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Stories, places, and small moments from Apalachicola and the Forgotten Coast

— week of June 15, 2026

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What's Happening around town:

Yoga @ Apalachicola Library

📅 Monday, June 15, 2026 

⏰ 6:15 PM – 7:15 PM - Call to confirm

📍 Apalachicola Margaret Key Public Library - 80 12th Street (on Hwy 98)

📞   Contact (850) 653-5335

❤️ Donation-based

🧘 Gentle yoga class led by Kathy Jansen of Spirit of the River Yoga.  All levels welcome — mats available.

👉 Click for Event details

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Mahjong Club 

🗓️ Tuesday, June 16, 2026

⏰ 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

📍 Eastpoint Branch Library - 160 Hickory Dip Road, Eastpoint

📞   Contact (850) 670-8151

 🎟️ Free to attend

📋 Open-play Mahjong for all skill levels — a relaxed weekly gathering that’s become a favorite among locals.

👉Click for Mahjong Event details

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Sewing 101 @ Apalachicola Library

📅 Tuesdays, June 16 – July 28, 2026

⏰ 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM

📍 Apalachicola Margaret Key Public Library - 80 12th Street (on Hwy 98)

📞 850-653-8436 or email apalachicolalibrary@gmail.com to sign up

🧵 Free sewing lessons for ages 10–18!

📋 Kids will learn to make scrunchies, coasters, bandanas, pillows, pencil pouches, crossbody bags, and more. All materials provided — just bring your creativity!

👉 Click here for Event Flyer info

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Fossil Hunt Excavation Trays @ Carrabelle Library

📅 Wednesday, June 17, 2026

⏰ 1:00 PM

📍 Carrabelle Library, - 311 St James Ave, Carrabelle

📞 850-275-9895

🦴🦕 Become a junior archaeologist! Dig, sift, and search through excavation trays to uncover fossils in this hands-on adventure. Perfect for sparking curiosity and discovery as part of the “Unearth a Story” summer reading theme. Recommended for ages 4+.

Call or stop by the library to register. Limited spots available!

👉Click here for Event Flyer

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Writers Forum @ Eastpoint Library

📅 Wednesday, June 17, 2026 - 3rd Wednesday of each month

 ⏰ 1:00 PM

📍 Eastpoint Branch, - 160 Hickory Dip Road, Eastpoint

📞 (850) 670-8151

✍️ Are you an aspiring or accomplished writer? Join this welcoming monthly group to meet author Dawn Radford and fellow writers, share your latest works, get feedback, network, and discuss the craft in a supportive environment. All genres and skill levels welcome!

👉 Click here for Writers Forum Info or call the library to confirm dates.

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OneBlood Blood Drive @ Apalachicola Library

📅 Wednesday, June 17, 2026

⏰ 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM

📍 Apalachicola Margaret Key Public Library - 80 12th Street (on Hwy 98)

📞 Library: 850-653-8436

📞 OneBlood: 1-888-936-6283

🩸 Help save lives by donating blood! This OneBlood Big Red Bus blood drive offers a $20 e-gift card, free sunshade, and a wellness checkup (including blood pressure, pulse, temperature, iron count, and cholesterol screening) for every donor. Appointments are encouraged—ID required.

👉 Schedule your appointment at oneblood.org (search for the Apalachicola drive) or use the link/QR code from the library’s promotion.

Only about 3% of eligible people donate—your donation can make a real difference!

👉 Click for More Info

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Crochet & Craft @ Apalachicola Library

📅 Wednesdays, June 17 – July 29, 2026

⏰ 3:30 PM

📍 Apalachicola Margaret Key Public Library - 80 12th Street (on Hwy 98)

📞 850-653-8436

🧶 Free crochet class for all ages! Learn to make scrunchies, hats, bags, and cute amigurumi projects. All skill levels welcome — come relax and create something fun!

 👉 Click here for Event Flyer

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Book Club @ Apalachicola Library

🗓️ Wednesday,  June 17, 2026 (3rd Wednesdays) 

⏰ 6:00 PM 

📍 Apalachicola Margaret Key Public Library - 80 12th Street (on Hwy 98)

📞   Contact (850) 653-8436

 🎟️ Free to attend

📋 Books available in the library on a first-come, first-served basis with a library card, or with 10% discount at Oystertown Books in Apalachicola.  June selection: The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson. 

