Category: Past Events

ToolBank: A Response to Hurricane Michael (2018)

Debbie Roney Smith on

Two years after the devastation left behind Hurricane Michael, there is a non-profit stepping forward to help areas in the immediate area recover from disasters. The non-profit works out of Atlanta, and is called ToolBank! Currently, they are working to set up a shop in Panama City. How exactly does ToolBank work to help disaster areas recover from natural disasters like Hurricane Michael? They loan out tools needed to help with cleanup projects like chainsaws, drills, hammers, and shovels – all items that are in high demand after devastating events. Sponsored by UPS and Home Depot, ToolBank plans to provide relief in a 100-mile radius of their upcoming facility in Panama City.

ToolBank Disaster Services Program Manager Bill Hess can be contacted at bill.hess@toolbank.org or visit their Facebook page HERE for more information!

Jackson County birthday

Debbie Roney Smith on

Yesterday Jackson County celebrated it’s 198th birthday!

Jackson County was established in 1822 making it one of the oldest counties in the state. The County was named after Andrew Jackson, the 7th president of the United States. Marianna, the county seat, was founded by Scottish native, Robert Beveridge, and is still the home to the courthouse and other local governing organizations for the County.

Though thought of as a predominantly rural agricultural community, Jackson County is also known for its rich historical heritage and one-of-a-kind historical landmarks. People from all over the world travel to Jackson County to enjoy scuba diving in the natural spring water, touring the only walk-through cave tour in Florida, sightseeing the local “haunted” attractions, or to try to catch a glimpse of local endangered plant life and animals only found in our County.

 

Global Climate Strike

Debbie Roney Smith on

Last Friday, September 20th, millions of people worldwide gathered to advocate for positive environmental change and protest the inadvisable policy decisions being made by those in power.

The Global Climate Strike was organized in part because of the long-standing Fridays for Future strike. F4F was started by the globally inspiring teen activist Greta Thunberg. Every Friday, she strikes to bring awareness to the climate crisis our world is facing. Now she is inspiring a generation of young people to advocate and many more besides join in.

The Panhandle’s main strike location was on the historic steps in Tallahassee. Local student activists, event organizers, local adult advocates, and city officials all spoke. People stood alongside the road, held signs, and chanted for hours. People chatted with strangers about governmental policy, sustainable habits, environmentally friendly pet care, and so much more. Below are a few photos taken at the event by http://www.instagram.com/noahs.notions.