Now is the perfect time to begin planting your garden for the summer haul! April is a good time to transplant gingers, roselle, and tomatoes. If you have any starters ready to put in the ground, now’s the time! April is also a good time to transplant long squash, luffa, papaya, Seminole pumpkin, and sweet potatoes; however, these baby plants are still a little sensitive to the weather, so be sure to watch these transplants carefully after planting them. There is also a number of seeds that can be planted in April including beans (bush, lima, pole), cantaloupes, corn, cucumbers, okra, peanuts, peas, squashes, and watermelons.
If you’d like to begin preparing for May planting, consider starting tropical spinaches, pigeon pea, amaranth, calabaza, Seminole pumpkin, or sweet potatoes inside the home or in a greenhouse. This way they have time to root properly before it is time to transplant them in May. For more detailed information about gardening in the Florida Panhandle, visit THIS LINK to access the UF | IFAS Extension North Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide.
National School Librarian Day is observed internationally on April 4th. The importance of school librarians is often overlooked by the general population. However, since 1992, school library impact studies have consistently shown positive correlations between high-quality library programs and higher student achievement (
Florida State University’s “Flying High” Circus was originally founded in 1947 as an opportunity to help men and women integrate when the university became a co-ed institution. The extracurricular program exploded, thriving off students exploring their skills in more than 20 different circus acts. Students also learn how to rig their own equipment, sew their own costumes, and handle all production aspects for the annual performances. The performances take place under the campus’ Big Top, located near the stadium. 
Jackson County is home to numerous historic sites, one of which is the Historical Russ House. Built in the 1890s, it underwent significant remodeling in 1910. Russ House is one of the most beautiful Classical Revival/Queen Anne homes in the U.S.A. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the home is available for rent for meetings, showers, weddings, and more. The house also functions as Jackson County’s official Visitor Center. Interested in renting or scheduling a tour of the Historical Russ House? Contact the home at (850) 482 – 8061. The House is open to the general public Monday-Friday. 
First Assembly Marianna is hosting a Spring FAMfest on April 2nd from 3-5 pm. It’s a free, family-friendly event. There will be games, food, prizes, facepaint, a kidzone, balloon art, inflatables, AND pictures with the Easter Bunny. Come out and experience FAMily. Located at 4186 Lafayette Street in Marianna. 
The Florida State Bluegrass Festival & Chili Cookoff is coming to the charming small town of Perry (March 31 – April 1). This is one of the biggest events of the year for the town, bringing in thousands of tourists. There will be live music, a chili cookoff, free Moon Pies, a kids’ zone, crafts, and more! The music lineup includes Rhonda Vincent, Appalachian Road Show, Kenny Stinson, The Tim Shelton Sydicate, David Adkins, and Rekindled Grass. A two-day pass will be $40.00 in advance (via online purchase) or $45.00 at the gate. A one-day pass for Friday costs $20.00 while a Saturday pass is $30.00. Learn more about vendors and show times by clicking 
Come out to the Tallahassee Museum to enjoy a two-day jazz, swing, and rhythm and blues music festival on March 25th-26th, 2023 from 11am-5pm! The Tallahassee Museum, located on an 1880s farm, is home to one of the town’s most beautiful outdoor concert venues. Guests are encouraged to bring camp chairs or blankets to enjoy the music. There will be music, food, adult beverages, and historical activities. View the full lineup at the festival website