👉Click for Book Club Event details

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Drawing & Sketch Fundamentals @ Apalachicola Library

📅 Thursdays, June 18 – July 30, 2026

⏰ 3:00 PM

📍 Apalachicola Margaret Key Public Library - 80 12th Street (on Hwy 98)

📞 850-653-8436 or message @apalachicolapubliclibrary

🎨 Love art but not sure where to start? Join us for weekly lessons practicing different drawing and sketching principles. All skill levels welcome! 

 👉 More info (Ages 8–18, free)

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Yappy Hour at the Beer Garden

🗓️ Thursday, June 18, 2026

⏰ 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM

📍 Beer Garden at Crooked River Grill - 151 Laughing Gull Lane

 📞  (850) 697-9606

🎟️ Free to attend /purchase food & drinks

📋 Bring your four-legged friends for a relaxed pet-friendly happy hour with cold drinks and good company. 

👉 Click here for Yappy Hour Event details

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Experience Magic! Live Magic Show @ Apalachicola Library

📅 Thursday, June 18, 2026

⏰ 4:30 PM

📍 Apalachicola Margaret Key Public Library, - 80 12th Street (on Hwy 98)

📞 850-653-8436

🎩✨ Join us for an exciting live magic show right in the library! Perfect for the whole family — come enjoy the wonder and fun.

👉 Click here for Event Flyer info

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International Food Night at Crooked River Grill

🗓️ Thursday, June 11, 2026

⏰ 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

📍 Crooked River Grill - 151 Laughing Gull Lane

📞  Contact (850) 697-5050

🎟️ No cover (pay for food & drinks)

📋 Join us for International Food Night featuring the vibrant flavors of Mexico! Bold spices, fresh authentic favorites, and a festive atmosphere — it’s a fiesta you won’t want to miss. Great food and a classic coastal sunset setting.

👉 Click for International Food Night Event details

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Weekend Live Music Around Town

🗓️ Friday–Sunday

⏰ Various times

📍 Various spots (Apalachicola Yacht Club, Paddy’s Raw Bar, downtown)

🎟️ Free / purchase food & drinks

📋 Live music keeps popping up all weekend in the usual waterfront spots. Best discovered by wandering toward the water and following the sound. 

👉 Full music calendar

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Live Music - Frank Fletcher @ TapRoot

📅 Friday, June 19, 2026

⏰ 8:00 PM

📍 TapRoot, 212 Monument Ave, Port Saint Joe, FL

📞 (850) 387-1290

🎸 High-octane country-rock performance by Alabama native Frank Fletcher! With heavy guitars, a southern drawl, and gritty, authentic songs drawn from real-life experiences, expect a lively, engaging show comparable to Brantley Gilbert or Jason Aldean. Free admission!

👉 Click link for More info Bandsintown

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Country Farmers Market

🗓️ Saturday, June 20, 2026 (1st and 3rd Saturdays) 

⏰ 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM 

📍 Crooked River Lighthouse -1975 Hwy 98 W, Carrabelle

📞 (850) 697-2732

🎟️ Free to attend

📋 Fresh local produce, handmade goods, and that classic small-town weekend vibe right downtown.

👉Click for info on Country Farmers Market

👉 Farmers Market Flyer

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Live Music at Crooked River Grill - featuring JJ Marquez

🗓️ Saturday,  June 20, 2026

⏰ 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

📍 Crooked River Grill - 151 Laughing Gull Lane

📞   Contact (850) 967-5050 

🎟️ Call for reservations. 

 📋 Great food, cold drinks, and live music with Jon White, with classic coastal sunset views.

 👉 Live Music Event details

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D-Day Exhibit at Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum

📅 June 15 – July 18, 2026

⏰ 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

📍 Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum, 1873 Hwy 98 W, Carrabelle

 📞 (850) 697-8575

🎖️ Special exhibit commemorating the 82nd anniversary of D-Day featuring artifacts, historic photos, personal stories from soldiers, interviews, and WWII military vehicles on display. Free admission – donations appreciated.

