News – Forgotten Coast Fun

A Problematic Invasive Species is Spreading in Apalachicola Bay

Admin — Sun, 26 Jun 2022 22:04:30 +0000

It looks unassuming, with its glossy rounded leaves and delicate purple flowers. However, the Pontederia crassipes — known as the common water hyacinth — is actually an invasive species.

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.

The Driftwood Inn in Mexico Beach is Back!

Admin — Tue, 21 Jun 2022 04:05:21 +0000

Of the countless structures destroyed by Hurricane Michael in October 2018, the Driftwood Inn was one of the most heart-breaking. The charming inn had been serving visitors to Mexico Beach since 1975 with its laid back vibe and southern charm.

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/

Scalloping Season on the Forgotten Coast

Admin — Sat, 11 Jun 2022 18:49:00 +0000

Late last year after working closely with the local community, the FWC set August 16 through September 24 for the 2020 Scalloping Season. According the the FWC, those particular dates were selected to allow the FWC to “balance stakeholder and community desires with the sustainability of the scallop populations.”

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.

Mullet Toss Returns to Blue Parrot on SGI June 11

Admin — Thu, 09 Jun 2022 21:05:03 +0000

Head to St. George Island on Saturday, June 11th for the 30th annual Blue Parrot Mullet Toss!

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.

A Visit to the Forgotten Coast is a Great Way to Increase Vitamin D Levels

Admin — Sun, 03 Oct 2021 12:15:00 +0000

Have you been feeling tired or lethargic lately? You may be low on Vitamin D. Since your body makes this essential vitamin when skin is exposed to the UVB rays of the sun, the Forgotten Coast provides an excellent place to boost your Vitamin D levels.

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, 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 Vitamin D from cholesterol in the skin.

Serious Health Consequences Linked to Low Vitamin D Levels

Osteoporosis
Cancer
Depression
Muscle weakness
Death

Indian Pass Raw Bar is Open Once Again

Admin — Thu, 05 Mar 2020 19:55:45 +0000

Locals and visitors alike will be thrilled to learn that Indian Pass Raw Bar has re-opened once again. Referred to by Southern Living magazine as “quite possibly the best seafood shack in existence,” Indian Pass Raw Bar is famous for its friendly service, casual atmosphere, and world-class local seafood.

Without a doubt, a trip to Indian Pass Raw Bar was a Forgotten Coast tradition until the devastation of Hurricane Michael in October 2018. This local legend has been in business as a raw bar since 1986, but has roots going all the way back to 1903. The owners definitely have taken care to remain true to its roots as they rebuilt after the storm.

Lighthouse Full Moon Climbs on March 9th & 10th

Admin — Thu, 27 Feb 2020 06:02:00 +0000

In the mood to do something different? The Cape St. George Lighthouse on St. George Island will host its monthly “Full Moon Climb” on March 9, 2020 from 7:30 pm until 9:00 pm. The price of admission is $15 for the general public and $10 for the members of the St. George Lighthouse Association, which includes water and finger foods.

Since space is limited, reservations are recommended. For reservations or more information, please contact the Lighthouse Gift Shop at 850-927-7745.

The Crooked River Lighthouse in Carrabelle will host a Full Moon and Sunset Lighthouse Climb on March 10, from 7:30 – 9:30 pm at the lighthouse park at Carrabelle Beach. Visitors can climb to the top of the tallest lighthouse on the Forgotten Coast, Crooked River Lighthouse, to see breathtaking views of the bay under the glow of the sunset and the rising Full Worm Moon.

At March’s Full Moon event, the Crooked River Lighthouse will have live entertainment. Enjoy this opportunity to see the gorgeous natural surroundings of the St. George Sound, Carrabelle Beach, and Dog Island, under the night sky at this special Crooked River Lighthouse evening climb.

The museum and gift shop will also be open for guests’ enjoyment. All climbers must be 44 inches tall.

Crooked River Lighthouse is located in Carrabelle, just west of the Carrabelle Public Beach Park at 1975 Hwy 98 W, Carrabelle. For more information, contact the Museum and Gift Shop at 850-697-2732, carrabellelighthouse@gmail.com or https://www.crookedriverlighthouse.com/. Reservations appreciated but not required.

The March full moon was called the Worm Moon by Native Americans because it corresponded with the time that earthworms would begin to emerge from thawing soils. Tribes would name the moons to mark the changing of seasons.

SGI Express Lane Opens Again for First Time Since Hurricane Michael

Admin — Sun, 05 Jan 2020 10:00:00 +0000

After much anticipation from visitors and locals alike, the Express Lane Store on St George Island reopened this weekend. The store is still setting up and for now can only accept cash payments. Shoppers will love the new tile floors, as well as the updated food and fountain beverage areas.

The Express Lane is open 24 hours for now, but slow winter business may lead to a reduction in hours until the tourist season kicks off with the Chili Cook-off at the beginning of March. Forgotten Coast Fun will keep you updated on any changes.

Work continues on the Express Lane in Port St. Joe as well.

Port St. Joe Express Lane Store

Both Express Lane stores were closed since they received heavy damage from Hurricane Michael on October 10, 2018. Residents and visitors alike will be glad to have the Island’s only dedicated convenience store open once again. Port St. Joe customers will finally be able to shop for snacks in addition to getting gas. Recovery from a disaster like Michael takes time, but you can see it happening a little more each day along the Forgotten Coast.