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Today is the International Day for Biological Diversity! Biological diversity is the pillar upon which civilizations are built. 2021’s theme is “We’re part of the solution”. To read a more in-depth description of this international awareness day, visit the United Nations website HERE.
on If you live in the rural areas of the Florida Panhandle and surrounding areas, you’ve likely had to deal with the determined, seemingly Houdini-like rascals that are raccoons. There are two easy, DIY recipes you can use to repeal curious raccoons from your home, porch, and other areas you’d rather keep wildlife-free.
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Coming this Saturday, the annual Magnolia Street Festival! From 5 – 7 p.m., visit Main Street Blountstown and walk amongst the 50+ vendors including food trucks, plant sellers, baked goods, arts & crafts, and more! Additionally, there will be a 6 p.m. drawing; tickets are $5 and there are multiple baskets availble to win. Proceeds from the raffle will go towards projects to improve downtown Blountstown. Best of all, there will be free musical performances and kid-friendly activities such as an animal encounter. Hope to see you there in support of the close-knit Blountstown community!
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Today was Endangered Species Day! This annual observance aims to bring awareness to the national conservation efforts created to protect the nation’s endangered species and their habitats. Check out the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service website HERE to see youth art submissions, audio introductions to endangered species, landowner advice to conservation, and more!
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There is a new shop coming to Marianna this May! Mark and Ashley Poole are opening their life-long project, Jefferson Street Antiques and Collectibles, on May 21st. Mark and Ashley enjoy collecting antiques, traveling all over the country to antique shows and local swap meets. Born and raised in the Grand Ridge area, Mark brought his family to settle in Marianna in 2020. The grand opening, open house, and ribbon cutting are scheduled for 10 a.m., so be sure to visit Jefferson Street Antiques and Collectibles at 2913 Jefferson Street in Marianna! Standard hours will be Fridays between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. and Saturdays between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
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Coming soon to Seville Square in Historic Downtown Pensacola – the 37th annual Pensacola JazzFest! Held May 15-16, 2021, this festival will include a music lineup, food by local vendors, wine/beer, soft drinks, arts and crafts, and jazz merchandise are available. Additionally, all jazz merchandise sales help support the festival and keep it free. Visit the official JazzFest website HERE for more detailed information.
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Today in Panama City Beach, a ranger will be offering a Guided Nature Hike at Camp Helen. Camp Helen boasts nine distinct natural communities throughout the park with varied flora and fauna. Learn about our rare coastal dune lake, Lake Powell, as well as the park wildlife. The hike is suitable for all ages; be sure everyone in your party is dressed for the weather; water and bug spray are recommended. The hike will start at 10 a.m. and will last an hour. Contact scarlett.a.dunn@FloridaDEP.go for more information and/or with questions.
Can’t make it out today but want to catch the next hike? Be sure to mark your calendars for Thursday, June 03, 2021 from 10-11 a.m.!
on While not a federal holiday, today is a culturally significant national holiday – Cinco de Mayo!
Cinco de Mayo is celebrated annually on May 5th in honor of the anniversary of an early victory by Mexican forces over French forces in the Battle of Puebla, 1862. These days, it is an opportunity to celebrate the culture, achievements, and experiences of people with a Mexican background. Celebrations include food, drinks, and music. You can learn more about the history and current state of Cinco de Mayo here: https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/cinco-de-mayo
on Did you know that every single year, over 6.5 million companion animals end up in animal shelters in the U.S.? Sadly, over 1.5 million are euthanized and only 3.2 million are adopted. National Adopt A Shelter Pet Day was created in order to bring awareness to these tragic numbers. It is the result of the annual Adopt A Dog Month that the American Humane Society founded in 1981. Observed annually on April 30th, this national observance helps bring attention to the needless suffering of animals in shelters and encourages people to make to adopt not shop. 
Below are the links to some local Panhandle animal shelters and their online listings of adoptable pets!
on Yesterday was the first day of the Friends of the Library’s ongoing Mini Book Sales! The book sales are held at multiple libraries: the Main Library (445 North Oates Street), Westgate Library (535 Recreation Road), and the Ashford Library (305 6th Ave). Sale hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All proceeds from the sale help support the Friends and the Dothan Houston County Library System.
There will be many great finds being sold at a steal: new and gently used fiction and nonfiction books on a variety of subjects (hardback books are $2.00; paperback books are $1.00 each), children’s books (50 cents each), vintage books, vinyl records, DVDs, CDs, audiobooks, book sets and surprise bags!
For more information, contact friends@dhcls.org or 334-796-1594.