Early voting starts today in city election

Early voting begins today Aug 31 for two seats on the five-member Apalachicola Board of City Commissioners.

Those wishing to avoid the lines at the polls on Tuesday, Sept 8, can vote early at the Supervisor of Elections office located at 47 Avenue E, from 8:30AM to 4:30PM, starting today through Friday, Sept 4.

Up for grabs are Seat 3 currently occupied by Frank Cook and Seat 4 by Valentina Webb. Jerry Hall is challenging Cook, while both Brenda Ash and Anderson “Andy” Williams are challenging Webb.

It doesn’t matter who you like or support, what matters most is that you exercise your right to vote.

Just like most Florida cities, Apalachicola is facing a drop in tax revenue due to a steady decline in the taxable value of property. While at the same time, there’s an increasing demand to add more streetlights, improved stormwater management, expanded sewer services, adequate fire protection and the list goes on.

However, what’s most troubling is that typically during an off-season election the city usually experiences a low voter turnout. In fact, during the 2007 Mayors race only 47% of almost 1,700 registered voters bothered to cast a ballot. More often than not, low voter turnout doesn’t make for good government and could prove critical, especially during these economic conditions.

As you get ready to cast your ballot, please be reminded that the winners will help set the city’s agenda for the next four years.

That's why it is important for you to learn about the candidates, their positions and choose wisely, whether voting early or on Election Day. In these economic times, Apalachicola needs wise leaders who will make good decisions.

Renovatio Youth Leadership Program

There’s a new youth service provider in Franklin County whose stated mission is to turn today’s youth into tomorrow’s leaders.

The service called Renovatio Youth Leadership Program; headed by Lois Mendez-Catlin its founder and executive director has a three-fold purpose. Catlin a two-year resident of St. George Island is married to Dr. Lionel Catlin who practices medicine at the Eastpoint Medical Clinic.

Renovatio is Latin for “rebirth”; primary goal is to provide underrepresented students with an opportunity to participate in leadership development programs that might otherwise be unavailable to them. The program provides high school students with the opportunity to review their life and accomplishments and set meaningful realistic goals to brighten their future.

Its secondary objective is to encourage these students to attend college, by providing them with the necessary experience to view college as a possibility and the tools needed to be successful while in college and ultimately to become engaged leaders.

Lastly, its third purpose is to nurture the student’s vision of civic engagement and provide them with the essential skills to become meaningful contributors to society and its quality of life.

In early August, Catlin invited me to visit the program to address the students during their summer retreat. I found a diverse group that included students from Texas, Pennsylvania, and Franklin County Florida. I used my time to have a candid conversation about goal setting, perseverance, and the need for voluntary public service.

Among other retreat activities, the students participated in college planning and taking both the SAT and ACT preparation tests.

Renovatio Youth Leadership Program is a member of both the Franklin County Community Partnership for Children & Youth Services and the Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce.

Student participation is through an application process, for more information email Lois Mendez-Catlin at RenovatioYLP@msn.com.

Photos by Gail D. Johnson

Havana Herald

An idea that has roots

Natured based economic development

This past Wednesday, Aug 26, I attended an all-day workshop facilitated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) held at the Veterans Memorial Civic Center in Bristol, Florida. The topic of discussion was community and economic development through nature and wildlife tourism.

A consortium of partners funded the workshop, consisting of the FWC, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Riverway South, East Jackson County Economic Development Council and the Jackson County Tourist Development Council.

At the workshop, the FWC called for a dialogue between the six Florida riparian counties that boarder the Apalachicola River System, focusing on the potential that this specific region has as a destination point for natured-based tourism.

The Apalachicola estuary is a natural attraction that has an abundance of wildlife, different species of plants and other natured-based opportunities to sustain the economies of each of the six riparian counties that boarders the system.

Marketed right, this natural and cultural wonder could provide each community and businesses within those communities with an opportunity to fuel their economies without relying upon invasive development as a sole source for economic growth.

