Author: Debbie Roney Smith

National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day

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Every year both America and South Korea observe National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day on July 27th. This annual event commemorates the peace treaty that triggered a cease-fire in the Korean War. It was a war that lasted three years (June 1950 to July 1953). It claimed the lives of millions of civilians and military personnel alike, and without the cease-fire could have evolved into a world war with unimaginable consequences. This National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, take some moments for reflection on the service and sacrifices of everyone involved in this conflict.

 

Parks & Recreation: Jackson County

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Jackson County Recreational Areas, Boat Ramps and Landings

Blue Springs Recreational Area 

5164 Blue Springs Rd. Marianna, Florida 32446

Spring Creek Park

4841 Hwy 90 Marianna, Florida 32448

Citizen’s Lodge Park

4574 Lodge Drive Marianna, Florida 32446

Visit the Jackson County parks and recreation website to learn more. 

Fishing on the Ocheesee Pond

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Ocheesee Pond is a great place to enjoy a plethora of outdoor activities such as fishing, kayaking, and more. The lake is 2,225-acres with dark tannic water covered by cypress trees. Lake access is available by taking SR 69 south of Grand Ridge (1.0 mile); then turn left on CR 69A (5.9 miles) and travel left on Shady Grove Rd. to the ramp.

Be careful navigating while in the water; there are many exposed stumps and snags. Try fishing around the stumps and snags in deep holes, where fish often gather. The best baits for wildlife in the pond include grass shrimp, crickets, wigglers, or various colors of 1/16 to 1/8 oz. beetle spins. Try fishing in the early morning and/or late afternoon along weed lines or in deep holes in the lake. The best baits include spinnerbaits, crankbaits, dark plastic worms, or live shiners.

U-Pick Produce in Northwest FL Panhandle

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July is the end of U-Pick Produce at Jackson Farms for this growing season until October. U-Pick is a fun, cheap, and delicious activity for those of all ages. From 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., you can pick a variety of peak produce including tomatoes, watermelons, peppers, snap beans, eggplants, pickles and more. 

Jackson Farms also offers packaged produce that offers the same freshness as picking produce yourself; this is because they are picked and sealed at peak ripeness instead of being picked early in order to be shipped to a secondary location like your local grocery store. They have been offering homegrown produce for over 20 years. Visit them in Grand Ridge or visit their official website for more information. 

NEW BUSINESS: Jemison Heating & Cooling

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Tomorrow at 8:15 a.m., Jemison Heating and Cooling will be hosting a Ribbon Cutting to celebrate their grand opening. Jemison Heating and Cooling is owned and operated by David Jemison, and this grand opening is for their second store. Jemison has over 20 years of service and offers residential & commercial installation, maintenance, repairs and free estimates. Call 850-482-8100 for more information. 

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.