The Borrower Myth

Have you heard that mortgage borrowers need 2 years on the same job to qualify? It’s a popular myth that is completely untrue. Many borrowers have far less than a 2-year employment history; as long as there are no gaps, clients are likely to qualify. Even if there are job gaps, Paramount Residential Mortage Group – and some other mortgage companies – will simply go back before the job gap to get the required length of employment history. Thanks to Brian, their sales manager, for reaching out with this information!

Citizens Academy

Click on image to learn more.

“In an effort to develop positive public relations, as well as increase citizen engagement and civic education, Jackson County citizens are invited to participate in monthly Citizens Academy sessions. Each session will focus on the operations of a different department, as well as demonstrate how the departments work together and with the Board of County Commissioners to ensure that the County government runs smoothly.”

Beer & Oyster Festival

Did you know that 90% of the oysters sold in Florida are harvested along the gulf waters of the Panhandle and Big Bend regions? The Panacea Beer and Oyster Festival is a chance to enjoy the seafare! There will be plenty of fresh saltwater eats like stone crabs, grouper, shrimp, flounder, scallops, and oysters. Guests will dine on freshly harvested oysters from local farmers while enjoying live music and the coastal views of Dickerson Bay. The festival is free EXCEPT for those taking part in the beer-tasting experience (featuring local craft beer vendors). Come out March 30th to Woolley Park to enjoy; visit the event website to learn more or buy a beer ticket. 

The Arts Festival (Gulf Breeze)

Gulf Breeze is hosting The Arts Festival this month. This year’s festival will be the 28th annual juried festival. The festival hosts more than 100 local, regional, and national artists. There will also be food vendors, a local artists’ show, a silent auction, children’s activities, and live art demos. Gulf Breeze is conveniently located between Pensacola and Pensacola Beach. The festival will take place March 22nd to 23rd at the Gulf Breeze Community Center. Learn more by visiting the event website

Suwannee County Fair

The Suwanee County Fair starts this Friday. From March 15th to 23rd, Live Oak will be hosting its over 100-year-old county fair. There will be endless fun, food, and livestock at the event. The highlight is the annual Fair and Youth Livestock Show and Sale. There will also be carnival rides, live music, deep-fried food, and more. Midway through the fair’s run is the annual Hog and Steer Sale. The fair includes two nights for the Beef Heifer Show, plus Hog, Steer, Goat, Dairy Cattle, and Sheep Shows.

To view the schedule, visit the Suwannee County Fair website

Altha Market Days on Main

March’s Altha Market Day was canceled due to rain. They have rescheduled it for March 23rd, 9am-2pm. Held with the support of Altha Town Hall, this is the first year they’ll be hosting a monthly market on Main Street. Typically, Altha Market Days will take place on the first Saturday of each month. They have a selection of vendors including local artists and food trucks. Stay up-to-date with Altha Market Days by following their Facebook event page

Milk & Honey Announcement

We are sad to report that the locally owned coffee shop, Milk and Honey, will close in April. They’ve been serving Marianna for 12 years. They announced that they would be permanently closing on Sunday, April 14th. This is a sad lose for Marianna and Jackson County as a whole; Milk & Honey has served the community as a place to host meetings, birthday parties, gather after kids’ sports events, and more. They will be missed. 

While they are still open, please come out and support them. The more income they make during the next few weeks, the more they will be able to give their employees upon closing. Visit Milk & Honey on Facebook for more information. 

Jackson County Seed Library

The Jackson County Public Library is hosting its Seed Library Kickoff tomorrow! Head over to the library from 10:30am to 1:30pm to benefit from this season’s seeds. Adults with a current library card can get up to FOUR seed packs. The Library would like to thank the Master Gardener Program and the UF|IFAS Extension Office for their support. Learn more by visiting the event Facebook page

Florida is a Hotspot

Did you know that Florida is a biodiversity hotspot?! The state ranks 7th for animal biodiversity with 4,368 known species. We rank 6th for vascular plant diversity, with 3,038 species. Florida also ranks among the top five states in endemic species; endemic species are animals or plants that are found only in our state. For instance, 269 species of animals can be found only in Florida. 

In fact, Florida is part of the North American Coastal Plain – the low-lying land stretching from Texas to Florida to New England. In 2016, the North American Coastal Plain was named the 36th biodiversity hotspot in the world. Biodiversity expert Reed Noss said, “Florida, in term of endemic species, is the hottest spot within the Coastal Plain.” There are one-of-a-kind species such as turtles, frogs, freshwater fish, mice, birds, and many types of plants and invertebrates.

Why are biodiversity hotspots important? Well, there’s a lot to cover but the overall message is that biodiversity creates a healthier ecosystem for all life on Earth, including humans. To learn more, check out this article by the Rainforest Action Network. 

 

Gulf Coast Renaissance Fair & Pirate Festival

The Gulf Coast’s annual ren fair is back! Come out to the Santa Rosa Fairgrounds on March 2nd & 3rd to enjoy all things yo ho ho, ye olde, and ye haw! This year’s festival is open to those who enjoy renaissance fun like turkey legs and jousting, pirate antics such as excessive drinking and sword fights, AND cowboy culture with lassos and tales of the Wild West. This year also features a Roaring 20s stage that will showcase Irish step dancers, belly dancers, and a swing band. The Renaissance Fair and Pirate Festival encourages visitors of all ages and all costumes. Learn more HERE