Turner’s Landing opens, Blue Springs to reopen with no capacity limits

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Jackson County Commissioners voted  to reopen Turners Landing immediately and to eliminate all crowd restrictions for Blue Springs Recreational Area as well. Turners Landing closed a few weeks and the seasonal opening of Blue Springs was delayed a week over concerns that it would be difficult to monitor and maintain the social distancing made necessary by COVID-19. As the state modified its guidelines over time, there had been talk of opening Blue Springs to 25-percent capacity, and then at 50-percent capacity. But Jackson County Public Works Director Rett Daniels said he now recommended a full opening based on the latest guidance he’d received from the governor’s office.

The reopening of those recreational spots comes as Jackson County’s COVID-19 total had, as of May 26th, reached 239. Jackson County Health Department leader Sandy Martin had presented that total to the board at their regular session Tuesday evening. She said, however, that the number does not reflect how many have since recovered. The number does not decrease once positive cases are considered resolved. Martin noted also that she does not have an official definition or description of what “recovered” means. Martin also pointed out that of the 239 positive individuals, only 39 are at-large citizens of the county. She said 149 are prisoners and that 51 are people in long-term care facilities. In her update to the board, Martin said that the number of positive cases represents 7.1 percent of the population, compared to the state’s overall 5.7 percent of population. In all, 3,364 individuals have been tested in Jackson County.

A Penumbral Lunar Eclipse~June 5th and 6th

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On June 5th and 6th, the Strawberry Full Moon will pass through the faint outer shadow of the Earth, known as a penumbral lunar eclipse, the second of four penumbral lunar eclipses this year. Weather permitting, those in Asia, Australia, Europe, Africa and the South Eastern areas of South America might notice the Moon turn slightly darker, or seem less bright, during the maximum phase of the eclipse. A penumbral lunar eclipse can be subtle and sometimes difficult to distinguish from a normal full moon.

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth aligns between the Full Moon and the Sun, blocking the Sun’s rays from reaching the Full Moon. A total eclipse occurs when Earths umbra – the central, dark part of its shadow – obscures all of the Moon’s surface. During a partial eclipse only a part of the Moon’s surface is obscured by Earth’s umbra. A penumbral lunar eclipse happens when Earth’s faint penumbral, outer shadow falls on the Moon, like the one we already experienced on January 10th and are what the remaining three lunar eclipses will be this year on June 5th, July 5th and November 31st. The early Indigenous people of North America kept track of the seasons and lunar months by naming them according to events during that time. June’s Full Moon is either the last full moon of spring, or the first of the summer, and is called the “Strawberry Moon”. According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, the name originated with Algonquin tribes in eastern North America – and was used as a signal to gather the ripening wild strawberries. Colonial Americans adopted some of the indigenous moon names and applied them to their own calendar system – which is still used today.

While June’s Strawberry Full Moon eclipse may be visible from start to finish from some areas – a total of 3 hours 18 minutes – other areas will only experience the Moon rise or set during the eclipse. Unfortunately, for North America and most of South America, this event will be happening below their horizon. We will see the next one on July 4–5, 2020 – Penumbral Lunar Eclipse.

Southern Fields Brewing Grand Opening – a weekend long event!

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Please join them for the Grand Opening of Southern Fields Brewery Friday, Saturday, and Sunday – June. 5th, 6th, and 7th at 2328 Hwy 2, Campbellton, FL 32426. The grand opening event will have The Green Gate Olive Grove food truck, LIVE music by Jesse Roberts, outdoor bar games, and some good beer!

Before entering the establishment please visit the hand sanitizer station first outside the entrance. The tasting room is operating at 50% capacity. The use of a face mask is encouraged. No groups larger than 8 to a table and a distance of 6 feet must be maintained between tables. They are asking that if you have a weakened immune system or have had any symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, or experienced fever in the last 48 hours that you stay home.

