Who are you going to call?

If there's something strange in your neighborhood or if there’s something weird and it don't look good, better yet, if you’re seeing things running through your head. Who are you going to call?

I’m sure it want be Bill Murray or Dan Aykroyd, co-stars in the 1984 hit science-fiction movie titled Ghostbusters.

However, I do suggest that if you’re seeing things running through your head, the first thing that you should do, is to make sure that you’ve taken your meds and then call your doctor.

Better yet, you can call the Big Bend Ghost Trackers who have inundated Apalachicola over the past couple of days in search of unusual occurrence reported at Lafayette Park and other areas of the city.

According to reliable sources, during the bygone days Lafayette Park, which sits on the waterfront of Avenue B across from the Key house, was the focal point of social activities.

During those days, the park played host to weekend bands, picnics, family reunions, birthday parties, political rallies, and weddings.

Much of the same activities still occur at the park today.

However, reports from back then, are that when night felled and residents walked pass the park or when teenagers used it for romantic trysts or when kids camp overnight, most never stayed in the area very long. All departed quickly and often reported seeing and hearing unexplained shadows, shapes and sounds.

Coincidentally, folklore has it that the world famed Dr. John Gorrie hung himself at the park after becoming despondent over several failed attempts to raise money to manufacture his ice-making machine.

The Big Bend Ghost Trackers were in town investigating those anomalies and to propose a tour similar to the Historic Monticello Ghost Tours they own and operate in Monticello, Florida.

Such tours in other areas have provided major boosts to the economies of those communities; in fact, the Trackers have themselves contributed a huge portion of monies made from their tours about $40,000 to local charities.

The Big Bend Ghost Trackers have been featured on all of the major TV networks such as A&E television and FOX network. They have also appeared in print publications like TIME magazine and in USA Today. In addition, they are currently in preproduction on a TV show depicting one of Georgia’s most horrific mass murders with a paranormal twist.

By the way, I’m not afraid of any ghosts!

City ranked for Library construction grant

The City of Apalachicola has moved up in state ranking for a $500,000 public library construction grant for FY 2010-2011.

Cindi Giametta, grants manager for the city recently received a letter from the Florida Department of State Division of Library and Information Services dated September 4, 2009, notifying her of the ranking.

Twenty-one public libraries from across the state submitted applications totaling $10,500,000 for funding under the construction grant. The Apalachicola Municipal Library project ranked seventeen out of the 21; a slight improvement over last year’s ranking of nineteen.

The Legislature will review the ranked projects during the 2010 Legislative Session and forward those selected for funding to the Governor for final approval.

At the city’s November 4, 2008 meeting, commissioners adopted Resolution 2008-09, which gave Giametta the go ahead to submit the application and authorized City Administer Betty Taylor-Webb to execute certain documents pertaining to the grant.

If awarded, the city will receive the $500,000 non-matching grant to use toward an addition and/or renovation of the existing library building. Apalachicola received a waiver from the required match under the state’s rural economic development initiative.

Health officials making plans for H1N1

A meeting held this past Wednesday, Sept 23 at the Emergency Operations Center called by local public health officials to bring awareness to the planning and response efforts underway by the Health Department concerning the H1N1 (Swine Flu Virus).

Franklin county health department administrator Wesley Tice told those in attendance that the health department was making plans to dispense the H1N1 vaccine that included needing their help.

Tice said that with an in-house staff of 40, it would take a collaborative effort from their Public Health Partners to assist his agency with vaccinating up to 12,000 people.

Local health officials have already ordered enough of the H1N1 vaccine to vaccinate up to 12,500 county residents. However, the vaccine will not become available all at once and a local priority order needs to be established.

Currently the priority order includes the following:

Pregnant women, persons who live with or provide care for infants less than 6 months of age, healthcare and emergency medical personnel, persons 6 months to 24 years-old, and persons 25 to 64 years-old who have a medical condition that put them at a higher risk for influenza-related complications.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will be making available statewide about 3 million doses of the vaccine and that has to be divided between all 67 Florida counties some with small and large populations. Because of this, local health officials don’t have an idea of how much or when they will receive their allotment, thus necessitating the need for a priority order.

