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  Photo by Henry Wortman
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Posted June 29, 2009

LOCAL 4th of JULY CELEBRATIONS

4th of July at the Point

The "unsponsored" Alligator Point 4th of July parade will take place this Saturday. Participants usually line up around 4:00 PM at the Marina.

Fireworks are around 9:30ish at the S curves; about mid-way between the water tower and the marina.

4th of July Celebration in Sopchoppy (from posting at www.wakulla.com)

This year’s parade will begin at 4 p.m. and the Sopchoppy City Park will open at 5 p.m.  The downtown Sopchoppy merchants will offer special activities, live music, food and more during the day leading up to the parade. 

4th of July Celebration at Shell Point (from posting at www.wakulla.com)

8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.:  Pancake Breakfast fundraiser at the Coast Guard Auxiliary.  Pancakes, sausage, coffee or juice for $5

12:00 Noon to 1:00 p.m.:  Golf Cart Parade.  Registration for awards and line up at 11:30 a.m. at Pebble Court.  The parade will pass ABYC and folks at the club will decide which float gets the ABYC Award. 

2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.:  Ice Cream Social fundraiser, also for the auxiliary, AND dinghy races in the basin.  For the latter, spectators can bring a lawn chair and cool drinks.

4:00 p..m.:  Parade Awards Presentation

4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.:  Hot dogs and hamburgers at the auxiliary; fundraiser for the Shell Point Volunteer Fire Department.

Dark-thirty:  Fireworks on the beach or arrange a boat viewing with friends. 

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Posted June 16, 2009

NOTE from APTAWEB: The article below is from the Oyster Radio web site; http://oysterradio.blogspot.com/

Waste Pro Offers Bear Proof Dumpsters

Keeping garbage away from black bears has just gotten a little easier for some Waste Pro customers in Franklin County and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission hopes this initial effort will become the model for other communities throughout the state where humans share land with bears and other wildlife.

The garbage company began offering wildlife-resistant containers to interested residents in Franklin County on June the 1st. The containers cost a little more, the company charges 5 dollars a month extra for people who use them. The FWC gave $6,000 to Waste Pro to allow the first 200 customers who sign up for the wildlife-resistant containers to have the cans serviced without the additional charge for the first six months.

In 2008, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission received more than 2,700 calls concerning bears; 34 percent of those reported bears getting into garbage. In Franklin County, almost half of the calls reported bears in garbage. And the cans do more than keep bears away from your garbage, they also seem effective against feral cats and dogs, raccoons, foxes, opossums and other wildlife.

For more information on wildlife-resistant containers and to find out what you can do to avoid bear conflicts, go to MyFWC.com/Bear. Franklin County homeowners interested in the wildlife-resistant containers offered by Waste Pro can call 850-670-8800 or visit their Web site at www.wasteprousa.com.

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Posted June 16, 2009

Afternoon Franklin County Commission Meetings

Franklin County Commission meetings normally are scheduled for 9:00 AM the first and third Tuesday of each month; however the Commission has agreed to conduct an afternoon meeting every three months with a 5:00 PM start time.

The County Commission will meet at 5:00 PM June 16th and the next afternoon meeting is scheduled for 5:00 PM Tuesday September 15th.

See the Franklin County web site, www.franklincountyflorida.com for a calendar of events for other scheduled County Commission meetings.

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Posted 06/05/09

APTA Meeting Notice

Please plan to attend the next meeting of the Alligator Pt Taxpayers Association: June 13, 9:00 am, at Mission By The Sea church, to voice your opinion on the following issues. APTA cannot effectively represent community sentiment if it isn’t known.

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Posted 06/05/09

REVISION OF THE SOUTH SHOAL PUD

The developer of the South Shoal subdivision is proposing changes to the PUD previously approved by the Franklin County Board of County Commissioner. The most significant difference is that rather than installing an Advanced Wastewater Treatment facility to handle sewage for the development, each property owner would be responsible for onsite sewage treatment via an aerobic septic system.

Current county ordinance requires any newly platted lots to be a minimum of one acre in size in order to use onsite sewage systems (septic or aerobic). Changing the rules for South Shoal has the potential to set precedence for all remaining tracts of unplatted property on Alligator Pt.

