To Sell or Not to Sell?

A new report from real estate experts at Los Feliz, Realtor.com, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows Florida has the highest rate of new home listings in the country; there are 248 active listings per 10,000 homes.(1) Florida has gained an estimated 2.7 million new residents since 2010, making the state the 3rd most populous after California and Texas. “Florida’s economy and lifestyle continue to attract people who want to live and work in the Sunshine State,” says 2023 Florida Realtors® President G. Mike McGraw, a broker-associate with RE/MAX Central Realty in Orlando.(2) 

The Florida Panhandle is experiencing a boom in listings, an increase in the average price of those listed homes, and a significant amount of commercial construction creating a strong demand for available homes by buyers. 

Grand Opening: Late Bloomer

Panama City welcomes a new small business – Late Bloomer is having its grand opening today! Open from 9am-3pm, you can visit this fresh flower shop at 556 Harrison Avenue. Late Bloomer Flower Shoppe has a bouquet bar, everlasting flower bar, gift shop, elopement corner, and more. They are offering 20% off the first 20 customers, a subscription giveaway, and a surprise contest. 

Pressure Canning & Dehydrating Class

The Jackson County UF|IFAS Extension Office is hosting a Pressure Canning & Dehydrating Class Upcoming next Saturday. On Saturday, May 20th, there will be a Preserving Food at Home class from 9am to 1pm. The course will be held at the Jackson County Agriculture Offices and costs only $20/person! This is incredible given the scope of the information and potential savings covered by the class. Additionally, each participant will get to take home a sample jar of chicken prepared in class.
Canning and dehydrating are two of the three main methods for preserving food. This class is perfect for beginners and those looking for a refresher course. They are designed to explain the science of how canning and dehydrating work, proper food safety techniques, differences in canning methods, and how to preserve food using a pressure canner properly.
Pre-registration is REQUIRED to participate in this class. Please visit the Jackson County Extension Office at 2741 Penn Avenue, Suite 3, Marianna, FL, or visit the event site HERE to register.

Scoop on Tourism

Jackson County is celebrating Tourism Appreciation Week on May 10th with FREE ICE CREAM! Tourism Appreciation Week: Scoop of Tourism will give all Jackson County residents and visitors a free scoop of ice cream from 12pm to 2pm. Come by Southern Craft Creamery in Marianna for prizes and in-store fun. 

Visit the Southern Craft Creamery Facebook page to learn more about the event or learn about future offers!

Moss Hill Methodist Church

The Moss Hill Methodist Church is a historic site located near Vernon in Washington County, Florida. It is a wooden church built in 1857 using slave labor. Services are held in the church to this day, although modern conveniences such as electricity are still missing from the structure. Moss Hill was founded as a Methodist Misson soon after Florida joined the USA. The church was a centerpiece for life in the surrounding communities during the Civil War. Some of the congregation died in the war and were memorialized by markers in the Moss Hill Cemetary. The cemetery and church grounds are open to the public daily; visit to view the historic marker on the grounds that provides a brief history of the historic structure. 

National School Librarian Day

National School Librarian Day is observed internationally on April 4th. The importance of school librarians is often overlooked by the general population. However, since 1992, school library impact studies have consistently shown positive correlations between high-quality library programs and higher student achievement (Gretes, 2013; Scholastic, 2016). School librarians help keep libraries well-stocked, organized, and clean. They’re also a key resource for students; they assist in research, provide a safe space to study, and often more. Support your local libraries and librarians by donating books and time, and supporting politicians who prioritize library sciences.

Jackson County Garbage Services

Are you a Jackson County Resident who needs to set up a new garbage service at your home? Follow the steps below:

  1. Call 1-866-230-1547
  2. Ignore the prompt to enter the Customer ID.
  3. Wait for the prompt to enter your zip code.
  4. When prompted: select residential customer.
  5. When prompted: select 1 to set up permanent service at your home address.
  6. You will be transferred to an agent. 
  7. Your new service will be established!

Senior-Specific Moving Service

Seniors are a group of individuals who often relocate. There is a variety of reasons seniors move including retirement, downsizing, or access to better health care. No matter the reason, moving can be a lot to handle for the elderly. Hiring a senior-specific moving service can help make the process smoother and less stressful. This is important as 45% of Americans report that they find moving to be stressful.

Caring.com, a leading senior resource, has created a new resource that provides information on the best senior moving companies. It pulls together all the information seniors or their caregivers need to make an informed decision. The resource contains senior moving company details such as specific services, features, service coverage, and discounts. The resource also explains how to avoid scam companies.

Visit the resource HERE

Panhandle Stompers

Looking for something fun to do Wednesday nights? Miss going out dancing? Join the Panhandle Stompers at the Blue Moon Bar and Grill in Lynn Haven on Wednesday nights to learn dances ranging from beginner to experienced. The Stompers welcome all skill levels and all ages! Lessons are free but they do accept tips. Janene Epperson, the founder of the group, says that “Panhandle Stompers is a line dancing/ couples country western dancing group,” that dances to country, pop, rock, hip hop, and many other genres of music.

Epperson also offers private dance lessons. She, and/or the Panhandle Stompers, will also come to parties and other events. Learn more by visiting the Panhandle Stompers Facebook page HERE or call 850-597-1661.