Author: Debbie Roney Smith

Summer Reading Program

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The Marianna library’s Summer Reading Program starts Monday, June 6th, and will run until July 22th. There will Take and Make packets available for children and adults for the duration of the program. Take and Make packets will be divided into 4 age groups: Ages 0-5, Ages 6-12, Teens, and Adults. The packets are filled with fun information on the program and crafts. This year’s program is ocean-themed with stories, games, experiments, crafts, and more. They hope to “SEA” you there!

Check out their website at

Boat Lake, Chipley

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Summer is coming to Florida! Visit the blue-green waters and the white sand beach of Boat Lake, Chipley. Boat Lake is one of Washington County’s most gorgeous and natural sandhill lakes. Go swimming, enjoy the shady oaks, take a picnic, play beach volleyball, and enjoy the concession stand. Be sure to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen! 

Big River Honey

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Big River Honey is a harvesting and processing company that specializes in Tupelo honey. Tupelo honey is “extracted from [the] beehives which have been floated to the dense tupelo groves on barges and by spinning honeycomb in stainless steel centrifuge extractors.” Big River Honey The raw honey produced is left unheated and unfiltered and contains some bee pollen and beeswax. This means the honey not only contains all its original nutrients but also carries a “distinctively rich taste”Big River Honey that is highly favored. Big River Honey sells Tupelo honey and skincare; visit their official website HERE to place an order online or learn more about the company and its products.

Exciting news for Jackson County – Big River Honey is coming to Endeavor Property! Unfortunately, the building the company intends to rent needs some work done on the roof before they can officially move in and open. Officials are hopeful that the opening of Big River Honey will help the growth of the property. 

New Cafe in Chipley!

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Help Chipley welcome home a new coffee house and cafe – The Ugly Mug Coffee & Cafe! It is run by the owners of The Market On 7th Street. The menu features coffee favorites, sandwiches, soups, and salads. The Ugly Mug is located at 1306 North Railroad Ave in Downtown Chipley. Stop in and check them out or visit them at their Facebook page HERE. 

Four Farm Flower Tour

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This Saturday from 9 am to 3 pm, four flower farms in the general vicinity of Bay, Washington, and Holmes Counties will be hosting a one-day special tour. The four farms include Black Barns Blossoms, Fussell’s Daylily Farm, No Place Like Holmes Farm, and Southern Grace Lavender Farm. They all provide fresh, locally grown plants and/or flowers, and some of them will have other wares available during the Four Farm Flower Tour. The tour is free to attend and is entirely customizable to your interests and time. You will be given a map of all participating locations at your first stop of the day; you may begin at any of the four farms and spend as much time as you wish at each location.

Black Barn Blossoms: Food Trucks, Seating Areas, Restroom, Guided Garden Tours, Fresh Bouquets, Cut Flower Bar, You-Pick Flower Garden, Gift Shop

Fussell’s Daylily Farm: Daylily Plants, Refreshments, Restroom, Seating Areas Throughout Garden

No Place Like Holmes Farm: Kids Activities and Play Area, Cattle Train, Mining Sluice, You Pick Flower Field, Gift Shop, Picnic Area, Restroom

Southern Grace Lavender Farm: Lavender Plants, All Natural Lavender Products, Gift Shop, Seating & Picnic Areas, Restroom, Hand Wash Station, Dog Park

Learn more by visiting the event website HERE or the Facebook event page HERE. 

Blue Acres Berries 2022 Season

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Local Snead’s blueberry farm, Blue Acres Berries, is once again open for blueberry season. U-pick blueberries will begin Thursday, May 26th, and last until July. Hours will be 8 am – 7 pm. The farm features five Rabbiteye varieties: Climax, Brightwell, Tifblue, Savory, and Premier. The price for u-pick berries is $12/gallon; you can also have the farm pick the berries for you for $21/gallon. 

Magnolia Market

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The 2nd Annual Magnolia Market will be held on May 28th. The event is still accepting vendors. If you are interested in selling your wares at Magnolia Market, fill out THIS online form.

The Market will be open from 4-8 pm CST at Magnolia Square Park in Blountstown. The event features arts & crafts, clothing, jewelry, produce, meats, kids’ activities, music, and food trucks. Learn more about the participating vendors and stay up-to-date by visiting the Facebook event page HERE. 

Marianna Community Calendar 2023

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The Pilot Club of Marianna is taking orders for the 2023 Community Calendar until June 15. The calendar will include anniversaries, memorial dates, and birthdays of community members listed. Proceeds from the calendar fundraiser will support Pilot Club projects such as a nursing scholarship at Chipola College, the Jackson County Backpack for Kids food program, JCARC, Meals on Wheels, the Autism Resource Center, and CACL School.

Calendars are priced at $3.50 each; listings cost 50 cents each. To place an order for a calendar, or have a birthday, anniversary, or memorial date listed on the calendar, contact Denise Raits at 850-482-6722 or Gail Hill at 850-557-0501. New members are always welcome!

Tupelo Honey Festival

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The Tupelo Honey Festival is happening in Wewahitchka on May 21st! From 9 am to 5 pm CT, enjoy the festive ambiance at Lake Alice Park. There will be food, fun, arts & crafts vendors, and music. There will be Tupelo Honey to taste and buy, as well as lavender plants for purchase supplied by Sweetwater Lavender Farm. The festival will also feature a car show, a blood drive, and a pageant. Learn more by visiting the Facebook event page HERE or the official event website HERE. 

Fussell’s Daylily Farm

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Fussell’s Daylily Farm is just a few days away from the height of bloom. The best dates to visit the farm will be May 20-21st from 8 am – 3 pm OR May 22nd from 1 pm – 3 pm. Along with various daylilies, there will be zinnias, gladiolus, blackberries, sunflowers, and many other plants to enjoy. Additionally, there will be seating, shade, refreshments, and door prizes. Groups are welcome; if you would like to have a personal tour please call ahead (850) 638 – 7657. Learn more about the farm by visiting their Facebook page here.