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

— week of June 22, 2026

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What's Happening around town:

Egyptian Inspired Jewelry @ Eastpoint Library

📅 Monday, June 22, 2026

⏰ 2:00 PM

📍 Eastpoint Branch Library - 160 Hickory Dip Road, Eastpoint

📞 850-670-8151

✨ Create like an ancient artisan! Kids will design their own colorful necklaces, bracelets, and wearable treasures inspired by the art and symbols of Ancient Egypt. A fun, hands-on afternoon of creativity and history.

Recommended for ages 6+. Call or stop by the library to register.

👉 Click for Info on Egyptian Jewelry Flyer

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Yoga @ Apalachicola Library

📅 Monday, June 22, 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 23, 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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Pet Rock Workshop @ Carrabelle Library

📅 Tuesday, June 23, 2026

⏰ 1:00 PM

📍 Carrabelle Library - 311 St James Ave, Carrabelle

📞 850-275-9895

🪨 Bring your creativity and a sense of fun to this nostalgic craft afternoon! Kids will turn ordinary rocks into their own one-of-a-kind pet rocks with googly eyes, paint, and other fun supplies. A perfect hands-on activity for summer.

Supplies provided. Recommended for ages 6+. Call or stop by the library to register.

👉 Click for Pet Rock Workshop Flyer

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Sewing 101 @ Apalachicola Library

📅 Tuesdays, June 23 – 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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Amber Fossil Soap @ Eastpoint Library

📅 Wednesday, June 24, 2026

⏰ 1:00 PM

📍 Eastpoint Branch- - 160 Hickory Dip Road, Eastpoint 

📞 850-670-8151

🦕✨ Create your own beautiful amber fossil soap! This hands-on craft lets participants make unique, translucent soaps embedded with fossil-like designs. A fun and creative way to bring a bit of prehistoric magic into your day.

Recommended for ages 12+.

👉 Click for Fossil Soap Flyer

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Crochet & Craft @ Apalachicola Library

📅 Wednesdays, June 24 – 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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Dino Trinket Trays @ Carrabelle Library

 📅 Thursday, June 25, 2026

⏰ 2:00 PM

📍 Carrabelle Library - 311 St James Ave, Carrabelle

📞 850-275-9895

🦖 Create your own dinosaur-themed trinket tray! This fun hands-on craft lets participants make a colorful, useful keepsake using craft materials. It ties perfectly into this summer’s dinosaur reading theme.

Ages 13+.

 👉 Click Here for Dino Trinket Trays Flyer 

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Drawing & Sketch Fundamentals @ Apalachicola Library

📅 Thursdays, June 25 – 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 25, 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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International Food Night at Crooked River Grill

🗓️ Thursday, June 25, 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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Americana Film Fest - Sounder @ Apalachicola Library

📅 Friday, June 26, 2026

⏰ 6:00 PM

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

📞 850-653-8436

🎥 Join us for a special screening of the heartwarming family classic Sounder (1972, G, 1 hr 45 min), based on the Newbery Medal-winning novel by William H. Armstrong. This moving story of resilience, family, and hope is perfect for all ages. Free admission!

Free popcorn and refreshments provided by PALS (Friends of the Library).

👉 Click Here for More info

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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 - A. Lee Edwards @ Belle's Winery and Saloon

📅 Saturday, June 27, 2026

⏰ 6:00 PM

📍 Belle's Winery and Saloon, 252 Water St Suite C, Apalachicola

📞 (850) 801-5444

🎸 Enjoy an evening of heartfelt Americana, folk, and country storytelling with A. Lee Edwards. With over 30 years of songwriting experience and a voice full of warmth and grit, he delivers honest, timeless songs drawn from real life. Free admission!

Perfect for a relaxed night out on the water in downtown Apalachicola!

👉 More info / RSVP: Bandsintown

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Live Music at Crooked River Grill - featuring David McMahon

🗓️ 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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Father's Day!

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Weather for the Week of June 22, 2026

This week will be mostly warm with highs in the upper 80s to low 90s. Expect a mix of partly cloudy skies early in the week, with the best chances for afternoon and evening thunderstorms Wednesday through Friday. The weekend looks drier and sunnier, making it a nicer stretch for outdoor plans.

👉 Sources: Weather.com

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Trivia Nights Around the Forgotten Coast:

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Late June on the Forgotten Coast has a particular fullness to it. The days have reached their longest stretch, with sunlight spilling across the water well into the evening and the air carrying that warm, steady heat that only eases when the breeze picks up off the bay.

