Category: Places

Curbside Pickup Service at Library in Marianna

Debbie Roney Smith on

Jackson County Public Library in Marianna Announces Curbside Pickup Service. Effective immediately, library patrons can select items for checkout at the library and pick them up through contactless curbside pickup. Pickup hours are from 9:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

This is how it works:
1. If necessary, look at the Library Online Catalog to get titles, authors, etc. of items you would like to borrow. Library staff are unable to select items for you.
2. Go to www.jcplfl.org and fill out the Curbside Pickup request form.
3. Fill in the form with the appropriate information (card number, name, and phone number) and then list the items you wish to borrow. Be sure to click on “submit” when the form has been completed.
4. The available items will be pulled, checked out, put into a bag, and labeled with the name of the cardholder. We can have your items ready for pickup within 24 hours. There is a limit of 5 items per card and 5 DVDs per household.
5. Library staff will call to inform you that your pickup is ready.
6. When you arrive for pickup, call (850) 482-9631 to let us know you have arrived, and open your trunk.
7. A staff person will take the bag and deposit it into the open trunk. Depositing items into the trunk will allow us to maintain the requisite social distance of at least six feet.
If you do not have internet access, you may call the library at (850) 482-9631 to request items. When you are ready to return items, deposit them into one of the library’s outdoor book drops. This includes DVDs and audiobooks for the time being. You may then repeat the process. Returned items will be quarantined for a period of 72 hours. If cardholder owes more than $10 in fines and fees, they will be informed of the amount and allowed to check out, but will not be allowed additional checkouts until payment arrangements are made with library staff.

Turner’s Landing opens, Blue Springs to reopen with no capacity limits

Debbie Roney Smith on

Jackson County Commissioners voted  to reopen Turners Landing immediately and to eliminate all crowd restrictions for Blue Springs Recreational Area as well. Turners Landing closed a few weeks and the seasonal opening of Blue Springs was delayed a week over concerns that it would be difficult to monitor and maintain the social distancing made necessary by COVID-19. As the state modified its guidelines over time, there had been talk of opening Blue Springs to 25-percent capacity, and then at 50-percent capacity. But Jackson County Public Works Director Rett Daniels said he now recommended a full opening based on the latest guidance he’d received from the governor’s office.

The reopening of those recreational spots comes as Jackson County’s COVID-19 total had, as of May 26th, reached 239. Jackson County Health Department leader Sandy Martin had presented that total to the board at their regular session Tuesday evening. She said, however, that the number does not reflect how many have since recovered. The number does not decrease once positive cases are considered resolved. Martin noted also that she does not have an official definition or description of what “recovered” means. Martin also pointed out that of the 239 positive individuals, only 39 are at-large citizens of the county. She said 149 are prisoners and that 51 are people in long-term care facilities. In her update to the board, Martin said that the number of positive cases represents 7.1 percent of the population, compared to the state’s overall 5.7 percent of population. In all, 3,364 individuals have been tested in Jackson County.

Art of Glass in Apalachicola

Debbie Roney Smith on

Looking for something to do on a rainy day? Here on vacation? Need something for the kids to do? Or just have an artistic side?  Art of Glass in Apalachicola has just resumed Bits and Pieces One-hour drop in art classes. This is a Covid 19 safe outdoor art class in Apalachicola.

Let them help you find your inner artist. You pick your canvas glass and other media and create your work of art outdoors under a tent in a Covid 19 safe setting. When it’s completed, they coat it in a clear epoxy resin and you can pick up your masterpiece the next day. Just call Devorah at Art of Glass 47 Market Street Apalachicola at 850-370-1019. Call ahead with a time and a day that’s convenient for you & your group or just show up.
Two convenient classes held daily at 12pm & 2pm. Great for parties, company outings or family get togethers. Also Girls night out classes “Byob” by appointment. Bring something special home from your vacation that you can enjoy for years. Art of Glass is located at 47 Market St. Directly across the street from the Gibson Inn at the foot of the bridge in Apalachicola

www.artofglassboutique.com

Shipwreck Island Waterpark

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Businesses across the country are reopening and in Panama City Beach a summer staple has opened its doors to visitors. Shipwreck Island Waterpark is located at 12201 Hutchison Boulevard in Panama City Beach. The operating schedule and hours varies from the spring, to summer, to late summer, mostly based on the school calendar. You can check for changes by clicking here: www.facebook.com/shipwreckisland.

The Zoom Flume waterslide was the genesis of Shipwreck Island Waterpark when its opened in 1976. Over the next five years, The Raging Rapids and bumper boats were added. Beginning in 1983 the Zoom Flume and Rapids were merged into a unique tropical themed waterpark filled with attractions for family members of all ages. The twenty-acre park features lush landscaping, a professionally trained aquatics staff, and is one of the most hospitable attractions in all of North Florida. The usual broad selection of burgers, pizza, hotdogs, salads, barbeque, wraps, funnel cakes, ice cream, and frozen drinks is also available. Pepsi products and beer are also sold. Prices vary with age and height. For more information you can call 1-800-538-7395 or 850-234-9873 ext 310 to reserve your date by phone.

Have fun, stay safe, and don’t forget the sunscreen!

Grayton Beach State Park named #1 beach in the country

Debbie Roney Smith on

There’s hundreds of coastal towns in America, but it’s this small beach community in the Florida panhandle that takes first prize. This is the second time Grayton Beach State Park has been named the top beach in America. The last time was in 1994. Dr. Beach Leatherman, a coastal scientist and professor at Florida International University, who has been ranking the nation’s beaches for 30 years says Grayton Beach is his top beach of 2020 here in the United States. It’s an award that goes back 30 years. Leatherman says he gives bonus points for beaches where smoking is banned and that are staffed with lifeguards.Grayton Beach State Park won the list’s top spot — even without a smoking ban — based on its sheer beauty. Beyond the sand, it has crystal clear emerald water, fresh water ponds that are a geological rarity and towering dunes that are unique along Florida’s 1,350 miles (2,170 kilometers) of coastline.

