Coffee and conversation with the Mayor

Mayor Van Johnson with (L-R) Joshua Hodson, Betty Webb and Henry Smith at

the 2014 Florida Inventors Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony of  Dr. John Gorrie

the father of modern day refrigeration 

Residents of Apalachicola are invited to join Mayor Van Johnson for an informal question and answer session over coffee from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Tuesday, September 1, 2015, at Café Con Leche located at 234 Water Street in beautiful downtown Apalachicola. 

There will be no moderator to filter questions, so come ask your questions directly of the mayor and hear the answers over a cup of coffee.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

$500,000 Awarded to Establish Gulf Restoration Conservation Corps

Local young adult Conservation Corps workers cutting nature trail west 
of town in a pilot project collaboration with the City of Apalachicola

Public and Private Partnership will support The Nature Conservancy and The Corps Network project on the Gulf Coast

New Orleans, LA – A unique public and private partnership will create dozens of restoration jobs for young people and veterans along the Gulf Coast, The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and The Corps Network (TCN) announced yesterday. The project, supported by a $250,000 grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), and a $250,000 matching grant from a private donor, will create and sustain three conservation corps crews along the Gulf Coast.

Keith Monda, a Nature Conservancy supporter who lives near the Gulf in Sarasota County, Florida and is the private donor to this project, said that the Gulf Restoration Conservation Corps will provide training and employment for young people and veterans, enabling them to become stewards of our natural resources.

“The restoration of the Gulf of Mexico is an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to protect critical habitats and create jobs in communities impacted by the oil spill and natural disasters,” said Monda. “If we do restoration right, we can put people to work and restore our natural resources at the same time. The Gulf Restoration Conservation Corps will lead the way in showing how we can create jobs, provide important training, and protect our natural resources at the same time.”

The Conservancy will work in partnership with TCN to carry out the grant. The Corps Network is a national organization of conservation corps with extensive experience in recruiting, training, and supervising young people in on-the-ground conservation work. Over the past year , TNC and TCN have cooperated in two pilot Gulf conservation projects in coastal Mississippi that have demonstrated the effectiveness of conservations corps in accomplishing Gulf restoration projects.

 

The new project will have three components:

• Establishment of Climb CDC Conservation Corps in Gulfport, Mississippi to work along the Mississippi coast,
• Establishment of Conservation Corps of the Forgotten Coast Apalachicola, Florida to work in the Apalachicola basin, and
• Creation of a veteran’s conservation corps to work on forest conservation and stewardship on public lands along the Gulf coast.
• The project will cooperate with local governmental and non-governmental organizations on restoration activities. 

“We are very grateful to NFWF and to Keith Monda for supporting this important project, and we are pleased to work with TCN again in moving quickly to get these crews of local young people up and running,” said Bob Bendick director of TNC’s Gulf of Mexico Program.

“Our past experience has shown how much valuable conservation work can be accomplished by local young people and how they can use this experience to participate in the restoration economy in the Gulf.  I particularly want to express our thanks to Keith Monda and his wife, Linda, who through their gift are not only making this project possible but are demonstrating how private philanthropy can leverage public funds and can play a significant role in pioneering new ideas for Gulf restoration.”

Mary Ellen Sprenkel, CEO of The Corps Network, praised the unique public-private partnership and the leveraged positive impact on Gulf Coast communities.

“The Corps Network and our members are delighted to see that the continuing involvement of young people and veterans in the restoration of the Gulf through the Conservation Corps model,” said Mary Ellen Sprenkel, CEO of The Corps Network. “We would like to especially thank Keith Monda for his generous support and belief in the Gulf Coast Restoration Initiative, as well as the Walton Family Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, and many partners in the Gulf Region.

“Over the past year and a half, we have demonstrated through several pilot projects that young people have the will and desire to be involved in this critical work. Dating back to the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression, Corps programs have empowered young people to take care of their country’s treasured natural areas, for the benefit of local economies, communities, and their families. Funding projects with Corps programs will help continue this legacy in the Gulf Region.”

It is expected that this project will be a prototype for the development of even larger scale conservation corps projects in the Gulf region such as those that may be funded under the provisions of the RESTORE Act. 

