Category: Uncategorized

Habitat for Humanity Ocala Strawberry Festival

Debbie Roney Smith on

While a bit of a drive, the upcoming Ocala Strawberry Festival is worth the trip. The 8th annual one-day event features over 230 unique vendors, a kids zone with a petting zoo, a pie eating contest, a petting zoo, live entertainment, photo booths, a car show, a BMX show, and bushels of Plant City strawberries to enjoy. Not only is the festival a fun, tasty time for all ages but all proceeds go to a great cause – proceeds go towards the building of a new, affordable home for low-income families. The house will be called Strawberry House and it will offer low-income families an affordable mortgage and a safe, secure environment to raise their children.

The festival will take place at the McPherson complex on Saturday, March 4th from 9am to 5pm. Festival entry is FREE but please note that on-site parking will be $5/vehicle and vendors will be taking cash/card. Learn more by visiting the festival website HERE for more information or to pre-order your strawberry flat for pickup at the festival. 

FBCQ Fall Festival

Debbie Roney Smith on

This Sunday, October 30th, First Baptist Church Quincy is hosting their Fall Festival. Come out from 3pm to 5pm CDT to enjoy a family fun day outside at the barn for food, games, and more! The Festival will take place outdoors in a barn so please be sure to dress for the weather. 

Visit the Facebook event page here for more information or to contact the event coordinators. 

Haunted Florida Caverns

Debbie Roney Smith on

The Florida Caverns Gift Shop is hosting a Halloween event on October 22nd; Haunted Florida Caverns! There will be booths with family-friendly activities such as face painting, fishing games, hay rides, and more. The event will also have a haunted cave tour ($5 per person), a haunted forest trail, and costume prizes. Bring your kids and dress up for a fun night! The event will run from 5-8pm. Please note that while the event is free, there is a fee to enter the Florida Caverns State Park. If you have any questions, call the park at 850-526-2650 or visit the Facebook event page here.

 

 

Concert in the Park

Debbie Roney Smith on

Visit Blue Springs Park today from 5:30-7 pm to enjoy a FREE concert! There will be an ice box and food truck also available. Come enjoy the swimming, music, food, and fun for the whole family!

Halloween Mulled Cider Recipe

Debbie Roney Smith on

Happy Halloween and Merry Samhain! Today is a wonderful day for kids looking to enjoy free candy but what about those adults a little too old to get away with knocking on neighbor’s doors? Consider trying the delicious mulled cider recipe below.

  • In a large pot on the stove, add ingredients and bring to simmer: 1 quart of your favorite burgundy, port wine, or red wine. For non-alcoholic cider, use 1 quart of apple cider, cranberry, or other fruit juice. Allspice, clove, orange peel, cinnamon sticks, and anise stars to the desired flavor. 1/8 cup of sugar/brown sugar OR to taste.
  • Simmer for 30mins or longer – the longer it sits, the richer the taste!
  • Take the pot off the heat and add 1 ounce (or more to taste) of vodka, rum, or brandy.

     

    Earth Day 2021: First Day of Action

    Debbie Roney Smith on

    The official Earth Day organization is holding 3 days of action in honor of Earth Day 2021. This year’s theme is Restore Our Earth and the event begins today, April 20th. Today’s events began with a global youth climate summit led by organizations such as Earth Uprising and youth climate activists. The summit will have panels, speeches, discussions, and renowned youth climate activist guest speakers.

    Additionally, there is a digital evening event that will examine climate and environmental justice, connecting the climate crisis to issues of pollution, poverty, police brutality, and the pandemic, all within a racial justice framework. Visit the official website here for more detailed information on today’s events, to learn more about Earth Day itself, or to find more information on upcoming events. 

    LeMoyne Holiday Show

    Debbie Roney Smith on

    Tallahassee, FL boasts more than just a wide array of restaurants and shops – it regularly hosts enlightening, entertaining events and workshops. Head to Tallahassee to finish your holiday shopping AND experience a contemporary art exhibit in one visit. LeMonye Arts Gallery works “to promote and advance education, interest, and participation in the contemporary visual arts.” There is a lovely Holiday Show being hosted by LeMoyne until December 24th, 2020. Visit their Facebook event page HERE to find specific times, dates, and more. 

    Pirates Of The High Seas Fest

    Debbie Roney Smith on

    The Panama City Beach Pirates of the High Seas Fest is setting sail virtually from October 5 to October 11, 2020!

    The annual event celebrates the legacy of the pirates who once roamed the Gulf of Mexico and pillaged the Emerald Coast, telling the tale of Dominique Youx and his krewe of loyal buccaneers through staged pirate battles and storytelling.

    Events include a virtual treasure hunt, sweepstakes, costume contest, prizes, get a chance to win a free vacation to a real beach, watch a magic show, see live music performances, download pirate crafts, and even see a pirate battle streamed live online!

    Visit the official website to enjoy the virtual festivities: official website of the PCB pirates fest

    10-digit dialing coming to Florida’s 850 next year

    Debbie Roney Smith on

    Starting In 2021, to call a local phone number, you will need to dial 10 digits. Last year, the Florida Public Service Commission approved an “area code overlay” that will add 448 as a new area code to Florida residents in the 850 area code. They say this was necessary because the 850 area code is running out of available numbers.

    Starting February 20, 2021, all local calls will have to have the area code plus the seven digit phone number.

    “Customers will have six-months to transition, beginning August 22, when local calls can be made by dialing either 7 or 10 digits,” PSC Chairman Gary Clark said. “This also gives customers adequate time to check and reprogram electronics and other equipment to incorporate 10-digit phone numbers.”

    Starting March 21, 2021, if you request a new phone number and live in the 850 area code overlay region, your phone number will have the area code 448. PSC officials say your current telephone number will not change, this will only impact new phone services beginning March 20, 2021, or after. They also say the price of a call, coverage area or other rates and services will not change due to the overlay.

    So start getting used to saying your area code when giving your telephone number. And start reprograming your cell phones with the area code before everyone’s number.