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Posted 06/05/09

PROPOSED INCREASE TO MUNICIPAL SERVICES BENEFIT UNIT (MSBU) ASSESSMENT

The Franklin United Firefighters Association is proposing an increase in the annual MSBU assessment. The yearly rate for a home, currently $42, would rise to $57. These funds are distributed among the county volunteer fire departments to assist in operating costs.

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Posted May 21, 2009

Old House Numbers Need to be Replaced with E911 Numbers

By John Murphy for the Alligator Point /St. Teresa Volunteer Fire Department 

Long ago our house numbers were comprised of a letter and a number (such as A-123). That identification system was abandoned by the County. 

In order to ensure your house is identifiable to emergency personnel, you must have your E911 house number displayed in a location visible from the road. The Franklin County Road Department will assign a number to your house and produce a sign (blue background with reflective white numerals) for a small fee. Please contact them for details:  850-670-8640.

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 Posted May 21, 2009

Bald Point State Park Meeting Summary

By APTAWEB

On May 13, 2009 an excellent number members of the Alligator Point/Bald Point communities met with staff from the Florida Department of Environment Protection at the Mission by the Sea Church to discuss development plans for Bald Point State Park.

Mr. Danny Jones, District 1 Bureau Chief and Mr. Lou Scruggs, led the discussion on behalf of the FDEP; Park Manager, Kevin Patton and Park Ranger, John Lakich also participated.

We learned that a new park road will be built south of US 98 on CR 370 and that contract was awarded to local contractor, Ben Withers. This new road will eventually become the main entrance to the park.

Jones and Scruggs described features that they say are part of the Bald Point State Park Management Plan approved in 2006 and said that such plans are reviewed every 10 years. After describing plans to construct a new park road and amenities to be constructed at locations within the park Mr. Scruggs opened the discussion to questions and comment from the public.

Cabins/campground proposed for the park and recently put out for bid appeared to be the most controversial of the items brought forward by the public. Several people mentioned that their understanding from previous meetings was that the park would remain in a "primitive" state, though it was explained that cabins and a developed campground to include RV sites had been included as part of the Unit Management Plan adopted in 2006. A member of the community asked the audience who preferred the park to be kept "primitive" and a majority of those present supported keeping the park in a more natural state.  

Development in the interior of the park raised concerns for possible displacement of fauna resulting from fragmentation of the park, and the degradation of wetlands due to the discharge of effluent from on-site sewage systems and there was discussion about periodic insecticide spraying of the overnight areas for biting insects resulting in the further compromise of the quality of wetlands.

FDEP officials were told that it "seemed peculiar that in a park where the primary attraction is the beach area, that the camping area would even be considered before there was a road leading to the beach. Although the proposed campground will be located only a mile or so from the beach, until the road is completed it will require a drive of approximately 8 miles (one way) to reach the north end of Bald Point."   

At least one person alluded to the "potential loss of the quiet and solitude that currently can be found in the park's interior; a reason a number of people visit Florida's state parks." APTA President, John Murphy stated that he is "very concerned that the tranquility of Bald Point State Park is destined to be replaced by the drone of passing traffic and the whir of air conditioning units, and the night sky will be lost to the glow of ambient lighting."

In a letter written to Mr. Jones, John Murphy wrote: "A final observation I made while reviewing the Advisory Group Staff Report of 01/25/06 was a statement that the proposed canoe/kayak launch on Chaires Creek had been removed from the plan due to "concerns about safety given the strong tidal currents in the creek". I recall the canoe launch appearing on the sketches we were shown on May 13th. Have steps been taken to mitigate the problem with the strong currents? 

I hope that you will review the information gathered from Wednesday's public meeting and carefully consider any modifications to the Unit Management Plan which might ease the apprehension felt by many of the park's neighbors".

Park Manager, Kevin Patton stated towards the end of the two-hour meeting that periodic prescribed controlled burns that he conducts will result in the park lands functioning better as an ecosystem and being restored to a state earlier peoples saw.

A number of Bald Point residents asked for park help to correct issues they are experiencing with park visitors. Mr. Patton said that the park will work to correct the problems. He further stated that state park law enforcement is now separate from the park system and that neither he nor John Lackich have any involvement with law enforcement staff.

