Category: Community Announcement

Irish Pub to Open in PCB

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The former Boarshead property located on Front Beach Road in Panama City Beach will be revived as McGuire’s Irish Pub! 

The lot has been vacant since Hurricane Michael in 2018. The McGuire parent company purchased the location last week; they estimate renovations will take around 12 months. A tentative opening goal for fall 2024 has been announced. 

This will be the third McGuire’s Irish pub in Florida. The first was opened in 1977 in Pensacola. A second was opened in Destin circa 1996. The franchise offers steak, seafood, Irish cuisine, and pub fare. McGuire’s also operates a brewery; they regularly produce five beers, one seasonal beer variety, and a root beer. Visit their website here to learn more. 

Marianna Police Department

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The Marianna Police Department is stepping up on enforcement for the Memorial Day “Click It or Ticket” campaign. Happening now, the campaign will run until May 30, 2023. It’s an almost month-long endeavor designed to remind motorists to buckle up for safety. The “Click It or Ticket” campaign advocates for buckling-for-safety via 1) education and 2) law enforcement. 

Calhoun County Advocating for a State Park

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The Calhoun County Community Foundation is working alongside the Calhoun County BOCC and State Representatives in hopes of bringing a State Park to Calhoun County. Advocating under the #KeepCalCoRural hashtag, the proposed state park is part of an ongoing initiative encouraging citizens to support the outdoors through conservation, recreation, and investments.

Calhoun County is the ONLY county in Florida without a State Park and/or a Recreation Area. The implementation of a park/recreation area would bring in MILLIONS of dollars annually to the local economy. It will also provide jobs for locals. The economic and emotional benefits of a maintained outdoor area are huge. Visit the online petition HERE to sign and show support. Help circulate the petition by sharing it on social media and using the initiative hashtag. 

Fall In Love With JaCo: Business Expo & Community Showcase

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The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Business Expo & Community Showcase on Thursday, October 20th from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Citizen’s Lodge.

The Showcase will be a free event highlighting local businesses and community organizations. Participating businesses/organizations will have a table to display their products and services. The Expo will feature exhibits, networking, giveaways, raffle prizes, music, and entertainment. There will also be a number of local food trucks available on site. 

If you would like to take part in the exhibition, call the Chamber of Commerce at (850)482-8060. The Expo’s theme is “Fall” in Love with JaCo. Participants are encouraged to decorate their booths in a fall theme. The Chamber will also be holding an Expo 101 class on Tuesday, September 20th from 8am to 9am. The class will be repeated on (1) Friday, September 30th from 11am to 12pm and (2) Tuesday, October 4th from 3pm to 4pm. The class will cover what makes a great exhibit, setup do’s and don’ts, and more. Participating businesses/organizations will also receive a special exhibitor-only networking lunch during setup prior to the 3:00 p.m. public event.  

For more information contact the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce at 850-482-8060 or info@jacksoncounty.com or visit the Facebook event page here. 

Hurricane Ian: Panhandle Update

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Hurricane Ian is expected to make landfall in Florida Wednesday morning. By Thursday afternoon-Friday morning, the Panhandle will be experiencing effects. Winds will begin increasing late Tuesday through Friday; wind speeds vary from central (15-25mph) to western (35-40mph) Panhandle. Gusts up to 50mph are anticipated throughout the counties. Rainfall is projected to receive two inches or less, depending on how far to the west you are located. Northwest Florida is not projected to see major impacts; likely effects will be increased wind speeds, rain, and turbulent ocean conditions. The western side of the Panhandle is currently not expected to experience any extreme weather. They might even be lucky enough to maintain power throughout the storm.

HOWEVER, forecasts are consistently being updated so it is best to regularly check live Hurricane Ian projections to keep up-to-date. Additionally, residents are encouraged to prepare as though they will be impacted by the hurricane to stay safe. Fill your vehicles with gas, secure loose objects outside, have a healthy stock of non-perishables, and practice smart hurricane preparation. Additionally, officials are asking that everyone stay off of and out of the water from Tuesday evening until Saturday. 

Bookstore Coming to Marianna

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A new bookstore is coming soon to Marianna! It will be moving into what used to be the Sweet Beans Cafe on Caledonia Street in downtown Marianna. Currently, the bookstore is going by the name Books & Such. However, the name is subject to change as per the owner’s Facebook announcement. Books & Such will be stocking new books as well as a limited selection of used books. They also hope to carry journals, stationery, greeting cards, and other “such” items. Keep an eye out for an opening date announcement!

Amnesty Days for Sneads

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Sneads is hosting Amnesty Days this September. Only residents of Sneads will be allowed to participate; no commercial customers. Additionally, citizens will be required to provide proof of residency, a bill, or have ID. The Amnesty Days will be hosted on the corner of Third Ave and Old Spanish Trail. There will be three available dates: September 14th (7:30 am – 5 pm CST), September 16th (7:30 am – 5 pm CST), and September 17th (8 am – noon). 

The following items are NOT accepted: tires, batteries, liquids, chemicals, propane tanks, paint cans, fluorescent bulbs, microwaves, T.V.s, and computers. 

Please contact City Hall at 593 – 6636 with any questions or concerns. 

Vendors Wanted for Sugar Cane Festival

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The Sugar Cane Festival will be coming to Historical White Springs, FL on November 12th. The festival is currently looking for vendors to take part in the event. The festival will be held in conjunction with the Community Street Sale. Admission is free for the community however vendors must pay a $35 fee to hold their spot. Alongside vendors, they are looking for hands-on demonstrators who would like to participate in this event. Stop in, message, or send Suwannee Hardware and Feed an email for a vendor application – they are currently offering a discount for vendor preregistration! Their contact info is as follows:

Suwannee Hardware & Feed
10572 Bridge St. White Springs, FL 32096
386-397-2551
www.suwanneehardware.com
suwanneehardware@gmail.com

Jackson County Chick-Fil-A

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Chick-Fil-A is on its way to Jackson County. It will be located on Highway 71 South on the right just past the interstate. The Jackson County Economic Development Committee is hopeful that contractors will break ground on the standalone location at the former Malloy Glad Farms by early Fall. The doors are tentatively planned to open by late 2022 to early 2023 depending on factors such as supply procurement and weather delays. This project has been in development since February 2020. 

Derl’s Lock & Safe

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Visit Derl’s Lock & Safe on July 12th for a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony! The event starts at 10 am, and is a celebration of Dylan Keith taking over as owner of Lock & Safe. He is continuing his grandfather’s business legacy. Derl’s Lock & Safe is located at 1095 S Ferdon Blvd in Crestview.