👉 More info

👉 Camp Gordon Johnson INfo 

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7-day forecast for Apalachicola, FL with dates:

Mon, June 15: Partly cloudy and warm — high 89°F, low 78°F

★ Excellent conditions 

Tue, June 16: PM thunderstorms possible — high 87°F, low 77°F

★ Good conditions 

Wed, June 17: Scattered thunderstorms — high 86°F, low 79°F

⚠️ Less ideal (watch for storms) 

Thu, June 18: Scattered thunderstorms — high 86°F, low 79°F

⚠️ Less ideal (watch for storms) 

Fri, June 19: Scattered thunderstorms possible — high 86°F, low 78°F

★ Good conditions 

Sat, June 20: AM thunderstorms likely — high 85°F, low 76°F

⚠️ Less ideal (watch for storms) 

Sun, June 21: Isolated thunderstorms possible — high 87°F, low 77°F

⚠️ Less ideal (watch for storms)

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Boating/Fishing Summar

🎣 🟢 Best Days: Monday (lowest rain chance, mostly sunny to partly cloudy)

🚤 🟡 Good Days: Tuesday & Friday (manageable conditions with only scattered afternoon storms possible)

⚠️🔴 Caution: Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday (higher chance of thunderstorms, especially in the afternoons and evenings)

👉 Sources: Weather.com

👉 Weather for the week

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Trivia Nights Around the Forgotten Coast:

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Mid-June on the Forgotten Coast feels like the coast is finally hitting its stride. The days have stretched to their fullest, with golden light lingering long into the evenings and the bay taking on that deep, inviting blue that only comes after the spring rains have passed. Shrimp boats still slip out at dawn like clockwork, but there’s a new layer of summer energy in the air — neighbors lingering a little longer on porches, the farmers market bursting with fresh produce, and that easy rhythm of life that makes everything feel just right. It’s not quite the height of the season yet, but the coast is waking up in the best way: warmer swims, longer sunsets, and those small, unplanned moments that remind you why this stretch of shoreline has such a strong hold on people. There’s plenty of room to breathe, explore, and simply enjoy the coast exactly as it is right now.

Apalach Current - June 15, 2026

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The Franklin County Humane Society in Eastpoint is actively seeking volunteer drivers to support its animal rescue efforts across the Forgotten Coast.

This no-kill shelter relies on community members to transport pets to vet appointments and foster homes, helping save countless local animals.

Volunteering is flexible, with no ongoing weekly commitment required, making it easy to get involved even with a busy schedule.

If you have a clean driving record and feel confident operating a van, your help could make a big difference for pets in need.

Volunteers receive support and join a dedicated team right here in our community.

For more information, call (850) 670-8417 or visit the Franklin County Humane Society online or on Facebook to learn how you can make a real impact close to home.

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Whitney, a two-year-old Lab and Hound mix, is winning hearts at the Franklin County Humane Society.

Once kept as a chained yard dog, Whitney has blossomed into a gentle, social companion loved by both staff and volunteers.

Her sweet nature makes her an excellent choice for a family looking to adopt a loyal new member.

Visit the Franklin County Humane Society to meet Whitney or discover other adorable, adoptable pets waiting for a loving home.

Breeze, a one-year-old Lab and Shepherd mix, is ready for adoption at the Franklin County Humane Society.

This gentle pup is known for his friendly nature and gets along well with other dogs and children.

During a visit with the office cat, Breeze showed calm behavior and curiosity.

Breeze is still learning leash manners and basic commands, but he’s very smart and responds quickly to training from the shelter’s dedicated volunteers.

To meet Breeze or explore other adoptable pets, visit the Franklin County Humane Society’s adoption page.

Breeze has been waiting a little while — now could be the perfect time to bring him home.

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Did You Know?

Florida Fun Facts – June 15, 2026

1. The St. Johns River is the longest river in Florida (approximately 310 miles) and one of the few major rivers in the United States that flows northward for most of its length. It is also one of the slowest-moving rivers in North America.

More info: St. Johns River Water Management District – St. Johns River

2. In Homestead, Florida, a single man named Edward Leedskalnin built the Coral Castle between 1923 and 1951 using only hand tools. He quarried and moved over 1,100 tons of coral rock by himself.

More info: Official Coral Castle Website – History

3. Ybor City in Tampa was once known as the “Cigar Capital of the World.” At its peak in the early 1900s, the neighborhood had over 200 cigar factories producing hundreds of millions of cigars each year.

More info: Visit Tampa Bay – Ybor City History

👉 Fun Facts June 15, 2026

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Photo Credit FOMO Photography

Festive moments shine on the Forgotten Coast this week.

St. George Island buzzed with excitement as the 34th annual Blue Parrot Mullet Toss brought neighbors and visitors together, maintaining a cherished local tradition while supporting a great cause.