The Walton County Tourist Development Council is helping more people see the natural beauty of Grayton Beach State Park and Topsail Hill State Park by paying admission fees between Memorial Day and Labor Day. In addition to the beach, the trails and canoe and kayak launch are open. While there are currently some restrictions at the nearly 2,000-acre (809- hectare) park because of the coronavirus outbreak, it is open. Groups larger than 10 are not allowed and the park is controlling capacity to allow for social distancing. Cabins and camping are temporarily closed. In normal times, the park attracts 500 to 1,000 people during peak summer days. But with 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) of beach and plenty of trails.

Located at 357 Main Park Rd in Santa Rosa Beach this is a great place to visit. Click below for more information or call (850) 267-8300.

https://www.floridastateparks.org/graytonbeach?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=visitsouthwalton.com&utm_campaign=

Falling Waters is open for day use

Debbie Roney Smith on

Falling Waters State Park in Chipley is open for day use! Camping and playground are still closed. For more information call (850)638-6130. They are asking if you use cash to have exact change or use your credit/debt card. They are asking you to also limit your group to less then 10 and to stay at least 6 feet away from other guests and employees. Restrooms may be closed so prepare ahead.

 

Chipley in Washington County

Debbie Roney Smith on

Chipley, Florida is in the panhandle area of Northwest Florida about halfway between Tallahassee and Pensacola. It has a population of about 3,600. It is the county seat of Washington County. This small city was founded in 1882 and was originally named “Orange.” When the railroad came through town in the 1880s, the town was named Chipley after William Dudley Chipley. Mr. Chipley was president of the Pensacola and Atlantic Railroad and was also a Florida state senator from 1895 to 1897. The railroad was the first across the largely unpopulated Florida panhandle. The railroad ran 160 miles from Pensacola to Chattahoochee on the Apalachicola River. The railroad originally intended to establish a station a few miles away from Orange. Some town fathers – some of them fellow Confederate Army veterans – approached Chipley and convinced him to move the proposed station into Washington County. This is how Orange became Chipley. The railroad was an important part of the Chipley economy for many years. Forestry was a dominant industry in the panhandle, and spawned many other ventures such as saw mills and turpentine camps. Agriculture in general also developed in the area. Livestock, and poultry became important economic factors. As the town prospered and was the center of much of the area’s business, it was named the seat of Washington County in 1927. Chipley is far enough north in Florida that it actually has seasons. The leaves turn colors in the fall, and people crank up their fireplaces in the winter. The record low temperature recorded in Chipley was 2 degrees above zero in January 1985. It is the second coldest temperature ever recorded in Florida.

Chipley today is a busy little place that is a living reminder of the way it was in Old Florida. The city has done a good job of preserving historic buildings and revitalizing their neighborhoods. For a small city, Chipley has a nice assortment of shops and restaurants in their downtown area. Thrift stores, an outdoor market, antique shops, and so much more.

Chipley Postcard from 1906, from Florida Memory, Florida State Archives

Recreation openings in Washington County~Phase 1

Debbie Roney Smith on

Washington County has made a flyer for what is opening during phase 1 of the stay at home order due to COVID-19. The flyer says to check the FB page of the respective place on the list for current information. Falling Waters, Seacrest Wolf Preserve, and Old Cypress Canoe Rentals are 3 that are still closed. Will be keeping an eye out for what is opening in the recreation department for phase 2!

Free pet food for those in need

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St. Joseph Bay Humane Society was launched in 1998 and is a No-Kill Animal Shelter located in Port St. Joe and serves all of Gulf County & Mexico Beach . They are dedicated to serving the abandoned and unwanted pets of our community. They provide enrichment and veterinary care to every animal in their care. SJBHS pets have been placed all over the United States and they are proud to partner with numerous animal rescue groups to ensure every pet has a home.

Their COMMUNITY PET FOOD BANK is up and running! On Tues – Sat 10:00-3:00 EST. Stop by the shelter to pick up dog or cat food if you are in need! No paperwork or calling ahead required. It is all on the honor system and just take what you need. The food bank and shelter are located at 1007 10th St. in Port St. Joe, in between the Thrift Hut and the shelter.

For more information call them at (850) 227-1103 or check them out on FB or click on this link.

https://www.sjbhumanesociety.org

 

Humane Society of Bay County

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The Humane Society of Bay County is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization formed in 1986 for the purpose of sheltering and locating homes for homeless animals through adoptions. They became a no-kill shelter in 2006, providing the only no-kill shelter option for homeless animals in Bay County. The shelter is currently open, by appointment only. All services are available; adoption, low-cost shots, nail trims, community food bank, microchipping, boarding, owner surrender.

The Humane Society of Bay County is asking the community to donate so they can continue to serve animals. Due to the cancellation of major HSBC fundraisers and community events, as well as some services, they are feeling a financial impact. They are asking you to make a donation if you are able in order to allow HSBC to continue its life-saving work. Another way to help the shelter is to adopt an animal. Right now they are running adoptions by appointment only. Information on animals up for adoption can be found at adoptme.org.

Located at 1600 Bay Avenue in Panama City Main Phone: (850) 215-7120  Fax: (850) 215-7642. Current hours are: Tuesday – Friday 11:00 am- 5:00 pm Saturday & Sunday 11:00 am – 4:00 pm