**Photo Credit FOMO Photography**

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

🏆 Franklin County Angels Head to the World Series The Franklin County Angels 10U Dixie Youth Softball All-Stars captured the state championship and are now preparing to represent Florida at the Dixie Youth Softball World Series in Belleview beginning July 31. A proud moment for the players, coaches, and the whole community!

👉 https://franklincounty.news/2026/07/07/franklin-county-angels-head-to-world-series/

🙏 Community Honors Local Funeral Home Owner Chala Hopper, owner of Kelley Funeral Home in Apalachicola, was surprised and honored by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office for her dedicated service to the community — including transporting individuals from difficult scenes, sometimes all the way to Tallahassee. A well-deserved thank-you for quiet, important work.

👉 https://www.mypanhandle.com/news/local-news/franklin-county-thanks-funeral-home-owner/

🎆 Successful Four Days of Fourth Celebrations Franklin County communities came together for four days of parades, fireworks, and festivities celebrating America’s 250th birthday. From Eastpoint to Carrabelle, Apalachicola, and St. George Island, the week showed the strong community spirit that makes the Forgotten Coast special.

👉 https://franklincounty.news/2026/07/07/four-days-of-the-fourth-in-franklin/

🎓 Local Youth Continue to Shine Franklin County continues to celebrate the success of its young people, with athletes and recent graduates earning recognition and scholarships as they take their next steps.