APTA will publish news about Bald Point State Park development plans as it becomes known.

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Posted May 21, 2009

NOTE from APTAWEB: The following article was published on the Oyster Radio web site (www.oysterradio.com) and reports on County Tax Collector, James Harris discussion at Tuesday’s Franklin County Commissioners Meeting.

The date for the Tax Sale is May 29th beginning at 9:00 AM at the Franklin County Courthouse. Go to http://franklincountytaxcollector.com/ for contact info.

County seeks buyers for tax certificates

May 20, 2009

County commissioners have decided to advertise Franklin County’s upcoming tax certificate sale in newspapers in Panama City and Tallahassee. The county is looking at a record number of tax certificates up for sale this year; there are 2452 this year up from 1860 last year. Tax collector James Harris said the unpaid tax certificates equate to several hundred thousand dollars in taxes for the county and it’s important that they be purchased by private citizens. Those that remain unpurchased go to the county, which can mean it will be several years before the county can collect the money. That also puts the county in the uncomfortable position of possibly having to evict people from their homes in the future. Harris said advertising in larger cities near us may bring investors in to purchase up the unpaid tax certificates which would provide the county with revenue much sooner. Harris added that many of the regular investors who buy tax certificates every year may not bid this year because many still hold tax certificates from last year that have not yet been redeemed. The board agreed to place a quarter page advertisement in this Sunday editions of the Panama City News Herald and the Tallahassee Democrat – Commission chairman Smokey Parrish said the county is already looking at big reductions in its budget next year and if the county doesn’t get some collections they’ll be looking at even bigger cuts. Commissioner Cheryl Sanders said it was ironic that the county is seeking people to buy tax certificates this year when 5 or 6 years ago they couldn’t keep them away.

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Posted May 13, 2009 

CPR Class a Success

By Don Munroe, APTA Secretary

Nineteen people attended a certified CPR class held at the Mission by the Sea Church on Saturday April 25, 2009…It was a great success!

As a public service, the Alligator Point Taxpayers Association in partnership with the Alligator Point St. Teresa Volunteer Fire Department made this training available and funded the class so there was no charge for students.

APTA would like to thank Kevin Griffin, President of the Alligator Point St. Teresa Volunteer Fire Department for his help in arranging for this valuable training and also extends a thank you to all the students for attending.

Because of the success of this class a First Aid Class is being considered for a future date.

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Posted May 13, 2009

Margo Pellegrino Makes a Stop at Alligator Point

By Bill Wargo, AP Sea Turtle Patrol

Below is today's article in the Tallahassee Democrat about Margo Pellegrino's kayak journey to save the oceans. Margo made a stop Saturday on Alligator Point and was greeted by volunteers of the Alligator Point Sea Turtle Patrol, Inc. It was a real privilege and pleasure to meet her. It is a very important mission. She stored her kayak at Dean's place and spent the evening at the Cummins home. Saturday, May 9, was also Margo's birthday and Jim Cummins made a home-made birthday cake for the occasion. 

Margo Pellegrino: Mom keeps paddling to save the oceans

May 12, 2009

Tallahassee Democrat

Margo Pellegrino
My View

This Mother's Day, I took a break from a more than 1,000-mile journey in my outrigger canoe and spent a day of rest with my children in Tallahassee. It was just the motivation I needed to carry me on to New Orleans, the final destination of my third major canoe voyage in three years. After all, my two children — 7-year-old Billy and 4-year-old Julia — are my inspiration.

Just a few weeks ago, I hopped in my trusty boat on the Atlantic Coast at Fort Pierce, and I've been steadily working my way toward New Orleans ever since. I've seen alligators in the Everglades, the pure springs of the Three Sisters, stingrays and even monkeys along the Nature Coast.

Last year, I paddled from the Jersey Shore (my home state) to Capitol Hill, and the year before it was a trip from Miami to Maine. No, I'm not training for the Olympics. I'm not a professional athlete. I'm a mom who grew up going to Jersey Shore and cherishes those experiences. I'm a mom who wants my children and grandchildren to know what I have always loved about the ocean. I'm a mom calling for action to save our seas.

So — I keep on paddling.

