RESTORE Act public comment remains open through October 6
Gulf County residents still have time to comment on Amendment #06 to the county’s RESTORE Act Direct Component Multi-Year Implementation Plan.
Read Gulf County public notices →
Current issue · October 1, 2026
October Arrives
Gulf County wants your input, Saturday markets return across the coast, fishing seasons change, and Sharon brings an easy BLT Dip.
One date worth knowing
Florida voter-registration deadline is Monday, October 5
If you have moved, recently become eligible to vote, or want to confirm your registration before the November 3 general election, this is the weekend to check. Check or update your registration →
Community & place
Along the Coast
Wakulla tests election equipment Thursday, Franklin has two public hearings ahead, and Saturday markets return across all three counties.
Water & livelihood
Working Coast
Gag grouper is now closed while greater amberjack remains open through October 13. Check current FWC rules before leaving the dock.
Food & gathering
From the Coastal Kitchen
Sharon Rigsby brings an easy BLT Dip — smoky bacon, crisp lettuce and fresh tomato over a creamy base, ready in about 15 minutes.
Top of the Tide
Gulf County wants to hear from you
Wakulla tests election equipment Thursday
The Supervisor of Elections conducts its public Logic & Accuracy Test October 1 at 1 p.m. at 3115-B Crawfordville Highway.
Wakulla election calendar →Franklin County hearings are ahead
Two October 7 public hearings involve property at 846 Hickory Hammock Road — one for a land-use change and another for a zoning change.
Franklin County public hearings →This Week’s Picks
Three towns. Three Saturday stops.
Wakulla County · Panacea
Panacea Community Garden Farmers Market
Fresh produce, eggs, honey, baked goods, crafts, children’s activities and live music return Saturday from 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Franklin County · Carrabelle
Country Farmer’s Market
Local vendors and handmade goods gather at the foot of Crooked River Lighthouse Saturday from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. ET.
Carrabelle events →Gulf County · Port St. Joe
Salt Air Farmers’ Market
Local growers, makers, plants and handmade goods return to downtown Port St. Joe Saturday from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. ET.
From Sharon’s Kitchen
Easy BLT Dip
Sharon Rigsby turns the classic sandwich into an easy party dip with smoky bacon, crisp lettuce and fresh tomato over a creamy cottage-cheese, cream-cheese and sour-cream base. It comes together in about 15 minutes and serves eight.
Working Coast
Today is the last day
Thursday, September 24, is the final day of the 2026 recreational bay scallop season in the open Franklin–northwest Taylor zone used by scallopers around Carrabelle, Lanark and St. Marks. The Gulf County zone, including St. Joseph Bay, remains closed to scallop harvest for all of 2026.
FWC scallop regulations
Working Coast
One closes. One stays open.
The 2026 recreational gag grouper season in Gulf state and federal waters ended September 30, so gag is now closed. Greater amberjack remains open through October 13. Check current FWC regulations before every trip.
Current FWC saltwater rulesOne More Thing
One date worth putting on the refrigerator
Monday, October 5, is Florida’s voter-registration deadline for the November 3 general election. If you have moved, recently become eligible to vote, or simply are not sure your registration is current, this is the weekend to check.
Recent issues
Current plus the previous two
Thursday, October 1, 2026
October Arrives
Gulf County wants your input, Saturday markets return, fishing seasons change, and Sharon brings the BLT dip.
Thursday, September 24, 2026
Last Call for Scallops
Scallop season closes Thursday, Panacea celebrates the blue crab, weekend picks, and Sharon’s Chicken Bacon Ranch Crescent Ring.
Thursday, September 17, 2026
Seven Days Left
Gulf County growth hearings, Wakulla’s coastal cleanup, weekend markets, Sharon’s Spooky Spaghetti, and the final week of local scallop season.