Category: Services

Notify County Agencies About Special Needs

Debbie Roney Smith on

West Florida Electric Cooperative is helping to spread the word about the Special Needs Registry Shelter Program. This is a program designed to provide hurricane or disaster related evacuation assistance for those without other alternatives. However, it is super important that you renew your enrollment in this program annually! The Registry Program allows for emergency responders to prepare for disasters and other emergencies, and for the needs of the community to be accounted for during times of trial. If you or someone you know has a condition greatly affecting eyesight, hearing, spech, walking, breathing, or a mental illness that can impact these senses, please contact your local emergency management agency to register. Learn more about the program at the Florida Health website here. 

Take Your Child to the Library

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Tomorrow is Take Your Child to the Library Day! The initiative was started by Nadine Lipman in 2011 as a way to bring community awareness to the wonderful resource local libaries represent; it is also designed to help promote childhood literacy and library events. The event started with one single library and has since grown to include libraries all over the country! Additionally, Lipman was joined by co-chairperson Caitlin Augusta. The original website created by Lipman can be found here. Encouraging your kids to read helps boost language skills, critical thinking, reading comprehension, emotional intelligence, encourages creative thinking, and enhances concentration. 

Jackson County: Recycling Resources

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Listed below is a collection of Jackson County recycling locations and what they accept: 

  • Jackson County Recycling located at 3630 Wiley Drive. Items accepted at this location include paper, aluminum, hazardous waste, cardboard, and white goods.
  • Sunland Recycling located at 3700 Williams Drive. This location accepts glass and aluminum only.
  • A Plus Recycling located at 1928 Edenfield Drive. Drop off your metal, glass, and aluminum here.
  • Advanced Auto Parts, Autozone, and O’Reilly Auto Parts locations take oil and batteries. 

Download a comprehensive list below, complete with items accepted/not accepted at the Jackson County website here. 

Calhoun County’s New Brewery

Debbie Roney Smith on

Coming this Saturday, February 5th, is the opening of Calhoun County’s first brewery! From 11am to 9pm CST, bar foood and lots of freshly brewed craft beer will be available. Wine and soda will also be available. Additionally, there will be live music featuring Hot Mess from Apalachicola playing from 3pm to 7pm. Cody Barber of Carrabelle will finish the evening starting at 8pm. Visit the Blountstown Beer Company Facebook page to stay up-to-date with events and more. 

Family History

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Are you interested in learning more about your ancestry? The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints’ History/Genealogy Library is now open to the public on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:00am – 2:00pm. Call 482-8159 during these hours to arrange an appointment to use their services. All services are completley free including Family Search and Ancestry.

Free COVID Tests

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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 covidtests.gov or through the United States Postal Service website.

 

Pensacola Winterfest

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The annual Pensacola Winterfest has experienced another successful year. This year there were four live-action tour options for the train rides: Polar Express, Cajun Christmas, Grinch, and Scrooge. The tour starts with a pre-tour performance on the courthouse steps before boarding the open-air trams for the journey through town. Each adventure includes special guests — Papa Noel, Jacob Marley, the Cat in the Hat — along with musical performances, live readings, and other entertainment. Additionally, Santa and his sleigh will be downtown each evening for family photos.

The Pensacola Winterfest is holding its last day of events tomorrow so be sure to visit the Winterfest website to buy tickets or find a detailed itinerary of the available events. 

Polar Bear Express

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It is time for the annual Polar Bear Express held in Bristol. Hosted by the Veterans Memorial Railroad, tickets are only $10. Rides are available from 7-10 PM EST from December 16-20th. This event is perfect for kids of all ages. To learn more information or buy tickets in advance online, visit the Veterans Memorial Railroad website.

National Free Shipping Day

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Today is National Free Shipping Day! This is a national shopping holiday that was conceived in 2008 by internet entrepreneur Luke Knowles. More and more retailers partner with Free Shipping Day to capture sales from shoppers eager to finish their holiday lists in mid to late December. Free Shipping Day is designed to make sure you get your online gifts in time for the holidays without having to pay exorbitant shipping fees.