On this trip, I've partnered with the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Gulf Restoration Network to spread the word about the urgent threats facing our oceans and the need for federal action to revive them.

Like a Clean Air Act for our air, or a Clean Water Act for our fresh water, we need a Healthy Oceans Act for our oceans to promote their health and resilience. And as Congress considers climate legislation — and the state and federal governments prepare plans to address global warming — they must include measures to protect, restore and maintain healthy coastal and ocean ecosystems so they are better able to withstand the effects of climate change.

Along my route and on all of my journeys, I've met hundreds of Americans who share my passion to revive our seas. This is particularly true for Floridians — from Miami to the Keys, Tampa and Tallahassee. Not only are the ocean and the Gulf in your backyards and now in trouble, they are a revenue stream for the state. Millions flock to Florida for its coastal treasures every year, and no state's economy is more dependent on the natural resources of its coastal waters.

Florida's huge tourism economy alone generates more than $63 billion a year and nearly 1 million jobs, and its success relies on clean coasts and healthy seas. But Florida's coral reefs are dying, beaches are eroding, weather is intensifying, oceans are becoming more acidic, and wetlands are disappearing. These effects are only exacerbated by climate change.

It's not too late to give our children and the generations to follow the same experiences we've had with the sea, and to protect Florida's economic engine. On this trip, I've been collecting messages in a giant bottle (literally) from the residents I meet to send to their representatives in Congress.

When I get back on the water this week, I hope you'll join us in calling on our leaders in Washington, to tell them we need their help to protect Florida's jobs, economy and environment. Like my mom told me, and I now tell my children: "You have to clean up your mess." Congress needs to hear our voices as it shapes the future of our seas.

After all, a healthy ocean is one of the best legacies we can leave our children.

Additional Facts

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Margo Pellegrino was at the Capitol on Monday to bring attention to her "Healthy Oceans" cause. As she paddles to New Orleans, you can follow her blogs and videos at http://www.onearth.org/author/healthyoceanspaddle

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Posted April 29, 2009

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Needs Public’s Help

APTAWEB: Paraphrased from an article located at http://www.myfwc.com

Biologists at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC) Fish and Wildlife Research Institute need help from the public in identifying horseshoe crabs spawning on beaches throughout the state.

The best time to find horseshoe crabs spawning is around high tide, right before or just after a full or new moon. Observant beachgoers can report the time, date and location of horseshoe-crab sightings.

Biologists also want to know the number of horseshoe crabs seen by observers and whether the horseshoe crabs are mating. They also want to know the date, time, location and habitat conditions. If possible, specify roughly how many are coupled and how many are juveniles (4 inches wide or smaller).

Go to http://research.MyFWC.com/horseshoe_crab and fill out an online survey; e-mail findings to horseshoe@MyFWC.com;

or call the FWC at 866-252-9326.

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Posted April 29, 2009

NOTE from APTAWEB: The following articles are from the Oyster Radio web site; http://www.oysterradio.com/news.aspx

Murphy Named to AP Water Resource Board

April 29, 2009

Governor Charlie Crist this week reappointed Deanna J. Murphy to the Alligator Point Water Resources Board. Mrs. Murphy is an Alligator Point homeowner who works as a licensed practical nurse with Big Bend Hospice. Her reappointment will keep her on the board until June of 2012.

The Alligator point Water Resources Board oversees operations of the Alligator Point Water District, and sets rates for water users. All members of the three member board are named by the governor.

Firefighters Seek Funding Increase

April 28, 2009

Local volunteer fire departments say they will approach the County Commission in late May to increase MSBU payments assessed to local homeowners. MSBU stands for Municipal Service Benefits Unit. It’s an annual fee paid by every homeowner in the county to help fund Fire and medical rescue units. The fees were last increased in 2002 – that was the first increase since the fees were created in 1987.

Homeowners currently pay 42 dollars per home; commercial establishments pay 75 dollars per building with a maximum annual payment of 200 dollars. Motels and hotels pay 7 dollars a unit with a maximum annual assessment of 300 dollars. In 2002 firefighters were seeking 70 dollars per house as well as an assessment on undeveloped platted lots. They have not yet said what type of increase they will seek this year, but expect to make a formal request to the county commission on May the 19th.

