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June is National Homeownership Month! It celebrates the value that owning a home brings to families, communities, and neighborhoods across America. It helps spread the joys of being a homeowner and encourages others to achieve the same thing. Did you know that most Americans had no way of owning a home in the 1800s? Mortgages became common after the U.S. banking system came into being as a result of the 1860s National Bank Acts.
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The 29th Annual Wellborn Blueberry Festival is happening this weekend! Visit the beautiful community of Wellborn on June 3rd to enjoy a juicy day all about blueberries. The day kicks off with a $5 Blueberry Pancake Breakfast; the pancakes will be available from 7-10 am at three locations: the Wellborn Baptist Church, behind the Fire Station near the country store, and the Wellborn Community Association Center.
The Festival will run from 7am-4pm at the Community Center. There will be over 100 artists and craftsmen, a parade, a classic car show, live entertainment, a kids’ games, a petting zoo, and pony rides. And, of course, there will be all things blueberry: bushes, jams, jellies, pies, cobblers and ice cream. Parking is available at the Masonic Lodge on 137 and the Wellborn Baptist Church, with a trolley service to transport visitors from the festival grounds. Learn more about the Festival by visiting the event website here.
on The former Boarshead property located on Front Beach Road in Panama City Beach will be revived as McGuire’s Irish Pub!
The lot has been vacant since Hurricane Michael in 2018. The McGuire parent company purchased the location last week; they estimate renovations will take around 12 months. A tentative opening goal for fall 2024 has been announced.
This will be the third McGuire’s Irish pub in Florida. The first was opened in 1977 in Pensacola. A second was opened in Destin circa 1996. The franchise offers steak, seafood, Irish cuisine, and pub fare. McGuire’s also operates a brewery; they regularly produce five beers, one seasonal beer variety, and a root beer. Visit their website here to learn more.
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The Marianna Police Department is stepping up on enforcement for the Memorial Day “Click It or Ticket” campaign. Happening now, the campaign will run until May 30, 2023. It’s an almost month-long endeavor designed to remind motorists to buckle up for safety. The “Click It or Ticket” campaign advocates for buckling-for-safety via 1) education and 2) law enforcement.
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The Blue Crab Festival is coming to the small town of Palatka this Memorial Weekend. From May 26-28th, enjoy a three-day festival of fresh seafood, carnival rides, live music, fireworks, and a Memorial Day parade. Live music will be brought to you by Molly Hatchet, the Ying Yang Twins, and the Sugar Hill Gang. There will also be a kids’ zone. Come down to enjoy the riverfront and a family-friendly festival! Visit the Festival website here for more information.
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Today is World Turtle Day! This annual event was created to celebrate, raise awareness, and advocate for the conservation of turtles and tortoises worldwide. Turtles and tortoises are associated with wisdom and perseverance in human fables, tales, and stories. In nature, they act as keystone species and indicators of an ecosystem’s health.
Gopher Tortoises, for instance, dig extensive burrows that save over 350 different species during forest fires. Sea turtles help keep sea kelp heathy and act as key prey and/or predator during their lifecycle. To celebrate, learn more by visiting the official World Turtle Day website OR support local turtle conservation efforts like the Navarre Conservation Center by browsing their website, donating to their organization, or visiting their Center.
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The Jacksonville Jazz Festival has a rich, forty-year history of showcasing smooth beats and imaginative solos. It’s the largest free music festival and features three days of live music on TWO different stages. Some of the 2023 performers will include Wynton Marsalis, Samara Joy, Shemekia Copeland, the U.S. Army Ambassadors Jazztet, Marcus Miller, Larry Carlton, and The Dirty Dozen Brass Band.
Come out from May 25-28th to enjoy the festival. There will also be a piano competition, a jazz marketplace, food, and more! Come down to Downtown Jacksonville to enjoy a sunny weekend of groovy music and family fun. Learn more by visiting the official Festival website.
on The Marianna Chick-fil-A is hosting its first-ever event today from 9am to 10am. Bring your little princess to have Breakfast with a Princess this morning!
on Here in the Florida Panhandle, May weather can be hard to pinpoint when attempting to work in the garden. Here are some tips for making the most of your veggie garden in May:
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The Flower Farm Tour is back! Hosted by Black Barn Blossoms and Fussell’s Daylily Farm, the Tour will be held on Saturday, May 27th from 9am-3pm. Admission to the two flower farms will be FREE; bring cash or a card for on-site plants, flowers, and food trucks. There will also be farm tours and workshops. Come out for a lovely day enjoying the local community and the weekend sun.
Learn more and stay up-to-date with event announcements by visiting the Facebook event page.