Other weekend activities

SHAPING NEW PATHWAYS
CAREER DAY 2009

Promising Options for Career Choices
From Current and Former “Hill” Residents

Saturday, May 2, 2009
Apalachicola High School Gym
12:00 PM – 3:00 PM

For More Information
Contact Myrtis Wynn Williams at (850) 774-8844

The Wall Has Arrived

Yesterday afternoon April 28, “The Wall That Heals” traveled U.S. 98 through the streets of Apalachicola making its way to the site of the Three Servicemen Statue Detail at Veterans Memorial Plaza where it will rest over the weekend.

A Police escort led the Wall into town followed by the Patriot Guard Riders, which made up the more than 400 motorcycle motorcade. The Riders are a diverse mix of motorcyclists from across the nation that has an unwavering respect for those who risk their lives for America’s freedom and security.

Local residents, schoolchildren, and visitors alike lined U.S. 98 waving miniatures flags in show of support for the Wall’s arrival and for the men and women who gave their all for freedom.

Once at the hallowed grounds of Veterans Memorial Plaza, veterans from all wars stood sobered faced while three military style helicopters flew overhead. Followed quickly was a short ceremony that included a prayer, speeches, and a poem, before Jimmy Mosconis, President of Three Servicemen Statue South, Inc., was present the American flag.

According to Ella Mosconis, a group was expected from Tyndall late afternoon to assemble and ready the Wall for the opening day ceremony at 11:00AM Thursday, April 30.



Footage and photos by Gail D. Johnson

An Exciting Weekend Ahead

The weekend coming up will be a very exciting and busy time for the City of Apalachicola and its residents.

The Wall That Heals

Starting today, April 28, around 1:00PM EST, “The Wall That Heals” will arrive into Apalachicola from west of the city escorted by a motorcycle motorcade to rest at Veterans Memorial Plaza near the Three Soldiers Detail for five days until Sunday, May 3.

The City of Apalachicola is the third stop on the national tour of “The Wall That Heals” which is a traveling half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial located in Washington, DC. Accompanying the Wall will be a traveling Museum and Information Center, which will provide a comprehensive educational component to enrich the experiences of visitors.

On Thursday, April 30 at 11:00AM EST, there will be an opening ceremony, which will feature Ann Wolcott, national President of the National Gold Star Mothers, as keynote speaker, and a closing ceremony on Sunday, May 3 at 7:00PM with Apalachicola native and West Point graduate, COL (USA-Ret) Harry Buzzett as keynote speaker.

There will also be other programs scheduled throughout the five-day event. Don’t miss it! This will be the only time outside of Washington where the Three Soldiers Detail and the Wall will rest together.

Historic Home Tour

Friday May 1, will start the 17th Annual Historic Apalachicola Home & Garden Tour sponsored by Trinity Episcopal Church.

In addition to “The Wall That Heals”, organizers are expecting the tour to draw more than 1,000 visitors to Apalachicola for the two-day event on Friday and Saturday, May 1 and 2.

The event will began with Evensong at 5:30PM Friday, May 1, at the Trinity Episcopal Church followed by a free lecture on the economic benefits of historic preservation at 6:30PM by preservation architect Mark Tarmey. Tarmey is the current President of the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation and is currently involved in several preservation projects through the 4M Design Group that he heads.

Registration for the tour will begin at 9:30AM Saturday, May 2, at Trinity. The featured home for this year’s tour will be the former home of world-renowned botanist Dr. Alvin Wentworth Chapman, located at 82 - 6th Street.

For information on ticket sales, call Trinity Church at (850) 653-9550 or the Chamber of Commerce at (850) 653-9419.

Enough is enough

The Honorable Cheryl K. Sanders
Franklin County Commissioner, District 2

Dear Commissioner Sanders:

You telephoned my office on Wednesday, April 22, and inquired into whether there was anything between the two of us. For the record, as far as I’m concerned, there’s nothing between us. However, I did notice a sudden shift in your attitude toward me, right after Will’s failed bid for Superintendent of Schools.

