🔍 What’s Up in Apalachicola & Forgotten Coast

 

👉 Want your event featured?

Email ApalachCurrent@gmail.com

 

🌴 WHAT’S UP IN APALACHICOLA & THE FORGOTTEN COAST: SEPTEMBER 21–27

 

The last full week of September is giving us plenty to work with: library programs, a big riverfront milestone, two lighthouse evenings, live music and a couple of fascinating history exhibits. Friday and Saturday are especially busy, so here's what to put on the calendar.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

📚 LIBRARIES & LEARNING

 

🧠 Brain Builders: Monday, Sept. 21, 4 p.m.
Kids ages 8 and up can tackle a new problem-solving, building or design challenge at the Eastpoint Branch Library. Free and open to the public.

Source: Carrabelle Chamber: Franklin County Library Programs

 

🧶 Crochet Workshop: Monday, Sept. 21, 4:30–5:30 p.m.
Learn the basics at the Carrabelle Branch Library with staff-led instruction and supplies provided. Registration is encouraged.

Source: Carrabelle Chamber: Crochet Workshop & Library Programs

 

💻 Tech Help: Tuesday, Sept. 22, 11 a.m.
Need a little one-on-one help with a device, email or digital resource? Drop into the Carrabelle Branch Library: no registration required.

Source: Carrabelle Chamber: Tech Help Details

 

🀄 Mahjong Open Play: Tuesday, Sept. 22, 1–4 p.m.
Mahjong Club meets for open play at the Eastpoint Branch Library. All players are invited.

Source: Carrabelle Chamber: Eastpoint Library Programs

 

📖 Story Time: Wednesday, Sept. 23, 10:30 a.m.
This week's Eastpoint Branch Story Time features Don't Bring a Dragon to the Library, along with visual aids, crafts and games for young readers.

Source: Carrabelle Chamber: Eastpoint Story Time

 

🎨 Adult Crafternoon: Thursday, Sept. 24, 2:30 p.m.
Adults can slow down and get creative at the Eastpoint Branch Library. The program is free and welcomes all skill levels.

Source: Carrabelle Chamber: Adult Crafternoon & Library Programs

 

🎮 Video Game Hour: Thursday, Sept. 24, 4:30 p.m.
Teens and tweens can unwind with some friendly Nintendo Switch competition at the Carrabelle Branch Library.

Source: Carrabelle Chamber: Carrabelle Library Programs

 

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

🎨 HISTORY & CULTURE

 

🎖️ Operation Market Garden: A Bridge Too Far: Tuesday–Saturday, Sept. 22–26, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum in Carrabelle continues its special exhibit exploring the massive Allied operation in the Netherlands during World War II. Admission is free, with donations appreciated.

Source: Carrabelle Chamber: Operation Market Garden Exhibit

 

🏛 Foundations of Freedom: Carrabelle's Role in America's Story: Sept. 23–27
The Carrabelle History Museum continues its special exhibit examining Carrabelle's place in American history. The exhibit remains on display through Sept. 30.

Source: Carrabelle Chamber: September Events Calendar

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

🌕 LIGHTHOUSES & THE COAST

 

⭐ Twilight at the Tower: Friday, Sept. 25, 7–9 p.m.
Crooked River Lighthouse in Carrabelle stays open after hours for museum visits, gift-shop browsing and twilight tower climbs as the Corn Moon rises. Admission to the grounds is free; evening climbs are $6 for the public. Editor's Choice: Lighthouse views, sunset colors and an evening along St. George Sound: hard to get much more Forgotten Coast than that.

Source: Crooked River Lighthouse: Twilight at the Tower

 

⭐ St. George Lighthouse Sunset & Full Moon Climb: Saturday, Sept. 26, 7:30–9:30 p.m.
Cape St. George Light opens for a special evening climb on St. George Island. Tickets are $10 for the general public and $7 for lighthouse association members, with 15-minute climbs offered first-come, first-served. Editor's Choice: Sunset is listed for 7:31 p.m. and moonrise for 7:26 p.m., so the timing should make for quite a view if the weather cooperates.

Source: St. George Lighthouse Association: September Full Moon Climb

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

🎶 LIVE MUSIC & LOCAL FUN

 

🎸 Loud Ass Country Band: Friday, Sept. 25, 7 p.m.
Bandsintown lists Loud Ass Country Band playing Friday evening at the Apalachicola Yacht Club. There's your Friday-night soundtrack.

Source: Bandsintown: Apalachicola Live Music

 

🎶 Simplified: Saturday, Sept. 26, 1 p.m.
Bandsintown lists Simplified performing a Waterfront Reggae Brunch trio show at Low Tide Bar on Saturday afternoon.

Source: Bandsintown: Apalachicola Area Shows

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

🏌️ SPORTS & WEEKEND FUN

 

⛳ Franklin County High School Golf Tournament: Saturday, Sept. 26, 9 a.m.
St. James Bay's current events calendar lists the Franklin County High School Golf Tournament for Saturday morning at the Carrabelle-area course.

Source: St. James Bay: Carrabelle Events Calendar

 

🎶 Saturday Live Music at Crooked River Grill: Saturday, Sept. 26, 6 p.m.
St. James Bay lists live music at Crooked River Grill every Saturday evening with rotating local artists: an easy dinner-and-music option after a day around Carrabelle.

Source: St. James Bay Events Calendar

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

🏛 COMMUNITY & CITY

 

🏛 City Property Analysis Workshop: Tuesday, Sept. 22, 6 p.m.
The City of Apalachicola holds a City Property Analysis Workshop at the Commission Meeting Room, 74 6th Street.