November 7, 2014: Mayor's Blog Post

Strategic planning for Youth Conservation Corp

July 23, 2015: Mayor's Blog Post

Young Adult Conservation Corps Jobs Program Set to Launch

August 1, 2015: Mayor's Blog Post

Young Adult Conservation Corps Wraps up First Week of Training

Steady progress while building a greater sense of community

I’m Van W. Johnson, Sr., age 55 and the current Mayor of Apalachicola and I’m running for re-election. I’m married to my wife of 34-years, Gail and together have raised five wonderful children.  As a lifelong resident of Apalachicola, like most of you I attended high school here, made my home here, raised my family here and stayed here to work toward making Apalachicola a better place for all.

Over the last eight years the city has earned the distinction of being a Tree City Community, a Florida Main Street Community, a Riverway South Community, and a Distinctive Destination Community for preserving and protecting its trees, historic integrity and working waterfront. All of which is why so many have found Apalachicola to be such a great place to live, work and play.

As your mayor, I have listened and wholeheartedly supported grassroots efforts such as City Square Community Garden, the Apalachicola Dog Park and the Farmers Market for their propensity to promote and bring Apalachicola together as one community, regardless of race, gender, social class, where you live or how long you have lived here.

I want to continue to build upon that unity and steady progress that Apalachicola has come to enjoy over the last eight years. Progress such as the new fire/police station, public restrooms in the downtown area, a renovated Holy Family Senior Center, a state recognized afterschool and summer enrichment program and a renovated youth center.

Most of you know me and you know that there’s nothing in my background, neither in my 30-year employment history with Franklin County, nor during my 10-year prior service as an Apalachicola City Commissioner or the countless years I spent coaching local youth league sports to even remotely suggest that I don’t have the best interest of my hometown, Apalachicola at heart. Sure, we don’t always agree on everything and most people don’t, but I’ve always listened and welcomed different ideas and opinions and will continue to do so.

I have both the moral compass and compassion to continue to lead and serve all as mayor of our great city.

In May 2012, after I retired from county government, the Franklin County Board of County Commissioners moved to declare May 31, 2012, "Van Johnson, Sr., Day" throughout the Franklin County community, for my exemplary service to the residents of Franklin County from the City of Apalachicola to the unincorporated area of Alligator Point.

In August 2014, along with others from around the world, I received the “Golden Rule International Award” for my work as Mayor of Apalachicola.  The award is affiliated with the United Nations, established in 120 nations of the world and presented to those that live the Golden Rule in their everyday life. I also received the “iChange Nations Global Leadership Award”, which recognizes individuals throughout the world that have exemplified extraordinary humanitarian efforts to effectively change nations.

All of which is only stated to demonstrate my level of commitment towards the wellbeing of Apalachicola, as I humbly ask each of you for your vote and support on September 8, 2015, to continue our work together to make Apalachicola the greatest city in the world in which to live, a city that preserves its heritage while providing opportunities for all.

To Re-Elect Van W. Johnson, Sr., Mayor

September 8, 2015

Please help support the campaign to re-elect Van W. Johnson, Sr., Mayor of Apalachicola. Donate today, $25, $50, $75, $100 (not to exceed $500 per entity) to help keep Apalachicola working for "ALL".

Approved by Van W. Johnson, Sr., for Mayor of Apalachicola

Humphries gives update on proposed College of Marine Science slated for Apalachicola

(L-R) Dr. Dreamal Worthen, Oryan Speed, Myrtis Wynn, Elinor Mount-Simmons,
Mayor Van Johnson, Dr. Frederick Humphries, Chauncey Ford and Alfred Goosby

Photo by Tami Seaman with Sand Grain Photography

Dr. Frederick S. Humphries, an Apalachicola native and former President of Florida A&M University (FAMU) met yesterday with Apalachicola Mayor Van Johnson in his office along with members of  FAMU alumni, stakeholders and members of the community to give an update on plans to locate a College of Marine Science in Apalachicola. The proposed college will be affiliated with FAMU where Humphries served as President from 1985 to 2001.

The idea for the college was first pitched to city commissioners by Humphries in 2000, while he still served as college president. On November 5, 2013, he again met with city commissioners during their regular monthly meeting and secured an agreement from the commission that the city would submit the proposed college as a project for funding through the Franklin County Restore Act Council.