In the interim, you can protect yourself through prevention and by knowing the symptoms. If you experience high fever with an accompanied rash, lethargy, loss of appetite, a running nose, sore throat, severe coughing, nausea, and diarrhea and vomiting, seek medical help immediately. To prevent the onset of the virus, frequently and thoroughly wash your hands and cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze and stay home if you are sick.

For up-to-date information or to learn about H1N1 (Swine Flu Virus) visit http://www.myflusafety.com or call (877) 352-3581.

Meeting Management Workshop

The Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve announced on Thursday, September 24 an upcoming “Meeting Management & Facilitation Workshop” scheduled for October 14-15, 2009.

The purpose of the workshop is to provide the participants with an opportunity to learn how to design, conduct, and control meetings in public forums.

Those signing up will be able to use collaborative processes in resolving coastal and marine-related issues as well as how to use meeting management skills, knowledge, and competencies to plan for and conduct effective meetings in a public forum and how to deal effectively with the media in the public issues management process.

The NOAA Coastal Services Center will conduct the training at the Estuarine Research Reserve located at 261 Dr. Frederick S. Humphries Street in Apalachicola from 9:00AM to 4:30PM EST with a minimum cost of $25 to attend. The cost includes a continental breakfast, lunch and all workshop materials for both days.

Registration is required and the deadline to sign up is October 8, 2009, for more information contact Rosalyn F. Kilcollins, Coastal Training Program Coordinator at (850) 653-8063, EXT. 13.

Boo’s, Jazz & Blues Event

This coming October 30, from 7:00PM until 11:00PM there will be a Jazz and Blues event held at the Fort Coombs Armory in Apalachicola to benefit the Franklin County Food Pantry and the Franklin County Community Development & Land Trust Corporation. Both of which are 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations.

The purpose of the event is to raise needed funds to purchase food for the Food Pantry and to provide affordable housing for needy Franklin County families.

There will be a cover charge at the door or you can pick up advance tickets at any branch of Apalachicola State Bank or Gulf State Community Bank for $20 per person or $35 per couple.

The event will feature live entertainment by Big Daddy & Red Hot Java along with Drew Tillman and disc jockey music provided by Hi-Fi Entertainment, all setup on Apex Productions sound and lighting stage.

Halloween costumes are encouraged and spirits will be available with a modest donation.

The Mayor’s Blog will feature sponsors of the Boo’s, Jazz & Blues event at the top right-hand side of this site up until the day after the event.

For more information about the event or how to become a sponsor, contact the Franklin County Food Pantry at (850) 653-3930.

Once again, web poll proves accurate

Although unscientific, the poll embedded on this website from Sept 9 through Sept 21, once again accurately projected the outcome of the Seat 4 City Commissioner runoff election within 3% of the actual vote.

On Sept 21 the day before the election, visitors to this website that took part in the poll had Brenda Ash winning the race by a margin of 63% to Valentina Webb’s 37%.

When election officials tallied the final vote, the actual numbers were 66% Ash and 34% Webb, with only a 3% variation from the projected poll numbers.

Voter turnout was at 41%, slightly lower than the 48% that casted ballots during the Sept 8 primary election.

Ash Seals the Deal

RUNOFF ELECTION RESULTS:

In an election that was primarily about nothing, political newcomer Brenda Ash delivered what has to be a disappointing blow to the incumbent and one term city commissioner Valentina Webb.

There were no hot button issues, no outcries over escalating property taxes or any of the things that usually prompt voters to oust elected officials from office.

Although virtually unknown in the political arena, except for taking on the duties of treasurer for the recently organized Franklin County Democratic Executive Committee. City commissioner-elect Ash has emerged as the newest face on the Apalachicola Board of City Commissioners.

