1 year after Hurricane Michael and stores are reopening! Big Lots and Bealls Outlet in Marianna are opening this week. They are located on US-90. Happy Shopping!
Bealls Re-Opening~Oct. 10th and Big Lots Grand Opening ~Oct. 12th
on Author: Debbie Roney Smith
on Panama City Beach
on Panama City Beach is a resort town in Bay County on the Gulf of Mexico Coast. It became officially incorporated in 1909. It averages 13 feet above sea level. The area was founded by loyalists during the Revolutionary War. They utilized the land to grow indigo and to develop prosperous industries, like naval stores and lumbering. Later, during the Civil War, the fishing village of St. Andrew housed fisheries and saltworks that were destroyed by the Union. And when World War II happened the population boomed thanks to the increase in industrialism. George Mortimer West is credited with the name of the town. He wanted to spur more real estate in the country, and people were interested in the area thanks to the Panama Canal. If a line was drawn from Chicago to Panama, this city was right in the pathway, hence Panama City.
Panama City and Panama City Beach may be coastal neighbors but the two cities are totally unique. This is cause for confusion in many conversations. They both have beaches and are separated by the St. Andrews Bay along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Panama City is larger and the more historic of the two. While Panama City Beach seems to be the more well known. Panama City came first and it was decades later after the St. Andrews Bay Bridge was built connecting the mainland to the barrier islands. They are both referred to often by just Panama City.
Panama City is the largest city between Pensacola and Tallahassee. The town has an arts and theater district, entertainment hub, shopping district, and a small handful of college campuses. Four marinas and miles of coastline along the St. Andrews Bay.
Panama City Beach is a globally renowned tourist destination, appearing in rankings for its stellar beaches and family-friendly amenities like amusement parks and mini golf courses. It’s also bracketed by state parks, giving plenty of opportunities to swim, fish, hike, and sightsee in nature. Also in the 90’s it became a hot spot for Spring Breakers.
This is one of Florida’s most popular tourist spots. Sunny beaches and countless seasonal events bring people from all over. You can find many family-friendly activities to help celebrate the history. Historic St. Andrews is a must see. The community has a free guided walking tour that leads throughout the town and lets you in on all the historical locations. Panama City Publishing Museum can’t be missed either. This attraction was built by George Mortimer West and was home to the city’s first newspaper. Admission is free here as well. Be sure to visit the Bay County Historical Museum, yes this too is free. It is only open 3 days a week so check before you head there. This museum has been preserving and displaying historical documents and items for over 75 years. September through May they also host a regular lecture series. One more fun historical site is the Robert Lee McKenzie House. Robert was the first mayor of Panama City and was also a state representative. Some may remember him from putting together the Gulf Coast Development Company, pushing the city to become the coastal center it is today.
Care giver support group~1st Thursday for day(or 2nd Thursday for evening) monthly in Jackson County
on The first Thursday of every month they have a daytime caregiver support group at the First Presbyterian Church at 2898 Jefferson St. in Marianna. The day support group meets from 10am to 12pm on the first Thursday of every month and the evening support group meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month from 4:30pm to 5:30pm. This is a time to get to know your fellow caregivers and to share and learn from them. They exchange ideas and resources. This group addresses any form of caregiving and is open to all. For more information about this group please contact Chris at 850-557-9405.
The dictionary definition of caregiver is a family member or paid helper who regularly looks after a child or a sick, elderly, or disabled person. The legal definition is someone, typically over age 18, who provides care for another. It may be a person who is responsible for the direct care, protection, and supervision of children in a child care home, or someone who tends to the needs of the elderly or disabled. A caregiver has many jobs and does everything for the one they are caring for. From making doctor appointments, to bathing and feeding them. While caring for a loved one can be very rewarding it also involves many stressors. Caregiver burnout is very real. It is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion. Burnout can occur when caregivers don’t get the help they need, or if they try to do more than they are able, physically or financially. Here are a few simple ways to care for caregivers: ~Laugh about something everyday. ~Eat a well-balanced diet. ~Talk with someone every day. ~Give yourself persmission to cry. ~Excercise. ~Get adequate rest.
“There are only four types of people in this world. Those who have been caregivers. Those who are currently caregivers. Those who will be caregivers, and those who will need a caregiver.” ~Rosalyn Carter.
Calendar for October for Senior Citizens located in Marianna
on Jackson County Senior Citizens is located at 2931 Optimist Drive in Marianna. They have in home services as well and you can call 800-963-5337 or the local number at 850-482-5028. They have art classes, fish frys, potlucks, bingo, movie day, and educational days. Be sure to give them a call at the local number for more information. They serve lunch Tuesday through Friday unless they are having a event or it is a holiday.