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Posted April 28, 2009

Bald Point State Park Development Plans

Community Meeting

By APTA President, John Murphy

I've scheduled a community meeting with Florida Park Service personnel to discuss development plans for Bald Point State Park. I urge everyone to attend and to get the word out to any friends & neighbors who may have an interest.   

Meeting to discuss the future of Bald Point State Park

7:00 pm, Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Mission By The Sea

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Posted April 21, 2009 

The Minutes for APTA’s March 14, 2009 Meeting are Posted

Click on the Member’s Only Page  

A certified CPR class will be held at the

Mission by the Sea Church on Saturday April 25, 2009,

starting at 9:00AM.

See April 3rd News article for details

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Posted April 21, 2009

Northwest Florida Transportation Corridor Authority

April 16th Meeting Notes

By APTAWEB 

Maurice Langston, a member of the Authority from Wakulla County, conducted the meeting as the Chairman, Randall A. McElheney (Bay County) and Vice Chairman, Jay A. Odom (Okaloosa County) were not present. Because there was not a quorum, voting did not take place. Mr. Langston opened the meeting with new business. 

Jason Alderman with the FDOT spoke about the SIS Update plan (Strategic Intermodel System) and affirmed with the Authority members that they were aware of the program. He noted that www.sisupdate.org is a good place to get up-to-date information. 

Ray Reisener with HDR, stated that the proposed Master Plan will be presented at the next NWFTCA meeting scheduled May 21, 2009 in Ft. Walton Beach and stated that any changes that Authority members wish to make to the plan be made now. Mr. Langston, speaking for Wakulla County, suggested that meetings be conducted with local officials to brief them on the current plan and to ask for their comment. 

Regarding the Franklin County Update, Mr. Reisener said that projects in Franklin County are federal-aid projects and because of this, the USDOT will only work through the Florida DOT to get funding and not through the Authority itself. Commissioner Cheryl Sanders stated that the priority in Franklin County is for North-South safe evacuation routes. She pointed out that things have changed in Franklin County regarding a major developer and stated that citizens support North-South routes. Commissioner Sanders asked Ray to keep her informed. 

Mr. Langston opened the floor to public comment. Ann Maruszak was the only one from the public to offer comment. She thanked Commissioner Sanders for her comments and said she believed citizens in the Alligator Point communities support North-South evacuation routes. Most of those in attendance were those in transportation who are tracking the progress of the proposed projects.  

Although the meeting was scheduled for two hours, it ended after 30 minutes. The next meeting is May 21, 2009 in Ft. Walton Beach. Go to www.nwftca.com for details.  

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Posted April 15, 2009

Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve

Announces Three Classes

The Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve announces three Panhandle Habitat Series classes this spring, including a brand new class, Sandhills and Steepheads.

If you wish to be put on a mailing list to receive information about future classes sponsored by the ANERR please contact Coastal Training Program Coordinator, Rosalyn Kilcollins, Rosalyn.Kilcollins@dep.state.fl.us

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Posted April 15, 2009

FSU Coastal and Marine Lab

OPEN HOUSE!

April 18, 2009 10am - 3pm

3618 Coastal Highway, St. Teresa

(Intersection of HWY 98 and 319 Between Panacea and Carrabelle)

For more information go to:

http://www.marinelab.fsu.edu/outreach/openhouse.aspx

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Posted April 15, 2009

Sea Turtles and Wildlife Friendly Lighting Workshop

By Bill Wargo

May 7, 2009 at 2:00 PM

St. George Island Volunteer Fire Department

Learn about threatened and endangered sea turtles that nest on St. George Island and other beaches in Franklin County, the effects of different types of lights on the turtles and what lights work best for sea turtles AND people.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the St. George Island Volunteer Turtlers, and Sea Turtles at Risk , Inc. are offering a 2-hour workshop on Sea Turtles and Lighting.

The workshop will include examples of different lights appropriate for beachfront development and how property owners, managers and commercial businesses can change or install sea turtle friendly lights.

