Author: Debbie Roney Smith

Florida Panhandle Snakes

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Rainbow snake; a nonvenomous water snake

The Florida Panhandle is an area that offers exceptional biodiversity which means it is capable of supporting many of the 44 species of snake noted to live in Florida. In particular, the Apalachicola River basin acts as a biodiversity hot spot. In fact, the biodiversity of the area allows for 12 unique species that live only in the panhandle. For a detailed look at the 12 species, visit the following blog post written by Rick O’Connor, a University of Florida Extension Agent. 

Fast facts:

  • 6 of the 12 are nonvenomous water snakes
  • 2 of the 12 are venomous snakes which accounts for about 33% of the venomous species in FL
  • 4 of the 12 are small terrestrial snakes that rarely grow over a foot in length

 

Bingo!

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Located in Cottonwood, The Crossing’s at Big Creek is a wonderful weekend getaway or day trip for the whole family. One of the highlights of the area is Center Stage Bingo; enjoy skill-based games for the payouts. There are also exciting monthly floor promotions that offer chances to cash, free-play, lodge stays, concert tickets, and more. Visit their Center Stage Bingo site or The Crossing’s Facebook page for more information.

Tax Free Weekends

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Tax-free weekends are coming up quickly! Alabama’s back-to-school event is this weekend, July 16th-18th. Clothing, computers, school supplies, and more will be tax-free. Visit the Alabama Department of Revenue’s site for more information, including a list of specific exemptions. Florida’s tax-free event is longer and begins the last weekend of the month, July 30th to August 9th. Visit the Florida Department of Revenue’s site for more information, and be sure to mark your calendars. 

 

Ackurit Labs: Water Testing & Treatment

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Looking to get your water tested or treated? Consider Ackurit Labs located in Tallahassee. They offer analysis packages for water testing and a plethora of water treatment systems and products. They offer Aqua Systems, Vulcan electronic descalers, Chlorination systems for killing bacteria, cartridge filters, and more. Visit their website here for more detailed information or to get in touch, or call them at 850-562-7751. 

World Watercolor Month

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July is World Watercolor Month! It was founded by Charlie O’Shields, the creator of the popular online blog and community Doodlewash®. Watercolor is one of the most popular mediums for painters. It’s a versatile and inexpensive medium, making it a wonderful art to enjoy at all ages. You can participate by practicing watercolor yourself, with family and friends, or by supporting the official charity of World Watercolor Month by making a purchase on their website.  International Child Art Foundation (ICAF) is the official charity of the year; it “employs the universal language of art to cultivate schoolchildren’s creativity to prepare them […] and develop mutual empathy for a peaceful future.” 

Visit the official World Watercolor Month website for more information on the holiday. 

Which of These 6 Loan Types Is for You?

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  1. Fixed-rate loan: the interest rate doesn’t change throughout the life of the loan, typically 15-30 years. This means the monthly loan payment shouldn’t change, making it a relatively low-risk loan. Requires a down payment.
  2. Adjustable-rate mortgage: loan begins with a lower rate for a fixed period of time (5-10 years); after this period, the interest rate will adjust approximately once a year in relation to current interest rates. Monthly payments can fluctuate, so this loan is best for those who plan to move and sell their home before their fixed-period is up.
  3. FHA loan: a Federal Housing Administration loan is a government-backed loan that allows homeowners to make a down payment of as little as 3.5% versus the standard 20%. There are several requirements such as limited loan amounts and minimal payment flexibility. They are fixed-rate mortgages of 15 or 30 year terms. Mortgage insurance is required. 
  4. VA loan: a Veterans Affairs loan is for veterans who have served 90 consecutive days during wartime, 180 days during peacetime, or six years in the reserves. They are government-backed and require no down payment or mortgage insurance.
  5. USDA loan: the USDA Rural Development loan is government-sponsored and requires no down payment with discounted mortgage rates. This loan is designed for rural areas struggling financially. However, an individual’s debt cannot exceed their income by more than 41% as mortgage insurance is required.
  6. Bridge loan: also referred to as a gap loan or “repeat financing;” the current and new mortgage payments are bundled into one. An excellent option for those purchasing a home before selling their previous residence; once the home is sold, the mortgage can be paid off and refinanced. 

     

Blueberry Muffins Day & Local Spotlight

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Today is National Blueberry Muffin Day! The benefits of blueberries are numerous, including being rich in antioxidants, aiding in weight loss and healthy digestion, boosting mental health, protecting against heart disease, managing blood sugar levels, improving skin clarity, and improving the strength of bones. 

Fun fact: the term ‘muffin’ was first printed in English in 1703 and was also known as a ‘teacake.’ Combined with the beginning of blueberry cultivation in New Jersey in the early 20th century, blueberry muffins were a long time in the making.

Want to enjoy the fluffy, flavor-bursting creation that is a blueberry muffin? Consider skipping Walmart and head to one of the Panhandle’s local blueberry farms: Blue Acres Berries!

Blue Acres Berries is a pick-it-yourself blueberry farm located in Sneads, and is currently reaching the end of its season. A gallon bucket costs only $10 to fill! Don’t want to pick the berries yourself? No problem, they offer to pick the gallon for you at $20 a bucket. Visit their Facebook site HERE for hours and more.

Fourth of July

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Today is Independence Day, also known as the Fourth of July! It is the anniversary of the publication of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, and is celebrated annually on July 4th. It has been a federal holiday since 1941. Patriotic displays and family events are organized throughout the United States in order to celebrate, so gather your friends and family for an enjoyable day outside!

Pensacola: International Billfish Tournament

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The Pensacola International Billfish Tournament starts today, June 30th, and will end on July 4, 2021. Held at Palafox Pier, this tournament has been a tradition since 1970. This is the 50th Annual  Pensacola International Billfish Tournament! The event schedule is as follows:

Wednesday June 30th: Captains Meeting
Thursday July 1st: Flare Start- Pensacola Pass
Friday July 2nd: Scales open 4-7pm
Saturday July 3rd: Scales open 3-7pm
Sunday July 4th: Awards

There will be strict social distancing guidelines to keep the community safe. Visit the Pensacola Big Game Fishing Club website HERE or their Facebook page HERE for more information. 

Panhandle Watermelon Festival

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Today is the last day of the annual Panhandle Watermelon Festival. Head down to Jim Trawick Park in Chipley for the free festival from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be a pancake breakfast, free music, vendors, and more! Visit the official website HERE for more detailed information!