In a runoff election to fill the expiring term of the Seat 4 city commissioner, the 40-year-old mortgage loan officer garnered 66% or 471 votes to the incumbent commissioner Webb's 34% or 247 votes.

Ash led in every possible category, she tallied 154 absentee and early ballots, and picked up an astounding 304 more at the precinct along with 13 provisional ballots to give her the 471 votes and the election.

In an earlier conversation, the commissioner-elect stated that she would like for her son who's an ordained minister to administer the oath of office, while her daughter holds the bible.

Both Ash and Frank Cook will be sworn into office at the October 6, city commission meeting at City Hall located at 1 Bay Avenue.

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Photos by Gail D. Johnson

Ash opens up huge lead over Webb

RUNOFF ELECTION RESULTS:

In the runoff race for Apalachicola Seat 4 city commissioner, Brenda Ash takes what appears to be an insurmountable lead after officials from the Supervisor of Election office tallied all absentee and early ballots.

Out of the 249 ballots already counted, Ash received 62% or 154 to Webb's 38% or 95. If the trend continues at the precinct, Ash would definitely emerge victorious and seal the deal as the newest member on the Apalachicola Board of City Commissioners.

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Photos by Gail D. Johnson

Ash, Webb faceoff in runoff election

Today Sept 22, the residents of Apalachicola will head back to the polls in a runoff election to decide which of the two remaining candidates vying for Seat 4 on the Apalachicola Board of City Commissioners will take the oath office at the upcoming October 6 city council meeting.

After the Sept 8 primary election, Brenda Ash led all candidates in a three-way race with 45 percent or 366 votes to Valentina Webb’s 32 percent or 264 votes, and Anderson Williams 23 percent or 187 votes.

In a head-to-head matchup going into the runoff, the unscientific poll embedded on this website from Sept 9 through Sept 21, indicated that the local electorate seemed fairly firm on its choice and projected Ash to win the race by 63 percent to Webb’s 37 percent.

During that period, out of the 348 visitors to this site, 30 participated in the poll and answered the question. “If the runoff election were held today, who do you think would be the next Seat 4, City Commissioner?”

At the close of business yesterday, Sept 21, 11 percent or 186 voters out of the 1,712 registered had already casted either a early or absentee ballot.

On Sept 8, voters decided the Seat 3 commission race, handing the election to Frank Cook over Jerry Hall. Cook tallied 59 percent or 446 votes to Hall’s 41 percent or 311 votes.

Commission fills board vacancies

The Apalachicola Board of City Commissioners at their Sept 15 special meeting, filled several vacancies on various city boards and committees created by the resignation and/or nonattendance of some committee members.

Vacancies existed on the Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z), the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and the Revolving Loan Committee (RLC).

The opening created on the P&Z commission was due to the resignation of P&Z member Bruce Hall. Hall submitted a letter of resignation a couple of months ago citing health related reasons.

Citizens interested in filling the post were Lynn Wilson-Spohrer; Michael Shuler, and Dieter Ambos, commissioners tapped Ambos to fill the position.

Ambos, which also serves on the CRA and the Board of Adjustment (BOA) agreed to step down from the BOA to accept the P&Z appointment, this in turn created an opening on the BOA.

On the CRA, the resignation of Mark Friedman and Joe Taylor created two vacancies. Friedman represented the chamber of commerce interest on the CRA and Taylor the downtown merchants. All together, there were four residents interested in replacing Friedman and Taylor; Anita Grove, Richard Davis, Marisa Getter, and Susan Gary, the commission selected Grove and Davis to fill the vacancies.

The one remaining vacant position existed on the Revolving Loan Committee and commissioners appointed Dixie Partington to fill it.

Anyone interested in filling a vacancy can pick up and return a completed application to 1 Bay Avenue - City Hall; all applications will remain on file until an opening becomes available. Members appointed to the various boards serve as volunteers and at the pleasure of the city council.