The workshop will start at 2:00pm, May 7, 2009. It will be held at the St. George Island Volunteer Fire Dept., East Pine Street Station, Please RSVP or if you have questions: Bruce Drye, SGIVT, 850-927-2103 or bdrye@gtcom.net

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Posted April 14, 2009

NOTE from APTAWEB: APTA members and Franklin County residents are strongly urged to attend NWFTCA meetings. Meetings rotate among the counties involved in this project and often involve extended drive times. Because of its proximity please attend this meeting if you are able to; only nine meetings are scheduled this year.

Northwest Florida Transportation Corridor Authority Meeting

April 16, 2009 at 10:00 a.m.

Wakulla County Commission Chamber Room

Agenda

There will be a meeting of The Northwest Florida Transportation Corridor Authority on Thursday, April 16, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. EST located at the Wakulla County Commission Chamber Room, 29 Arran Road, Crawfordville, Florida 32327. Any person requiring special accommodations to participate in this meeting is asked to advise the Corridor Authority at least 48 hours prior to the meeting by contacting Amber Perryman at 850-215-4081 or by email at Amber.Perryman@hdrinc.com.

Northwest Florida Transportation Corridor Authority

http://www.nwftca.com

US 98 Franklin County

http://www.us98-franklin.com

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Posted April 8, 2009

Sea Turtle Awareness Tour

Free Concert Series for Sea Turtle Education featuring Ma Muse

By Bill Wargo, AP Sea Turtle Patrol

Click here for more details about concerts located in the Florida Panhandle and other locales.

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Posted April 3, 2009

CPR Class Scheduled for Alligator Point

By Don Munroe, APTA Secretary

A certified CPR class will be held at the Mission By the Sea Church on Saturday morning April 25, 2009, starting at 9:00AM. 

As a public service, the Alligator Point Taxpayers Association in partnership with the Alligator Point St. Teresa Volunteer Fire Department has made available this training at no charge for students.

We would like to have as many people as possible to pre-register to attend training, but walk-in's are welcome. To pre-register, please contact Don Munroe at 850-656-4524 or e-mail donmunroe@embarqmail.com.

APTA would like to thank Kevin Griffin, President of the Alligator Point St. Teresa Volunteer Fire Department for his help in arranging for this valuable training.

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Posted March 25, 2009

Note from APTAWEB: The following information was provided by Rosalyn F. Kilcollins, Coastal Training Program Coordinator, Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve

Events Announced by the

Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve

Join us some fun programs this spring. They are listed is below and flyers are attached. Please post the flyers, include these events in calendars and share with others who may be interested.   

Beach Walk: March 27, 2009, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (EASTERN TIME) St. George Island State Park at the Picnic Pavilion closest to the restrooms (park entrance fee waived) Learn about things you find along the Gulf shore, the natural history, geology, waves, tides, and currents of our ever-changing beaches. Contact Rosalyn Kilcollins at (850) 653-8063 or Rosalyn.kilcollins@dep.state.fl.us

Stargazing & Einstein’s Special Theory of Relativity: March 31, 7:30 to 9:30 P.M. Eastern Time at Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve’s Nature Center Learn about light, time & relativity as this mind boggling theory unfolds before you. Then go outside to view constellations, stars, planets and more… Bring a flashlight & be prepared to walk about ½ a mile. Contact Alan at (850) 653-8063 or Alan.Knothe@dep.state.fl.us

 Shark Awareness Program: Thurs, April 16, 2009, 7:00-9:00 p.m. (EASTERN) Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve’s Nature Center Learn about common species, life history and biology, how to avoid conflicts with sharks, and frequently asked questions. Meet Shark Biologist, Dr. Dean Grubbs and see shark items on display. Contact Rosalyn Kilcollins at (850) 653-8063 or Rosalyn.kilcollins@dep.state.fl.us

 Peak of Migration Bird Walk: April 22, 2009 (EARTH DAY!) 8:00 - 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time at St. George Island State Park Youth Camp Join expert birder Alan Knothe for a walk on the wild side. Learn to identify the birds, hunt for rarities, and learn bird natural history. Contact Alan at (850) 653-8063 or Alan.Knothe@dep.state.fl.us

