Oysters prepared a variety of ways are available at restaurants all along the Forgotten Coast. While new and creative recipes are constantly being developed, the most popular way to ingest oysters is eating them raw on the half-shell.

Apalachicola hosts an annual Oyster Cook-Off every January to determine who has the bragging rights for this local favorite.

Though yields have declined in recent years for a number of reasons, efforts are underway to restore the bay and its bounty of delicious seafood. While closed to wild harvest since 2020, the bay saw the development of several aquaculture farms to help meet the demand for Apalachicola oysters. On January 1, 2026, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reopened Apalachicola Bay to limited wild oyster harvesting through February 2026 for commercial and recreational harvesters with permits. Future seasons are set for October to February annually, to be managed under a new data-driven management plan.

Whether you fancy a walk on the beach or just relaxing in the winter sunshine, the shorter winter days are filled with a peaceful sort of fun. The crowds are gone and it feels like you have the area’s world-famous beaches all to yourself.

Vitamin D is one of the most important vitamins for good health. Because it helps the human body use calcium from the diet, it is essential for strong bones. While it has many roles in the body, instructing the cells in the gut to absorb calcium and phosphorus is one of Vitamin D’s most essential functions.

Humans obtain vitamin D from sunlight and the food we eat. However, some people, including those with darker skin and those over the age of 65, are more at risk for being deficient in Vitamin D. While most people with a deficiency don’t experience symptoms, in extreme cases a lack of vitamin D can lead brittle, thin bones, in a condition called rickets. With rickets the bone tissue fails to properly mineralize, which results in soft bones, in addition to skeletal deformities. Research continues to reveal that Vitamin D plays a major role in protecting the body against a number of health problems.

If you live in northern latitudes, are homebound, or wear head coverings or long robes for religious purposes, you may need to add more vitamin D-rich foods to your diet or take a supplement like cod liver oil. Some foods rich in Vitamin D include salmon, swordfish, cod liver oil, canned tuna, beef liver, egg yolks, and sardines.

The Forgotten Coast of Florida is a great place to visit when you want to increase your Vitamin D levels. Hundreds of miles of beaches and trails, along with unforgettably quaint downtown areas and riverfront boardwalks provide perfect ways to spend time in the Florida sun.

Midday is the best time for being in the sun to boost Vitamin D. Remember to limit time in the sun and be sure to use protection when you aren’t trying to boost your Vitamin D levels. You should also consult your doctor for medical advice before making major health-related changes.

Vitamin D is known as the “Sunshine Vitamin” because when skin is exposed to the UVB rays of the sun, the body makes a chemical we call “Vitamin D” from cholesterol in the skin.

Serious Health Consequences Linked to Low Vitamin D Levels

• Osteoporosis
• Cancer
• Depression
• Muscle weakness
• Death

Native to South America, the water hyacinth was brought to America in 1884. Though beautiful to behold, the water hyacinth is actually an invasive plant that has the potential to crowd out native plants and congests our local waterways, hindering both fishing and boating.  According to the University of Florida website, a mat of water hyacinth can double in size in only 6 to 18 days.

The Apalachicola Riverkeepers have been working to control water haycinth in the area. You can learn more about their efforts here.

While the original building had two stories, the new version boasts three floors with 23 differently sized rooms. In addition, each room features artwork by the owners’ family and friends. The owner, Peggy Wood, has shared her father’s birdhouse collection with guests by placing them around the property.

For more information, visit their website at https://www.driftwoodinn.com/

Bay scallops may only be harvested in state waters from the following zones:

St. Joseph Bay and Gulf County: Aug. 16-Sept. 24. This region includes all state waters from the Mexico Beach Canal in Bay County to the westernmost point of St. Vincent Island in Franklin County. NOTE: The area marked with FWC buoys south of Black’s Island is a Bay Scallop Restoration Area and no scalloping or anchoring is allowed there.

Franklin County through northwestern Taylor County (including Carrabelle, Lanark and St. Marks): July 1 through Sept. 24. This region includes all state waters from the westernmost point of St. Vincent Island in Franklin County to Rock Island near the mouth of the Fenholloway River in Taylor County.

Direct transit of legally-harvested bay scallops is allowed through closed areas.

Registration begins at 10:00 AM
Competition begins at 11:00 AM

Men’s Division 18 & up- $200 prize
Women’s Division-$200 prize
Kids-14-16 yrs- Bicycle
Kids 11-13 yrs-fishing pole and tackle box
Kids 10 and under-fishing pole/tackle box

FREE STYLE DIVISION– Make a contraption to sling a fish over the record of 533 feet and you could win $1,000!

Free T-shirt with every entry!
$30- 18 years and older
$20-17 years and under

A portion of the proceeds from this year’s Mullet Toss will be donated to Franklin’s Promise.