At the time, I was unsure, but it is now clear that both you and Will held an unreasonable expectation, of me as Mayor, to deliver the Apalachicola vote into his corner. Especially since, as State Representative he assisted the city in obtaining the $1.5 million dollar grant from the Department of Elderly Affairs to renovate the Holy Family School into a dedicated Senior Citizen Center.

In addition, I found your inquiry somewhat ironic. Especially since it was identical to the inquiry, Will made to me via email on April 2, right before he questioned the City of Apalachicola’s decision to award the contract to oversee the renovation of Holy Family to Bailey, Bishop, and Lane, instead of his choice of Preble Rish.

Immediately after I informed Will that I didn’t recollect having a conversation with him promising that as Mayor, I would give the contract to Preble Rish in consideration for his support, your attitude toward me worsened.

Since then, you have embarked upon a covert campaign, especially during county commission meetings to undermine my competency as a county department head. Further, both you and Will have sought to create a division between my staff and me, all because I honestly do not recall promising to do something as Mayor, that I had neither the authority nor inclination to do.

Through your actions and attitude, after twenty-seven years of successful county employment, you have managed to create an environment where I dread coming into work for fear of what you may do next.

As a county commissioner, you must understand that regardless of what you do to me, as Mayor, I have an obligation to look out for the best interest of my community, and by doing so, it doesn’t necessarily mean that there’s something between us.

It simply means, that if I’m going to carry out my obligations with any kind of integrity, then I cannot allow your brother to use the Senior Center grant or the City of Apalachicola, as another means to pay back his political favors.

If you and Will can understand this, and leave me alone, then all is well.

Respectfully,

Van W. Johnson, Sr., Mayor
The Historic City of Apalachicola

Attachment:

Email from Will Kendrick

Senate Candidate Visits Apalachicola

Loranne Ausley a democratic candidate for the District 6 seat in the Florida Senate met today April 24, with about 25 local Franklin County residents at a meet and greet inside the Water Street Hotel conference room located in beautiful downtown Apalachicola.

Ausley is gearing up for the 2010 elections and vying for the District 6 Senate seat being vacated by Al Lawson due to term limits. According to the candidate, district 6 is comprised of 11 counties including all of Franklin County.

She currently serves as Board Chair of the Florida Healthy Kids Corporation and as a senior advisor to the Lawton Chiles Foundation. She has just completed four terms in the Florida House of Representatives, and is an attorney with over 20 years of public service at the State and Federal level.

Ausley’s legislative agenda focused around the issues that are important to North Florida: economic development; respecting the role of state employees; health care; and education, particularly early childhood initiatives. She has worked on these issues both in the legislature and in her community becoming known statewide as a “Champion for Children”. Ausley’s health care expertise led to her appointment as ranking democratic Member on the House Health Care Council for the 2007-2008 term.

Ausley’s leadership of the 2006 Florida Children’s Summit led to the introduction and passage of legislation to create a Children and Youth Cabinet. Today, she proudly serves as one of two legislative Members on the Cabinet. Ausley has also focused on a number of issues related to children and adults with disabilities, including her service as chair of the Vision Caucus and as a member of Governor Crist’s statewide Task Force on Autism Spectrum Disorders.

For the past 5 years, Ausley has actively chaired Whole Child Leon, a local community-wide initiative focused on improving the lives of all children ages 0-6. In addition to numerous other community and civic activities, she is also committed to downtown revitalization of the Capital City, including the restoration of the historic Waterworks building and the long awaited opening of Cascades Park.

She also comes from a family with a strong political background. Her grandfather was a Florida Senator and her great-great grandfather was a member of the Florida House of Representatives.

She is married to local intellectual property attorney Bill Hollimon, has a son Will and a stepson, John.

Photos taken off the candidate’s official election website

City’s First Earth Day Event

Since its inception in 1970, Wednesday, April 22, marked the first ever Earth Day celebration in the City of Apalachicola.