City grants Tudor encroachment

At the Sept 15 special meeting, Dan Garlick of Garlick Environmental Associates appeared before the city commission representing Dr. Helen Tudor owner of the Chapman House located at 82 - 6th Street on the corner of Avenue E.

Dr. Tudor of New York City recently purchased the home formerly owned by famed botanist Dr. Alvin Wentworth Chapman with plans to turn the first floor of the 152-year-old structure into a museum.

Garlick asked commissioners for an encroachment to allow for the planting of an extensive landscaping/gardening project on the city’s right-of-way adjacent to the house. He told commissioners that planning and zoning had already reviewed the plans and the plans met with their approval.

“What we propose is similar to what has occurred in the past, especially in the same block the way the parking arrangements have been and also the planting”, Garlick said.

Garlick told commissioners that Tudor wanted to add some non-permanent structures such as heavily planted arbors with native vines that would create a pleasant walk through to some type of museum in the future.

At the January 6, 2009 regular meeting, city commissioners gave approval to Dr. Tudor to remove the sidewalk in front of the Chapman House in order to landscape the area, the commission granted the encroachment as well.

Municipal flag nets profit for city

Local physical therapist Tom Brocato was back before the city commission at their Sept 15 special meeting to give a progress report on the sale of the newly authorized city flag.

Inspired by a letter from the city and born out of concerns over local economic conditions, Brocato requested and received board approval earlier this year to create for sale a municipal flag using the official seal of the City of Apalachicola.

Using resources from his private business to produce the flag, Brocato pledged that profits from its sale would go toward funding the Apalachicola Community Pride Partnership Initiative.

At the Sept 15 special meeting, Brocato told commissioners that he had sold 25 flags at $30 each and presented the commission with a check for $300, which represents the city’s portion of the proceeds.

Brocato also asked for and received board approval to produce using once again the city seal, coffee mugs, key chains, and stickers for sale at the upcoming Seafood Festival, with the profits likewise going toward the community pride program.

For more information on how to obtain one of the keepsake memorabilia’s, contact Tom Brocato at (850) 653-4545.

Apalach reuse project to create area jobs

At the Sept 8, regular meeting of the Apalachicola Board of City Commissioners, the city’s engineering firm Baskerville and Donovan recommended that the commission award the contract to construct the long anticipated wastewater reclamation system to Panama City based Royal American Construction Company.

Engineers have designed the system to take wastewater received at the treatment plant west of town and treat it for reuse in commercial and eventually residential applications. Currently the State of Florida permits the city to discharge its effluent into Huckleberry Creek, a practice that brought about Teat v. City of Apalachicola several years ago.

Once constructed, the system will allow city officials to eliminate the need to use a body of water to release its effluent. At that time, the treated wastewater or “gray water” will be used to irrigate city and county owned parks, open spaces, and eventually residential areas throughout the community.

The city council received funding for the project totaling $8,000,000, from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection State Revolving Fund Division.

Richard Delp, Project Manager with Baskerville and Donovan told commissioners that Royal American provided the city with the lowest bid of $7,569,187, to construct the system and recommended that the city accept the bid contingent upon the approval of the Florida Communities Trust, and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

Although based out of Panama City, the commission instructed Delp to make certain that Royal American hire local carpenters, plumbers, and electricians as subcontractors and/or employees to construct the system, and Delp agreed.

City officials are elated that this long anticipated project will not only help keep the environment pristine, but also provide a much-needed boost to the local economy by creating construction type jobs.

James v. City of Apalachicola dismissed

City Attorney Pat Floyd reported at the Sept 8 meeting, that the case of Steve James v. City of Apalachicola had been resolved during depositions held in late August.

James, a captain with the Apalachicola police department filed a claim against the city soon after Bobby Varnes was appointed to replace retired police chief Anderson Williams.

In his complaint, James contended that city officials violated the whistleblower protection act by denying him the chief’s position when Williams retired.

He claimed that because he went over Williams head with matters pertaining to arrest procedures to then Mayor Boyd “Sandy” Howze, Williams retaliated against him by not recommending him as his replacement.