In fact, recent surveys have pointed out that each year scores of tourist travel to Florida just to fish, hunt, and hike, to watch birds, and to participate in other outdoor associated recreation. In 2006, 134.4 million Americans traveled to participate in such activities and spent $8.1 billion dollar in the State of Florida alone doing so. In addition, the travel and tourism industry is responsible for providing over 230 million jobs and over 10% of the gross domestic product worldwide.

The workshop well attended by elected officials, members of chamber boards, tourist, and economic development councils from each of the riparian counties departed eager and energized about the concept of a regional approach to economic development using a mutual asset.

At the end workshop participates submitted action plans that addressed the needs of each community and the targeted region collectively.

The goal now is to have other segments of the community buy into the concept of putting our greatest shared resource to work growing and sustaining our economies.

Flags to be flown at half-staff

As a mark of respect for the memory of Senator Edward M. Kennedy, President Barrack Obama issued a proclamation yesterday Aug 26 ordering that flags be flown at half-staff over all public buildings, grounds, and military posts throughout the United States, and its Territories until sunset August 30.

Senator Kennedy passed away yesterday at the age of 77, after a yearlong battle with brain cancer.

Photo from Senator Kennedy's official website

Garlick brings Blues back before City

Jerry Garlick organizer of the blues in the lot festival was back before city commissioners at a special meeting held Aug 25, seeking for a second time permission to hold the annual event on public property.

At the city’s July meeting, Garlick told commissioners that he would not hold the event because he didn't want to assume the liability should someone during the concert bring alcohol on site in violation of the city’s ordinance prohibiting the consumption of alcohol on public property.

However, Garlick told commissioners at the special meeting that he had received numerous calls about the festival since attending the July meeting and that with the appropriate signage prohibiting alcohol and making the concert free, it should appeal to everyone.

Garlick also stated that monies received through sponsorships traditionally go toward paying for the bands, advertisement, and the stage.

However, he reasoned that since his request was to host the event on public property, he would commit to donating after expenses any profits received to the Apalachicola volunteer fire department first responder unit. Garlick asked the commission for permission to block off Avenue E between Commerce and Water Streets for the event under those conditions.

However, the commission deferred the matter until the September 8 regular meeting, where city attorney Pat Floyd will attend and render a legal opinion on use of public property by a for-profit company.

Historically, organizations such as the Florida Seafood Festival have used public property to stage the annual festival where both non-profits and for–profit vendors are setup to sell their wares.

Garlick said that he would hold the event on Saturday, October 17, should the commission grant him permission to block the streets at the upcoming Sept 8 meeting.

City lowers millage, says no to bonuses

The Apalachicola Board of City Commissioners held its second and final budget workshop last night Aug 25 at a scarcely attended public meeting.

At the commission last workshop held Aug 11, the board set its annual millage rate for the next fiscal year at the maximum 7.56 mills with instruction to staff to identify cost savings within the budget before the final workshop.

City Clerk Lee Mathes did exactly that by proposing a ¼-mill decrease in the budget to bring the millage rate to 7.31, which would generate $1,277,477.00 in tax proceeds for the city during the next fiscal year. Mathes also added to the equation a 3% bonus with a minimum of $1000 for each employee similar to what the commission granted during last year’s budget development.

However, Mayor Van Johnson explained to those in attendance that due to the economy people were being laid off, taking pay cuts, and being furloughed and that the city didn’t want to send any mixed signals to the community by giving out bonuses.

City administrator Betty Taylor-Webb informed the board that they (Webb and Mathes) were only speaking for the employees.

While Dieter Ambos speaking from the audience told commissioners, “I just attended the Progress Energy workshop and not a single person got up there and wanted any increase on Progress Energy and I think that it would send a really bad message to hand out bonuses based on that alone and the fact with the economy”.

Downtown business merchant Beverly Hewitt followed Ambos by recounting a news report from the day before, telling board members that there would be no social security cost of living increases for the next two years.

Finance commissioner Frank Cook explained that the $490,320.00, 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant awarded by the Florida Department of Education to fund the city’s Project Impact afterschool and summer programs made decreasing the budget by ¼-mill possible.