Friday, June 5, 2020 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Kick Off! Live music by Jesse Roberts starts at 7pm with food provided by Green Grove Olive

Saturday, June 6, 2020 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
The Party Continues with food provided by Green Grove Olive
Sunday, June 7, 2020

1:00 PM – 7:00 PM
SUNDAY FUNDAY! Beer and Mimosa’s, Live music by Jesse Roberts starts at 2pm with food provided by Green Grove Olive

Red Snapper Season started June 1st

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Federally permitted red snapper season began yesterday and runs through August 1. Snapper are managed differently in the Gulf versus the Atlantic and in state versus federal waters. Gulf state waters are from shore to 9 nautical miles. Atlantic state waters are from shore to 3 nautical miles. The southeastern United States is home to the largest concentration of saltwater recreational fishing in America. Whether seeking iconic fish to catch for sport or for sustenance, recreational fishing in the Southeast generates more than $15 billion in sales annually for more than 4.5 million fishermen taking more than 36 million fishing trips every year.

The Gulf season for federally-permitted for-hire operations is June 1-Aug. 1. The 2020 Gulf red snapper season for anglers fishing from private recreational vessels will be June 11- July 25 (45 days).

June

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June is the sixth month of the year. However, according to the early Roman calendar, June was actually the fourth month and had only 29 day. In 46B.C, Julius Caesar gave June 30 days instead of 29 when he reformed the Roman calendar. June was named after the Roman goddess Juno, who is the wife of Jupiter. However, others say that its name actually came from the Latin word iuniors. It means the younger ones, which is opposed to majors or elders which May’s name was originated from. In June, spring ends and summer begins in the Northern Hemisphere. During this time, all the flowers and plants are very beautiful. In the southern hemisphere, winter begins in June. The 6th month of the year brings us Summer, Father’s Day, Flag Day, and the Summer Solstice.

The birthstones for June are the pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone.The birth flower for June is the rose. On June 1, 1792, the state of Kentucky, also known as the Bluegrass state, became the 15th state of the United States. On June 1, 1796, Tennessee, also known as The Volunteer State became the 16th state of the United States. June 1, 1869— Thomas Edison obtained a patent for an electrographic vote recorder. In June 1895, the gasoline-powered automobile was patented. Also in June, a few years earlier (1887), the Coca-Cola bottle label was trademarked,

June is the month with the longest daylight hours of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. In 2009 June was the 662 most popular name for girls in the USA. Anglo-Saxons gave the June the name Sera monath (Dry month). In both common and leap years, no other month begins on the same day of the week as June. June also has the shortest daylight hours of the year in the Southern Hemisphere.

Art of Glass in Apalachicola

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Looking for something to do on a rainy day? Here on vacation? Need something for the kids to do? Or just have an artistic side?  Art of Glass in Apalachicola has just resumed Bits and Pieces One-hour drop in art classes. This is a Covid 19 safe outdoor art class in Apalachicola.

Let them help you find your inner artist. You pick your canvas glass and other media and create your work of art outdoors under a tent in a Covid 19 safe setting. When it’s completed, they coat it in a clear epoxy resin and you can pick up your masterpiece the next day. Just call Devorah at Art of Glass 47 Market Street Apalachicola at 850-370-1019. Call ahead with a time and a day that’s convenient for you & your group or just show up.
Two convenient classes held daily at 12pm & 2pm. Great for parties, company outings or family get togethers. Also Girls night out classes “Byob” by appointment. Bring something special home from your vacation that you can enjoy for years. Art of Glass is located at 47 Market St. Directly across the street from the Gibson Inn at the foot of the bridge in Apalachicola

www.artofglassboutique.com

Medicare information

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This is an unbiased, free, and confidential place to go for help with Medicare. Shine is a grant program of the federal administration for community living and is administered by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs in partnership with the state’s elven Aging and Disability Resource Centers. You can call 1-800-963-5337 for more information.

National Boating Safety Week

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Last week was National Boating Safety Week. The Safe Boating Campaign is a worldwide effort focused on responsible boating, encouraging boaters to always wear a life jacket while on the water. It’s tempting to not wear a life jacket while on the water, especially on nice days. You want to get some sun, you think you’ll get too hot, or you think you’re a strong swimmer. But whether you’re going fishing or just enjoying a ride on the boat, there’s never an excuse to not wear a life jacket. Accidents happen in an instant. Make it a habit. Always wear a life jacket. Boating safety advocates recommend that all boaters and passengers not only have a life jacket, but wear it at all times while boating.