However, Floyd told commissioners that following the deposition of several key city officials and the information that came forth during the proceedings, James decided to withdraw his claim altogether against the city.

Floyd then reported on the Williams workers compensation case.

Floyd told commissioners that the courts have rescheduled a hearing in the Anderson Williams worker compensation case for the end of this month. The hearing is set to compel Williams to accept the initial settlement offered by the city and agreed upon by both parties.

City commissioners had agreed earlier to settle with Williams on his workers compensation claim with both Williams and his attorney agreeing to the settlement in writing. However, Williams changed his mind, fired his attorney, and backed out of the agreement.

“We have a confirmation from our attorney that’s working with us on the workers comp case, and he stated that this should be affirmed by the Judge because we have written statements that the initial settlement had been accepted by Andy in resolving this matter”, Floyd said.

Chamber to host Social Media Workshop

In her monthly presentation before the city commission, Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce executive director Anita Grove gave commissioners the following report at their Sept 8 meeting.

Grove told commissioners that the chamber along with Gulf Coast Community College was hosting a free Social Media Workshop on Wednesday, Sept 23 from 5:30PM to 7:00PM at the Apalachicola Battery Park Community Center.

J.P. Ferrell, vice president and partner of 5th Gear Creative Group out of Dothan and Panama City will be conducting the interactive workshop on social media such as Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, YouTube, and other online social networks.

“If there’s enough interest shown in the workshop, we’ll get him back to conduct a class”, Grove said.

Grove also announced the upcoming “Forgotten Coast Community Yard Sale”, set for Saturday, October 3, starting at 8:00AM.

Non-profits, individuals, and businesses will setup alongside US Highway 98 from Mexico Beach to Panacea to sell their wares in one gigantic yard sale.

For more information on both events contact the Apalachicola Bay Chamber office at (850) 653-9419 or email info@apalachicolabay.org.

Public Safety Report

Apalachicola Police Chief Bobby Varnes and Fire Chief George Watkins gave the following activity reports for the preceding month to the city commission at their Sept 8 regular scheduled meeting.

POLICE DEPARTMENT
Varnes told commissioners that during the month of August the Police Department responded to 194 calls, made five direct arrests, served 15 warrants, worked two automobile accidents, and issued 17 traffic citations.

He also reported that during his department’s nightly business checks, officers found eight businesses unlocked. Varnes stated that of the owners he couldn’t contact, his officers walked through and secured their buildings.

FIRE DEPARTMENT
Watkins reported that during the month of August his department responded to four Life Flight calls, had one false alarm, worked two automobile accidents, and responded to 18 First Responder calls.

He also informed the commission that there had been a discussion among the volunteers to put back into service the old 1950 fire engine for use during parades and at fundraising events.

Watkins then requested and received board approval to borrow a fire engine from the St. George Island Fire Department and to cover the vehicle under the city’s insurance policy while in use by the city. He explained that his department’s Engine #2 will be out of service in October for needed repairs and that he needed board approval to borrow a unit from the neighboring community until the repairs are completed.

Watkins also reported that in their continued fundraising efforts, the department raised $84 during a boot drive at the Sheriff Department’s recent fishing tournament and $2,228 from the sale of scrap metal removed from the Captain Fuzz. The Captain Fuzz was the half-sunken derelict vessel docked at Riverfront Park in downtown Apalachicola, eventually removed by the city, and hauled off for disposal.

Library requests Key Estate funds

At the city’s Sept 8 meeting, Librarian Caty Greene told commissioners that the Library Board had recently voted to forward a request to the city for funds from the Key Estate for needed capital improvements at the library.

Greene informed commissioners that board members agreed at their August 31 meeting, to ask the city for approximately $35,000, from the estate to purchase carrels for computers, magazine racks, shelving and a new heating and air conditioning system to replace the existing unit that’s in disrepair.