In the end, the board agreed to decrease the millage rate from 7.56 to 7.31 and declined giving out bonuses.

WFSU

Future of Apalachicola Bay Hangs on Water Battle

One Proud Father

My eldest son Van and his three-month-old daughter Brianna Danielle.

Online poll indicate wins for Cook and Ash

While time is winding down to the Sept 8 fall election, participates in the Mayors online poll are making their preferences known ahead of time.

If the poll is any indication, then both Frank Cook and Brenda Ash will emerge victorious in their respective races, with Ash avoiding a runoff in a three-way race for Seat 4.

However, both races could come down to non-internet users who are not aware of a poll being conducted online.

Jerry Hall is challenging the incumbent Seat 3 city commissioner Cook, while Valentina Webb the Seat 4 incumbent picked up challenges from both Ash and Anderson “Andy” Williams.

In both races the poll question was the same, if the city election were held today who do you think would be the next city commissioner?

Out of the 634 internet users who visited the Mayor’s Blog from July 25 to Aug 22, thirty-seven responded to the question posed in the Seat 3 race, while 64 responded to the question in Seat 4.

In Seat 3, 59% of the respondents decided on Cook as their preference, while 41% chose Hall. In Seat 4, 64% of the respondents selected Ash, while 25% picked Webb and 11% Williams.

The poll was embedded after the official qualifying period ended and set to allow only one vote per IP address for each race. Although unscientific, the poll clearly indicates the choices of internet users who have visited the site and participated.

City to receive 21st Century Grant funding

Approximately two months ago, the City of Apalachicola submitted a proposal to the Florida Department of Education (DOE) to act as the fiscal agent of the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant, a role the Franklin County School District played during the grants first five years.

On Friday, August 21, City Administrator Betty Taylor-Webb received notification from DOE Bureau Chief Joe Davis that the proposal submitted by the city will receive funding.

The city asked for $490,320.00 to continue its Project Impact afterschool and summer programs at the city’s new recreation and community service complex located at the former Apalachicola High School.
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The purpose of the grant it to provide academic enrichment programs to help students meet performance standards in core academic subjects, such as reading and mathematics.

As well as to provide youth development activities, such as drug and violence prevention programs, counseling programs, art, music, and recreation programs that are designed to reinforce and complement the regular academic program of participating students.

In addition, the purpose of the grant is to provide families of students served by the program opportunities for literacy and related educational development.

In his notification letter Davis wrote, “We are very pleased to inform you that the proposal submitted by your agency for the 2009-2010, 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant has been selected for funding. The overall quality of submitted proposals resulted in a highly competitive process, and the success of your proposal is a significant accomplishment”.

Project Impact director Faye Johnson along with her assistant Nadine Kahn and city staffer Cindy Summerhill put together and submitted the city’s proposal to the DOE for consideration.

The $490,320.00 award will position the City of Apalachicola to effect positive the academic development of Apalachicola and Franklin County students, a role every municipality in the state should seek.

The Loss of a Leader

City officials, staff and the entire Apalachicola community are sadden by the loss of Jimmie J. Nichols our former Mayor, leader and friend.

Nichols served the citizens of Apalachicola faithfully as an elected municipal official for a number of years.

First elected to the Apalachicola city council as a commissioner in 1955, during his term as city commissioner he received the appointment of mayor following the resignation of then Mayor Cory Henderson.

In 1971, he made a successful run for mayor and again in 1975 and in 1987, all totaled he served four terms as mayor of the historic city of Apalachicola.

From Left to Right: Former Apalachicola Mayor Jimmie Nichols, Jim Woodruff, Sr.,
and Congressman Bob Sikes during the 1958 Harbor Day Celebration in Apalachicola.
Photo courtesy of the Florida State Archives, photographer Karl E. Holland.
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As Mayor, in the late 50's Nichols presented Atlanta Mayor William B. Hartsfield with a 2-ton anchor in support of a channel to Atlanta.

In addition to his public service, he was a local business owner, and a real estate broker, owning Jimmie J. Nichols Realty, Inc.

Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00AM Monday, August 24 at the Trinity Episcopal Church.

In honor of our former Mayor, flags will be ordered flown at half-staff throughout the city on August 24 the day of the service.

Havana officials tour community garden

In town for the 2009 Historic Apalachicola Homes and Garden Tour held in early May, Bob Bruggner left Apalachicola and returned to his hometown the City of Havana situated about 98 miles northeast of Apalachicola.

Bruggner left the city, but carried with him images of Historic Apalachicola and the community garden just added to this year's tour of historic homes.

So intrigued with the creation and functionality of the community garden, Bruggner contacted local garden organizers about coming back to take a second look.

Bruggner returned today Aug 21 with a Havana entourage that included Town Manager Howard McKinnon, Town Council Member Shirley McGill along with three members of the Havana Garden Club, Margaret Staron, Wendy Adams, and Judy Brundridge.

The group interested in starting a garden in their hometown arrived in Apalachicola around 11:30AM and had lunch at the Grill with local garden organizers Karla Ambos, Jenny Billings, and Beverly Hewitt with city administrator Betty Taylor-Webb also joining the group.

Following lunch, Apalachicola Mayor Van Johnson joined the entourage at the community garden and presented the group with a key to the city.

Photo taken by Betty Taylor-Webb

Ash advocates tax relief for citizens

As an item on the August 4 meeting agenda, Seat 4 city commission candidate Brenda Ash appeared before the city council and told commissioners that she had two issues to bring forth that adversely affected the citizens of Apalachicola as a whole.

Ash started by pressing the commission to hold the line on increasing the millage rate, “now is not the time to be increasing property taxes no matter how it’s implemented”, she said.

Ash then asked commissioners to pass a resolution strongly opposing the rate increase sought by Progress Energy in its petition before the Public Service Commission (PSC).

She went on to explain that she was among the many who attended the July 30 customer service hearing called by the PSC to take testimony on the services and other matters related to Progress Energy’s petition.

Ash stated that such an increase would drastically affect the citizens of Apalachicola and that the $591 million dollars in profits the power company would reap from the proposed increase was a little steep for any business.

“Increasing property taxes and increased energy cost cannot be borne by the citizens of this city. It is time to stop the fiscal madness. And all of us, governmental agencies and utilities alike must adjust to the economic times in which we presently live”, Ash concluded.

Later in the meeting, the commission voted unanimously to pass and send a resolution to the Public Service Commission opposing the rate increase sought by Progress Energy.

USA Today

Ruling leaves North Georgia with water crisis

Tropical Storm Claudette Update

About 45 minutes ago around 7:00PM this afternoon August 16, high winds from Tropical Storm Claudette toppled a large oak tree across U.S. Highway 98 at the intersection of 9th Street in front of the Apalachicola Physical Therapy Clinic.

Traffic though that portion of the highway was blocked momentary as work crews from the City were out in force to clear the intersection for traffic.

Earlier in the day, at approximately 2:00PM an alert went out warning the Florida panhandle of the approach of TS Claudette. At that time, Claudette was traveling at 14 MPH and located 40 miles South of Apalachicola and 160 miles Southeast of Pensacola, with expected rains on 7 to 10 inches.

As a precaution County Emergency Management officials activated the emergency operations center and issued an voluntary evacuation order for the Alligator Point area about 50 miles East of the city. Additionally, due to flooding and potential erosion, county officials closed to traffic the West bound lane heading to Alligator Point.

While localized flooding in the city was expected, high winds from TS Claudette littered the Streets with tree branches, caused a power outage, and toppled the tree at U.S. 98 and 9th Street.

Photo courtesy of Fonda Davis, Jr., via text.

Back to School Bash

The Hillside Coalition of Laborers for Apalachicola, Inc., (H’COLA) in conjunction with Project HOPE of Franklin County will be hosting a “Back 2 School Bash” this Saturday, August 15, at the City of Apalachicola’s Recreation and Community Services Complex, the site of the former AHS gym off 14th Street.