Source: City of Apalachicola: City Property Analysis Workshop

 

🏊 Exploratory Aquatic Facility Discussion: Thursday, Sept. 24, 6–7:30 p.m.
The city hosts a public discussion about an exploratory aquatic facility at the Commission Meeting Room, 74 6th Street.

Source: City of Apalachicola Events Calendar

 

⭐ Apalachicola Riverfront Revitalization Groundbreaking: Friday, Sept. 25, 3–6 p.m.
The City of Apalachicola marks a major local milestone with the groundbreaking ceremony for its Riverfront Revitalization project. Editor's Choice: If you care about where Apalachicola's waterfront is headed, this is an important community event to have on your radar.

Source: City of Apalachicola: Riverfront Revitalization Groundbreaking

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

🚗 WORTH THE DRIVE

 

🦀 49th Annual Panacea Blue Crab Festival: Saturday, Sept. 26
If you're up for a drive east, Panacea's longtime Blue Crab Festival returns to Woolley Park. This one sits outside Franklin County, so we're putting it where it belongs: Worth the Drive.

Source: Visit Panacea: 49th Annual Blue Crab Festival

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

🌴 THE WEEKEND GAME PLAN

 

Friday, Sept. 25 is a particularly good Apalachicola-to-Carrabelle day: catch the Riverfront Revitalization Groundbreaking in Apalachicola from 3–6 p.m., then head east for Twilight at the Tower from 7–9 p.m.

 

On Saturday, Sept. 26, you've got options: the Franklin County High School Golf Tournament in the morning, Simplified at Low Tide Bar at 1 p.m., live music at Crooked River Grill at 6 p.m., and the St. George Lighthouse Full Moon Climb beginning at 7:30 p.m.

 

Dates and times may change — verify before heading out.

 

That's what's up around Apalachicola and the Forgotten Coast this week. Learn something at the library, celebrate the riverfront, climb a lighthouse, catch some music or just follow Highway 98 until something looks interesting. 🌴🌊🌕

 

Happy exploring!

 

Photo Courtesy of GritsandPinecones.com

 

Easy Halloween Mummy Jalapeño Poppers

 

Grits and Pinecones stuffs jalapeños with cream cheese and pepper jack, wraps them in thin strips of crescent dough, and adds candy eyes after they come out of the oven. About 25 minutes start to finish — a Halloween tray without a lot of work.

 

Full recipe: https://www.gritsandpinecones.com/easy-halloween-jalapeno-mummies/

 

 

Photo Credit FOMO Photography 

 

A few local notes worth sharing this week: 

 

🏈 Franklin County football is 6–0

The Seahawks beat Rocky Bayou Christian 36–7 on Friday, Sept. 18, according to MaxPreps. Next game is Friday, Sept. 25, at Graceville.
👉 https://www.maxpreps.com/fl/eastpoint/franklin-county-seahawks/football/

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

📚 Apalachicola library has a $5 fill-a-bag sale Saturday

The Apalachicola Margaret Key Public Library will hold a “$5 Fill-A-Bag Book Sale” on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Friends group PALS is sponsoring it; proceeds benefit the library. Visitors buy a $5 bag and fill it.👉 https://franklincounty.news/2026/09/15/apalachicola-library-to-hold-sept-26-book-sale/

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

🎖️ Lanark Legion Auxiliary seated new officers

American Legion Auxiliary Unit 82 in Lanark held its officers’ installation on Tuesday, Sept. 8. The Apalachicola Times lists President Wanda Barfield, 1st Vice Remona Larsen, 2nd Vice Missy McCuen, Treasurer/Membership Pennie Atkins, and members at large Faye Skamiera and Nola Tolbert. District 2 Auxiliary President Teresa Briggs swore them in.
👉 https://franklincounty.news/2026/09/15/legion-auxiliary-swears-in-new-officers/

Franklin County Humane Society Needs Volunteers

 

The Franklin County Humane Society is looking for people who can help the forgotten pets of the Forgotten Coast. On their volunteer page they list several ways to pitch in: walk and socialize dogs and cats, foster (including puppies, nursing mothers, or animals recovering from surgery), drive transports to a midpoint in Chiefland (van and gas provided), take a “Dog for a Day,” help at events, or drop off supplies.

 

If any of that fits, call (850) 670-8414 or start here:
👉 https://www.forgottenpets.org/volunteer/

 

More info and how to get involved: Franklin County Humane Society 

👉 https://www.forgottenpets.org/volunteer/

or Volunteer Info - Facebook Post 

 or visit their Facebook page:

👉 Franklin County Humane Society

The links and pictures are from the Franklin County Humane Society Adoptable Pets Page:   Meet Shelby! 🐶     Shelby is a one-year-old Lab mix with a whole lot of energy and heart. This sweet girl loves her walks and the people who take her on them. She’s happiest in an active home where she can run, play, and burn off some of that youthful spirit.   Because she’s a bit of a climber, a securely fenced yard is a must. Shelby already knows how to sit on command and would make a great candidate for fun activities like obedience or even dock diving. If you’re looking for a lively, affectionate companion who’s ready for adventure, Shelby might just be the one.   👉Click here to find your New Best 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.

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.   

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.

I write Apalach Current because I love this coast. This next part is just me.

There have been seasons in my own life when everything felt like too much — work, family, the pace of it all. During the hardest parts of burnout, when I felt lost, uncertain, and ready to give up, I rediscovered something I’d been missing:

my faith.

What started as a search for a little more freedom turned into something deeper — a return to God, and a stronger relationship with Him.

If you’re walking through a hard season and something feels missing, I want you to know it is possible to find God in the middle of that and come out the other side. I did.

I’d like to share a link to a church that helped me when I was out of sorts.

If you need someone to talk to or would like more info:

👉 Flatirons Church

Whether you click or not, just know this:

You’re not alone.

Keyla