October 5th~ Something for everyone to do!
on Saturday, October 5th is a busy day in the panhandle. Hopefully there is something for everyone to enjoy. Be sure to read under each photo for information and as always check with the actual event to make sure it is still going on and specifics for your day of fun!
October 4th~festivals and a yard sale
on Friday, October 4th is the start of a full weekend! Petoberfest has been planned for months now with signs everywhere, but if you haven’t heard about it yet or just want more details read under the photo. And the 41st Destin Seafood Festival kicks off on Friday night and lasts till Sunday. Plus a yard sale that is actually starting today!
October
on October is the 10th month of the year and has 31 days. With the month of October, autumn moves into full swing. Who doesn’t like putting on a sweater and talking a walk through the leaves in the crisp air. With the autumnal equinox in late September, foliage season has officially began around much of the US. The foliage color is triggered by the amount of daylight not the weather. Fall is the best time to plant garlic and bulbs for spring. The birthstone of October is opal which symbolizes faithfulness and confidence.
October is a full month in the panhandle. We have fall festivals, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, Halloween and trick or treating, and the 1 year anniversary of Hurricane Michael. Be sure to check the blog regularly for details.
October 31st, the last day in October is Halloween and also National knock-knock jokes day. Here’s one for you. Knock-knock. Who’s there? A broken pencil. A broken pencil who? Nevermind… it’s pointless.
A few folklore for the season: ~When deer are in a gray coat in October, expect a hard winter. ~A warm October means a cold February. Much wind in October, much wind in December.
BURN BAN for Jackson County~today till conditions improve
on The burn ban got voted on today Monday, September 30th and will be lifted as soon as conditions improve and there is more rainfall. In a special commission meeting this morning a burn ban was suggested by Fire Chief Charlie Brunner for Jackson County. The ban includes outdoor cooking fires, camp fires, and all yard burning. The fire department has responded to 52 outdoor fires in Jackson County since September 13th.
Blountstown in Calhoun County also has a burn ban.
According to the Florida Forest Service website Holmes and Washington County also have a burn ban as of September 25th.
You can always call you local city/county fire department to determine if a local burn ban is in place where you live before you burn.
September is Preparedeness Month
on It is the last day of September already! This month has flown by. Summer has come and gone and fall has arrived. Well, the calendar says that even if the weather doesn’t. It has been HOT and DRY. We are still in hurricane season and September is Preparedness Month. Even though it is the last day it is never to late for a few reminders to help your family stay safe year around!
National Preparedness Month culminates on September 30th with National Preparedness Day, the national day of action. Step 1~Learn your risks and responses. Sign up for emergency alerts, learn where your local shelters are and what kind of national disasters happen in your area. Step 2~Make a plan! Make sure to include kids and pets. Step 3~Build a supply kit. They recommend 3 to 7 days of food and water for each person. Don’t forget medicines, first aid, and batteries. Step 4~Get Involved. Find opportunities to support community preparedness. There are many ways to get involved before disaster strikes. ex. Red Cross, Neighborhood Watch.
*Reporting emergencies: ~Call 911 if you are in immediate danger, if someone is injured, has troubling breathing, or in unconscious. ~To report oil, chemical or hazardous substance releases or spills call the National Response Center at 800-424-8802. ~Pesticide poisoning call 800-222-1222.
*Download the FEMA app for disaster resources, weather alerts, and safety tips.
Below are some photos with more planning ideas. Be safe!
The Sheltering Tree Pregnacy Care Center~Panama City
on The Sheltering Tree which is a pregnancy care center located at 1616 Cincinnati Ave. in Panama City, however Hurricane Michael brought its services to a halt. They basically have had to start from scratch. They were able to help some along the way however now that they have reopened they can do so much more. The Sheltering Tree works to give women in need a safe and confident place to prepare for motherhood. They have maternity clothes, pregnancy tests, bottles, wipes, diapers, formula, food, car seats, strollers, basically anything you would need for a newborn baby or toddler. A long with the supplies they offer love, hugs, spiritual needs, confidential counseling, and a listening ear. They average 5 new moms a day walking in the doors and they ask for nothing in return.
They are always looking for volunteers, donations, and places of businesses or church groups to organize food/clothing drives. Please contact them for more information.
The hours are Monday and Tuesday from 9am to 12pm. and Wednesday from 11am to 2pm. The phone number is 850-763-1433.
