Author: Debbie Roney Smith

National California Strawberry Day Florida Style

Debbie Roney Smith on

Today is National California Strawberry Day, an annual event that kicks off the strawberry season in California. Luckily, even Floridians can enjoy this national day of celebration by planting Florida-safe strawberry varieties. There are a number of specific varieties that do well in the more humid Florida environment: Calibrate, Camarosa, Florida Belle, Florida 90, Rosa Linda, Sequoia, Sweet Charlie, Strawberry Festival, and Tioga.

While the ideal time to plant strawberries via seed is early fall, it is possible to purchase and plant strawberry starter plants in spring. This is because strawberries require temperatures between 50°F–80°F, and less than 14 hours of daylight. In Florida, these conditions occur throughout the fall, winter, and spring. It is important to make sure the plant has excellent drainage and at least 8 hours of full sun. Strawberries are ready to harvest when three-quarters of the berry’s surface is red. The fruits not only entice local wildlife but also rot quickly, so be sure to harvest regularly once the plant begins producing. 

Learn more about successfully growing strawberries in Florida at the UF | IFAS Extension website here. 

Spring Equinox Celebrations

Debbie Roney Smith on

Today is the Spring Equinox, an annual date celebrating the arrival of spring. The dawning of spring brings warm, windy days, blooming flowers, and more light. It has been praised for eons around the world in various ways. For instance, in ancient Egypt, the Festival of Isis was held to celebrate the arrival of spring and rebirth via the worship of the goddess Isis. In Iran, the celebration of the coming of spring is called No Ruz which means ‘new day.’ It is a day dedicated to cleaning the house, repairing old items, and bringing in fresh flowers. Ostara is another beautiful spring celebration, often marked by nature worship, rituals, and fulfilling food. 

Worm Moon

Debbie Roney Smith on

March’s full moon reaches peak illumination at 3:20 A.M. EDT on Friday, March 18th. Known as the Worm Moon, is the last full moon before the spring equinox. In Christianity, this means that the Worm Moon is known as the Lenten Moon as it is the last full moon of winter. There are a number of possible reasons for the moniker ‘Worm Moon.’ One possible explanation is that the moon is named after the appearance of earthworms as the soil warms in the spring. Alternatively, 18th-century explorer Captain Jonathan Carver wrote that the moon name refers to beetle larvae that emerge from thawing tree bark.

UNwineD: Craft Beer, Wine, and Spirits

Debbie Roney Smith on

UNwineD is hosting a grand tasting on Saturday. The event will feature a global lineup of wines, spirits, and craft beer samples. Additionally, there will be food pairings available from local restaurants. Guests are encouraged to bring their own blankets and lawn chairs so they can relax comfortably in Aaron Bessant Park. There will be a Friday night Kickoff Party; it will be an evening garden party with custom cocktails and live music hosted by Southern Living magazine. There are ONLY 250 VIP tickets available for the Kick-Off Party, and it includes entrance to Saturday’s Grand Tasting. Visit the UNwineD website here for more detailed information or to purchase tickets. 

Florida Luxe Arts Festival

Debbie Roney Smith on

This weekend, March 18-19th, downtown Panama City will be hosting the Florida Luxe Arts Festival! The festival celebrates and displays local and national chalk artists from 10am – 5pm. Installations begin on Friday, so it is the perfect opportunity to watch talented artists create their work from the ground up. Installations will be finished and ready for viewing on Saturday if you are interested in viewing completed works. The festival will also include art vendors, food vendors, live music, a kids chalk zone, and buskers! Additionally, the Panama City Farmer’s Market will be hosted at the same time, so be sure to bring a reusable bag for fresh produce and other goods. Visit the official Luxe Arts Festival website here to learn more.

 

 

Hazardous Waste Event

Debbie Roney Smith on

The Jackson County Board of County Commissioners, the Jackson County Parks and Recycling Department, and Clean Earth are working together to hold a free event for Jackson County citizens to dispose of hazardous household waste. The event will take place at the Jackson County Recycling Facility located at 3530 Wiley Drive. The service is for households only, and residents must bring proof of residency (ex. driver’s license). Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 19th (8am – 12pm).

Some examples of household hazardous waste that will be accepted at this event include pesticides, batteries, used oil, engine degreasers, solvents, brake fluid, stale gasoline, anti-freeze, pool chemicals, paint, paint thinners, and insecticides. Additionally, white goods and electronics such as computers, monitors, keyboards, printers, and televisions will be accepted. Gas cylinders and explosives ARE NOT ACCEPTED. 

National Plant a Flower Day

Debbie Roney Smith on

Today is National Plant a Flower Day! Flowers not only provide a beautiful bloom for humans to enjoy but also helps the local ecology thrive. Celebrate this national event by planting some glorious flowers perfect for spring and early summer in Florida Panhandle:

Blue-Eyed Grass

  • Common blue violet (Viola sororia)

  • Blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium atlanticum)

  • Florida greeneyes (Berlandiera subacaulis) 

  • Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)

  • Green and gold (Chrysogonum virginianum)

  • Woodland pinkroot (Spigelia marilandica)

  • Lupines (Lupinus villosus and L. perennis) 

  • Passion flower (Passiflora incarnate)

  • Pinewoods milkweed (Asclepias humistrata)

  • Golden ragwort (Packera aurea)

  • Soft greeneyes (Berlandiera pumila)

  • Stokes’ aster (Stokesia laevis)

  • Georgia tickseed (Coreopsis nudata)

West Florida Electric Cooperative Requests Proposals

Debbie Roney Smith on

West Florida Electric Cooperative is seeking requests for the upcoming storm season. The potential proposals include Disaster Debris Clearance and Removal Services, Disaster Debris Monitoring Services, Base Camp and Logistics Services, and Emergency Power Restoration Services. Most proposals are due in March, so be sure to research and complete the relevant proposal(s) as soon as possible. Visit the Requests for Proposals: Emergency Services webpage for detailed information on each proposal. 

The Players Gold Standard Golf Tournament

Debbie Roney Smith on

The Players Gold Standard Gold Tournament starts tomorrow and runs until March 13th. 

Held at the TPC Sawgrass’ 17-hole green, this is one of the most well-attended golf tournaments in Ponte Vedra Beach. The tournament features local restaurants such as the Local in the Food Court and Silkie’s Chicken & Champagne Bar in Taste of JAX. Ticket MUST be purchased online at THEPLAYERS.COM/tickets – children under 15 years old are free to attend with the purchase of a ticket. The tournament will also have autograph opportunities, a concert, bleachers, and a kid’s zone.

Dentist Day

Debbie Roney Smith on

Today is National Dentist Day! In honor of this annual celebration of oral health, today’s blog is highlighting a local dentist’s office: Jeremy Lewis, DMD. Located in Marianna, Lewis’ office is a general and family dentistry practice – perfect for the whole family! Open Monday through Thursday, the office offers services ranging from teeth whitening to dental implants. Visit the Jeremy Lewis official website to learn more about their services, view their staff profiles, or schedule an appointment.