Author: Debbie Roney Smith

Black Cats

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Today is National Black Cat Day! In order to fight the misleading reputation in the United States that black cats are bad luck, this annual celebration was created to spread awareness and appreciation. The idea that a black cat crossing your path is a sign of bad luck comes from old European superstitions, some linking black cats to witches. This superstition was only furthered by the presence of famous black cats such as Salem from the show Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Binx from Hocus Pocus.

However, many other cultures and countries consider black cats to be signs of good fortune. For instance, sailors used to keep black cats on board for good luck while 19th-century fishermen’s wives’ kept black cats at home to bring back their husbands safely. In Japan, they are believed to improve your love life and are often gifted to newlywed couples. In France, it was thought that if you released a black cat at a crossroad with five routes it would lead you to treasure.

Did you know there are 22 feline breeds that can feature black coats? That’s 22 amazing breeds to love! 

National Pumpkin Day

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Today is National Pumpkin Day, an annual event of unknown origins that celebrates the versatile and much-loved winter squash. Did you know Floridians prefer pumpkin pancakes to other pumpkin-themed treats such as lattes, cookies, bread, and pie(1)? Pumpkins are botanically classified as fruits, and there are over 30 varieties to enjoy. There are great nutritional benefits to eating pumpkins(2): being 94% water, they offer a high vitamin and mineral content with low calories. They also have a high antioxidant content which can help the human body fight chronic diseases. So consider visiting a pumpkin patch near you to get some delicious pumpkins to enjoy this fall season! 

Terrific Towering Tree

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The Florida Panhandle is home to one of the state’s tallest trees. In Torreya State Park in Liberty County, there stands a gorgeous Southern magnolia. The Magnolia grandiflora is the third tallest tree in Florida, standing at a magnificent 29 meters or approximately 95 feet. That’s only 5 meters shorter than the tallest tree in the state – a Loblolly pine in Suwanee County. Interested in learning more about the spectacular trees Florida is home to? Visit the Monumental Trees website for more information on the tallest, thickest, and oldest Florida trees!

Medical Marijuana in Pensacola

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Dr. Michelle Beasley

Dr. Michelle Beasley is a Board Certified Physician serving Fort Walton Beach and Pensacola. She has been serving the area for over 15 years and holds both a Bachelor of Science and Doctorate in Medicine from The University of West Florida. She is currently accepting new patients for compassionate care; if you are looking to start treatment with medical marijuana, consider Dr. Beasley. If you are looking to switch providers, she offers a discounted initial assessment price of $49! To get in contact with Dr. Beasley, click here to visit her online portal – you will be able to make an appointment online or call her office.

Pumpkins in Marianna

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Come down to Madison Street Park this Saturday, October 23rd, to enjoy the farmer’s market and a pumpkin patch. Marianna Farmer’s Market, open most Saturdays, is partnering with Main Street Marianna to bring “Pumpkins in the Park.” Children get a free pumpkin, and there will be a decoration station for those interested. Additionally, there will be food trucks, a pumpkin carving contest, door prizes, face painting, and more! There is no entry fee, and the event will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Hope to see you there for some family-friendly fall fun! 

Live Comedy Show

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Coming live to 926 Bar & Grill on October 22nd, Tallahassee native comedian Tekk Johnson!

Tekk Johnson

Hosted by Heather Goode, this spectacular comedy line-up will also feature Cait Delucchi, Ol Head Johnson, Nicole Ortiz, Jamar Gay, Abelardo Riojas, Sleepy P. Floyd, and John Strickland.

The show is limited capacity, so be sure to get there before doors open at 6:30 p.m.! The show will begin promptly at 7 p.m. and end by 9 p.m. Tickets are $8 for those over 21 and $10 for those under 21.

LGBTQ+ Center Awareness

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Today is National LGBTQ+ Center Awareness Day. For more detailed information on this national event, visit the LGBT Center Awareness Day website.

Since this annual event is designed to help advocate for the work of LGBT community centers everywhere, today’s blog is dedicated to highlighting the local LGBTQ+ Center of Bay County. According to their website, the Bay Center “is currently the only safe space with dedicated programming for LGBTQ+ youth ages 13-18 in the entire Panhandle of Florida, from Mobile, Alabama to Jacksonville, Florida.”

They offer support groups, a safe space, scholarships, community outreach programs, and more! The Center advocates for community engagement, offers volunteer opprotunities, holds events, and works hard to improve the wellness of the LGBTQ+ community while leading the charge for positive change in the area. 

Visit the Center’s official website to learn more. 

Sykes Family Farm

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The Sykes Family Farm Crop Maze in Elkton is hosting an a-MAZE-ing fall attraction this year. Every Friday-Sunday, visitors can enter the 9-acre corn maze for an age-appropriate experience. There are two phases designed for adults and two for children; you will be provided a map at the beginning of the maze to help guide you. After successfully completing the maze, there are hayrides, animal interactions, and more! Tickets are $15 per person for a farm-full of fun. Visit the Sykes Farm website for more information on times, location, and attractions. 

 

Panhandle RV Parks

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Traveling via RV can be a great way to save money and enjoy your own space. Luckily, the Florida Panhandle is well equipped for RV travelers, be they tourists or locals exploring their extensive backyard. 

Listed below are just some of the many great RV parks available to visit today:

  • Emerald Beach RV Park (8885 Navarre Parkway, Navarre, FL)
  • Emerald Coast RV Resort (1957 Allison Avenue, Panama City Beach, FL)
  • Pensacola RV Park (3117 Wilde Lake Boulevard, Pensacola, FL)
  • Pensacola Beach RV Resort (17 Via De Luna Drive, Pensacola Beach, FL)
  • Geronimo RV Resort (75 Arnett Lane, Miramar Beach, FL)
  • Ponce De Leon RV Resort (2920 North Highway 81, Ponce de Leon, FL)
  • Live Oak Landing (229 Pitts Avenue, Freeport, FL)
  • Twin Lakes Camp Resort (580 Holley King Road, DeFuniak Springs, FL)
  • Fort Pickens Campground (1400 Fort Pickens Road, Pensacola Beach, FL)

Amazing Grace Family Farm

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The Amazing Grace Family Farm is hosting weekly fall fun this October! Every Friday and Saturday, head to Green Cove Springs to explore the Grace Farm’s amazing 2021 maze, pumpkin patch, sunflower field, petting zoo, and more! This year’s maze design was inspired by hometown Olympian, swimmer Caeleb Dressel.

Visit their website for more information on available attractions and to save on the ticket price; pay $18 at the farm or $14 online.