Author: Debbie Roney Smith

Real Florida Reader

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Florida State Parks is partnering with the Florida Department of State, Florida’s Bureau of Library Development, and local libraries throughout the state to offer Real Florida Reader day passes so families and individuals can continue their learning adventure while exploring new places. Head to your nearest public library and check out a book to get started on your #RealFloridaReader day pass. Both the library card and day pass are free! Each pass covers one vehicle entrance fee (with up to eight people inside).

The pass is for day-use only and does not include camping registration, equipment rentals, or any other fees. Please note that Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife, Skyway Fishing Pier, and Weeki Wachee Springs state parks are excluded from this promotion. Hurry to your local library now, pick up a new read, and head to your favorite state park! The promotion ends on September 12th, 2022. Find out more at FloridaStateParks.org/RealFloridaReader.

Pollinator Class in Fountain

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Photo was taken at Sandhills Native Nursery

June 20-26th is National Pollinator Week! The week is dedicated to bringing awareness and support to all types of pollinators from bees to wasps and more. Sandhills Native Nursery is hosting a special two-day Pollinator Class this weekend to celebrate.

Visit the nursery amongst the beautiful sandhills of Fountain this Friday or Saturday to learn more about pollinators, see the array of glorious summer native flowers blooming in the heat, and receive a special 20% off your total purchase order (valid day of class only). The nursery encourages you to come prepared for the heat: bring sunscreen, a hat, neck fans, fluids, or anything else you may need to help keep you cool! There will be cold water and Gatorade on hand to refill empty bottles and a few standing fans. The class will be held in the shady areas available at the nursery to help prevent anyone from overheating. 

Visit the official Sandhills Native Nursery Facebook page to stay up-to-date with events, hours, and more!

Marianna Farmers Market & Family Fun

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The annual Melons in the Park is coming to the Marianna City Farmers Market this Saturday, June 25th! Alongside the traditional wares offered at the weekly farmers market, the event will have kids’ activities, raffles, and more vendors than usual. The raffle includes a craft basket and a food basket, both worth $100 with a ticket price of only $1! The kids’ activities include face painting, door prizes, a seed spitting contest, and a coloring tent.

Panama City Park Volunteer Event

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Living Healthy Simplified has changed its weekly volunteer hours at the local C.M. Kidd Harris Park due to the high heat index. Join them on Wednesday, June 22nd at 7 AM. The group plans to work on mulching, staining park swings and signs, adding more plants, and adding vegetable signage.

Living Healthy recommends you bring water, sunscreen, bug spray, and a hat to protect yourself. Additionally, it would be appreciated but is not required for you to bring gloves, shovels, paint brushes, ladders, or cardboard (non-shiny) to share. Learn more about Living Healthy Simplified and the excellent work they are doing in the community by visiting their Facebook page here. If you are interested in joining the fledging organization as a volunteer, request to join their volunteer Facebook page here to stay up-to-date with events and more! C.M. Kidd Harris Park is located at 221 College Ave in Panama City. 

 

Nationwide Launch of 988

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In one month, on July 16th, a new hotline for mental health will launch nationwide! Congress mandated the launch of the 988 emergency number in 2020. However, financial funding was left in the hands of each individual state which delayed its establishment.

Since 2008, suicide has ranked as the tenth leading cause of death in the United States.(1) The 988 hotline is designed to assist in suicide prevention and other mental health emergencies. It will provide 24/7, free, and confidential support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress works. 

BINGO in Calhoun County

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The Calhoun County Senior Center is once again hosting BINGO nights! Every Thursday night from 5 – 8 PM, there will be BINGO, quarter games, and concessions. Participants must be at least 18 years old to play. The Senior Center will be hosting these events and is a nonsmoking venue. Proceeds from BINGO nights go towards the Calhoun County Senior Citizens. Come out for a night of fun, food, and fundraising!

Summer Music Series in Apalachicola

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The Apalachicola Margaret Key Public Library is hosting a Summer Music Series on select dates from June to July. The series will be held at the library on Fridays from 6-8 PM. The first Summer Music event will be held on June 17th. It will feature Betsy Crabb and Gill Autrey. Click on the photo below to see the full series schedule.

Art & Golf Classes for Kids

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First Presbyterian Church in Marianna is hosting beginner golf lessons and art classes for local kids this summer. Enrollment is limited to the first dozen kids to be signed up for each of the courses.

The golf lessons are for children in grades 3-6. They will be hosted by MHS golfer Cole Payne and assisted by Bill Stevens. Golf lessons will be held on June 13, June 20, and July 11 from 10 a.m. to noon. To sign up or for more information about the golf classes, call 850-526-2430 or 850-765-3659. Children can also be enrolled for golf via email at fpcmarianna@gmail.com.

The art classes are for children in grades 2-5. They will be taught by Anna Barber and assisted by Aggie Shack. The classes will be on July 12, July 19, and July 26 from 10 a.m. to noon. The classes will be held in the fellowship hall of First Presbyterian Church at the corner of Jefferson and Clinton Streets. To sign up or for more information about the art classes, call 850-526-2430 or 850-765-3659, or email fpcmarianna2gmail.com.

Concerts in the Park

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Today is the kickoff night for Concerts in the Park. Come down to Madison Street Park at 6 pm for food, fun, and music. Bring a blanket or folding chairs to enjoy the Killin’ Time Band while enjoying Lydia’s Mexican Food Truck and The Ice Box. This is the first summer concert being held by Mainstreet Marianna; come out to The Mere on July 3rd and Blue Springs Recreational Park on August 4th. The First Baptist Church of Marianna will be providing children’s entertainment. 

Fernandina Beach Pride

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After a two-year hiatus due to Coronavirus, Fernandina Beach will be hosting its second annual Pride Parade and Festival. The event will be held on June 11th from 10 am – 6 pm. Fernandina Beach Pride will kick off with the parade before hosting a plethora of other fun activities. There will be live music, food trucks, arts and crafts vendors, and more! Come down to Central Park, Fernandina for a fantastic day celebrating the local and surrounding LGBTQ+ community!

Learn more by visiting the official event website HERE.