The annual event will begin at 5:00PM with Project Hope of Franklin County monthly Math-Science-Technology Club meeting, headed by Apalachicola native Myrtis Wynn U.S. Army retired.

Following the clubs monthly meeting will be a 5:30PM get-together with Wynn and upcoming sophomores, juniors and seniors from Franklin County K-12 School to start making college plans and decisions ahead of their graduation dates.

The Fun Rally will begin at 6:00PM with games, music, free food, and a school supply giveaway and end promptly at 9:00PM.

Families are encouraged to attend and to bring their school aged children to join in the fun and pick up free school supplies.

For more information on H’COLA and the annual Back 2 School Bash, contact Tami Ray-Hutchinson at (850) 653-7515 or email - tamirh@fairpoint.net.

For more information on Project Hope of Franklin County, contact Myrtis Wynn at (850) 774-8844 or email - wynnm@yahoo.com.

New Fire Chief Gives Report

In one of his first official acts after taking over as chief of the Apalachicola Volunteer Fire Department, George Watkins appeared before city officials at their August 4 meeting to build a rapport and to report on the activities surrounding the department now under his command.

Watkins took over the reins as chief of the 16-member department on August 1, after outgoing chief Bert Simmons announced his retirement in late June.

The Apalachicola fire department is an all-volunteer company whose principal mission is to protect the lives and property of the residents of Apalachicola and to assist the surrounding communities when called upon.

By charter, City Commissioner Mitchell Bartley serves as the fire commissioner who oversees the department for the city, while the day-to-day operations along with incident command are under the direct supervision of Watkins.

According to Watkins, the command structure under him includes Assistant Fire Chief Fonda Davis, #1 Captain Ginger Creamer, and #2 Captain Albert Floyd.

In his report to the Board, Watkins told commissioners that during the month of July the fire department responded to 40 calls, seven of which were calls to setup for life flight, two were for vehicle accidents, along with two house fires, and twenty-nine first responder calls.

Watkins also told the commission that plans of the department included an auction and hat drive along with setting up a booth at the seafood festival to raise funds.

During Watkins report, local resident and Planning & Zoning member Sally Williamson asked the commission to write the county a letter showing the city’s support for the proposed increase in the Municipal Service Benefit Unit (MSBU) assessment presently under consideration by the county commission.

The commission agreed, motioned, and passed unanimously to write and send the letter of support.

Watkins closed by announcing a retirement dinner for Simmons and informed the commission that he would report monthly the activities of the fire department, as he sought out and asked for a closer working relationship between the volunteers, city officials and the community.

Williams raises objections over Webb's run

In another unexpected twist in the Apalachicola city election, on August 4 Anderson Williams hand delivered a letter to city hall objecting to Valentina Webb reentering the Seat 4 city commission race.

After duly qualifying on Friday, July 24, Webb submitted a letter to city administrator Betty Taylor-Webb withdrawing her bid to seek a second turn. In her letter, Webb expressed concerns over remaining in the race with Williams. Both Williams and Webb are related and Webb was concerned that a schism would develop should the two remain in pursuit of the same seat on the Apalachicola Board of City Commissioners.

Nonetheless, on Monday July 27 after the qualifying period was over, Webb submitted another letter stating that she was desirous to stay in the race. In the letter, Webb offered no explanation as to the sudden change. However, a local publication quoted Webb as saying that she consulted with Williams and that Williams was okay with her decision.

However, the change in events prompted city attorney Pat Floyd to research the legality of Webb rejoining the Seat 4 race. Floyd researched the city charter and contacted both local and state election officials before concluding that nothing in the statues or charter prohibited Webb from reentering the race for which she had so duly qualified to run.

In his letter, Williams objected to Webb’s, “entering, withdrawing, and re-entering the race”, and stated, “it is my greatest hope that you, the City of Apalachicola’s elected officials, would correct this matter at this level immediately”.

Williams did attend the August 4 regular scheduled city meeting, but failed to bring up his letter or any matter surrounding Webb’s candidacy.

As of this post, city election officials have certified Webb to run and her name will appear on the ballot.

Click this link to read Williams letter in its entirety.