Franklin County Public Libraries are keeping families engaged with lively summer programming, including a fossil excavation at Carrabelle Library and a magical performance in Apalachicola.

The 1st Annual Writer’s Showcase at Margaret Key Public Library celebrated local literary talent, drawing laughter and applause from a supportive crowd.

Each event highlights community spirit and creativity, making the Forgotten Coast a brighter place this summer.

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Explore local dining favorites across Apalachicola, St. George Island, and Carrabelle, each offering distinct flavors and inviting atmospheres.

The Tap Room at the Owl features a casual waterfront vibe, an impressive beer list, and popular happy hour deals just steps from downtown Apalachicola.

Apalachicola Chocolate & Coffee Company is known for its handmade chocolates, fresh-roasted coffee, and a welcoming spot perfect for starting your morning or grabbing a sweet treat.

Crooked River Grill in Carrabelle delivers fresh seafood and sunset views, plus live music on select nights—making it a true local staple.

Paddy’s Raw Bar on St. George Island is beloved for fresh oysters, bayfront drinks, and an always-buzzing crowd of locals and visitors.

Hole in the Wall Seafood & Raw Bar brings a laid-back, no-frills charm with top-notch seafood—often called one of Apalachicola’s best-kept secrets.

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Bald Point State Park stands out as one of the Forgotten Coast’s most unspoiled treasures, offering a peaceful retreat at the meeting point of Ochlockonee and Apalachee Bays.

Spanning 12,000 acres of coastal marshlands, pine flatwoods, and remote beaches, it’s a haven for swimming, fishing, kayaking, and birdwatching.

The park’s uncrowded trails wind through scenic maritime forests and prime birding spots, with expansive bay views and the renowned fall hawk migration attracting wildlife enthusiasts each year.

Campers seeking true solitude can paddle to the primitive site on Chaires Creek, trading amenities for serenity and the soothing sounds of water and local wildlife.

Bald Point calls to anyone craving a genuine nature escape—where gentle waves, wind, and vibrant coastal life offer a rare chance to fully disconnect and recharge.

Photo Credit: Marlene Straszewski

Local Conservation Efforts on St. George Island

Teams from ANERR, Florida Audubon, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) recently intensified their battle against invasive plants along the St. George Island Causeway.

This critical wildlife area in Apalachicola Bay is an essential nesting ground for shorebirds, making its preservation vital for local biodiversity.

In their third year of joint action, the crews treated test plots with targeted herbicide, conducted controlled burns, and completed follow-up treatments to reach mineral soil and minimize invasive plant resistance.

While much of this work happens quietly, these efforts provide real hope for the birds that return each nesting season.

Local collaboration is making a tangible difference in protecting the Forgotten Coast’s natural treasures.

Locals and visitors alike often wonder where to stay for a true taste of the Forgotten Coast.  

The Gibson Inn in Apalachicola stands out for its historic charm — built in 1857, it offers a genuine old Florida vibe with its creaky floors, iconic porch, and perfect downtown location.  

If you’re seeking peace and nature, consider camping at T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park in St. Joe.  

Wake up to water views, easy beach access, and the rare stillness that defines this region.  

Modern options near Santa Rosa Beach and 30A provide a lively community feel with walkable neighborhoods and luxury stays, like The Pearl Hotel in Rosemary Beach or cozy beachfront condos.  

Each stay is carefully chosen to help you experience the coast’s quiet beauty, whether you’re after history, nature, or contemporary comfort.

Discover a Hidden Waterfront Retreat in Goodland

Nestled in the serene fishing village of Goodland, just five miles from Marco Island, this charming three-bedroom, two-bath haven offers classic Old Florida vibes and peaceful canal-front living.

Step outside to direct water access for boating or simply soak in the tranquil views from the dock.

Families, beach enthusiasts, and pet lovers enjoy airy interiors that truly feel like a cozy home away from home.

The location is unbeatable—an easy stroll brings you to four beloved local eateries, where fresh seafood and lively conversation are always on the menu.

Days here start with the sound of gentle waves and often end with spectacular sunsets over the water, creating memories that keep guests coming back.

For a genuine, welcoming stay on the water, this Goodland gem is ready to host your next getaway.

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Thank you for reading this week’s Apalach Current — it really means a lot to have you here with me, noticing the small things that make this coast feel like home.

We'll be back next Monday with whatever the tide brings in. Until then, take care and enjoy the longer days.

Kiki

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