The college will offer Bachelors, Masters and Doctorates degrees in Marine Science, it will also offer extension service to the seafood industry from Tarpon Springs to Fort Walton Beach, as well conduct research on the Gulf of Mexico and the tributaries that feed the Gulf.

                                    Photo by Tami Seaman  with Sand Grain Photography

Humphries also pointed out during the 2013 meeting that such an effort would maintain and restore the vitality of Apalachicola's natural resources, provide jobs and revitalize the community into a vibrant city that can be an enormous asset to the State of Florida.

Humphries told those gathered yesterday in the mayor’s office that the project now looked promising… “We are on target and we’re ready to roll”, said Humphries

Humphries is now scheduled to appear with a detailed budget before the full city commission at their October 4, 2015, regular scheduled meeting.

Promoting Breastfeeding Access for Working Moms Focus of Month-Long Campaign

Apalachicola, FL - This August, the Florida Department of Health in Franklin County is celebrating National Breastfeeding Awareness Month. Franklin County is working to promote breastfeeding as a vital health activity and encourage breastfeeding-friendly work places and communities.

“Breastfeeding offers many benefits to your baby. Breast milk contains a proper balance of nutrients to help your infant grow into a strong and healthy toddler,” said Marsha Lindeman, Administrator for the Florida Department of Health in Franklin and Gulf counties. “Our goal during the month-long campaign is to increase awareness of breastfeeding support services available for mothers.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mothers who breastfeed their children are at a healthier weight on average than those who do not. They also have a lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, breast and ovarian cancer. Children who are breastfed have a lower risk for developing respiratory and gastrointestinal infections, asthma, obesity, Type 2 diabetes and SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).

During the month of August, DOH-Franklin will be partnering with the Leon County Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program, which serves Franklin County participants, on a variety of activities to increase awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding. Activities include creating a newly designed breastfeeding room at the health department for employees and patients as well as disseminating breastfeeding topics each week to the public.

To reach the goal of exclusive breastfeeding for at least six months, mothers need supportive maternity leave policies, flexible work hours, infant and child-care at or near the workplace, and private facilities for expressing and storing breastmilk. It takes time and practice to learn how to breastfeed, both for mother and baby, and to establish a good milk supply.

For more information on the Florida Breastfeeding Coalition's Quality Maternity Care Initiative, visit: http://flbreastfeeding.org/hospital.htm. For more information about local events, please contact the Florida Department of Health in Franklin County at 850-653-2111.

Young Adult Conservation Corps Wraps up First Week of Training

(L-R) Crew Members: Will Collins, Hokden Foley, Caci Wallace, Kendall White Eagle 

and Eric Coleman, Crew Leaders: Abbey Toomer  and Shane Murphy

A group of young conservationists assigned to work in the Conservation Corps of the Forgotten Coast (CCFC) gathered Friday at lunch around a table at Franklin's Promise Coalition to review their first week of training as they cut a nature trail through property own by the City of Apalachicola west of town.

"It has been wonderful working with the CCFC crew… they are very excited about the nature trail work and are so grateful to have this opportunity" said Abbey Toomer, one of two crew leaders in Franklin County from Community Training Works Inc. (CTW).

"We are very appreciative of CTW for providing Abbey and her fellow crew leader, Shane Murphy to serve as the mentors for our new conservation corps program. These young people are working so hard to build the nature trail for the City. It is such a great thing to see them so energized about learning and working, this program is such a blessing for our community" reported Joe Taylor from Franklin's Promise Coalition.

The program is an eight week pilot project established to provide Franklin County young people ages 16-25 employment opportunities, job skills, leadership development and financial education.

The crew also met with Apalachicola Mayor Van Johnson in his office to give the mayor an update on the progress with the nature trail. 

”Crew member Holden Foley, excitedly told me… "It is fun, educational and I hope it will make a difference in the community”, said Mayor Johnson.

The pilot project is a collaborative effort between the Corps Network, the City of Apalachicola, Community Training Works, CareerSource Gulf Coast, The Nature Conservancy, Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve, and the Franklin County Schools.  

For more information on the program: Click Here.