With the sound of birds chirping amidst a serene backdrop, a diverse group of Apalachicola residents gathered at the site of the City Square Community Garden to celebrate the occasion and to ask for a divine blessing upon the works of the newly established community garden.

It was truly an event to behold and “The Mayor’s Blog” has captured it beautifully for your viewing and enjoyment.

Footage and photos by Gail D. Johnson

ABC School Students Visits Garden

Today April 21, more than 50 students, teachers and parents from the ABC Charter School visited the Apalachicola City Square Community Garden.

The Charter School along with about 54 individual community members and the Franklin County Food Pantry have either a raised bed or a plot set aside in the garden.

Photos courtesy of Karla Ambos

Garden Projects Help Communities Grow

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of Health’s (DOH) Comprehensive Cancer Control Program announces the “Grow Healthy” – Community Garden Project to support healthy lifestyles and cancer awareness. Research has shown that a nutritious diet and exercise can diminish the risk for colon and breast cancer. Floridians can also lower their risk of cancer and other chronic diseases by not smoking and getting appropriate screening to treat problems early.

Selected projects have received a supply of seeds (green beans, lettuce, basil, radish, tomato and carrots), information on community gardens and health education materials. Winning entries include gardens in Miami, Dade City, Bronson, Chipley, Apalachicola, Spring Hill, Palm Coast, Bristol, Wauchula, Bunnell, Defuniak Springs, Live Oak, Brooksville, Ocala, St. Petersburg, Panama City, Tamarac, Jacksonville and Palatka. Due to the enthusiastic response, the DOH Comprehensive Cancer Control Program secured an additional supply of seeds for a second round of projects.

Participants include county health departments, university and K-12 students, faith-based organizations, neighborhood associations, farm workers, long-term hospital patients, at-risk youth, seniors and minorities. Entries featured ideas for sustainable gardening practices such as roof-top gardening, composting, water conservation through drip irrigation and rain barrels, and organic gardening.

Projects are intended to foster teamwork within the community, increase daily exercise and consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, and reduce family food expenses. Several of the gardens are intergenerational efforts, combining the skills of youth and seniors. Many of the projects will also involve educational sessions regarding nutrition, science and sun safety. Produce from the gardens will be donated to local charities and food pantries, sold in school fundraisers, and distributed to communities and family members.

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States and in Florida, accounting for approximately 40,000 deaths in Florida each year. According to the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, the declining trend in cancer mortality demonstrates considerable progress in cancer prevention and early detection. Important new studies by the American Institute for Cancer Research indicate that over 45% of colon cancer cases and 38% of breast cancer cases in the U.S. can be prevented by making changes in diet and physical activity and controlling weight. Overall, a third of the most common cancers can be prevented, and one third of cancer is known to be caused by tobacco.

Approximately 100,000 new cancer cases are reported annually to the Florida Cancer Data System. The registry also reports that minority populations in Florida have higher rates of many cancers. For example, age-adjusted mortality rates for breast, colorectal and prostate cancer are significantly higher in blacks. Minorities are often disproportionately affected by cancer due to unequal access to quality care and a higher rate of behaviors that increase risk.

Editor’s Note: April is National Cancer Control Month and April 19-25 is National Minority Cancer Awareness Week.

Winfield Signs with Daytona State

On Thursday, April 16, Apalachicola resident and leading Franklin County Seahawks varsity basketball player Deshaun Winfield signed a letter-of-intent to continue his basketball career at Daytona State College.

After a successful high school basketball season in which Winfield averaged 20-points per game and led his team to the Florida High School Athletic Association Class 2A Final Four State Playoffs.

Daytona State men’s basketball program offered the senior forward a full scholarship to play for Anthony Andre who took over the helm as head coach of the Falcons at the start of their 2008/2009 season.

Winfield is notably the first student-athlete from the new consolidated Franklin County School to sign a full college scholarship.

On hand to witness the historic event were school officials along with Winfield’s family, coaches, and teammates.

