Author: Debbie Roney Smith

Jackson County birthday

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Yesterday Jackson County celebrated it’s 198th birthday!

Jackson County was established in 1822 making it one of the oldest counties in the state. The County was named after Andrew Jackson, the 7th president of the United States. Marianna, the county seat, was founded by Scottish native, Robert Beveridge, and is still the home to the courthouse and other local governing organizations for the County.

Though thought of as a predominantly rural agricultural community, Jackson County is also known for its rich historical heritage and one-of-a-kind historical landmarks. People from all over the world travel to Jackson County to enjoy scuba diving in the natural spring water, touring the only walk-through cave tour in Florida, sightseeing the local “haunted” attractions, or to try to catch a glimpse of local endangered plant life and animals only found in our County.

 

Do not open or plant seed packets

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The USDA and agriculture officials across the U.S. have issued warnings about unsolicited shipments of foreign seeds and advised people not to plant them. Officials are concerned the mystery seeds, which appear to have originated in China, could be invasive plant species. They say they “may pose a threat to plant, animal and human health.” According to authorities, the mysterious seed packets are being mailed to unsuspecting Americans across the US, including people in Florida.

The USDA calls it “agricultural smuggling,” and the seeds appear to be coming from China. Florida’s Department of Agricultural and Consumer Services on Monday issued a warning. “Anyone receiving these suspicious seed packets should not open them, should not plant them, should limit contact with them, and should report them immediately to both our department and USDA officials,” Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried said in a statement.

According to FDCAS, the state has received over 160 reports from Florida residents about these unwelcome seed deliveries. The packages have Chinese characters on them, may have the words “China Post” and could be labeled as jewelry.

If you receive a shipment of seeds, call the FDACS Division of Plant Industry at 1-888-397-1517. Or you can also contact the USDA APHIS Anti-Smuggling Hotline at 1-800-877-3835.

Blue Springs Recreation Area open weekends only now

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Blue Springs Recreation Area came to its seasonal end last Sunday, August. 9th.  Saturday, August 15th will be the next time it is open now that the brief weekends-only schedule starts. The Saturday and Sunday schedule continues until Labor Day, Monday, September 7th, with the park open that Monday to finish up the summer season of this year.

The park is expected to open on schedule next Memorial Day, with a lot of improvements to be completed during the traditional closed period of the year. While it’s closed this time around, crews will be temporarily drawing down the water six feet so that workers can complete the park’s new headwall. That work is expected to begin in October or November. Until it starts, the boat ramp at Hunter’s Fish Camp Road will stay open to the public although the swimming area will be closed. Once the headwall construction period begins, it will be closed as well until all the work is completed. The headwall will be made of landscape block and replaces the sandbag array that currently serves the purpose of establishing an end to the water in order to keep it from washing up and eroding the maintained area of the popular recreational area on Merritt’s Mill Pond. The headwall structure will also provide a safer entry-and-exit experience for swimmers. Additionally, the county is installing better steps for both side of the diving board platform, giving users more surface area on the approach, adding a wading area for the youngest children, and a redesign of some terraced area so that there will more flat space along the edge of the waterway.

The changes taking place this year will expand the recreational area’s fulfillment of American Disability Act standards, as well, with extra sidewalk rails installed nearer the water’s edge.

The Walton-DeFuniak Library

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The Walton-DeFuniak Library opened during the first decade of the existence of the city. Completed in 1887, the institution became the Walton County Public Library in 1966 and in 1975 was named the Walton – DeFuniak Library. 

Throughout the 130 plus years of service to DeFuniak Springs, the library has undergone several additions, each skillfully blending new construction with the original architecture. Today, the library is as quaint and charming as the original one room, white painted wooden building commissioned by thoughtful women so long ago. The original building is simply marked with one word – “Library”, and an “Established 1886” sign hanging proudly at the door. The Library’s State Historical Marker proclaims the structure to be “the oldest structure in Florida built as a library and still serving that purpose”. But if you take the time to step inside, you will find this beautiful little building is so much more. So before you continue your journey through our town, take a few moments to peak inside and explore the history held inside our library. 

It is said that the Ladies of the Library took a hands-on approach to everything they did. This included being volunteer librarians for the first 15 years until, in 1902, Alice Fellows, a volunteer librarian herself, became the first paid librarian. Miss Fellows filled the position of librarian for the DeFuniak Public Library for 30 years. She was paid a very minimal salary but refused every raise offered to her. Alice said she worked because of her love of books and serving her community. By all accounts, Miss Fellows was diligent and persistent in all her duties, especially in keeping all questionable books out of the library. Today, a commissioned portrait of Miss Alice Fellows is proudly displayed inside the library in honor and remembrance of her steadfast service to the people of DeFuniak Springs. 

The Library is located in the historic district of DeFuniak Springs at 3 Circle Drive in DeFuniak Springs. You can call them at (850) 892-3624.

Hours on the website are listed as:
Monday 9:00 – 5:00
Tuesday 9:00 – 8:00
Wednesday – Saturday 9:00 – 5:00
Sunday Closed

Heat Exhaustion~ Heat Stroke signs and warnings

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It is another HOT day in the Florida Panhandle. High 90’s with very little breeze. Do you know the difference between heat stroke and heat exhaustion and what to do if you or someone you know experiences symptoms? During extremely hot and humid weather, your body’s ability to cool itself is challenged. When the body heats too rapidly to cool itself properly, or when too much fluid or salt is lost through dehydration or sweating, body temperature rises and you or someone you care about may experience a heat-related illness. It is important to know the symptoms of excessive heat exposure and the appropriate responses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides a list of warning signs and symptoms of heat illness, and recommended first aid steps. Some of these steps are listed below.

