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.
Tomorrow is National Random Acts of Kindness Day! Currently ongoing is Random Acts of Kindness Week which started February 13th and will end on February 19th. Both events are designed to help spread kindness and empathy in the world; the motto of these annual events is “making kindness the norm.” Random Acts of Kindness can be gifted to any person by any person, and includes a plethora of actions from holding a door open to making an anonymous donation and more. Looking for some inspiration to get you started? Consider one of the following acts:
Americans can start ordering free COVID-19 tests as of January 19th. Supplies are limited to four tests per valid residential address. The test(s) ship within 7-12 days of ordering. No doctor’s order or prescription is required to get the tests, nor is any payment card information. Place an order on the federal website
Healthy Gulf is hosting a beach ecology walk on Tuesday, January 11th at 9 AM. The walk will be along the beach of Santa Rosa Island at Pensacola Beach. The hike will follow along both the Gulf and Sound side of the Island, exploring the changing plant communities and life along the shoreline. The host of the walk will teach attendees about terrestrial and aquatic life by examining what has washed ashore. The hike will cover a total of four miles and will take two hours to complete. The exact meeting location will be provided only upon registration for the event, although it is free. However, space is limited so to ensure a spot, email 
The annual Panama City Beach New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop is back! Head over to Panama City Beach on December 31st to enjoy two different opportunities to welcome in the New Year. There will be two seperate Beach Ball Drops to allow families to attend the festivities: the first is at 8 PM and the second will be at midnight. Additionally, the streets of Pier Park will be closed off to traffic for free live music, entertainment, fireworks, and good cheer! 
With Soloists:
Tomorrow, December 18th, Christmas at Mayhaw will take place at Clay Mary Park in Blountstown. Starting at 1 PM, the event will feature fun family activities such as pictures with Santa, face painting, ornament decorating, and a viewing of The Polar Bear Express. There will also be baked goods, candy bags, chili and hot dogs, popcorn, and hot chocolate. For more information, call (912) 409-6306.