Photos courtesy of Stella Sanders-Bryant

Blessing of the Garden

The organizers of the Apalachicola City Square Community Garden located at Avenue F and 8th Street are inviting the community to come out and take part in the “Blessing of the Garden” starting at 5:00PM EST on Wednesday, April 22, which is also Earth Day.

On hand to welcome those in attendance will be Karla Ambos, Community Garden Coordinator.

In addition, members of the local clergy consisting of Vicar Martha Harris, Pastor David Walker, Pastor Themo Patriotis, Father Roger, and Minister Valentina Webb will be on hand to ask for divine blessings and a bountiful harvest.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, light refreshments will be served.

For more information on the ceremony, or other community garden activities email Karla Ambos at dambos@mchsi.com.

Community Pride April Meeting

ONE INDIVIDUAL… ONE NEIGHBORHOOD… ONE COMMUNITY

There will be an Apalachicola Community Pride Partnership meeting tomorrow Thursday, April 16 at 6:00PM in the Battery Park Community Center.

This town hall style meeting will afford residents of the community the opportunity to give input on possible uses of the recently acquired Apalachicola High School building and to take part in a discussion on implementing a neighborhood watch program to help combat illegal drug activities in the city.

There will also be a discussion on Citywide Economic Development and an update on current city projects.

Mark your calendars today and make plans to attend this all-important community meeting.

For information concerning the Community Pride Partnership Initiative, please contact Betty Taylor-Webb, City Administrator at (850) 653-9319 or email apalachadmin@fairpoint.net.

Apalachicola Library Burglarized

The Apalachicola Municipal Library was burglarized sometime between late night Thursday, April 9 and before 6:00AM Friday, April 10 according to Apalachicola Police Chief Bobby Varnes.

Varnes said that a glass pane in the front door of the Library was knocked out and that a passerby noticed the broken glass and called the police.

At this time, it has been determined that only a small amount of cash was taken.

Varnes is asking that if anyone saw someone near the Library during those hours or have knowledge of the break in to please give the police a call.

Happy Easter Apalachicola

It is both Gail and my wish that your Easter bring with it new joys and promises.

Van W. Johnson, Sr., Mayor
The Historic City of Apalachicola

Chamber Director gives Economic Update

Anita Grove, Executive Director for the Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce, gave city commissioners an economic update at their April 7, meeting.

Grove reported that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) plans are to issue a series of new rules for temporary tax breaks for small businesses.

Once adopted the rules would mean that small businesses earning up to $15 million can claim losses for the past five years in the current tax year.

Further, businesses may write off up to $250,000, in investments this year and can reduce estimated tax payments to 90 percent of the previous year’s filling.

Under the new rule, the IRS will allow small businesses to take larger depreciation deductions within the first year of property purchases and the businesses will see 75 percent capital gains excluded for those who invest in small businesses.

According to Grove, the package also includes $730 million to reduce small-business lending fees and to increase the government guarantee on Small Business Administration (SBA) loans. She further reported that the government is also taking aggressive steps to boost bank liquidity with up to $15 billion aimed at unfreezing the secondary credit market.

She went to say that locally Monica Lemieux, with Apalachicola State Bank, has been working to get details on the loan program and that the SBA will guarantee the loans 100 percent with a payment plan that can defer payments until next year.

As of yet, no loan application has been drafted, but plans are to hold a meeting at 5:00PM on April 16, at city hall to discuss the loan program in detail.

No Action Taken on Pierce House Purchase

A crowd of local residents packed the April 7, Apalachicola city commission meeting to express their concerns over the city’s negotiations to purchase the Alan Pierce house for use by the Apalachicola Municipal Library.

In what is building up to be a spirited but healthy public debate, the commission heard from those attending the meeting alternatives to using the monies donated by the Key Estate to purchase the Pierce house to expand the library.

The most vocal was Jerry Hall who argued that the city needed to preserve its Historic residential district. He stated that he was not against the Library, “I’ve been on the Library Board, I’ve been the Chairman of Library Board, I love libraries, but I am now and have always been against taking R1 property for another use”, Hall said.

