SGI State Park Beach Ranked #4th Best Beach Nationwide for 2021
St. George Island’s Dr. Julian G. Bruce State Park has again been voted one of the Top 10 Beaches in the U.S., according to the Dr. Stephen Leatherman (Dr. Beach) annual ranking of beaches in the U.S. The St. George Island Beach scored the Number 4 spot for 2021. This is the seventh year that the nine-mile beach park located at the east end of St. George Island, has made Dr. Beach’s list.
“This long barrier island, far from urban areas, is a favorite destination for beachgoers, anglers and bird watchers as nature abounds. Besides swimming in the crystal-clear water, I enjoy beachcombing and shelling. While St. George Island suffered a big hit in 2018 by Hurricane Michael, the area has substantially recovered, especially the sugary fine, white sand beach. There is much to explore on this serene 2,023-acre park,” according to the Dr. Beach website dr.beach.org.
The St. George Island State Park Beach is one of a string of many beaches in Franklin County. Total, Franklin County features more than 250 miles of beach. To learn more about each of the county’s beaches and amenities, click here.
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Carrabelle Riverfront Festival June 12
The 30th Annual Carrabelle Riverfront Festival will be held June 12 from 10 am to 6 pm along Carrabelle's scenic riverfront. The event promises a full day of free family-friendly activities, entertainment, fresh local seafood and fair treats. This year, Destin's Captain Davy and his fun-filled band of pirates will be on hand with with music, magic, and balloon sculpting. Join the fun and dress as a pirate or mermaid! There will be a “Kid’s Zone," Mr. John’s Party Train and live Sea Creatures. Get ready to jam to live entertainment by the Silverado Band, Nightshift, Hwy 98 Band, and more. More details here.
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Natural Resource Expo Part of Riverfront Fest
The Carrabelle History Museum will hosting a fun, historical, cultural and natural resources expo as part of the 30th Annual Carrabelle Riverfront Festival. Try your hand at wooden boat building. Meet some local wild animal ambassadors and learn about local plants and their historic and current uses including a few survival skills. The expo will be held in front of the Carrabelle History Museum during the festival. Details.
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Fish Free In June!
You can fish free in Florida's state saltwater areas June 5-6. The State’s free fishing days in June for freshwater areas is June 12-13. License-free fishing days provide an excellent opportunity for those who don't yet have a fishing license to experience fishing, take youth fishing, or for avid anglers to introduce a friend to fishing without having to purchase a license. On these days, the fishing license requirement is waived for all recreational anglers, including both residents and non-residents. All other rules such as seasons, bag and size limits apply.
Need a guided tour? Charter captains are booking trips now!
For a list of Franklin County's fishing charter guides, click here.
Upcoming Fishing Tourneys
Here are a few of the upcoming fishing tournaments scheduled throughout the county beginning this Spring.
June 18-19 - Red Snapper Roundup will be held at the Scipio Creek Marina. The Great Suzuki Extra Grand Challenge will reward the winning boat if it is powered with a Suzuki outboard motor.
June 19 - The Tallahassee Builders Association 33rd Annual Saltwater Fishing Tournament will be held at C-Quarters Marina. There will be cash prizes for In-Shore and Off-Shore Grand Slams and the largest fish of various species.
July 17 - C-Quarters Youth Fishing Tournament
Kids from all over the South are invited to attend the 17th Annual Youth Fishing Tournament. Open to all kids 16 and younger. Registration is required on-site. Sponsored by C-Quarters Marina, FishFloridaTag.org and local businesses.
August 8 – 18th Annual Kingfish Shootout
This weekend charity event for the Leukemia Research Foundation gives everyone an opportunity to enjoy themselves while advocating a wonderful cause that helps so many. All proceeds go to the Leukemia Research Foundation. More than $1,050,000 raised over the past 17 years.
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Lighthouse Full Moon Climbs June 24
Both historic lighthouses in the county will host full moon climbs on Thursday June 24.
The Crooked River Lighthouse will host a Full Moon Lighthouse Climb on Thursday, June 24 from 7-10 pm.June’s Full Moon is called the Strawberry Moon. Visitors can enjoy this opportunity to see St. George Sound and Carrabelle Beach under the evening sky. Guests can also enjoy the fire pit (weather permitting). Plus for this month's Full Moon event, there will be live music provided by the students from Rockulla in Wakulla County. Bring a chair and enjoy the evening. The museum and gift shop will be open for browsing and shopping. Details.
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June Farmers and Artisans Markets
Apalachicola
The Apalachicola Farmers' Market will host its June events on Saturday June 12 and June 26 from 9am to 1pm at the Mill Pond at Scipio Creek. Can't wait till the weekend? The Apalachicola Growers Market features fresh vegetables, micro greens, coffee, gourmet goodies and more. Held most Wednesdays from 9am to noon at 56 Commerce Street in Apalachicola.
Carrabelle
The Crooked River Lighthouse is hosting a Country Farmer's Market Saturday, June 5 and again on June 19 from 9 am-1 pm at the foot of the lighthouse at 1975 Hwy 98 W, Carrabelle Beach. The Market will feature vendors from the community with locally made goods, fresh roasted coffee, veggies, plants, art, baked goods, photography, craft items, and unique maritime items in the Lighthouse Gift Shop.
Eastpoint
Eastpoint hosts its June outdoor Artisans Market on the first and third Saturdays of each month from 9am to 2pm. The market is located at 100 Highway 98. The June market dates are June 5 and June 19. Come discover local artisans, crafts and goodies.
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Apalachicola History, Culture and Art Center Hosts Exhibits This Summer
The Apalachicola Center for History, Culture and Art will host a series of exhibits this summer.
"Rebirth" by Rae Ruff
June 5-30
Vivid Abstracts from an award-winning CNN producer, ad-agency executive, White House assistant pastry chef, author, and artist Rae Ruff.
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Independence Day Celebrations Planned
From Alligator Point to Apalachicola, almost every community is planning Independence Day festivities.
Carrabelle - July 2
Carrabelle will host its annual fireworks extravaganza on Friday, July 2 along the Carrabelle Waterfront at dark-thirty.
Apalachicola - July 3
In Apalachicola, the Apalachicola Main Street group presents Apalachicola’s Independence Eve Celebration on Saturday July 3 featuring all-American food vendors, parade, veterans’ tribute, music and fireworks.
St. George Island - July 4
On St. George Island, everyone is welcome to join in the annual July 4th celebration. Stick around all day and enjoy festivities and fireworks on the beach behind the Blue Parrot Oceanfront Cafe about dark-thirty.
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Camp Gordon Johnston D-Day Exhibit Runs through June 30
The Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum will continue a special exhibit which began in May through June 30. There is no charge for admission but donations are gladly accepted. Learn more here.
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Download the Franklin County Mobile App and
Begin Planning your Fall Getaway
Just in time to begin planning your fall getaway, the Franklin County Tourist Development Council (FCTDC) has launched a mobile-friendly app to help visitors access information about area amenities, events, beach conditions, lodging, restaurants, shopping and outdoor recreation opportunities with just a click on their phone. The app allows visitors to find area attractions, places to eat and even look up beach conditions. The virtual passport feature of the app allows visitors to explore sites and restaurants and unlock levels to earn prizes and be entered into getaways to the Forgotten Coast. You can find the new app in the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Click here to download the ap and begin planning your next vacation!
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