town.

The dock lined with tables and chairs while kids, parents, grandparents and their pets lounged on the grass in lawn chairs with their blankets and coolers for a fun filled family afternoon on the waters of historic downtown Apalachicola.

Hot fish, hamburgers, French fries, barbecue and cold drinks all a traditional Memorial Day cuisine was sold by the Franklin County Youth Advisory Council/Renovatio Youth Leadership Program as a fundraiser for their upcoming educational tour of Europe.

Towards the end, the crown begged for an encore while plans were being set for the second concert to be held on Sunday, July 3, featuring local singer Samantha Cook. The July festivities will also include the traditional "Old Apalach" parade, the Ice Cream Social, and the Apalachicola Rubber Ducky Race sponsored by the Rotary Club.

Other Memorial weekend activities around town on Monday included a community softball game at the Sylvester Williams Park on 10th Street and the Willoughby Marks American Legion Post 106 sponsored a wreath presentation at Veterans Memorial Plaza.

Photos by Tami Ray-Hutchinson

City gearing up to start Scipio Creek project

2011-06-01T00:14:00.004-04:00

Preliminary plans to start construction on the Scipio Creek Renovation Project will be on display at 4:30PM on Tuesday, June 7, at City Hall – 1 Bay Avenue – Apalachicola.

A workshop will follow at 5:00PM to discuss the plans prior to the City Commission regular scheduled meeting at 6:00PM.

The display will include new construction plans for the boat repair yard with an indoor repair facility/office/storage, an open-air market, new restroom facility, and an ice house facility for future use.

The city is using a $1.855 million dollar grant from the Economic Development Administration, along with $484,596 from a Community Development Block Grant and $200,000 out of its own revolving loan program to fund the project.

The $2.5 million dollar project is scheduled for completion in early January 2012, and is slated to create up to 44 new seafood related jobs.

In additional $350,000 dollars has since been allocated toward the project by the Florida Department of Agriculture to relocate the barge used to replant oysters in Apalachicola Bay just outside the basin.

The barge relocation is something long advocated and discussed over the past several years by city officials, the shrimpers at Scipio Creek and the original Waterfronts Committee.

The allocation can only be used to cover the expense of design, engineering and construction related to relocating the barge.

Jim Waddell, with Inovia Consulting Group out of Tallahassee, is the project engineer charged with engineering and overseeing the entire project. Collaborating with Inovia on design and renovation is engineering firm Preble-Rish, Inc., out Port St. Joe and Architect Mark Tarmey’s 4M Design Group also out of Tallahassee.

Centennial makes application for mobile branch

2011-05-29T11:25:00.003-04:00

Centennial Bank has made application to the Federal Reserve Board for permission to establish a full-service mobile branch in Franklin County.

The Federal Reserve considers a number of factors in deciding whether to approve such applications, including the record of performance of the applicant bank in helping to meet local credit needs.

Both municipalities, Apalachicola and Carrabelle have requested a formal hearing on the application to give those that desire the opportunity to understand the full extent of Centennial’s request.

According to Donnie Gay, Market President for Centennial, the bank is eager to hold a hearing to address any concerns that the citizens may have.

“Our bank will be preparing a slide show to demonstrate how we use this mobile unit for community events and for disaster recovery after natural disasters”, said Gay.

The hearing’s date, place, and time will be determined later.

Photos provided by Donnie Gay

Apalachicola welcomes new store and its owner

2011-05-29T00:58:00.007-04:00

Brigitte Giselle DuBois-LaPoint

The City of Apalachicola opened its arms to a new business early Saturday morning May 28, at a ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremony at 75 Market Street the former location of Chef Eddie’s restaurant in the city’s historic commercial district.

The store, called Circee, is a clothing store specializing in the sale of designer women clothing along with accessories, purses, and shoes.

The owner, Brigitte Giselle DuBois-LaPoint, a former fashion model originally hails from Martinique, a French island in the eastern Caribbean Sea.

Ms. DuBois-LaPoint discovered Apalachicola while passing through on a modeling trip to Panama City and fell in love with the area.

Photos by Gail D. Johnson

The meaning of Memorial Day

2011-05-27T05:58:00.000-04:00

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service.

A resolution (National Moment of Remembrance) passed in 2000 by President Bill Clinton, asks that at 3:00PM local time all Americans voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence.

In addition, the President of the United States traditionally issues a proclamation for the American flag to be unfurled and flown at half-staff from sunrise to noon in honor of Memorial Day, which falls this year on Monday, May 30, 2011.

Now would be an excellent time to inspect your flag and other patriotic decorations in preparation for Memorial Day and the Fourth of July.

