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

— week of July 6, 2026

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Franklin County is buzzing with summer events for all ages and interests.  

CLICK HERE FOR LISTINGS OF ALL EVENTS THIS WEEK

Younger crafters can celebrate Independence Day by making beaded American flag keychains at both the Eastpoint and Carrabelle library branches, while creative teens can explore Sewing 101 or join the weekly Crochet & Craft group in Apalachicola for hands-on fun.  

Art lovers are invited to Drawing & Sketch Fundamentals or to drop in on the popular Mahjong Club in Eastpoint for friendly games.  

The Apalachicola Library hosts gentle yoga with Spirit of the River Yoga on Mondays, welcoming all skill levels.  

Explore roadside Americana at the “Unusual American Roadside Attractions” presentations at both library branches, or experience history in Carrabelle’s new “Foundations of Freedom” exhibit.  

Wrap up the week with fresh finds at the Apalachicola Farmers Market, live music along the waterfront, or a taste of Italy at Crooked River Grill’s International Food Night. Read More...

Some of What's Happening around town:

American Flag Keychain Crafting

at the Franklin County Public Library

📅 Eastpoint: Monday, July 6

⏰ 2:00 PM

📍 Eastpoint Branch Library –  160 Hickory Dip Road, Eastpoint

📞  (850) 670-8151

🎟️ Free to attend

🧵 Beaded American flag keychain craft (Ages 8 and up)

Celebrate Independence Day by crafting a beaded American flag keychain to proudly show your American pride. Perfect for ages 8 and up!

👉Click for Event Details:

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Yoga @ Apalachicola Library

📅 Mondays in July  

⏰ 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 

🗓️ Tuesdays in July 

⏰ 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

CLICK HERE for MORE Events this Week...

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Weather week of July 6, 2026

This Week’s Weather on the Forgotten Coast (July 6-12, 2026)

Expect typical mid-summer conditions along the Forgotten Coast this week, with daytime highs in the upper 80s to low 90s and overnight lows in the upper 70s. Scattered thunderstorms are possible on Tuesday morning and again on Thursday, with the highest rain chances midweek.

The rest of the week looks mostly sunny to partly cloudy with lower rain chances, making for generally good conditions overall. Mornings and evenings should be the most comfortable times for boating, fishing, or enjoying the water. Stay hydrated and keep an eye on the sky if you’re heading out during the afternoon hours.

👉 Sources: Weather.com

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Coastal Kitchen Recipes

From GritsandPinecones.com

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Trivia Nights Around the Forgotten Coast:

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Are the Events helpful?

If the Apalach Current has been helpful or you’ve enjoyed the local events info,  we’d really appreciate it if you gave our Facebook page a like! It helps us share more with the community. Thank you for reading!

     Click Here for our Facebook Page  

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Photo Credit FOMO Photography

These uplifting moments are lighting up spirits along the Forgotten Coast this week.

There’s been a lot of good news and community spirit on the Forgotten Coast lately. In Lanark, friends and neighbors gathered to honor longtime volunteer Bob Dietz with a heartfelt farewell party after more than 26 years of dedicated service. Bob, affectionately known as the “King of Lanark,” was celebrated for his many contributions before moving to Wisconsin to be closer to family.

Local pride is also running high as Franklin County’s 12-and-under girls softball team, the Ponytails, heads to the state tournament in Wewahitchka. Meanwhile, several Franklin County High School seniors received scholarships from the Gulf Coast State College Foundation, helping them take the next step in their education.

Over in Carrabelle, a new historical exhibit is now on display that explores the town’s role in America’s story, just in time for the nation’s 250th birthday. It’s a meaningful way to celebrate local history and community pride.

These stories remind us how strong and connected our small coastal towns truly are.

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This Week Along the Forgotten Coast

The flags have been folded away, the fireworks have faded into memory, and the Forgotten Coast has settled back into its deeper summer rhythm.

Mornings carry that steady warmth now, the bay holds its richer blue, and the light lingers just a little longer each evening. Shrimp boats continue their familiar passes across the water, and the whole coastline seems to exhale into the slower, fuller days of the season.

It’s the time when the small daily pleasures stand out most clearly: the easy comfort of a good swim, the evening breeze carrying salt and pine, and the quiet satisfaction of watching the sky soften over the river at dusk.

This stretch always feels like summer arriving in its truest form — unhurried, generous, and exactly as it is.

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

Apalach Current - July 6, 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

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Souper Recipes Needed for the Library

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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.

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.

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

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Photo from the website https://majesticjewelofapalachicola.com/

Local Spotlight: The Majestic Jewel of Apalachicola

Looking for a beautiful place to stay right in the heart of Apalachicola? Check out The Majestic Jewel — a charming vacation rental that offers comfort, style, and the perfect home base for exploring everything the Forgotten Coast has to offer.

Whether you're planning a family getaway, a romantic escape, or a fishing adventure, this lovely property is ready to welcome you.

👉 Learn more and book your stay: https://majesticjewelofapalachicola.com/

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Looking for unique vintage treasures with serious island charm? Check out Auntie Tikki Vintage (https://linktr.ee/Auntietikki or @auntietikkivintage on Instagram)!

Curated by Kelsey Osborne (my favorite daughter-in-law),  this page is a delightful mix of retro Hawaiian shirts, classic tiki vibes, mid-century finds, and one-of-a-kind vintage pieces that bring nostalgia and Aloha spirit to your wardrobe or home. Whether you’re hunting for that perfect bold print or a touch of tropical history, Auntie Tikki delivers the goods with style.

Give her a follow and support a small business curator who’s keeping the vintage flame alive. 🌺

👉 More Info: linktr.ee/Auntietikki 

👉 Click for Instagram

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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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Discover the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve — Our Area's Natural Treasure

Nestled in Eastpoint, the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve quietly protects one of the most vital ecosystems on the Forgotten Coast.

This unique reserve at 108 Island Drive serves as a hub where science, education, and the beauty of the Apalachicola Bay unite in harmony.

Visitors are welcomed by an engaging Nature Center, featuring interactive exhibits, local aquariums, and paved trails that lead to breathtaking bay views.

It’s a peaceful spot to stroll, observe wildlife, or simply enjoy the tranquility of our surrounding waters.

Year-round programs—like birding workshops and eco-friendly landscaping classes—offer locals fresh ways to connect with their environment while supporting coastal wildlife.

No matter how much time you spend, this hidden gem offers the ideal mix of learning, relaxation, and local pride.

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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