Good morning from the coast. This week brings a look ahead to scallop season, fresh coastal planning notes, summer events, local history, and a red, white, and blue dessert that belongs on the Fourth of July table.
Top of the Tide
Apalachicola continues long-range planning discussions
Apalachicola’s planning work continues as city leaders look at infrastructure, long-term priorities, downtown character, and the practical needs of a historic waterfront community.
Franklin County keeps a full summer government calendar
County Commission, planning, airport, and hospital board discussions remain active through the summer. Residents following public decisions can keep an eye on the county calendar and posted agendas.
Wakulla County notices remain worth watching
Wakulla County continues to post public hearings, advisory board notices, traffic updates, recreation information, and community announcements in one central place.
Along the Coast
Apalachicola prepares for a leadership transition
The city is preparing for a change in police leadership following the announced retirement of Chief Bobby Varnes, marking the close of one chapter and the beginning of another for local public safety.
Small-town summer stays busy across the Forgotten Coast
Markets, live music, family programs, chamber gatherings, and coastal events continue to fill the calendar as local businesses welcome the heart of the summer season.
This Week’s Picks
Plan ahead for Independence Day on the coast
Fourth of July celebrations are taking shape in Apalachicola, St. George Island, and Carrabelle. This is a good week to check schedules, parking details, and event times before the holiday rush arrives.
Summer reading continues in Franklin County
Local libraries and community partners are keeping younger readers engaged with summer programs, educational activities, and history-centered events.
History remains close at hand in Carrabelle
The Carrabelle History Museum and Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum offer an easy summer stop for families interested in the people, industries, military history, and everyday stories that shaped the coast.
Working Coast
Scallop season is almost here for Franklin and Wakulla-area waters
The Franklin County through northwestern Taylor County zone opens July 1 and runs through September 24. Boaters should check their zone, licensing requirements, daily limits, and current FWC rules before launching.
Apalachicola oyster recovery remains a coastwide story
Oyster restoration, monitoring, and the future of harvest remain central to both the economy and identity of Apalachicola Bay. The work is slow, but the stakes reach far beyond a single season.
From the Coastal Kitchen
Red, White, and Blue No-Bake Icebox Cake
Cool, festive, and made for a summer gathering, this no-bake icebox cake layers red and blue fruit with a creamy filling for an easy Fourth of July dessert that can be prepared ahead.
Get the RecipeOne More Thing
A public reading of the Declaration is planned for St. George Island
A public reading of the Declaration of Independence is planned on St. George Island as the holiday approaches, the kind of simple civic tradition that feels especially at home in a small coastal community.