Have a safe and Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force to Hold Next Meeting in Florida

2011-05-26T19:33:00.000-04:00

WASHINGTON — The Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force, which President Obama has directed by executive order to develop a restoration strategy for the Gulf of Mexico, will hold a meeting in Pensacola on Wednesday, June 1.

The meeting will be held at the Saenger Theatre from 9:00AM to 11:30AM and is open to the public. The meeting will be followed by a public listening session from 11:30AM to 12:30PM.

The Pensacola meeting is the fourth in a series taking place across the gulf will further the task force’s ongoing commitment to supporting the conservation and restoration of resilient and healthy ecosystems in the gulf.

At the previous meeting, held in Mobile, Ala. on May 6, EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson announced that EPA is creating a citizen advisory council to advise her on Gulf restoration issues, and the task force released a strategy background document for public review.

On October 5, 2010, President Obama issued executive order 13554 to create the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force, continuing the administration's ongoing commitment to the gulf region.

The task force works to integrate federal restoration efforts with those of local stakeholders and state and tribal governments, and to facilitate accountability and support throughout the restoration process.

WHO: Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force

WHAT: Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force Meeting

WHEN: June 1, 2011 at 9:00AM - 11:30AM CT (Public Listening Session 11:30AM -12:30PM CT)

WHERE: Saenger Theatre,118 South Palafox Place, Pensacola, FL. 32502

For more information on the task force or to pre-register for the meeting, please visit www.epa.gov/gulfcoasttaskforce.

Summer concerts return to Riverfront Park

2011-05-25T00:59:00.002-04:00

The Franklin’s Promise Coalition 2011 summer concert series begins Memorial Day weekend this Saturday, May 28, on the docks at Riverfront Park in Historic Downtown Apalachicola.

Saturday’s concert will feature the return of popular artist Hulon Crayton and the On Call Band. Crayton is a practicing physician by day, and an accomplished saxophonist by night – together with the On Call Band - they woo audiences with the delightful sound of smooth Jazz and R&B Classics.

The concert is free, begins at 7:00PM, and ends at 10:00PM and it’s a wonderful way to spend a night under the stars listening to some amazing music.

Throughout the evening Saturday, the Franklin County Youth Advisory Council/Renovatio Youth Leadership Program will be providing for purchase all the food and beverages that you can eat or drink.

For information about Franklin's Promise Coalition, please visit http://www.franklinspromisecoalition.org/.

It’s the Main Street Way

2011-05-25T00:41:00.005-04:00

Pictured is the Main Street approach in action - where a group of civic-minded volunteers banded together over the weekend to spruce up downtown Apalachicola.

Their actions bring to life the famous quote President John F. Kennedy made during his inaugural address on January 20, 1961. “And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country."

While in the midst of economic uncertainties, there’s no limit to what we as a community could accomplish if everyone took this approach.

Lack of Rainfall Compounding Fire Danger Level

2011-05-24T00:01:00.003-04:00

The absence of a consistent rainfall pattern through April and May has helped to compound the fire danger level in our area (Leon, Gadsden, Liberty, Franklin, Jefferson, Wakulla counties). North Florida, already experiencing drought conditions, is getting drier each day that significant rain does not fall. Currently temperatures have been creeping into the mid to upper 90’s and relative humidity percentages have dropped into the 20’s further contributing to the dryness. Until we start experiencing a consistent pattern of daily rainfall our area will be extremely vulnerable to wildfires.

The Florida Division of Forestry urges the public to exercise safe practices when using fire outdoors. Here are some suggestions:

• Don’t burn unless necessary.

• Stay with your fire at all times until it is dead out.

• Don’t burn on windy days during these conditions.

• Protect your home by keeping rooftops and gutters clean of debris that may serve as fuel for floating fire embers.

• Warm equipment and vehicles can cause fires when parked in tall dried grasses.

• Report all suspicious fires to the Division’s Arson Alert Hotline (800) 342-5869.

• Report any fire by calling 911.

Until the rains return, our fire danger level will continue to climb as will our likelihood of experiencing wildfire in our area. Stay Aware and Stay Safe!

For more information, contact Todd W. Schroeder, Florida Division of Forestry, and (850) 414-1138.

Apalachicola Police make key drug bust

2011-05-23T00:01:00.006-04:00

Kendrick Parker

There are fewer illegal drugs on the streets of Apalachicola today due in part to the ongoing efforts of the Apalachicola Police Department to eradicate the sale and use of the illegal substance.

