A message from our President

Ten-Ten, it was a day even the most experienced meteorologist feared to forecast. Northwest Florida prepared for a swiftly developing hurricane, possibly a category 4 even reaching a cat 5 level, threatening to bash some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Some were scarred, some were spared and one we will not forget.
Hurricane Michael was fierce and left a destructive mark on the natural landscape, a day the center of our region’s landscape was changed.
With this being said, the other areas of the region remain intact in its natural pristine beauty, and welcome visitors. Coastal and inland communities in Walton, Franklin and sections of west Bay are delighted to receive visitors. The remaining sections of the region are in full swing with clean up and debris removal.
Every day progress is made. We see the light and know the hard work of crews, volunteers, and organizations assisting us will get us back in business to welcome visitors to the rest of our region.
The sunsets may yield a different view but the sight remains clear, Explore Northwest Florida is quickly rebounding and will soon see the sun shine even all meteorologist will accurately forecast.
Choose Your Adventure in Northwest Florida
Pam Fuqua, President

Falling Waters State Park Reopens

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 6, 2018

CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850.245.2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us

Falling Waters State Park Reopens

~Following significant damage from Hurricane Michael, the park is now open for day use~

Falling Waters State Park

Visitors can once again see Florida’s highest waterfall at Falling Waters State Park.

CHIPLEY, Fla. – The Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida Park Service has reopened portions of Falling Waters State Park for day use following the impacts of Hurricane Michael. The park, which experienced significant damage from Hurricane Michael – including downed trees and debris, facility, boardwalk, road and trail damage – was partially reopened late last week following three weeks of clean-up and repair.

Visitor safety remains paramount as response efforts continue. Florida State Parks staff continue to work as quickly as possible to finish remaining clean-up and repairs. Amenities and access to certain areas of the parks may be limited until the work is completed.

“Thanks to the hard work of park staff and volunteers, Falling Waters State Park is open for day use,” said Florida State Parks Director Eric Draper. “We hope to reopen all of the state parks impacted by Hurricane Michael as soon as possible.”

Of the 31 state parks impacted by the storm, only seven parks remain closed. Guests can enjoy the beach at St. Andrews State Park, cruise the river at Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park and explore the gardens at Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park.

Falling Waters State Park features Florida’s highest waterfall, which cascades down 73 feet to the 100-foot deep Falling Waters Sink. Now that the park has reopened, visitors can once again observe this amazing natural resource.

Find a Florida State Park near you and plan your next visit.

 

 

RiverWay South says ‘Explore Northwest Florida’

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TOURISM

Jackson County Floridan

By Deborah Buckhalter – April 14, 2018

Pam Fuqua

Pam Fuqua
KRISTIE CLOUD/FLORIDAN FILE
 Marianna resident Pam Fuqua has taken over as president of RiverWay South at a time when the organization has embarked on a “rebranding” mission. It’s keeping its name but also will be more publicly doing business as Explore Northwest Florida.
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Meandering by Homer

 

Feel free to read, to laugh with me, to cry when appropriate, and to, as Lil’ Abner (whom I quote often) says “angrify” if it fits.

When We Cross Over

By Homer Hirt

I grew up in Chattahoochee, Florida, a small town that overlooks the confluence of the Chattahoochee, Flint and Apalachicola Rivers. The Florida State Hospital is there. It had once been a fort in the time of the American Civil War. The largest employer, other that the Hospital, was Florida Gravel Company.

Florida Gravel Company was formed when the State called for bids to construct a bridge across the Apalachicola, and a shrewd Yankee came down from Ohio, found that the alluvial flow of the rivers had brought down quartz and flint rock and fine sand that was ideal for heavy construction. He bid and won and formed Florida Gravel Company. The bridge was completed in 1923, opening that area of Florida to automobile traffic. More

Carrabelle Artist Association’s Spring Coastal Art Showcase

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:
Marian Morris
Carrabelle Artist Association
carrabelleartist@gmail.com
850-294-9664
http://www.carrabelleartistassociation.com/

Carrabelle Artist Association Showcases New Original Art

Carrabelle, FL (March 30, 2018) – The Carrabelle Artist Association (CAA) is pleased to present a group exhibition of new works at this spring’s Coastal Art Showcase. The Coastal Art Showcase will also proudly display the work of award winning artist, Beth Appleton as the Guest Artist. This colorful and fascinating exhibition highlights the vibrant arts community in the Carrabelle and Forgotten Coast area. The showcase opens Friday, April 6 and will run for four weekends, with a “Meet the Artists Reception” on Friday, April 13 from 6-8 pm in the historic and unique art venue, Rio Carrabelle. Showcase gallery hours will be every Friday and Saturday from 11 am – 4 pm from April 6 through April 28 at Rio Carrabelle, 102 St. James Avenue (US Hwy 98), Carrabelle, FL. More

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