Category: Education

Heat Exhaustion vs. Heat Stroke

Debbie Roney Smith on

Dangerously high temperatures increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, and temperatures are set to rise steadily throughout the weekend. Be on the lookout for signs of heat exhaustion and/or heat stroke!

To treat heat exhaustion, first get to a cooler, air-conditioned location. Then, slowly drink water if you are fully conscious. Be sure to take a cool shower or use cold compresses to cool down without being sick. For heat stroke, call 911 IMMEDIATELY! Then, move them to a cooler location and apply cooling cloths/compresses or use a cold bath. DO NOT give them anything to drink. 

Stay safe by taking breaks, avoiding outside work during periods of high sun, and drinking plenty of water for hydration. 

 

Seacrest Wolf Preserve

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Seacrest Wolf Preserve was founded by Cynthia and Wayne Watkins in Chipley, 1999. It is a non-profit dedicated to wolf and wildlife conservation. The preserve has experienced enormous growth over the years and is now a large organization focused on education and conservation. The preserve is home to 30 wolves (Gray Wolves, Arctic-Type Wolves, and British Columbian Wolves) as well as a variety of small native species such as coyotes, foxes, raccoons, skunks, and foxes.

Seacrest offers an unforgettable, educational experience where visitors encounter wolves face-to-face. Not all 30 wolves living at the preserve are approved for this special experience. Seacrest Wolf Ambassadors are those special wolves that have experience and enjoy interacting with human visitors as they learn important scientific information about this amazing keystone species. There are several different types of educational tours offered but reservations must be made beforehand. Due to Covid precautions, they are currently offering only the VIP Tours, Mondays – Saturdays.  

​Visit their official website for more detailed information, or call (850) 773-2897. 

National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day

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Every year both America and South Korea observe National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day on July 27th. This annual event commemorates the peace treaty that triggered a cease-fire in the Korean War. It was a war that lasted three years (June 1950 to July 1953). It claimed the lives of millions of civilians and military personnel alike, and without the cease-fire could have evolved into a world war with unimaginable consequences. This National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, take some moments for reflection on the service and sacrifices of everyone involved in this conflict.

 

Fishing on the Ocheesee Pond

Debbie Roney Smith on

Ocheesee Pond is a great place to enjoy a plethora of outdoor activities such as fishing, kayaking, and more. The lake is 2,225-acres with dark tannic water covered by cypress trees. Lake access is available by taking SR 69 south of Grand Ridge (1.0 mile); then turn left on CR 69A (5.9 miles) and travel left on Shady Grove Rd. to the ramp.

Be careful navigating while in the water; there are many exposed stumps and snags. Try fishing around the stumps and snags in deep holes, where fish often gather. The best baits for wildlife in the pond include grass shrimp, crickets, wigglers, or various colors of 1/16 to 1/8 oz. beetle spins. Try fishing in the early morning and/or late afternoon along weed lines or in deep holes in the lake. The best baits include spinnerbaits, crankbaits, dark plastic worms, or live shiners.

Florida Panhandle Snakes

Debbie Roney Smith on
Rainbow snake; a nonvenomous water snake

The Florida Panhandle is an area that offers exceptional biodiversity which means it is capable of supporting many of the 44 species of snake noted to live in Florida. In particular, the Apalachicola River basin acts as a biodiversity hot spot. In fact, the biodiversity of the area allows for 12 unique species that live only in the panhandle. For a detailed look at the 12 species, visit the following blog post written by Rick O’Connor, a University of Florida Extension Agent. 

Fast facts:

  • 6 of the 12 are nonvenomous water snakes
  • 2 of the 12 are venomous snakes which accounts for about 33% of the venomous species in FL
  • 4 of the 12 are small terrestrial snakes that rarely grow over a foot in length

 

World Watercolor Month

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July is World Watercolor Month! It was founded by Charlie O’Shields, the creator of the popular online blog and community Doodlewash®. Watercolor is one of the most popular mediums for painters. It’s a versatile and inexpensive medium, making it a wonderful art to enjoy at all ages. You can participate by practicing watercolor yourself, with family and friends, or by supporting the official charity of World Watercolor Month by making a purchase on their website.  International Child Art Foundation (ICAF) is the official charity of the year; it “employs the universal language of art to cultivate schoolchildren’s creativity to prepare them […] and develop mutual empathy for a peaceful future.” 

Visit the official World Watercolor Month website for more information on the holiday. 

Which of These 6 Loan Types Is for You?

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  1. Fixed-rate loan: the interest rate doesn’t change throughout the life of the loan, typically 15-30 years. This means the monthly loan payment shouldn’t change, making it a relatively low-risk loan. Requires a down payment.
  2. Adjustable-rate mortgage: loan begins with a lower rate for a fixed period of time (5-10 years); after this period, the interest rate will adjust approximately once a year in relation to current interest rates. Monthly payments can fluctuate, so this loan is best for those who plan to move and sell their home before their fixed-period is up.
  3. FHA loan: a Federal Housing Administration loan is a government-backed loan that allows homeowners to make a down payment of as little as 3.5% versus the standard 20%. There are several requirements such as limited loan amounts and minimal payment flexibility. They are fixed-rate mortgages of 15 or 30 year terms. Mortgage insurance is required. 
  4. VA loan: a Veterans Affairs loan is for veterans who have served 90 consecutive days during wartime, 180 days during peacetime, or six years in the reserves. They are government-backed and require no down payment or mortgage insurance.
  5. USDA loan: the USDA Rural Development loan is government-sponsored and requires no down payment with discounted mortgage rates. This loan is designed for rural areas struggling financially. However, an individual’s debt cannot exceed their income by more than 41% as mortgage insurance is required.
  6. Bridge loan: also referred to as a gap loan or “repeat financing;” the current and new mortgage payments are bundled into one. An excellent option for those purchasing a home before selling their previous residence; once the home is sold, the mortgage can be paid off and refinanced. 

     

Fourth of July

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Today is Independence Day, also known as the Fourth of July! It is the anniversary of the publication of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, and is celebrated annually on July 4th. It has been a federal holiday since 1941. Patriotic displays and family events are organized throughout the United States in order to celebrate, so gather your friends and family for an enjoyable day outside!

Juneteenth

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Today is Juneteenth, an annual observation of the events of June 19, 1865 – it was the day that the enslaved people in Galveston, Texas were brought news of their freedom due to the Emancipation Proclamation. They were not made aware of their freedom until two years after the Proclamation went out in 1863. As of this June, it has been made a federal holiday – Juneteenth National Independence Day. 

World Environment Day

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Today is the annual U.N. World Environment Day! 2021’s focus is on ecosystem restoration and its theme is “Reimagine. Recreate.Restore.” Ecosystem restoration is the act of preventing, halting, and reversing the damage done to the planet. Ecosystem restoration is incredibly important to the health of the planet and of humanity. Take for instance the emergence of COVID-19; the loss of natural habitats for animals has helped create the ideal conditions for pathogens – like the coronaviruses – to spread. For more detailed information as well as ways you can take action this World Environment Day, visit the U.N. website or the World Environment Day 2021 website.