World Biodiversity Day

Debbie Roney Smith on

World Biodiversity Day is a United Nations-sanctioned international day for the promotion of biodiversity issues. Biodiversity refers to the variety and variability of life on Earth; the healthier an area’s biodiversity, the healthier the ecosystem – which includes not only the animals and plants but also the people. Although it was originally introduced in 1993, it went through rebranding in 2000 and each year now has a theme. This year’s theme is Our Solutions are in Nature, and is focused on encouraging solutions to a host of issues that are interconnected: the climate crisis, economic issues, political problems, and more. Essentially, this date focuses on nature-based solutions for the betterment and protection of all life on Earth.

Jackson County Burn Ban lifted

Debbie Roney Smith on

BURN BAN LIFTED FOR JACKSON COUNTY. The ban burn put in place by the Jackson County Board of County Commissioners last Tuesday, May 12 has been lifted according to Jackson County Fire Rescue Chief Charlie Brunner. Rain has been sufficient with staffing in place with State of Florida Forestry Department is sufficient to cover the area they are assigned. As with any burn requiring a permit, please make sure you have your permit and use caution when burning.

 

Sea Turtles

Debbie Roney Smith on

Did you know sea turtles have a season they are most active? May 1st to October 31st is the most active season for sea turtles. When you go to the beach please remember to leave only footprints, knock over your sandcastles, fill in any holes, and if you go at night no flashlights. Any time you see a sea turtle you should know they should never be touched.

A few interesting facts about sea turtles:
~They do not retract into their shell
~Green sea turtles are named for the color of their fat layer
~Female sea turtles return to the same beach to lay eggs using magnetic “clues”
~Baby green sea turtles are carnivores and transition to eating seaweed as they grow older
~The actual lifespan of green sea turtles is unknown
~The sex of turtles is determined by the temperature of sand, cooler the sand the more males

The oldest known sea turtle fossils date back about 150 million years, making them some of the oldest creatures on Earth. Just for some context, dinosaurs became extinct 65 million years ago. Green sea turtles can stay underwater for up to five hours, but their feeding dives usually only last five minutes or less. Sea turtles have glands that help to empty excess salt from their eyes, making it appear as though they’re crying, but not to worry, they’re just doing some spring cleaning. Have you ever seen a sea turtle?

 

Cottondale boil water effect today(May 19) at 7am

Debbie Roney Smith on

Cottondale residents will be under a boil water notice starting Tuesday, May 19th at 7am due to a water line repair. City leaders say this planned notice will cover the west side of Magnolia Street between Railroad Street and Highway 90, Faney Street from Magnolia Street to Highway 231, Church Street from Magnolia Street to Highway 231, and St. Andrews Street from Magnolia Street to Highway 231.

City leaders say all water used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, or washing dishes should be boiled at a rolling boil of one minute. They say you can also use bottled water. The notice will remain in effect until a bacteriological survey shows the water is safe to drink.
If you have questions, you can call Floyd Scott, the Public Works Director, and the City of Cottondale at 850-486-6000.

Full Phase 1

Debbie Roney Smith on

Effective Monday, May 18th Full Phase 1 will begin.  This flyer is from the State of Florida outlining what is and what isn’t opening and what is going to open at full compacity or partial. A few basics are: ~Retail may operate up to 50% ~Schools will continue distance learning ~Gyms may operate up to 50%. Check with each individual county for specific to the area openings.

Be safe, cover your coughs with your elbows, continue practicing social distancing of at least 6 feet from anyone else, wear a mask when in a public place, stay home if you are sick, and wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm/hot water.

Falling Waters is open for day use

Debbie Roney Smith on

Falling Waters State Park in Chipley is open for day use! Camping and playground are still closed. For more information call (850)638-6130. They are asking if you use cash to have exact change or use your credit/debt card. They are asking you to also limit your group to less then 10 and to stay at least 6 feet away from other guests and employees. Restrooms may be closed so prepare ahead.

 

yard sale~May 16th

Debbie Roney Smith on

People are starting to have yard sales again. This one is today from 7:30am to noon. Located at 1034 Tri County Road in Graceville. Shoppers are limited to 8 at a time. Please be safe out there ~ and have fun!

 

Cottondale cleanup May 18th- 22nd

Debbie Roney Smith on

Cottondale City is sponsoring a city wide cleanup for one week only. So this weekend if you live in Cottondale hopefully you can find some time to clean up your property a little. They will be picking up May 18th thru May 22nd. The flyer below has a list of what is and isn’t accepted. Anything left after May 22nd will NOT be picked up. Hopefully other cities will follow suit and we can all clean up!

Burn Ban

Debbie Roney Smith on

Most counties in the panhandle have issued a burn ban. Please check with your individual county before you burn again. Jackson, Gulf, Bay, and Washington county have published the burn ban. Effective immediately all outdoor burning of yard trash, household paper products, bonfires, campfires, warming fires, outdoor fire places, chimneys, and cooking fires is prohibited unless: 1) authorized by the Florida Forest Service; 2) for cooking of food exclusively within a contained gas or charcoal grill.  The setting of fires to any grass, brush or forest covered land, unless authorized by the Florida Forest Service, shall constitute a violation of the law. Be safe!

 

 

March 6th~Battle of Natural Bridge

Debbie Roney Smith on

Friday, March 6, 2020 was the 155th anniversary of the Battle of Natural Bridge, fought just south of Tallahassee near present-day Woodville in the final months of the American Civil War. Joshua Hoyet Frier was a Confederate soldier from Florida who wrote down his recollections about the war. The memoir was later transcribed by one of Frier’s descendants, and a copy of it now resides at the State Archives of Florida.

Map showing Natural Bridge and the surrounding area (1865).