Evidence of the department’s resolve was demonstrated yesterday when a 21-year-old Port St. Joe man landed in the Franklin County Jail on drug charges, according to a report from Apalachicola Police Chief Bobby Varnes.

Kendrick Parker of Port St. Joe was arrested and placed into custody by Apalachicola Police Officer Anthony Croom, Jr., for the felony sale of a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a church/park.

Parker was the subject of an ongoing investigation conducted by the police department that led to his arrest. At the time of arrest, Croom found 67-pieces of crack cocaine in Parker’s procession with an estimated street value of $3,300.

Crack cocaine seized during the arrest

“This was the bust of the year for the department”, said Varnes.

Parker’s arrest is seen by the police department as a key victory in stemming the flow of illegal drugs coming into Apalachicola from other areas.

Richardson judged best emerging artist

2011-05-20T17:48:00.001-04:00

Best Emerging Artist - Susan Richardson

Apalachicola’s very own Susan Richardson was judged best emerging artist in the 2011 America’s Great Plein Air Paint-out Quick Draw held this past Saturday, May 14, in Mexico Beach.

As a Plein Air tradition, participating artists were given only two hours from 10:00AM to 12:00PM to paint the beauty of Mexico Beach. Once the artists finished their paintings, the work was hung for viewing, judged and sold.

Richardson’s painting was the first the judge put a ribbon on and immediately purchased by Lynn Wilson of Apalachicola. Wilson, an artist in her own right made the purchase unaware of who painted the piece because at the time Richardson hadn’t signed her work.

“I was astounded”, exclaimed Richardson. The Quick Draw was the first time Richardson had entered a competition where she had to finish a painting in less than two hours.

Other 2011 Quick Draw winners were Ken Dewaard, Judges Choice, Luke Buck, Honorable Mention, Katie Dobson Cundiff, Honorable Mention, and Lori Putnam also Honorable Mentioned.

Apalachicola woman charged in jewelry theft

2011-05-19T00:52:00.008-04:00

Hill

An Apalachicola woman has been arrested on charges of stealing jewelry and trying to sell stolen property, Apalachicola Police Chief Bobby Varnes said Wednesday, May 18, 2011.

Candy Hill, 39, admitted the theft when accosted by officers from the Apalachicola Police Department.

“Hill was arrested and charged with two felony counts of theft and dealing in stolen property”, Varnes said.

On Wednesday she was held at the Franklin County Jail on State Road 65.

Bankston receives Liberal Arts Degree

2011-05-17T00:07:00.004-04:00

Paul H. Bankston

Apalachicola native Paul Howard Bankston returned to school to graduate with an associate's degree in liberal arts from Gulf Coast Community College in Panama City, Florida.

The commencement ceremony was held Friday, May 6, 2011, at the Municipal Civic Center where Bankston was joined by his wife and two sons who he credits along with others for inspiring him to obtain such a milestone.

“Through the years and most of all I would like to thank my loving wife Carla, and two sons Nahshon and Carl Joseph, and all those who supported, helped and inspired me to finish; Mrs. Brenda Galloway, Ms. Despina Williams, Mrs. Denise Roux, Mrs. Leanne Parrish, Mr. Metcalf, Coach Eddie Joseph, Mr. Roy Carroll, and Ms. Cathy Woods”, Bankston said.

Bankston is a 50-year-old, 1978 graduate from Apalachicola High School and is presently employed by the Franklin County School District.

The Mayor’s Blog would like to congratulate Paul for having the courage to pursue his dreams and the best of luck and wishes for the future.

Tragic fire claims landmark Apalachicola church

2011-05-16T12:15:00.008-04:00

Before daybreak this morning a tragic fire struck and destroyed one of the oldest if not largest African-American churches in the City of Apalachicola.

Around 4:00AM members of the Apalachicola all volunteer fire department received and responded to a call at 151-10th Street - the home of the Love & Worship Center Ministries and found the 60 plus year-old structure engulfed in flames.

At the time of this post the origin of the blaze was unknown, however, according to Apalachicola Police Chief Bobby Varnes, the State Fire Marshall Office will likely launch a routine investigation into the cause.

The fire marked the first major outing for the new fire truck purchased by the city following public criticisms over the blaze that destroyed the historic Wright’s house in February 2010.

The new engine was connected to a hydrant via a 4” fire hose that acted as a water main - pumping water directly into four other trucks that piggybacked the new engine.

The connection gave the firemen enough water pressure to quickly gain control over the blaze. The 4” hose also purchased by the city in the aftermath of the Wright's house fire in an effort to impoved the city's overall fire protection system.

Both Eastpoint and St. George Island fire department’s responded and assisted Apalachicola with the blaze.

