Author: Debbie Roney Smith

National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day

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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!

Friends of the Library Mini Book Sales

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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.

Student Art Show

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Support the local Gulf Coast State College students artists this week by visiting the Student Art Show. The show will be held in the Student Union Building at 5230 W Highway 98, Panama City. 
Remaining Dates:
Thursday, April 29, 2021 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Friday, April 30, 2021 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

ATV and UTV Use in Jackson County

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Recently, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office outlined Florida law regarding the use of ATV’s and UTV’s on roadways due to an increase in citizen complaints. It is quoted that “Sheriff (Donnie) Edenfield encourages all of the citizens to enjoy the full use of the roadways in the county, within the guidelines set by Florida Law…and [they are] are committed to making our roadways a safe place for all individuals traveling throughout our county.”

View the specific regulations in the source article HERE. 

Earth Day

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Today is Earth Day 2021! Beginning in 1970, it was created to bring awareness to serious environmental concerns and to address the need for environmental reform. It grew to an international level in 1990 and is now practiced in 142 nations. Don’t forget that today is the second Earth Day Live digital event, held on the official website here. The global show begins at 12 p.m. Eastern Time and will include workshops, panel discussions, and special performances that focus on this year’s theme of Restore Our Earth™. 

Earth Day 2021: Take Two

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Today, Education International leads the “Teach for the Planet: Global Education Summit.” A multilingual virtual summit that includes multiple timezones, the focus is on the crucial role that educators play in combating climate change and why we need transformative climate education now. There will be prominent activists from every continent. 

Visit the website HERE to stream!

Earth Day 2021: First Day of Action

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The official Earth Day organization is holding 3 days of action in honor of Earth Day 2021. This year’s theme is Restore Our Earth and the event begins today, April 20th. Today’s events began with a global youth climate summit led by organizations such as Earth Uprising and youth climate activists. The summit will have panels, speeches, discussions, and renowned youth climate activist guest speakers.

Additionally, there is a digital evening event that will examine climate and environmental justice, connecting the climate crisis to issues of pollution, poverty, police brutality, and the pandemic, all within a racial justice framework. Visit the official website here for more detailed information on today’s events, to learn more about Earth Day itself, or to find more information on upcoming events. 

North Florida Wildflower Festival

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This Saturday, April 24th, the 7th Annual North Florida Wildflower Festival will be hosted in Magnolia Square, Blountstown. It will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and include plants, arts and crafts vendors, food vendors, FREE kids’ activities, music, AND train rides on the Blountstown Rotary Train. 

For more information, visit the official festival website here or the Facebook event page here. 

Wildflower Festival: Vendors Wanted!

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This month is the annual North Florida Wildflower Festival held in Blountstown. They are currently accepting arts and crafts vendors: visit their official site – www.nflwildflowerfest.com – to sign up as a vendor or a sponsor. 

The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 24th. Additional information can be found on the event’s Facebook page here. 

National Pet Day

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Today is National Pet Day! Founded in 2006 to celebrate pets and the joy they bring into our homes, it is also a day created to bring awareness to the plight of the many types of animals which are in shelters all over the planet.

Looking to celebrate? Inspiration below:

Buy your pet a new toy or treat
Take pictures of your pet
Share photos of your pets via social media using the hashtag #NationalPetDay
Adopt a pet from your local shelter
Donate money, food, toys and/or blankets to an animal welfare organization
Throw an awesome National Pet Day party for your pets
Help someone who needs it buy pet food or other items for their pets
Help organize against puppy and kitten mills
Volunteer at a local shelter