Greene further stated that the library needed to replace the old computer located in her office with a new one along with making the other needed purchases.

City Attorney Pat Floyd told Greene that the city would have to look at the provisions of the estate to make sure that the list of items was within the requirements. “I just need to look at it to see… because I know that the books and things like that are provided for and also the improvements”, Floyd said.

Before granting the request, commissioners consented to have Floyd read over the provisions and to report his finding at the Sept 15 special meeting.

Greene also reported that beginning Saturday, Sept 19 the library would be kicking off its “Fall into Books at Your Library” program. The program will feature five weeks of Saturday morning storytelling for children starting at 10:00AM for preschooler’s ages 3 to 5, 11:00AM for grades K-2, and noon for third through fifth graders.

For more information on the reading program, contact Librarian Caty Greene at (850) 653-8436.

Patriot Day - Friday, September 11, 2009

Tomorrow Friday, Sept 11 marks the anniversary of that sad and tragic day in our country’s history where terrorist hijacked and deliberately flew planes into the Pentagon in Washington DC and the World Trade Center in New York.

On that dreadful day, nearly 3,000 people died. The loss of life and damage that the terrorist caused resulted in the biggest act of terrorism ever on US soil.

Although not a national holiday, annually September 11 is observed by many as “Patriot Day”, a day to remember those who were injured or died during the terrorist attacks on America.

On the direction of the President and as a mark of respect, the US Flag should be unfurled and flown at half-staff on homes, businesses, and government buildings throughout the country.

In addition to the Flag, some observe a moment of silence at 8:46AM EST, which marks the time that the first plane flew into the World Trade Center.

Web poll accurately projected race

Polls are not just for national or state elections anymore, they can also be useful tools even in small town elections like Apalachicola’s recent primary held this past Tuesday.

On July 25, the day after the official qualifying period ended for the city election, a web poll was embedded on this site to gauge the pulse of the community concerning the local fall election.

From July 25 to Aug 22, the poll recorded the responses of internet users who visited this site and participated in the poll question. “If the city election were held today who do you think would be the next city commissioner?”

Although unscientific, the poll accurately projected without a margin of error the outcome of the Seat 3 city commission race and the frontrunner in the Seat 4 race.

On Aug 22, the poll indicated that Frank Cook would win the Seat 3 race by 59 percent to Jerry Hall 41 percent, which turned out to be the exact outcome of the race.

The poll also had Seat 4 candidate Brenda Ash with a substantial lead over both Valentina Webb and Anderson Williams, which was the case.

The only variation was the projected percentages in the Seat 4 race.

The poll indicated that Ash would receive 65 percent of the vote, but the candidate actually picked up 45 percent, a 20% descending difference.

In the case of Valentina Webb, the poll showed Webb getting 25 percent of the tally; however, the incumbent commissioner garnered 32 percent, a 7% variance.

For Williams the poll projected 11 percent, but he did much better than the poll indicated and gained 23 percent, a 12% difference.

A new poll has been embedded to gauge the pulse of the community concerning the Sept 22, runoff election, only time will tell whether it accurately projects the outcome.

Cook wins, Ash and Webb in runoff

In an election with no issues, Apalachicola voters turned out in droves to returned one incumbent city commissioner and sent the other along with a political newcomer to face off in a runoff election.

Incumbent City Commissioner Frank Cook withstood challenger Jerry Hall to win Seat 3 on the Apalachicola Board of City Commissioners. Cook garnered 446 votes to Hall's 311 to begin his first elected term on the city council. In 2007, Cook received appointment as the Seat 3 commissioner after then city commissioner Van Johnson won election as the city's mayor.

For Hall the loss marks his second failed attempt to win election as a city commissioner. In 1997, Hall came up short in his first bid for the same seat on the Apalachicola city council.

In the Seat 4 race, none of the three candidates received over 50 percent of the votes to avoid a runoff election. However, political newcomer Brenda Ash led the race by tallying 366 votes, while incumbent city commissioner Valentina Webb received 264 and challenger Anderson "Andy" Williams 187.