Drowning was the reported cause of death in 77 percent of all boating fatalities. Of those, 84 percent were reported as not wearing their life jackets. Two-thirds of drowning victims are good swimmers

Here are the most common excuses with the top five reasons to wear a life jacket.
1. “I have life jackets on board.” Having life jackets on board the vessel is not enough. Accidents happen too fast to put on a stowed life jacket.
2. “I’m a strong swimmer.” Even a strong swimmer needs to wear a life jacket. During an emergency, clothing can become heavy or waterlogged while in the water.
3. “It’s too hot and doesn’t look cool.” Old-fashioned, bulky orange life jackets have been replaced with new styles, like inflatable life jackets that may resemble a pair of suspenders or a belt pack. These are much cooler in the warmer weather.
4. “It gets in the way.” There are life jacket styles available for any recreational water activity – fishing, water sports, hunting, paddling and more. There are even styles for pets!
5. “Nothing is going to happen to me.” Face it, accidents happen. Boating can be a fun, safe and enjoyable activity, but when the “Wear It!” message is ignored, the consequences can be grim.

 

 

https://safeboatingcampaign.com/

Sales Tax Holiday~May 29th – June 4th

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The 2020 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday has been passed by the Florida Legislature and signed into law by Governor DeSantis. This sales tax holiday begins on Friday, May 29, 2020 and ends on Thursday, June 4, 2020. They are predicting this hurricane season to be a sever one.

During this holiday period, qualifying items related to disaster preparedness are exempt from sales tax. However, the sales tax holiday does not apply to the rental or repair of any of the qualifying items. Additionally, the sales tax holiday does not apply to sales in a theme park, entertainment complex, public lodging establishment or airport.

A few items that qualify are: reusable ice (reusable ice packs) ~any portable, self-powered light source (powered by battery, solar, hand-crank, or gas) ~Candles ~Flashlights ~Lanterns ~any gas or diesel fuel container, including LP gas and kerosene containers  ~Batteries, including rechargeable batteries, listed sizes only (excluding automobile and boat batteries) ~Coolers and ice chests (food-storage; nonelectrical) ~Bungee cords ~Ground anchor systems ~Radios (powered by battery, solar, or handcrank) ~Two-way weather band ~Ratchet straps ~Tarpaulins (tarps) ~Tie-down kits ~plastic sheeting ~plastic drop cloths ~and other flexible waterproof sheeting and for $750 or less: Portable generators used to provide light or communications, or to preserve food in the event of a power outage.

For more information click: https://floridarevenue.com/DisasterPrep/Pages/default.aspx

Shipwreck Island Waterpark

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Businesses across the country are reopening and in Panama City Beach a summer staple has opened its doors to visitors. Shipwreck Island Waterpark is located at 12201 Hutchison Boulevard in Panama City Beach. The operating schedule and hours varies from the spring, to summer, to late summer, mostly based on the school calendar. You can check for changes by clicking here: www.facebook.com/shipwreckisland.

The Zoom Flume waterslide was the genesis of Shipwreck Island Waterpark when its opened in 1976. Over the next five years, The Raging Rapids and bumper boats were added. Beginning in 1983 the Zoom Flume and Rapids were merged into a unique tropical themed waterpark filled with attractions for family members of all ages. The twenty-acre park features lush landscaping, a professionally trained aquatics staff, and is one of the most hospitable attractions in all of North Florida. The usual broad selection of burgers, pizza, hotdogs, salads, barbeque, wraps, funnel cakes, ice cream, and frozen drinks is also available. Pepsi products and beer are also sold. Prices vary with age and height. For more information you can call 1-800-538-7395 or 850-234-9873 ext 310 to reserve your date by phone.

Have fun, stay safe, and don’t forget the sunscreen!