Photo Credit FOMO Photography 

Small Wins and Good Things

Week of August 17-23, 2026

Here are a few bright spots making us smile this week on the Forgotten Coast:

⚓ Franklin County Maritime Heritage Museum Officially Opens

 More than 50 people gathered on August 5 for the grand opening of the new Franklin County Maritime Heritage Museum at the former Lombardi Oyster Plant. Exhibits, artifacts, video interviews, and a 12-foot timeline of the area’s maritime history were unveiled, along with two replica lighthouses overlooking the bay.

👉 https://www.floridasforgottencoast.com/2026/08/franklin-county-maritime-history-museum-opens-in-apalachicola/

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🏛️ UWF Archaeology Team Honored for Apalachicola Work

 A research team led by the University of West Florida Archaeology Institute received an international award for its community-engaged work in Apalachicola. The project focused on cultural heritage and involved local partners throughout Franklin County.

👉 https://www.newswise.com/articles/uwf-archaeology-institute-receives-international-award-for-research

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📚 Library Literacy Program Continues Strong

The parent-child literacy program at the Margaret Key Public Library, funded by a $10,000 grant, is still helping local families build early reading skills through evening sessions that combine learning, books, and community support. 

👉 https://franklincounty.news/2026/07/21/helping-parents-learn-to-catch-a-teachable-moment/