City of Apalachicola July 23, 2015 Regular Meeting Agenda

CLICK HERE FOR A PRINTABLE COPY

REGULAR MEETING

CITY COMMISSION

CITY OF APALACHICOLA, FLORIDA

TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2015 – 6:00 PM

COMMUNITY CENTER @ BATTERY PARK

#1 BAY AVENUE, APALACHICOLA, FLORIDA

AGENDA

I. Prayer and Pledge

II. REGULAR MEETING

1.  Recognition of Visitors

     a. Shirley Taylor – Library Board Appointment

2.  Approval of July Minutes

3.  Approval of June Bill List

4.  Board of Adjustment Appointment

     a.  Board Member Position

     b.  Two Alternate Positions

5.  Planning & Zoning

    a.  Planning & Zoning Alternate Appointment

6.  City Clerk

7.  Attorney Floyd

8.  Other Visitors & Comments

9.  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 Clerk’s Office 48 hours in advance of the meeting.

Franklin County Veteran’s Service Office Closed Monday

The Franklin County Veteran’s Service Office will be closed all day Monday, August 3, 2015.  During the office closure Veteran’s Service Officers Charles B. Elliott can still be reached at either (850)653-7051 or veteranservice@franklincountyflorida.com should any veteran need assistance or has a question or concern.

Elliott will be back on regular schedule Tuesday, August 4, 2015, to include his regular visit to the Holy Family Senior Center.

H’COLA Holds 5th Annual Honor Student Luncheon Today

Elementary School Students Honored Front Row (L-R): Khambrel Anthony,

Robyn Jones, Micah Edwards Nehemiah Robinson, Maleah Croom and Zariah Harvey

The Hillside Coalition of Laborers for Apalachicola, Inc. (HCOLA) held its 5^th Annual Honor Student Luncheon today inside the beautifully restored Historic Holy Family Senior Citizen Center.

The annual program recognizes and honors the academic achievement of Franklin County School students in elementary, middle and high school that live within the Hill Community.

The program moderated by Pastor David Walker kicked off with remarks from Elinor Mount-Simmons, President of H’COLA, followed by the invocation from Pastor Barry Hand and a greeting to the honor students by Apalachicola Mayor Van Johnson.

Middle School Students Honored Front Row (L-R): Arryonna Cargill and Beyla Walker

“You have been invited to be here this morning because you are considered to be the best of the best, as demonstrated by the simple fact that you are here and the rest of your classmates are not”, said Johnson.

Franklin County School Superintendent Nina Marks, Franklin County School Board Member Teresa Ann Martin, Harolyn Walker, Assistant Principal at Franklin County School and Chimene Johnson, Principal at the Apalachicola Bay Charter School were all in attendance and addressed the students being honored during the program.

High School Student Honored: Aaliyah West

The Elementary School students honored for academic excellence in the classroom that were in attendance included, Khambrel Anthony, Robyn Jones, Micah Edwards, Nehemiah Robinson, Maleah Croom, and Zariah Harvey.  In the middle school category the students honored that attended were Arryonna Cargill and Beyla Walker and in the high school category Aaliyah West, a graduate of Franklin County High School Class of 2015, class treasurer and salutatorian also received the H’COLA honor, which included certificates of appreciation. West also performed an inspirational dance during the program and is an upcoming freshman at the University of Florida.

The Motivational Message to the honored students was delivered by Jathan Martin, a 2014 graduate of Franklin County High School, class president and salutatorian. Martin now attends Florida A&M University where he has already reached junior class status.

Congresswoman Graham to hold local office hours on Tuesday

On Tuesday, August 4, 2015, representatives from U.S. Congresswoman Gwen Graham staff will be available to hear your concerns and assist you with problems you may be having with federal agencies.

Graham’s mobile office hours in Franklin County will be at the Franklin County Courthouse in the Clerk Conference Room (second floor) located at 33 Market Street in Apalachicola from 10:00 to 12:00 noon EST.  The Congresswoman will be holding office hours at that location and time on the first Tuesday of every month.

Her staff may be able to assist you with issues related to Social Security, Medicare, veterans' benefits and other services administered by the federal government.

Graham is also holding regular office hours in all of the Second Congressional District's 14 counties. “I want every single person in North Florida to know, it doesn't matter if you're in a big or small county, if you vote Republican or Democrat, my office is ready to help everyone. If you're struggling with a problem, then it's a big problem to you – so it matters to me, as well”, said Graham.

You can view the full schedule of Congresswoman Graham’s office hours in all 14 counties on her website at https://graham.house.gov/schedule.