Both Ash and Webb now has two weeks to get back on the campaign trail before facing each other in the September 22 runoff election.

All together, the voter turnout was at 48% in the Apalachicola municipal election.

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Photos by Gail D. Johnson

Cook and Ash takes early lead

Both Seat 3 candidates Frank Cook and Seat 4 candidate Brenda Ash have taken early leads in the Apalachicola city commission race after election officials tallied early and absentee ballots.

Thus far, 572 early and absentee ballots were casted with Cook receiving 168 to challenger's Jerry Hall 106 to take a commanding lead among early voters in the Seat 3 race.

In the Seat 4 race, Ash, a political newcomer out polled incumbent commissioner Valentina Webb in the early vote tally. Ash received 126 early votes, while Webb received 104 and Anderson "Andy" Williams 68.

For further results, stay connected as the Supervisor of Election is getting ready to tally the precinct votes to determine the outcome of both races.

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Photos by Gail D. Johnson

Today is Election Day

The polls open today Tuesday, Sept 8 from 7:00AM to 7:00PM for the city’s fall election to fill the expiring terms of two seats on the Apalachicola Board of City Commissioners.

There are five candidates in all vying to fill seats currently occupied by Seat 3 Commissioner Frank Cook and Seat 4 Commissioner Valentina Webb.

Cook picked up opposition from local business owner Jerry Hall, while Webb found challenges from both Mortgage Loan Officer Brenda Ash and former Police Chief Anderson “Andy” Williams.

As of Friday, Sept 4, voter turnout had reached 16%. The Supervisor of Election office had received 186 absentee ballots out of the 312 issued with 83 more voting in person during early voting from Monday, Aug 31 to Friday, Sept 4.

All totaled 269 or 16% of the 1,704 registered voters has already casted their ballots in the city’s 2009 fall election.

Election officials are estimating a 40% voter turnout where in additional 413 voters will likely cast their ballots at the precinct today.

During the city’s most recent election (the mayor’s race) officials recorded a 47% turnout or 840 votes casted in the September 4, 2007 primary.

Those wishing to cast their ballots today can do so at the Fort Coombs National Guard Armory located at 66 4th Street.

Elder Care serves lunch to benefit seniors

Elder Care Services the lead agency in the county for senior services will be preparing lunch for delivery on Tuesday, September 15, to area businesses to benefit seniors in Franklin County.

In an effort to raise funds to provide much-needed senior services, Elder Care volunteers are currently taking orders for a grilled chicken Caesar salad along with a brownie for the price of $10.00. Five dollars from the sale of each meal will go toward providing in home services and Meals-on-Wheels for area seniors.

A minimum order of two meals per office is necessary for delivery at your place of business between the hours of 11:30AM and 1:30PM on Sept 15. You can preorder your meal by telephoning (850) 921-5554 on or before Friday, September 11.

In July 2006, the Area Agency on Aging designated Elder Care Services as the central service provider in Franklin County to serve as both a provider of supportive and nutrition services under the Older Americans Act and as a Community Care for the Elderly lead agency.

During the period from July 2008 to June 2009, Elder Care coordinated and monitored services for over 175 seniors, including high-risk seniors and served over 29,332 meals.

This benefit fundraiser is another fine example of the length Elder Care Services will go toward providing quality services for Franklin County senior citizens.

The Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce is a proud sponsor of Elder Care Services and this benefit lunch for seniors.

Election Night Results

Follow me on Twitter or login to the “Mayor's Blog” for up-to-the-minute election night results in both Apalachicola city commissioner races.

After the polls close at 7:00PM Tuesday, Sept 8, I will be using my Blackberry Smartphone to mobile tweet and blog the results immediately as they come in from the Supervisor of Election office.

There’s no need to wait or calling around to find out whom the winners are, just login and stay connected, while I use this fast-paced digital media to keep you the residents of Apalachicola informed.