Photos by Gail D. Johnson

Apalachicola revs up plans for youth center

2011-05-07T16:22:00.003-04:00

Front row left to right, Mario Pugh, Mayor Van Johnson and Caci Wallace. Middle row left to right, Deanna Quick, Brandon Walker, Morgan Martin, Cheyenne Martin, Shameika Lake and City Administrator Betty Taylor-Webb. Back row left to right, Eric Springer, Bobby Pickles, Jamie Gordon, William Collins, Tyler Howard and Joe Taylor.

The City of Apalachicola's vision to transform the old Apalachicola High School Gymnasium fondly called the “Matchbox” during the Sharks basketball team glory days into a dedicated Youth Center is finally coming to fruition.

After holding back to back town hall meetings dubbed “community conversations” called to gather input from local youths - emerged an advisory group comprised of Franklin County High School students to develop and manage a Youth Center for the city and surrounding area.

The students calling themselves “Kids United Together” (K.U.T.) will operate the Youth Center in collaboration with the Franklin's Promise Coalition, and the Apalachee Center all under the City’s Community Pride Partnership Initiative.

The community conversations were facilitated by Apalachicola Mayor Van Johnson, along with Apalachee Center outreach staff Caci Wallace and Mario Pugh, with parents, grandparents, students and concerned citizens in attendance lending input to a plan to begin programs by mid-May.

Joe Taylor, Executive Director for Franklin's Promise Coalition, explained to the group the importance of the partnerships between agencies. "The City has the facility and limited funding for supplies and repairs, but no money for programing. As a contractor for Apalachee Center, the Franklin's Promise Coalition has been given the opportunity to provide outreach and health education through a BP funded grant, with outreach workers Wallace and Pugh providing activities for the youth and encouraging good health and wellness”, said Taylor

Taylor also told the group that the administrators at the Apalachee Center, which is Franklin County's State designated mental health provider, have encouraged and empowered the facilitators to maximize the funding and to reach as many people as possible through these activities

Betty Taylor-Webb, City Administrator told the students about the work that was already in the process of being completed to get the facility open. The plan is to get the gym open first and then renovate the two locker rooms into separate spaces, one for younger participants and one just for teenagers.

The students shared their ideas to have a social lounge to hang out with their friends complete with a flat screen television, video games and music. They also expressed an interest in having movie nights, dances, sport and video game tournaments, parent interactions, field trips, and a for profit concession stand operated by the students to help fund a host of other activities for the students.

For more information, click HERE and check out the discussion tabs on the KUT’s newly created Facebook page.

APD cracks down on loud music

2011-05-07T16:10:00.001-04:00

In recent months Apalachicola city officials have received numerous complaints from residents concerning loud music blaring from passing vehicles in violation of the city’s noise ordinance.

The matter was brought to the forefront at the city’s April 5, regular scheduled meeting by Apalachicola resident James Sidney Baker.

In his complaint, Baker provided the commission with pictures of one of the offending vehicles along with a detailed written account of how the relentless booming was keeping residents up at night and disturbing the serenity of an otherwise peaceful community.

Police Chief Bobby Varnes informed the commission that Baker had brought his concerns to him earlier and that he had since instructed his officers to beef up enforcement of activities that disturb residents.

At the May 3, regular meeting, Lt. Pam Lewis reporting on behalf of Varnes who was absent from the meeting - told commissioners of the recent work done by the Apalachicola Police Department to combat the problem.

Lewis reported that during the Month of April 2011, a total of 13 citations were issued to people who played their music in a manner that violated the city’s noise ordinance.

City prepares for America’s Great Paint-out

2011-05-07T15:52:00.001-04:00

On May 12, 2011, the Franklin County Tourist Development Council along with the City of Apalachicola will be hosting an opening reception for the visiting Journalists tour to kick off the 6th Annual Florida’s Forgotten Coast America’s Great Plein Air Paint-out scheduled for May 13-22, 2011.

The reception will begin at 6:30PM EST, on the docks of Apalachicola’s Historic Riverfront Park – following from May 13 through May 22, more than 20 nationally acclaimed artists will gather on Florida’s Forgotten Coast to participate in the via invitation only America's Great Paint-out.

Painters will set up their easels and pull out their brushes to document the landscape and culture of this last vestige of authentic "Old Florida" – the coastal stretch of scenic North Florida between Mexico Beach and Alligator Point.

For more information concerning the reception, call (850) 653-8678 or email fran@anaturalescape.com.