 St. Joe Bay Walk: Thurs, April 23, 2009, 2:00-4:-00 p.m. (EASTERN TIME) St. Joseph Peninsula State Park Parking Lot at Eagle Harbor (park entrance fee waived) Fun walk in the St. Joe Bay at St. Joseph Peninsula State Park will explore coastal ecosystems with hands-on activities, wading in shallow water, pulling nets, and bottom sampling. Contact Rosalyn Kilcollins at (850) 653-8063 or Rosalyn.kilcollins@dep.state.fl.us

 Stargazing & The Thousand Yard Model: April 29, 7:30 to 9:30 P.M. Eastern Time at St. George Island State Park at the first set of pavilions on the Gulf side (park entrance fee waived)  Be amazed as the massive size of the solar system hits home when you walk it out to scale. Learn interesting facts about the planets, moons, the sun and other objects, then view constellations, stars, planets and more… Bring a flashlight & be prepared to walk about one mile. Contact Alan at (850) 653-8063 or Alan.Knothe@dep.state.fl.us 

    All programs are FREE & Open to the Public

    For Directions and More Info: Contact Alan or Rosalyn at (850) 653-8063

Rosalyn F. Kilcollins

Coastal Training Program Coordinator

Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve

261 7th Street

Apalachicola, FL 32320

850-653-8063 ext. 13

The Department of Environmental Protection values your feedback as a customer. DEP Secretary Michael W. Sole is committed to continuously assessing and improving the level and quality of services provided to you. Please take a few minutes to comment on the quality of service you received. Simply click on this link to the DEP Customer Survey. Thank you in advance for completing the survey.

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Posted March 25, 2009

NOTE from APTAWEB: The advisory was distributed by the Franklin County Emergency Management Office.

BURN ADVISORY

FRANKLIN COUNTY

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

28 Airport Road

Apalachicola, Florida 32320

(850) 653-8977, Fax (850) 653-3643

em3frank@gtcom.net

Date: March 24, 2009

Franklin County Emergency Management is issuing a burn advisory to all of Franklin County.

A wildfire, inadvertently started by a careless camper, burned 75 acres just west of Apalachicola over the week end.

The Florida Panhandle and Franklin County are presently experiencing drought conditions that are likely to continue throughout the spring months due to high winds and low relative humidity. 

The Carrabelle Division of the Dept. of Forestry, the Franklin County United Firefighters, the Franklin County Sheriffs Office and the each of the Franklin County Commissioners urge all citizens to check with the Division of Forestry before considering open pile burning and remind everyone to never leave a fire unattended. 

Please make sure that when you put your fire out, it’s 'DEAD OUT'!

Pamela Register

Director

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Posted March 25, 2009

Robberies and Vandalism Reported

Robberies and vandalism in our community continue to be reported to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office. Recently two boats were taken from under a resident’s house. The boats were later recovered at a nearby state park minus their engines. Damaged mailboxes have also been reported.

APTA hopes to have Sherriff Shiver attend an APTA meeting soon and is considering other means to assist in the matter.

Please evaluate security for your property and take appropriate action.

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Posted March 25, 2009

NOTE from APTAWEB: The following article was published on the Oyster Radio Web Site.

Schedule Set for Roadside Debris Pickup

March 23, 2009

Franklin County commissioners have approved a new schedule for roadside debris pickup in the county. The county solid waste department provides the service of picking up yard trash and some other items from area right of ways, but county solid waste director Van Johnson said last Tuesday that due to a staff shortage at the landfill the pickups will now adhere to a strict schedule.

The schedule will have solid waste workers in Alligator Point, St. James and Lanark Village during the first week of the month, in Carrabelle the second week, Eastpoint and St. George Island during the third week of the month and Apalachicola during the fourth week.

Johnson said the new schedule will save the county on fuel costs, labor and equipment expenses. It will also give residents a clear idea of when the pickups are so they may be less inclined to leave piles of yard trash on the roadside for weeks at a time.

There are limits to what the county will pick up.

The policy is any pile of yard trash measuring more than 6 cubic yards should be hauled to the landfill by the landowner. The county will pick up furniture, fences and broken lumber, but will not pick up construction debris, demolition debris or land clearing debris. The county will also pick up household goods like old mattresses and even appliances like refrigerators and washing machines but will not take hazardous waste like paint or pesticide, or special waste like used tires and abandoned vehicles.

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