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Today is National Hiking Day! This is an excellent time of year to go out and explore the wilderness around you. Here in the Florida Panhandle and surrounding areas, there’s a number of unique ecosystems to explore at local, state, and national parks. Here’s a list of just a few of the beautiful places to explore today:
on Hurricane Helene hit landfall as a Category 4 Thursday evening. Shortly after making landfall, it weakened to a tropical storm but the damage was still widespread. Today, relief efforts and first responders are already making headway in the affected areas. If you’re in need of help, try contacting the following services:
If you’re interested in assisting others during this time, here are some resources to help you get started:
The Florida Disaster Fund; Florida’s official private fundraiser for disaster relief. It provides financial assistance to communities as they respond to and recover from emergencies or disasters like Hurricane Helene. Visit The Florida Disaster Fund website for more information or to contribute.
The United Way; assists in disaster-related evacuations, shelters, food/clothing distributions, volunteer opportunities and other resources. Monetary contributions can be made to the United Way of Florida Disaster Fund.
on We’re in the thick of the Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday! It started this past Saturday, August 24th and will run through next Friday, September 6th.
You’ll be able to purchase qualifying disaster preparedness supplies tax-free! Visit the 2024 Florida Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday: FAQ by the Fla. Dept. of Revenue for more information.
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We’re about halfway through the blueberry season here in Florida. Blueberries have been foraged in North America for more than 13,000 years. Here in Florida, we have FIVE native blueberry varieties and countless cultivars that thrive in our humid, sunny summers. Best of all, blueberries freeze well so you can enjoy them year-round. Visit a local blueberry you-pick farm like Blue Acres Berries to get the most bang for your buck(et)! Learn more by visiting their Facebook page or visit the Florida Department of Agricultre and Consumer Services’ You-Pick map online to find a farm closer to you.
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Inside the Historic 1st National Bank and Multi-Use Facility is an art gallery featuring local artists. On the 2nd Saturday of each month, the gallery is open to public viewing FOR FREE from 11am to 3pm. Come check it out tomorrow! The Historic National Bank is located at 2873 Caledonia Street.
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Did you know that 90% of the oysters sold in Florida are harvested along the gulf waters of the Panhandle and Big Bend regions? The Panacea Beer and Oyster Festival is a chance to enjoy the seafare! There will be plenty of fresh saltwater eats like stone crabs, grouper, shrimp, flounder, scallops, and oysters. Guests will dine on freshly harvested oysters from local farmers while enjoying live music and the coastal views of Dickerson Bay. The festival is free EXCEPT for those taking part in the beer-tasting experience (featuring local craft beer vendors). Come out March 30th to Woolley Park to enjoy; visit the event website to learn more or buy a beer ticket.
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The Jackson County Public Library is hosting its Seed Library Kickoff tomorrow! Head over to the library from 10:30am to 1:30pm to benefit from this season’s seeds. Adults with a current library card can get up to FOUR seed packs. The Library would like to thank the Master Gardener Program and the UF|IFAS Extension Office for their support. Learn more by visiting the event Facebook page.
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It’s the month of love and falling for a house is one of those ‘once in a lifetime’ loves that homeowners’ are searching for. Yet, buying the first house you look at is kind of like marrying the first person you ever go on a date with – not necessarily a good idea. Most professionals in the housing market agree that potential homebuyers view at least three houses, no matter how much you liked the first one you saw. What should you look for when it comes to searching for your dream home?
on When it comes to securing a loan to purchase a home, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) is a popular option. They offer increased flexibility for homebuyers. However, homes must meet the FHA guidelines to pass HUD inspections. Click on the image to enlarge and learn more. 
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Are you getting ready to move into your new home? Here are a few things you should be sure to inspect during your walkthrough before moving in. This is typically the step after having a home inspection done. Completing a walkthrough is an important part of the purchasing process; it allows you to make sure any issues that came up during the home inspection were appropriately dealt with.