Boats move steadily along the river and out toward the Gulf, while downtown sees a steady mix of locals and visitors drawn by the season’s offerings — fresh catches at the market, shaded spots to linger, and the simple pleasure of watching the light change over the water as afternoon drifts into evening. It invites you to step outside the usual pace, whether it’s a slow walk along the waterfront, time spent with neighbors, or just sitting with a cold drink and letting the day unfold.

Summer feels fully arrived now — not in a rush, but in a way that asks you to settle into it and enjoy the coast while it’s at its most alive.

Enjoy the beauty around us and have a blessed week...

Apalach Current - June 22, 2026

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Summer Reading Program

Unearth a Story – Summer Reading Program

🦕 Join the Franklin County Public Libraries for this year’s Summer Reading Program: “Unearth a Story” — a dinosaur-themed adventure for all ages!

Track your reading using the free Reader Zone app (or paper logs if you prefer) and earn badges and prizes as you go. The program features fun events, crafts, and activities all summer long at the Eastpoint and Carrabelle branches.

Perfect for kids, teens, and adults who want to make reading part of their summer!

📍 Eastpoint & Carrabelle Libraries

 👉 Register and learn more: fcpl.wildernesscoast.org/summer-reading

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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Adoptable Pets - Admiral

Meet Admiral! 🐶

This handsome 2-year-old Lab mix is full of personality and charm. Admiral has a bright, open expression and a friendly, outgoing temperament that makes him a joy to be around. He’s happy, engaging, and would love nothing more than to be your hiking buddy, camping companion, or the perfect all-around family dog.

If you’re looking for a loyal, fun-loving boy to join your adventures, Admiral might just be the one!

👉 Click Here to Adopt a New Friend

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.

Souper Recipes Needed for the Library

Local News Roundup - June 22, 2026

Franklin County News Roundup

Gulf Coast State College breaks ground on new facility Gulf Coast State College held a groundbreaking for a new 12,000-square-foot Multipurpose Classroom Building and emergency shelter at its Gulf/Franklin Campus in Port St. Joe. The project is expected to be completed in 2027.

👉 https://franklincounty.news/2026/06/02/gulf-franklin-breaks-ground-on-new-campus-facility/

Voters to decide on Eastpoint water district expansion Franklin County voters will consider two referendums in November that could expand the Eastpoint Water and Sewer District to include more of Eastpoint and all of St. George Island. If approved, the change would eliminate private water service on SGI and bring in state infrastructure support.

👉 https://franklincounty.news/2026/06/15/voters-to-weigh-expansion-to-sgi-of-eastpoint-water/

Writer’s Showcase draws strong local interest The recent 1st Annual Writer’s Showcase at the Margaret Key Public Library in Apalachicola was well attended, with locals sharing stories and celebrating community voices.

👉  https://franklincounty.news/2026/06/09/spotlight-on-authors-at-margaret-key-public-library/

Locals dominate Mullet Toss on St. George Island Franklin County residents took top honors in most adult divisions at the 34th annual Mullet Toss, while the event once again raised funds for Take Stock in Children.

👉 https://franklincounty.news/2026/06/15/locals-continue-command-over-mullet-toss/

Franklin County athlete signs to play college softball Franklin County High School’s Webb has signed to play softball at Chattahoochee Valley Community College in Phenix City, Alabama, continuing a strong local tradition in the sport.

👉 https://franklincounty.news/2026/06/08/franklins-webb-to-play-softball-in-phenix-city/

Swimming advisories issued for three local beaches The Florida Department of Health has issued swimming advisories for Alligator Point Beach, Carrabelle Beach, and Sugar Hill Beach Access due to elevated bacteria levels.

👉 https://franklincounty.news/2026/06/17/swimming-advisories-issued-for-three-franklin-county-beaches/

Local news from myPanhandle.com Regional coverage of Franklin County and the surrounding area, including breaking news and community updates. 

👉 https://www.mypanhandle.com/news/local-news/franklin-county/

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Photo Credit: FOMO Photography

The Forgotten Coast is buzzing with uplifting news this week.

Franklin County Public Libraries in Eastpoint and Carrabelle are offering volunteer opportunities for residents, including teens through the Teen Advisory Board.

The popular “Unearth a Story” Summer Reading Program is also underway, letting participants track their progress via the Reader Zone app or on paper.

In wildlife news, a green sea turtle named Bolognese was released back at St. George Island after months of recovery at the Gulf Specimen Marine Lab in Panacea.

Bolognese—rescued after a February cold stun—was the last of nearly 600 turtles to return home, bringing hope and smiles throughout the community.

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.

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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