Category: Parks (Community/State/National)

Kayaking on Ocheesee Pond

Debbie Roney Smith on

Recent rain and perfect summer weather call for a trip to Ocheesee Pond in Grand Ridge! Kayaking is a must-do at this local. To get to the launch site, head east from Marianna on Highway 90 and turn right on Highway 69. Then, after crossing the railroad tracks in Grand Ridge, take a left onto 69A and follow it to the dirt road on the left marked Arkansas. Marking the spot is a boat ramp sign marking the turn.

Don’t attempt this pond alone if you haven’t done it previously, as after a short half-mile paddle through the clear water, there is a maze-like cypress swamp. There is a marker system but they are often difficult to spot and irregular. However, the kayaking route is a beautiful trip. Amongst the cypress tree-maze are aquatic glades of water lily and spatterdock that give the water a splash of seasonal color. There are often basking turtles, elusive alligators on the prowl, duck sightings, and a plethora of osprey and woodpeckers.

Help Marianna Win a Dog Park

Debbie Roney Smith on

Jackson County has been nominated for a new dog park grant but requires the assistance of the community to win this grant. You can vote ONCE A DAY every day until August 31st. Jackson County has proposed 4574 Lodge Drive as the location for their future dog park. In the city of Marianna alone, there are five pet salons, two animal hospitals, one animal shelter, and one pet daycare resort – truly, a city of dog lovers! However, this animal-loving community has no place to take their dogs for social interaction and playtime. The Bark for Your Park grant, sponsored by the PetSafe Brand, would fund a fenced-in off-leash dog park at the Citizen’s Lodge Park; it would be about a half-acre in size and feature benches for seating, a watering station, shade structure, and a dog waste collection station. 

Visit the voting link for Marianna’s dog park location to register your vote!

Parks & Recreation: Jackson County

Debbie Roney Smith on

Jackson County Recreational Areas, Boat Ramps and Landings

Blue Springs Recreational Area 

5164 Blue Springs Rd. Marianna, Florida 32446

Spring Creek Park

4841 Hwy 90 Marianna, Florida 32448

Citizen’s Lodge Park

4574 Lodge Drive Marianna, Florida 32446

Visit the Jackson County parks and recreation website to learn more. 

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.

Panhandle Watermelon Festival

Debbie Roney Smith on

Today is the last day of the annual Panhandle Watermelon Festival. Head down to Jim Trawick Park in Chipley for the free festival from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be a pancake breakfast, free music, vendors, and more! Visit the official website HERE for more detailed information!

Biological Diversity

Debbie Roney Smith on

Today is the International Day for Biological Diversity! Biological diversity is the pillar upon which civilizations are built. 2021’s theme is “We’re part of the solution”. To read a more in-depth description of this international awareness day, visit the United Nations website HERE. 

Endangered Species Day

Debbie Roney Smith on

Today was Endangered Species Day! This annual observance aims to bring awareness to the national conservation efforts created to protect the nation’s endangered species and their habitats. Check out the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service website HERE to see youth art submissions, audio introductions to endangered species, landowner advice to conservation, and more!

Guided Nature Hike at Camp Helen

Debbie Roney Smith on

Today in Panama City Beach, a ranger will be offering a Guided Nature Hike at Camp Helen. Camp Helen boasts nine distinct natural communities throughout the park with varied flora and fauna. Learn about our rare coastal dune lake, Lake Powell, as well as the park wildlife. The hike is suitable for all ages; be sure everyone in your party is dressed for the weather; water and bug spray are recommended. The hike will start at 10 a.m. and will last an hour. Contact scarlett.a.dunn@FloridaDEP.go for more information and/or with questions. 

Can’t make it out today but want to catch the next hike? Be sure to mark your calendars for Thursday, June 03, 2021 from 10-11 a.m.!

North Florida Wildflower Festival

Debbie Roney Smith on

This Saturday, April 24th, the 7th Annual North Florida Wildflower Festival will be hosted in Magnolia Square, Blountstown. It will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and include plants, arts and crafts vendors, food vendors, FREE kids’ activities, music, AND train rides on the Blountstown Rotary Train. 

For more information, visit the official festival website here or the Facebook event page here. 

Spring Festival feat. Easter Egg Hunt

Debbie Roney Smith on

Tomorrow, April 3rd is Grand Ridge’s Annual Spring Festival and Easter Egg Hunt! Come out to the John Thomas Porter Park behind the Grand Ridge School from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.. The Easter Egg Hunt will start at 10:30 a.m. and includes three age divisions. Admission is free for the Egg Hunt!

Additionally, there will be arts, crafts, food vendors, children’s games, shopping vendors, and more activities for all ages! The day is forecasted to be a lovely, cool spring day with a high of 70′ and a nice breeze.