U.S. Census releases 2010 demographic profiles

2011-05-07T15:17:00.005-04:00

On Wednesday, May 4, 2011, the U.S. Census Bureau started releasing the 2010 Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics for the District of Columbia, Florida, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee and West Virginia.

The demographic profiles provide 2010 Census data on age and sex distributions, race, Hispanic or Latino origin, household relationship and type, the group quarters population, and housing occupancy and tenure (whether the housing occupant owns or rents). Throughout May, these profiles will be released on a rolling basis for all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

The profile includes more than 150 data items in all, plus percentage distributions. Highlights from the State of Florida data released on Wednesday include:

Florida

The median age was 40.7.

The average household size was 2.48 people per household.

Among the state's occupied housing units, 67.4 percent were owned, compared with 32.6 percent that were rented.

In addition to the state-level data, demographic profiles are available for other areas down to the place/functioning minor civil division-level. Profiles for the nation, regions and divisions will be available at the end of May with the final states' releases.

The characteristics data found in the demographic profiles will be available for additional levels of geography, such as census tracts or blocks, as part of the next 2010 Census data product, Summary File 1, to be released on a state-by-state flow basis between June and August.

Accessing the Data

The demographic profiles can be found on the Census Bureau's American FactFinder website at http://factfinder2.census.gov

A summary file version of the profile data is also available for users who want to download the data set for all of the geographies within the state and run their own analysis and rankings. The summary file contains two parts: a file with the geographic headers (in fixed-length ASCII format) and the data file (in comma-separated ASCII format). The summary file is available for download at http://www2.census.gov/census_2010/03-Demographic_Profile/.

For local context, contact your State Data Center: www.census.gov/sdc/network.html.

BP Payments & Investments - Florida, May 5, 2011

2011-05-07T14:32:00.002-04:00

Happy Resurrection Sunday Apalachicola

2011-04-24T08:02:00.006-04:00

4) And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: 1 Corinthians 15:4 KJV

Apalachicola to begin community conversation about youth activities

2011-04-23T14:59:00.008-04:00

Community Conversation #1

At the Apalachicola Community

Pride Partnership Meeting

Topic

Youth activities after 6:00PM and on Weekends

and
A potential Youth Center

Hosts

Mayor Van Johnson, Caci Wallace and Mario Pugh

Location

Apalachicola Community Center, City Hall

As part of the Community Pride Partnership

Date and Time

Thursday, April 28, 6:00PM

Please join Mayor Johnson and community members to discuss the needs for youth activities and a potential youth center.

If you can not attend and would like to email comments, please send them to: mail@franklinspromisecoalition.org

Franklin’s Promise Coalition 192 14th Street Apalachicola, FL
Telephone: (850) 653-3930

Apalachicola Celebrates Earth Day

2011-04-23T09:49:00.000-04:00

On Friday, April 22, Apalachicola city officials along with members of the City Square Community Garden and the recently appointed Tree Committee gathered at the community garden site with family, friends, and members of the public to celebrate Earth Day. The embedded video contains highlights from the event.

TEXT OF THE MAYOR'S SPEECH

I like to thank each of you for joining with us on such a beautiful day to celebrate the 3rd Anniversary of the Apalachicola City Square Community Garden Project.

From its inception - the organizers of the project chose appropriately to host this event on Earth Day and it’s important to note - that this year Earth Day falls on Good Friday.

I can only imagine that during the planning stages the organizers never contemplated the garden receiving such high visibility and sustained success. All of which can be contributed to a community wiliness to cross the lines of race, gender, age and social class to come together to work in true partnership with its local government.

The mechanics of such can be used as a catalyst on how to improve the broader community and on what we can accomplish when we reconcile our differences.

As we use this occasion to celebrate Earth Day – we must consider and reflect over the past year the explosion of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig that killed 11 workers, injured 16 others and unleashed what is now being considered one of the worst environmental disasters in U.S. history, second only to the 1930 Dust Bowl. Also to be considered is the reactor meltdown in Japan.

Those disasters should serve as a wakeup call for America, where we all should resolve never to accept profit over our natural resources, which are a part of the wealth of this great nation. If we destroy or overburden those resources - this country could become another 1930’s wasteland.

As we celebrate this resurrection weekend - we must also recognize the uniqueness of Good Friday falling on Earth Day. We must be unyielding in our resolve to be good stewards over our natural resources so divinely entrusted to us by our Creator.

The residents of this city recently demonstrated their resolve, when they aptly rose to the occasion to protect and preserve the many trees that line our streets and provide shade to our neighborhoods.

As a nation of communities - we must continue on that path!

And again I like to thank each of you for coming out and joining with us.

Thank you!