In Case of Heat Exhaustion:
✔ Go to a cooler, air-conditioned place                                                                                                                                                                             ✔ Drink water if fully conscious
✔ Take a cool shower or use a cold compress

In Case of Heat Stroke:
✔ CALL 9-1-1
✔ Take immediate action to aid the person until help can arrive.

Thanks to West Florida Electric for this visual.

National Farmers Market Week & Market in DeFuniak Springs August 8th

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From supporting healthy communities to stimulating local economies, farmers markets play an essential role in Main Street communities and commercial districts across the nation. The COVID 19 pandemic made it clear that local food systems with short supply chains are resilient and dependable in making food available to our community. Farmers’ markets promote community health by providing access to high-quality nutritious foods. Markets also contribute to the local economy. According to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service’ 2015 Local Food Marketing Practices Survey, farmers’ markets contribute approximately $9 billion each year to the U.S. economy.

The week of August 2–8, 2020 was proclaimed by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue as National Farmers Market Week. For twenty-one years the USDA has supported local producers by encouraging Americans to shop their local farmers’ markets. Despite the challenges of this year, markets have continued to provide the community with access to locally produced agricultural products. Take this weekend as an opportunity to purchase goods from a local farmers’ market. 

DeFuniak Springs will be having a Farmer’s Market on Saturday, August 8 from 8am-11am. They will have a variety including… Watermelons, Squash/Zucchini, Potatoes, Milk, Goat Cheese, Baked Goods, Okra, Pears, Peaches, Free Range Eggs, Jams/Jellies

COVID-19 testing sites open in Bay County

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The first of three testing sites opened at the Lynn Haven Sports Park on Thursday, July 30 at 10 a.m. The second opened Monday, August 3 at 7 a.m. at Frank Brown Park in Panama City Beach. The third site will be in Callaway. Those details are still being finalized.

The three testing sites were by appointment only but are now excepting walk ups. They suggest for a low wait time and no appointment you should go in the early afternoon.  Each site will test up to 500 people per day for the Coronavirus COVID-19. Results are expected to be returned in 48 hours or less by an online portal or by phone.

As of now, officials say only adults 18 and over can be tested. They say they are working to offer the testing to minors as soon as possible. The hours of operation for each testing site will be: Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Early Voting

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Early Voting for the Primary Election 2020. Dates, times and locations for any Jackson County Registered Voter.
Monday- Saturday, August 3rd thru August 15th, 8am- 5pm and Sunday, August 9th, 9am- 5pm. Any registered voter can vote at any one of the following locations during the early voting dates above.
*Sneads City Hall, 2028 Third Ave, Sneads
*Supervisor of Elections Office, 2851 Jefferson St, Marianna
*Graceville City Hall, 5348 Cliff St, Graceville
Primary Election Day is Tuesday, August 18th and voters will have to go to their assigned polling place.
If you already registered to vote by mail you should have already received your ballot. To ensure your vote is counted, supervisors recommend mailing ballots at least five days before election day or returning it in person.For the General Election which will be November 3,2020, the deadline for new registrations and party changes is October 5, 2020

Any questions or for more details click: https://www.jacksoncountysoe.org/

Tax Free School (office) Supplies August 7th – 9th

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Now is the time to stock up or restock those school and office supplies. This weekend, August 7th, 8th, and 9th Florida will be having it’s annual sales tax holiday. Florida first held a sales tax holiday for school supplies in 2007.

During this sales tax holiday period, Florida law directs that no sales tax or local option tax (also known as discretionary sales surtax) will be collected on:
• purchases of clothing, footwear, and certain accessories selling for $60 or less per item,
• purchases of certain school supplies selling for $15 or less per item, and
• the first $1,000 of the sales price of personal computers and certain computer-related accessories, when purchased for noncommercial home or personal use.

For more information and a detailed list click here: https://floridarevenue.com/backtoschool/Pages/default.aspx

Marianna and Graceville library are reopening today

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The Jackson County Public Library in Marianna and Graceville are re-opening their doors today, August 3, 2020. Marianna will open at 9:00 a.m. with Graceville opening their doors at 10:00 a.m. They will both close daily at 5:00 to allow staff to thoroughly sanitize the facilities.
They have arranged the computers and furniture to allow for safe distancing in accordance with CDC guidelines. They are strongly recommending and encouraging masks and they will be available at the library as will hand sanitizer. The children’s room is not open for children to visit, it is recommended for their safety that children stay close to their parents while visiting the library.
At the present time, internet service is unavailable, but repairs are underway and we are very hopeful that service will be restored sometime next week. *Checkout is limited to five items per valid card. DVDs are limited to 5 per family. Launchpad checkout is limited to one per card.
Curbside service is still available at both locations for those who need it. You must fill a form out online 24 hours in advance. The link for the library is http://jcplfl.org/?fbclid=IwAR1_SzYMBiJ-xgr-S191pIMvNV8z2b11jROx_1a_H4UEok6VyBKOCSgeypk