Apalachicola resident Bob Connors stated that as a person who uses the library and as a person who has supported the library in Eastpoint, he didn’t think that the Library Board decision to expand had been thought through. He further stated that he think that it would be good if the community had an opportunity to look at it in a broader scope to build more of a consensus.

Others questioned why monies from the Key Estate couldn’t be used to relocate the Library to the recently acquired Apalachicola High School building.

However, at the time the Library Board set its sights on the Pierce house, the city had not acquired the high school property from the school district.

In the end, at the recommendation of City Attorney Pat Floyd, the commission took no action on the Pierce house purchase. Instead, the Board let the matter proceed to the Planning & Zoning commission for a resolution on the issues surrounding use of the property.

City Partners with U.S. Census Bureau

“IT’S IN OUR HANDS”

At the April 7, regular scheduled meeting of the Apalachicola Board of City Commissioners, city officials moved to establish a partnership with the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau.

Evelin Ramirez, Partnership Specialist with the U.S. Census Bureau North Florida Team appeared before the commission to explain the importance of ensuring that the 2010 Census count every resident in the city.

Ms. Ramirez told the Board that each year more than $300 billion in federal funds are awarded to states and communities based on census data. She went on to say that, the census determines how many seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives as well as the redistricting of state legislatures, county officials and voting districts.

Taken every 10 years, local elected officials also use census data to guide in community planning efforts such as where to build new roads, hospitals, and schools. Because of this, it is very important that everyone in the community is counted to ensure that each resident receives his/her fair share of important governmental services and resources.

In its partnership agreement, the city has agreed among other things to encourage its employees and constituents to complete and mail their questionnaires, and to provide a link to the 2010 Census website from the city’s website.

The U.S. Census Bureau is also interested in forming similar partnerships with community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, schools, media businesses and others, to guarantee a complete and accurate 2010 Census.

For more information on how your organization can form a partnership with the U.S. Census Bureau, contact Evelin Ramirez via calling (850) 521-9608 or emailing her at evelin.m.ramireez@census.gov.

Board Lowers Speed Limit to 25 MPH

The Apalachicola city commission voted unanimously at their April 7 meeting to accept the recommendation of the Franklin County Community Traffic Safety Team to lower the speed limit throughout the city.

The Traffic Safety Team met to consider the measure at the request of the city commission after commissioners received numerous complaints from residents at their March 3 meeting, concerning speeding in the residential areas of the city.

The newly adopted speed limit of 25 MPH is 5 miles per hour lower than the customary 30 MPH limit for a residential area. According to City Administrator Betty Taylor-Webb, the city will now purchase eighteen signs displaying the new speed requirement.

The Traffic Safety Team also recommended stepping up enforcement of traffic and vehicular laws paying particular attention to speeding, failing to stop at stop signs, under age drivers and overloaded golf carts.

Apalachicola Chief of Police Bobby Varnes reported that for the month of March his officers issued 35 traffic citations 19 of which were for speeding.

Commission Report: April 7, 2009

Other business before the city commission at the April 7 meeting included the following:

*Visitors
Pam Mahr appeared before the commission to request an encroachment to place an awning over the sidewalk at her building off Commerce Street. The Board approved the request.

Carol Godwin appeared before the commission to express concerns over poor drainage in her 15th Street neighborhood and the subsequent flooding of her property during the recent heavy rains.

*Library Report
Caty Greene, the new librarian reported that during the month of March the Apalachicola Municipal Library served 1,073 patrons, which included 19 new patrons.

She further told commissioners that the workforce position remains vacant, and that Library hours continue to be from 10:00AM to 5:00PM, with an expectation to increase those hours once the workforce person is hired.

Greene continued that the Library has an increase demand for internet access, and that their book collection has increased in size, which has contributed to a decrease in shelf space, with hopes that this will be addresses through their plans for expansion.

She went on to tell commissioners that the Library Board continues to support the city’s purchase of the Pierce House to address their need for additional space.

