A few local notes worth sharing this week: 

 

🚒 Jason Timbert named Florida Volunteer Fire Chief of the Year

 

The Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association selected Chief Jason Timbert of the St. George Island Volunteer Fire Department as the 2026 Florida Volunteer Fire Chief of the Year. He received the award July 14. The Times reported the department has grown to more than 35 active volunteers, tripled its Firefighter I certified personnel, and increased water delivery capacity by nearly 180 percent with 5-inch supply hose. 👉 https://franklincounty.news/2026/10/06/timbert-named-states-volunteer-fire-chief-of-the-year/

 

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⚖️ Eli Whaley sworn in as an attorney

 

 On Sept. 18, Carrabelle’s Eli Whaley was sworn in at the courthouse in Apalachicola by County Judge Gordon Shuler. Whaley is a 2020 graduate of Franklin County High School, a 2023 graduate of Troy University, and a 2026 graduate of Thomas Goode Jones School of Law. He works for the public defender’s office in Franklin County. 👉 https://franklincounty.news/2026/10/06/whaley-sworn-in-as-attorney/

 

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🌊 State agencies opposed dredging on the Apalachicola River

 

 In comments on a Corps notice for a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement, the Florida State Clearinghouse — speaking for six agencies, including DEP and FWC — said the state has serious concerns about reinstating operations and maintenance dredging on the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint navigation channel and would not recommend the Corps reestablish it. Apalachicola Riverkeeper applauded the position. 👉 https://franklincounty.news/2026/10/06/riverkeeper-applauds-state-for-opposing-dredging/