Author: Debbie Roney Smith

Martin’s Harvest Update

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The Marianna-based sustainable farm Martin’s Harvest is now doing deliveries, and will expand home deliveries to the Tallahassee area starting May 26th! Martin’s Harvest offers organic and sustainable goods such as hydroponic lettuce, micro-greens, produce, and more.
   If you are getting delivery, Martin’s Harvest works with other local businesses to deliver the following goods: Silver Oaks farm fresh eggs, Green Gate Olive Grove products & kombucha, and Smiley B Farms LLC goods. 
   Delivery is free to the workplace while home delivery is $10; both are available in the following areas: Dothan, Panama City, Marianna, Cottondale, Bonifay, and Chipley. Order online or learn more HERE. 

World Turtle Day

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This special day is sponsored by American Tortoise Rescue, a nonprofit organization established in 1990. This is a special day for the state of Florida as it ranks as the most diverse turtle state in the United States. Additionally, it was one of the turtle diversity hot spots around the world. Visit the official World Turtle Day website HERE, and learn more about Florida Panhandle turtles HERE. 

Biological Diversity

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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. 

Raccoon Repellant

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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. 

  1. Mix together (1) bottle hot sauce or cayenne powder, (1) gallon of water, and (1) teaspoon of dish soap. Once mixed, add to a spray bottle and spray on the entire area that you would like to keep raccoons out of (ex. entire porch including doors, trash bins and their surrounding areas, etc.). 
  2. Put apple cider vinegar into a bowl, then place a rag in the bowl. Place the bowl near where the raccoons are a problem/entering, and let the rag soak overnight. 

Blountstown Magnolia Street Festival

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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!

 

Endangered Species Day

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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!

New Marianna Shop

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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.

Pensacola JazzFest 2021

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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. 

Guided Nature Hike at Camp Helen

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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.!

Cinco de Mayo

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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