*Police Department Report
Police Chief Bobby Varnes reported that during the month of March his officers responded to 175 calls, made five direct arrests, served seven warrants, and worked 10 traffic accidents. He also reported that he’s looking into the possibility of implementing a neighborhood watch program as a means to help address reports of increase drug activity in the city.

Chief Varnes requested and received approval to hire Timothy Davis a current deputy sheriff with the Franklin Sheriff Office to replace Lt. Gray Hunnings who resigned from the force last month.

*City Administrator Report
City Administrator Betty Taylor-Webb submitted the following written report to the commission:

The city is waiting for final deed transfer of the Apalachicola High School property from the Franklin County District School Board. The School Board’s intent is to transfer all building footprints with a non-monetary lease on the surrounding properties and fields. The gym and field house are being utilized and cleanup of the high school building has begun. An open house for the official opening of the Apalachicola Recreational Civic, Youth, and Community Service Center Complex is planned for Friday, May 15, 2009, from 3:00PM to 6:00PM.

The Fiscal Year 2007-2008 Audit is complete. There were no new comments for this year, several remain from the previous year, some of which have now been corrected, or limited funds and/or staff prohibit complete compliance (i.e. separation of duties and the City relying on the auditing firm to complete financial statements rather than hiring a full-time accountant).

The USDA application for the Fire/Police Station has been submitted. Plans are moving forward with Phase I of the project with the current funds awarded by DCA to construct the truck garage. Debbie Belcher is finalizing bid specs for review. Phase II will encompass USDA funds to pay for the existing building and finalization of ADA compliance and interconnection of the two structures (existing and garage).

*Building Department Report
A discussion was held and a decision made to solicit Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for a pool of Historic Preservation Architects or firms to perform services as needed similar to the city’s pool of engineers.

*Grant Manager Report
Cindi Giametta the city’s grant manager requested approval to submit an application for a COPS grant to fund for three-year a police officer’s position. Giametta also requested approval for the City of Apalachicola to apply as the fiscal agency for the Project Impact 21st Century grant. The Board approved both requests.

Neighborhood Flooding

To the residents of Apalachicola:

City officials and staff are asking all residents of the city to remain patience while crews work to alleviate neighborhood flooding brought on by recent heavy rains to our area.

The City of Apalachicola depend upon a system of drainage ditches to relieve the city of storm water, where smaller ditches drain into larger ones, which eventually end up in what we call major outfall ditches. Most of these major outfall ditches terminate into the Apalachicola River.

Currently all of our outfall ditches are draining as they should, however, as the River stage continues to rise above our outfall elevation, we can expect flooding in certain areas of the city.

At 9:00PM last night April 2, the River rose to 22.9 feet and is expected to continue rising to near 23.2 feet by early afternoon today April 3.

In addition, because the city borders the Apalachicola River and Bay, we have a very high groundwater table and that alone can cause many areas of the city to flood, especially during heavy rain events.

During non-rain events, residents of the city can help minimize neighborhood flooding by refraining from depositing debris or raking leaves into the drainage system, which impedes proper drainage flow.

However, please rest assured that we are currently during everything humanly possible to remedy the situation.

Sincerely,

Van W. Johnson, Sr., Mayor
The Historic City of Apalachicola

Minor Damage to Eastpoint Business

In what was believed to be a waterspout spun from a line of severe thunderstorm cells making its way across the county, ripped part of the roof off the Ritz Food Store at 499 U.S. 98, on the outskirts of Eastpoint around 1:00PM this afternoon, there were no reported injuries.

Apalachicola Antique & Classic Boat Show

APALACHICOLA
ANTIQUE & CLASSIC BOAT SHOW
APRIL 25, 2009
A DAY-LONG EVENT FEATURING BOATS & ACTIVITIES
Antique Outboard Motor Display & Antique Automobiles

For more information contact:

Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce
http://www.apalachicolabay.org

(850) 653-9419

info@apalachicolabay.org