Author: Debbie Roney Smith

CalCo Crape Myrtle Project

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The CalCo Crape Myrtle Project is working to enhance the beauty of Calhoun County by highlighting the premier flowering plant of the South throughout the communities. The idea began with the 2019 founding of the Calhoun County Community Foundation. Their first act was to plan and execute the planting of flowering crape myrtles on Mainstreet in Altha which is where the project got its name. The project’s completion is possible thanks to the application of a community grant and aims to be completed by the end of 2022. The CalCo Crape Myrtle Project is the perfect green space beautification initiative for all of our communities. The project hopes to expand into Kinard, Clarksville, and Blountstown in the following years. Visit the CalCo Crape Myrtle website here to learn more and stay up-to-date on the project’s progress. 

Chipley History

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The city of Chipley, Florida is one of the highlights of Washington County. Chipley became the county seat of Washington County in 1927 and is involved in the majority of the economic development for the region. 

Originally called the community of Orange, Chipley was renamed in 1822 in recognition of railroad businessman and Florida State Senator William Dudley Chipley. This was the same year the Pensacola & Atlantic (later the L&N) Railroad was completed just beyond the town. Additionally, a monument of W.D. Chipley was put up in 1988 next to the Washington County Historical Society Museum. The museum currently offers a walking tour of the historic downtown. 

Spring Fling at Tallahassee Nurseries

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The Big Bend Hospice Spring Fling is occurring today from 5:30 pm – 8 pm. The event will be held in the magical gardens of Tallahassee Nurseries! The Spring Fling is a premier social event and fundraiser. The proceeds for this event will support Big Bend Hospice’s unfunded programs such as Music Therapy, Grief counseling (adults and children), Veterans’ programs, Spiritual Care, and other Direct Patient needs.

More information about the event and Big Bend Hospice is available on the official Spring Fling event page here. 

Plant Pickup at Panama City Farmers Market

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The newly opened Sandhills Native Nursery will be at Panama City Farmers Market this Saturday, May 14th. The nursery will be distributing ONLY pre-ordered plant orders at the market. If you are interested in ordering plants for pickup, the window closes at 4:30pm on Friday, May 13th. Place your order at the Sandhills Native Nursery website here. 

Veterans Memorial Railroad in Bristol

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Veterans Memorial Railroad in Bristol, Florida currently has FREE train rides on the second Saturday of each month. For May, that is this upcoming Saturday, May 14th. Also on location is a playground, picnic area, and a walking trail. While the rides are free, donations are appreciated as this is a not-for-profit organization. Find more information at the Also enjoy a playground, picnic area, and walking trail! For more information, visit the Veterans Memorial Railroad website here. 

Local Artist Spotlight

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Morgan Summers is a local muralist based in Lynn Haven. Summers currently splits her time between client-directed work, creating content, and working on her passion project Small Town Walls. You may have seen her murals at local favorites such as the Bay Arts Alliance, The Lovely Project, UCF Downtown, Modern Orthodontics of Clermont, and more. In a recent article, she stated that she has “been pleasantly surprised that if I could just do a good job at what I do, people seem to enjoy it.”(1)

Learn more about Morgan Summers by visiting her official website here. 

Star Wars Night at Main Street Blountstown

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May the Fourth be with you! May 4th celebrates George Lucas’ Star Wars franchise. The date was chosen for the pun of the franchise catchphrase “May the Force be with you” as “May the Fourth be with you.” 

Main Street Blountstown is helping you celebrate this commemorative day this Friday, May 6th, with Star Wars Night. The Parjai Squad with the 501st Legion will be available for photo ops as well as meet and greets! From 5pm – 7:30pm, there will be a plethora of family-friendly Star Wars-themed activities at Magnolia Square Park. There will be a costume party, Jedi training, trivia games, vendors, food, music, and a scavenger hunt. 

 

Gopher Tortoise Friendly Yards

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Tomorrow, May 4th, Dr. Katherine Richardson will be hosting an online class on Gopher Tortoise Friendly Yards. From 9am – 11am CDT, partake in the class by visiting this link. Dr. Richardson is the Gopher Tortoise Program Coordinator with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Gopher tortoises are a threatened species in Florida, making the 350 species that depend on their burrows for shelter also in danger. In fact, the presence of Gopher Tortoises can help save wildlife from wildfires! This webinar will teach participants what they can do to help support this fantastic native species.

 

UF|IFAS Leon County Extention Plant Sale

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Coming to the Tallahassee UF/IFAS Leon County Extension this Saturday – the 2022 Open House and Plant Sale! From 8am – 11pm CDT, there will be UF/IFAS Extension agents, program partners, local groups, and more ready and willing to help you learn about gardening, natural resources, 4-H youth development, and family and consumer sciences. Participating groups include the Capital City Garden Club, Tallahassee Garden Club, Rose Society, Bonsai Society, UF/IFAS Bookstore, Apalachee Beekeepers Association, and more!

Additionally, there will be Master Gardener Volunteers available to help you find the right plants. There will be over 3,000 plants – this includes fruits, vegetables, ornamental landscape, and more. Cash, credit, and checks will be accepted. This event also serves as a fundraiser; there will be a silent auction and bouquet sale. These events benefit programs such as 4-H scholarships, school and community gardens around the county, the UF/IFAS Demonstration Garden, and other educational efforts throughout the year.

Baker County: Agriculture Management Practices

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The UF/IFAS Extension and the Florida Department of Agriculture are hosting a free event focusing on Agriculture Management Practices. The event will occur on Wednesday, May 4th from 8am – 9:30am CDT. Presentations will focus on soil and tissue sampling, interpreting your results & application of findings, as well as technical assistance and cost-share opportunities. You must register for the event beforehand; breakfast will be provided.
Contact: Alicia Halbritter, UF/IFAS Extension Baker County Agriculture Agent at 904-259-3520 or aliciah1221@ufl.edu
Register online:bakerbmp.eventbrite.com