The next wild-oyster season is set
Apalachicola Bay’s next limited wild-oyster season opens October 1 and runs through February 28, 2027, with harvest allowed on NFWF Cat Point, Cat Point Spur, and Peanut Ridge.
Read the oyster update →Important coastal update · August 13
FWC closes Gulf County bay scallop season for 2026
The Gulf County Zone — including St. Joseph Bay and state waters from the Mexico Beach Canal to the westernmost point of St. Vincent Island — will not open August 16. FWC says a summer survey found very low scallop abundance and closed the 2026 recreational harvest as a precaution to support future seasons. Read the FWC closure notice →
Current issue · August 13, 2026
Apalachicola Oysters Get Their Next Chapter
A new oyster season, an urgent Gulf County scallop closure update, Carrabelle weekend picks, and Sharon’s pecan-crusted chicken.
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Community & place
Along the Coast
Wakulla’s development review and budget workshop, Carrabelle civic history, and practical coastal notes for the week ahead.
Water & livelihood
Working Coast
Apalachicola Bay’s next wild-oyster season is set, while FWC has closed the Gulf County scallop season for all of 2026.
Food & gathering
From the Coastal Kitchen
Sharon Rigsby’s pecan-crusted chicken brings a crisp Southern coating with hot honey or honey mustard for serving.
Top of the Tide
Apalachicola oysters get their next chapter
FWC closes Gulf County scallop season for 2026
FWC announced August 13 that the Gulf County Zone, including St. Joseph Bay, will remain closed to recreational bay scallop harvest for all of 2026 after a summer survey found very low scallop abundance.
Read the FWC closure notice →Wakulla budget workshop set for Monday
Wakulla commissioners will hold a public workshop August 17 at 4:30 p.m. Eastern on development of the FY 2026–27 county budget.
Read the civic brief →This Week’s Picks
Carrabelle history and Saturday markets along the coast
Carrabelle
Local democracy gets the museum treatment
Foundations of Freedom continues at the Carrabelle History Museum with old ballots, ballot boxes, city records, and artifacts from generations of small-town civic life.
Carrabelle
Saturday market beneath the lighthouse
The Country Farmer’s Market returns to the Crooked River Lighthouse grounds Saturday, August 15, from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Eastern.
Port St. Joe
Salt Air Farmers Market returns Saturday
Port St. Joe’s Salt Air Farmers Market returns to George Core Park Saturday morning, August 15, beginning at 9 a.m. Eastern.
Working Coast
Oysters and scallops mark the week on the water
FWC has set Apalachicola Bay’s next limited wild-oyster season for October 1 through February 28, 2027, with a combined annual harvest level of 2,560 bags across three approved reefs. FWC has now closed the Gulf County Zone, including St. Joseph Bay, to recreational bay scallop harvest for all of 2026 after a summer survey found very low abundance. Franklin and Wakulla waters remain under their separate open-zone rules. Check current boundaries and official status before harvesting.
Read the FWC closure noticeRecent issues
Current plus the previous two
Thursday, August 13, 2026
Apalachicola Oysters Get Their Next Chapter
A new oyster season, St. Joseph Bay scallops opening Sunday, Carrabelle weekend picks, and Sharon’s pecan-crusted chicken.
Thursday, August 6, 2026
A Familiar Way Back to the Water
A long-awaited pier replacement, early voting dates, First Friday, scallop boundaries, and Sharon’s blackened chicken Alfredo.
Thursday, July 30, 2026
The Last Days of Red Snapper Season
Red snapper closes Friday, coastal events ahead, shellfish reminders, and Sharon’s deviled egg potato salad.