Shellfish recovery, early voting, Halloween along the coast, the Florida Seafood Festival, and Sharon’s Mummy Jalapeño Poppers.
Early voting deadlines, Apalachicola history, city government, and opportunities for local businesses.
Parts of the coast's shellfish waters are reopening; check current harvesting status and regulations before heading out.
Sharon Rigsby's Halloween Mummy Jalapeño Poppers make a playful savory treat for the weekend.
The October 24 FDACS report documented reopenings in parts of Apalachicola Bay, Alligator Harbor, and Wakulla County waters. Other areas remained closed; harvesters should check the live status and applicable FWC rules before heading out.
Current FDACS harvesting status →Saturday is the final early-voting day in Wakulla, Franklin, and Gulf counties ahead of the November 3 general election. Locations and hours vary, so check your county elections office before traveling.
Early voting information →Florida's emergency bridge-loan program remains available to eligible hurricane-affected businesses, including qualifying agricultural and aquaculture operations. These are repayable zero-interest loans, not grants; applications are scheduled through November 25 or until funding is exhausted.
Program details →Halloween-themed evening boat rides and a dinner buffet at the Lodge at Wakulla Springs. Departures are scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Eastern; advance reservations are encouraged.
Cruise details →
Downtown Port St. Joe welcomes families to Reid Avenue for a Halloween gathering, scheduled for 5:30–8:30 p.m. Eastern.
City event updates →Guided cemetery tours at historic Chestnut Street Cemetery in Apalachicola, scheduled from 5:30–7:30 p.m. Eastern.
Historical Society details →Apalachicola's annual seafood celebration returns to Battery Park next weekend, with the Blessing of the Fleet, oyster contests, music, and a parade.
Sharon Rigsby of Grits and Pinecones shares a playful savory Halloween treat: creamy cheese-filled jalapeños wrapped in flaky crescent dough and finished with candy eyes. Find the complete recipe and instructions on her site.
Eligible private recreational anglers have an additional Gulf red snapper opportunity October 30–November 1. Confirm the current FWC season, vessel requirements, and marine conditions before departing.
FWC snapper regulationsRecreational flounder harvest remains closed through November 30, and the Gulf County Zone bay scallop harvest remains closed for the 2026 season. Shellfish-area reopenings are separate from species-specific harvest rules.
FWC saltwater fishing rulesThe October 30 History Lies Here walk at Apalachicola's Chestnut Street Cemetery offers a reminder that our towns are shaped by the people who came before us. From old buildings to waterfront traditions, those stories are worth keeping close.
Shellfish recovery, early voting, Halloween along the coast, the Florida Seafood Festival, and Sharon’s Mummy Jalapeño Poppers.
Coastal recovery resources, Gulf County RESTORE Act public input, Apalachicola oysters, weekend events, and Sharon’s Spooky Spider Deviled Eggs.
Tropical Storm Isaias strengthens, warnings are issued along the northern Gulf Coast, weekend plans shift, and Sharon shares a Halloween trifle.