Forgotten Coast en Plein Air Paint-Out May 3-12
More than 20 nationally acclaimed artists will gather on Florida's Forgotten Coast in early May to participate in the 14th annual Florida's Forgotten Coast Plein Air Invitational, May 3-12. Painters will set up their easels and pull out their brushes to document the landscape and culture of authentic "Old Florida." Click for details.
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| Turtle Season Begins May 1
May 1 marks the beginning of sea turtle nesting season on St. George Island and other beaches throughout Franklin County and Florida. The turtles will lay their eggs from May – September, with 50-150 baby turtles hatching after 45-60 days, usually at night. One female may nest several times in a season. May also heralds the season when local volunteer turtlers begin walking the beach in order to find, mark and protect turtle nests and when homeowners and visitors are educated about measures they can take to help nesting sea turtles such as turning off lights and clearing the beach of gear. Visitors interested in learning about sea turtle nesting can visit the St. George Island Visitor’s Center (at the St. George Island Lighthouse Park) to pick up turtle information.
Please note that Franklin County has a Leave No Trace Ordinance that requires chairs, umbrellas and equipment to removed nightly from the public beaches in order to help mama turtles more easily navigate the beaches to nest and allow hatchlings a clear path back to the water from their nests in the dunes. Want to learn more? The Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve will host weekly "turtle talks" beginning in June at the Reserve's Eastpoint Visitor Center each Tuesday from 2-3 pm to educate visitors about the nesting sea turtles.
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| River and Floodplain Class on May 17
The Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve will host a River and Floodplain Class on Friday, May 17 from 12:30 to 4 pm at the Reserve Visitor Center in Eastpoint. Participants will learn about the ecology, culture, and history of the Apalachicola River and floodplain, as well as come to appreciate the impact interstate relationships play in the control of the river. After the in-class portion, participants will embark on a journey up the river aboard the ANERR research vessel Henry Lee to get an up-close look at some of the floodplain ecosystems and distributaries of the river. Tickets for the class are $25 and must be purchased in advance. Click here for details.
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| Farmers Market May 11, 25 in Apalachicola
This Apalachicola local favorite is held the second and fourth Saturday of each month at the Mill Pond Pavillion in Apalachicola. Features seafood, produce, honey, homemade breads, pies, and other regional specialties from 9am -1pm. For more info, click here.
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| Artificial Reefs and Upcoming Fishing Tournaments
Did you know there are more than 50 artificial reefs located offshore from the Franklin County shoreline? These fish hotels stretch from Alligator Point to Apalachicola and are responsible for providing valuable habitat for hundreds of fish species that migrate through the region. Florida has one of the most active artificial reef programs among the 15 Gulf and Atlantic coastal states involved in artificial reef development. You can find maps and reef coordinates through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission.
In case you needed a reminder ... The Greater Amberjack season is open this month but closes again in June-July. The following species will reopen to recreational harvest May 1 in Florida state and federal waters of the Atlantic: hogfish; gag, black, red, yellowmouth and yellowfin grouper; scamp; red hind; rock hind; coney; and graysby. Looking ahead, the Red Snapper season opens June 11-July 12. More information bag and size limits, gear restrictions and fishing seasons, including a map of the Atlantic and Gulf grouper fishing boundaries, is available online at MyFWC.com/Marine; select “Recreational Regulations.”
Need a guided tour? Charter captains are booking trips now! For a list of Franklin County's fishing charter guides, click here.
Fishing Tourneys
Here are a few of the upcoming fishing tournaments scheduled throughout the county beginning this Spring.
May 18 – 11th Annual Hook & Ladder Fishing Tournament
The 11th Annual Hook & Ladder Fishing Tournament will be hosted in Carrabelle at the Carrabelle Boat Club. The tournament will benefit local charitiesis being hosted by the Tallahassee Professional Firefighters. Registration fees include a tournament shirt and dinner.
June 8 - The Tallahassee Builders Association 30th 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.
June 8 – Annual Fisherman's Choice Youth Fishing Tournament Kids 16 and under will fish for fresh and saltwater species. Each entry receives a t-shirt, and after the tournament, entrees are invited to attend a cookout at Fisherman's Choice in Eastpoint. Entry is free!
July 20 - C-Quarters Youth Fishing Tournament
Kids from all over the South are invited to attend the 15th 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. Friday evening, prior to Saturday's fishing day, all entries in the tournament must attend a Fishing Clinic taught by the Dock Master of C-Quarters Marina, Millard Collins.Rod and reels are furnished by FishFloridatag.org.
August 3-4 – 16th 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. Sponsored by the C-Quarters Marina, there will be a guaranteed payout of $16,500 with 10 places. There will be a captain’s meeting on Friday evening August 2nd at C-Quarters
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Apalachicola Home Tour May 3-4
Apalachicola's annual Home and Garden Tour is scheduled for May 3-4 and will feature a variety of homes ranging from century-old houses to charming bungalows and contemporary homes. Homes will be open only on Saturday, May 4, from 10 am - 4 pm.
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The Ghostwalk will be held 6:30-8:30 pm. at the Chestnut Street Cemetery on U.S. Highway 98 in Apalachicola.
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Inconcert Hosts Final Concert of the Season May 5
The Ilse Newell Concert Series will hosts its final Concert of the Season on Sunday, May 5 from 4-5 pm at Lafayette Park in Apalachicola. Enjoy a plein air art display and concert by the Franklin County Seahawks Band. Held in conjunction with the Forgotten Coast en Plein Air event, the concert will feature art for sale, as well as being able to observe artistic painting onsite, taking place under the majestic canopy oaks. Bring comfortable seating, picnic style refreshments and beverages to this family affair.
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Enter to Win a
Camping Getaway!
Enter this month to win a camping getawaycourtesy of the Franklin County Tourist Development Council. The contest is open now until May 30. The Coastal Camping Getaway will feature a 2 night accommodations at either a campground or RV park in Franklin County, two evening meals at area Franklin County restaurants, a green guide tour or ½ day fishing charter plus tickets to tour both of Franklin County’s historic lighthouses.A winner will be announced the first week of June. Click here to sign up and learn more.
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Rock By The Sea Concert May 8-12 on St. George Island
Rock by the Sea (RBTS), a charity music festival, returns to St. George Island for its annual Spring event for 4-nights of music. Rock by the Sea is a charity music event with proceeds going to assist deserving charities who provide direct services to those in need. Weekend and Day passes for the event sell out quickly but there are other Golfing activities associated with the event. Click here for details.
Want More Music?
There are a number of venues across the county that feature a variety of music. You can follow the individual venue schedules at floridasforgottencoast.com
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