Category: Kind to Your Wallet

Real Florida Reader

Debbie Roney Smith on
Florida State Parks is partnering with the Florida Department of State, Florida’s Bureau of Library Development, and local libraries throughout the state to offer Real Florida Reader day passes so families and individuals can continue their learning adventure while exploring new places. Head to your nearest public library and check out a book to get started on your #RealFloridaReader day pass. Both the library card and day pass are free! Each pass covers one vehicle entrance fee (with up to eight people inside).

The pass is for day-use only and does not include camping registration, equipment rentals, or any other fees. Please note that Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife, Skyway Fishing Pier, and Weeki Wachee Springs state parks are excluded from this promotion. Hurry to your local library now, pick up a new read, and head to your favorite state park! The promotion ends on September 12th, 2022. Find out more at FloridaStateParks.org/RealFloridaReader.

Pollinator Class in Fountain

Debbie Roney Smith on
Photo was taken at Sandhills Native Nursery

June 20-26th is National Pollinator Week! The week is dedicated to bringing awareness and support to all types of pollinators from bees to wasps and more. Sandhills Native Nursery is hosting a special two-day Pollinator Class this weekend to celebrate.

Visit the nursery amongst the beautiful sandhills of Fountain this Friday or Saturday to learn more about pollinators, see the array of glorious summer native flowers blooming in the heat, and receive a special 20% off your total purchase order (valid day of class only). The nursery encourages you to come prepared for the heat: bring sunscreen, a hat, neck fans, fluids, or anything else you may need to help keep you cool! There will be cold water and Gatorade on hand to refill empty bottles and a few standing fans. The class will be held in the shady areas available at the nursery to help prevent anyone from overheating. 

Visit the official Sandhills Native Nursery Facebook page to stay up-to-date with events, hours, and more!

Marianna Farmers Market & Family Fun

Debbie Roney Smith on

The annual Melons in the Park is coming to the Marianna City Farmers Market this Saturday, June 25th! Alongside the traditional wares offered at the weekly farmers market, the event will have kids’ activities, raffles, and more vendors than usual. The raffle includes a craft basket and a food basket, both worth $100 with a ticket price of only $1! The kids’ activities include face painting, door prizes, a seed spitting contest, and a coloring tent.

Art & Golf Classes for Kids

Debbie Roney Smith on

First Presbyterian Church in Marianna is hosting beginner golf lessons and art classes for local kids this summer. Enrollment is limited to the first dozen kids to be signed up for each of the courses.

The golf lessons are for children in grades 3-6. They will be hosted by MHS golfer Cole Payne and assisted by Bill Stevens. Golf lessons will be held on June 13, June 20, and July 11 from 10 a.m. to noon. To sign up or for more information about the golf classes, call 850-526-2430 or 850-765-3659. Children can also be enrolled for golf via email at fpcmarianna@gmail.com.

The art classes are for children in grades 2-5. They will be taught by Anna Barber and assisted by Aggie Shack. The classes will be on July 12, July 19, and July 26 from 10 a.m. to noon. The classes will be held in the fellowship hall of First Presbyterian Church at the corner of Jefferson and Clinton Streets. To sign up or for more information about the art classes, call 850-526-2430 or 850-765-3659, or email fpcmarianna2gmail.com.

Summer Reading Program

Debbie Roney Smith on

The Marianna library’s Summer Reading Program starts Monday, June 6th, and will run until July 22th. There will Take and Make packets available for children and adults for the duration of the program. Take and Make packets will be divided into 4 age groups: Ages 0-5, Ages 6-12, Teens, and Adults. The packets are filled with fun information on the program and crafts. This year’s program is ocean-themed with stories, games, experiments, crafts, and more. They hope to “SEA” you there!

Check out their website at

Boat Lake, Chipley

Debbie Roney Smith on

Summer is coming to Florida! Visit the blue-green waters and the white sand beach of Boat Lake, Chipley. Boat Lake is one of Washington County’s most gorgeous and natural sandhill lakes. Go swimming, enjoy the shady oaks, take a picnic, play beach volleyball, and enjoy the concession stand. Be sure to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen! 

Veterans Memorial Railroad in Bristol

Debbie Roney Smith on

Veterans Memorial Railroad in Bristol, Florida currently has FREE train rides on the second Saturday of each month. For May, that is this upcoming Saturday, May 14th. Also on location is a playground, picnic area, and a walking trail. While the rides are free, donations are appreciated as this is a not-for-profit organization. Find more information at the Also enjoy a playground, picnic area, and walking trail! For more information, visit the Veterans Memorial Railroad website here. 

Baker County: Agriculture Management Practices

Debbie Roney Smith on
The UF/IFAS Extension and the Florida Department of Agriculture are hosting a free event focusing on Agriculture Management Practices. The event will occur on Wednesday, May 4th from 8am – 9:30am CDT. Presentations will focus on soil and tissue sampling, interpreting your results & application of findings, as well as technical assistance and cost-share opportunities. You must register for the event beforehand; breakfast will be provided.
Contact: Alicia Halbritter, UF/IFAS Extension Baker County Agriculture Agent at 904-259-3520 or aliciah1221@ufl.edu
Register online:bakerbmp.eventbrite.com

Amnesty Days in Sneads

Debbie Roney Smith on

This week, April 6th – 9th (Wed-Sat), are Amnesty Days for Sneads City Limit Residents. This is a free service the town is offering to help citizens clean up their properties and homes. The event will be held at the corner of Third Ave and Old Spanish Trail. It is for Sneads City Limit Residents ONLY. Proof of residence is required so bring an ID, copy of a bill, and/or proof of residence. Please note that the hours for Wednesday – Friday are 7:30am – 5pm CST while the Saturday hours are 8am – 12pm.

Live Art Night in Blountstown

Debbie Roney Smith on

Main Street Blountstown is looking for artists for their upcoming live art night. There is no age minimum or skill level requirement. If you have artistic ability you are willing to share live, please reach out to Main Street Blountstown via their Facebook group here or posting on the event page here. The Live Art Night will occur on April 1st from 5:30pm – 7:30pm at the M&B Railroad Train Depot. The event showcases artists creating art live for your viewing pleasure. Additionally, there will be face painting, a kids chalk night, live music, and local food.