Happy Labor Day Weekend

I remember as a young lad growing up in historic Apalachicola when my uncle and aunt on my mother’s side used to visit the family from Cairo, Georgia every Labor Day weekend to go fishing.

I can remember my father using a tight line with only a sinker to fish with, as he was legally blind from injuries sustained while serving his country in its fight for freedom during WWII and couldn’t see the cork when a fish took it under.

However, he could feel the fish when it took the bait and using this method, he landed more fish then my uncle, causing my uncle to doubt that my father was even blind.

It was an annual ritual for my visiting relatives where they enjoyed making the all-day trip from Georgia for fishing, fun and down home country style cooking and leaving beautiful Apalachicola right before sunset for their return trip home.

Those days after a long hot summer, the coolness of fall marked the beginning of school right after but not before Labor Day. I remember suiting up for fall football practice and the pursuing jamboree followed by winter.

To me those days growing up in small town Apalachicola surrounded by family and friends are worth reminiscing about.

In remembrance of when things were a lot less complicated and the world was a much friendlier place, and to my parents, uncle, and aunt who are no longer with us.

I wish each of you, your families, and the entire Apalachicola community a happy and safe Labor Day weekend.

In addition, all city offices will be closed on Monday, Sept 7 in observance of this national holiday and reopen on Sept 8, the day after.

Free Erosion Control Training Course

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Coastal Training Program announced on September 1, 2009, their upcoming Training and Certification course.

The two-day free course is for anyone desiring to obtain certification from the FDEP Stormwater, Erosion, & Sedimentation Control Inspector Training Program.

The class scheduled for Tuesday, Sept 22 from 8:45AM to 5:00PM and Wednesday, Sept 23 from 8:45AM to 2:30PM at the National Estuarine Research Reserve Education Center location at 261 Dr. Frederick S. Humphries Street in Apalachicola.

Sign up today to receive training and certification from one of the best erosion control courses available to help keep your project in compliance and to learn new erosion control techniques.

To register please contact Rosalyn Kilcollins, coordinator for the coastal training program via email at Rosalyn.Kilcollins@dep.state.fl.us or telephone (850) 653-8063. The deadline to register is September 17, 2009.

Passing the torch

City commissioners, staff, fire fighters, and friends gathered to bid farewell to outgoing Fire Chief Bert Simmons at a retirement dinner held in recognition of his service to the city Monday night Aug 31, at city hall.

In jest, Ginger Creamer one of two captains within the fire department presented Simmons with a miniature toy fire station and ladder truck and stated, “Chief this is something that you always wanted from the city”.

While standing alongside Simmons, new fire Chief George Watkins recounted the progress the fire brigade made under Simmons leadership before handing him a card signed by both city officials and fire fighters.

After being presented with a plaque from the city an emotional Simmons thanked everyone for their support and friendship, then reminisced about his role in bringing about change within the department.

Photos taken by Betty Taylor-Webb

City to apply for FRDAP funding

City administrator Betty Taylor-Webb along with City Grant Writer Cindi Giametta held a public hearing yesterday Aug 31, to solicit the required community input before making application for Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program (FRDAP) grant funding.

The city is in line to submit two FRDAP grant applications for up to $200,000 each to construct or renovate outdoor recreational facilities.

Those in attendance suggested that the city apply for the funding to renovate both Lafayette and Battery Parks.

Both Willoughby and Marie Marshall members of the Historic Apalachicola Foundation attended the hearing and advocated for the renovation of Historic Lafayette Park.

Mr. Marshall explained that the current condition of the gazebo in the park, along with lighting, the brick walkway and planting were out of harmony with the historic ambience of the park and that they were in desperate need of repair.

Mrs. Marshall told the group that, “Lafayette Park is listed as a capital improvement element in the city’s comprehensive plan and that points out very clearly that the first thing we have to do is preserve what we have”.

Giametta will bring the suggestions gathered at the hearing before the city commission at the Sept 8 regular meeting for final approval.