Category: Community Announcement

Hazardous Waste Event

Debbie Roney Smith on

The Jackson County Board of County Commissioners, the Jackson County Parks and Recycling Department, and Clean Earth are working together to hold a free event for Jackson County citizens to dispose of hazardous household waste. The event will take place at the Jackson County Recycling Facility located at 3530 Wiley Drive. The service is for households only, and residents must bring proof of residency (ex. driver’s license). Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 19th (8am – 12pm).

Some examples of household hazardous waste that will be accepted at this event include pesticides, batteries, used oil, engine degreasers, solvents, brake fluid, stale gasoline, anti-freeze, pool chemicals, paint, paint thinners, and insecticides. Additionally, white goods and electronics such as computers, monitors, keyboards, printers, and televisions will be accepted. Gas cylinders and explosives ARE NOT ACCEPTED. 

West Florida Electric Cooperative Requests Proposals

Debbie Roney Smith on

West Florida Electric Cooperative is seeking requests for the upcoming storm season. The potential proposals include Disaster Debris Clearance and Removal Services, Disaster Debris Monitoring Services, Base Camp and Logistics Services, and Emergency Power Restoration Services. Most proposals are due in March, so be sure to research and complete the relevant proposal(s) as soon as possible. Visit the Requests for Proposals: Emergency Services webpage for detailed information on each proposal. 

State of Florida Speciality Plate

Debbie Roney Smith on

The State of Florida is giving car owners a special opportunity to help save the bees by pre-ordering a license plate! The annual use fees from the sale of the Florida State Beekeepers license plate will be distributed to the Florida State Beekeepers Association. The money will be put towards funding outreach and education to raise awareness of the importance of beekeeping to Florida agriculture. Additionally, the funds will help honeybee research and husbandry. The State has until October 2022 to get 3,000 pre-orders for the license plate to become a reality. Please pre-order yours today at the following link for $40: https://myfloridaspecialtyplate.com/beesvoucherorder.html 

Community Yard Sale

Debbie Roney Smith on

Coming this weekend, March 5th, is the community yard sale at Magnolia Square Park in Blountstown. It will be held from 9am-12pm. Currently, there are 15 people signed up to sell at this event. If you are interested in selling, there are more spots available. Contact Main Street Blountstown, Inc on Facebook or call 850-841-0359.

Mardi Gras GRAND Parade

Debbie Roney Smith on

    The annual Pensacola Mardi Gras Grand Parade is coming up this February 26th!

    The Grand Parade is the city’s largest parade; it includes more than 6,000 participants and 10,000 viewers. The parade features local Krewes, marching bands, organizations, and Scout Groups. Additionally, there are a number of out-of-town Krewes and organizations that visit specifically for this event. Interested in attending? The parade takes place on Palafox and Garden Streets in historic downtown Pensacola. It will start on February 26th at 2pm and lasts until 6pm. There will be a dedicated children’s viewing area free of alcohol and tobacco to ensure families can have a good time during the high-energy parade. Learn more about the parade at the Pensacola Mardi Gras website here. 

    Greenwood Supermarket: Grand Reopenening!

    Debbie Roney Smith on

    The Greenwood Supermarket is expected to reopen by the end of February. Bill and Christine Smith have moved the store to a new location; 4185 Bryan Street, righ next door to the old location. The original supermarket was destroyed in a fire on November 13, 2018 after barely escaping major Hurrican Michael damage. 

    The new market is expected to have a bigger deli and meat department. Additionally, the sq. ft. has gone up from 5,000 to 7,500. However, the rest of the store’s interior is being kept a secret so that there can be a big reveal at the grand-opening ceremony. Currently, the store reports that they anticipate needing over 20 people on payroll either part-time or full-time to provide a consistent experience to the community eagerly awaiting it’s reopening.

    Strawberry Festival

    Debbie Roney Smith on

    The annual Strawberry Festival will be held this weekend in Williston, FL. There will be a plethora of fun, strawberry-themed family activities such as a u-pick strawberry field, chocolate covered strawberry station, and more! Other kid friendly activities include bouncy jump pillows, a treehouse village, slide hill, and train. Additional adult activities include the u-pick sunflower patch, indulge in sweet treats like strawberry cheesecake or strawberry shortcake, and relax while listening to live music. There is even a Strawberry Pie Eating Contest that guests can partake in.

    Please note that all guests are requested to follow CDC protocols for Covid-19 safety. Come on down to Red, White, and Blue Farm this February 12-13th between the hours of 10am and 4pm to enjoy this spectacular event. For more detailed information, please visit the official Strawberry Festival website here. 

    Notify County Agencies About Special Needs

    Debbie Roney Smith on

    West Florida Electric Cooperative is helping to spread the word about the Special Needs Registry Shelter Program. This is a program designed to provide hurricane or disaster related evacuation assistance for those without other alternatives. However, it is super important that you renew your enrollment in this program annually! The Registry Program allows for emergency responders to prepare for disasters and other emergencies, and for the needs of the community to be accounted for during times of trial. If you or someone you know has a condition greatly affecting eyesight, hearing, spech, walking, breathing, or a mental illness that can impact these senses, please contact your local emergency management agency to register. Learn more about the program at the Florida Health website here. 

    Jackson County: Recycling Resources

    Debbie Roney Smith on

    Listed below is a collection of Jackson County recycling locations and what they accept: 

    • Jackson County Recycling located at 3630 Wiley Drive. Items accepted at this location include paper, aluminum, hazardous waste, cardboard, and white goods.
    • Sunland Recycling located at 3700 Williams Drive. This location accepts glass and aluminum only.
    • A Plus Recycling located at 1928 Edenfield Drive. Drop off your metal, glass, and aluminum here.
    • Advanced Auto Parts, Autozone, and O’Reilly Auto Parts locations take oil and batteries. 

    Download a comprehensive list below, complete with items accepted/not accepted at the Jackson County website here. 

    Calhoun County’s New Brewery

    Debbie Roney Smith on

    Coming this Saturday, February 5th, is the opening of Calhoun County’s first brewery! From 11am to 9pm CST, bar foood and lots of freshly brewed craft beer will be available. Wine and soda will also be available. Additionally, there will be live music featuring Hot Mess from Apalachicola playing from 3pm to 7pm. Cody Barber of Carrabelle will finish the evening starting at 8pm. Visit the Blountstown Beer Company Facebook page to stay up-to-date with events and more.