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Stories, places, and small moments from Apalachicola

— week of May 18, 2026

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What's Happening around town:

Yoga @ Apalachicola Library

🗓️ Mondays - May 18, 2026

⏰ 6:15 PM – 7:15 PM

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

🎟️ Donation-based

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

👉 Yoga Full details

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Mahjong Club 

🗓️ Tuesday, May 19, 2026

⏰ 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

📍 Eastpoint Branch Library - 160 Hickory Dip Road, Eastpoint

 🎟️ Free to attend

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

👉Mahjong Event details

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Tuesday Crochet Class

🗓️ Tuesday, May 19, 2026

 ⏰ 3:30 PM

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

🎟️ Free

 📋 Free crochet class every Tuesday in May! Come learn, create, and relax with fellow crafters in a friendly, welcoming setting. All skill levels are welcome — bring your yarn and hooks or just come as you are!

👉 Crochet Event Flyer for details

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Apalachicola Library Book Club

🗓️ 3rd Wednesday of every month - May 20, 2026

⏰ 6:00 PM

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

🎟️ Free

📋 Join fellow book lovers for a lively discussion. Books are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Library. If you choose to purchase your book with a 10% discount at Oystertown Books in Apalachicola. May book is Ordinary Grace by William Kent Kruger

👉 Library Book Club Page

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Writer's Forum

🗓️ Wednesday, May 20, 2026

⏰ 1:00 PM

📍 Eastpoint Public Library - 160 Hickory Dip Road, Eastpoint

🎟️ Free

📋 Writers of all genres and skill levels are welcome! Share work, get feedback, and discuss the craft in a supportive environment. Meets monthly.

👉 Writers Forum Event details

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Adult Crafternoon: Oyster Flowers

🗓️ Thursday, May 21, 2026 

 ⏰ 2:30 PM

📍 Carrabelle Branch Public Library - 311 St James Ave, Carrabelle

🎟️ Free

📋 Adults of all skill levels are invited to this relaxed, hands-on craft session where you’ll learn to create your own beautiful Oyster Flower. A fun and creative afternoon in a welcoming library setting — no experience needed!

👉 Crafting Event details

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Yappy Hour at the Beer Garden

🗓️ Thursday, May 21, 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. 

👉 Yappy Hour Event details

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International Food Night at Crooked River Grill

🗓️ Thursday, May 21, 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.

👉 Event details

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Live Music in May at Crooked River Grill - featuring Noah Swanson

🗓️ Friday,  May 22, 2026

⏰ 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

📍 Crooked River Grill - 151 Laughing Gull Lane

📞   Contact (850) 967-5050

🎟️ No cover

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

 👉 Live Music 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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Apalachicola Farmers Market

🗓️ Saturday, May 23, 2026

⏰ 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

📍 Apalachicola - downtown - Across from the CVS on Avenue E

📞  Confirm details at (850) 661-4338

🎟️ Free to attend

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

👉Farmers Market Event details

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2026 Ladies Adventure Trip

🗓️ Friday, June 5 – Sunday, June 7, 2026 

⏰ Weekend Retreat (10 AM Friday – 12 PM Sunday)

📍 St. George Island, FL

🎟️ $150–$250 per person (includes meals & lodging)

📋 A faith-based women’s retreat designed to help you step away from daily busyness, reconnect with God, and enjoy meaningful time with other women. Includes kayaking, shelling, nature trails, beach relaxation, devotionals, worship, and fellowship in a peaceful coastal setting.

👉 Get tickets & full details

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7-day forecast:  Apalachicola, FL

Apalachicola, FL 82° Pleasant with a mix of sun and afternoon showers

• Mon, May 18: Partly Cloudy with a chance of afternoon showers — high ~83°F, low ~69°F ⭐ Good conditions

• Tue, May 19: Mostly sunny — high ~84°F, low ~70°F ⭐ Excellent conditions

• Wed, May 20: Partly cloudy — high ~83°F, low ~70°F ⭐ Good conditions

• Thu, May 21: Mostly sunny and comfortable — high ~84°F, low ~71°F ⭐ Excellent conditions

• Fri, May 22: Partly cloudy— high ~84°F, low ~72°F ⭐ Good conditions

• Sat, May 23: Partly sunny with a chance of showers — high ~84°F, low ~73°F ⚠️ Less ideal (watch for shifting winds)

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Boating/Fishing Summary:

🎣  Best Days: Sunday, Tuesday & Thursday (calm winds, stable weather)

🚤 Good Days: Monday, Wednesday & Friday (light chop but very manageable)

⚠️ Caution: Saturday (increasing chance of showers and shifting winds)

👉 Weather for the week

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The light is changing on the Forgotten Coast, and you can feel summer settling in.

This is one of those weeks. The mornings are warmer, the evenings stretch longer, and the whole town seems to exhale after a busy spring. The bay takes on that deeper blue, the docks fill with the easy rhythm of boats heading out at dawn, and you notice neighbors lingering a little longer on porches or at the post office, catching up like old friends.

It shows up in the everyday pleasures: the first really good swims of the season, the scent of salt air mixing with blooming jasmine, and the way the sky stays light well past dinner. After months of festivals and visitors, Apalachicola has slipped back into its own comfortable pace — alive, but never rushed.

It’s the kind of week that makes you grateful to call this place home, even if it’s only for a season or a lifetime.

Apalach Current - May 18, 2026

Photo Carlton Ward Jr

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Memorial Day - Veterans Memorial

Veterans Memorial

📅  Monday, May 25

⏰ 10:00 to 11:30 am

📍  Apalachicola Veterans Plaza - 230 Market St

On Monday, May 25, the community will gather at Veterans Memorial Plaza in Apalachicola for the annual Memorial Day Celebration. Hosted by Three Servicemen Statue South, Inc. and American Legion Post 106, this heartfelt event honors the men and women who served and sacrificed for our country.

In a town that deeply values its history and its people, these moments of remembrance bring everyone together — a simple, sincere way to say thank you right here at home.

More info & event details:

👉 Apalachicola Memorial Day Celebration – Veterans Memorial Plaza 

👉 Three Service Men Statue South

Franklin County Humane Society

Support the Franklin County Humane Society

🐶  Adoptions

📅  Sundays

⏰ 2 pm to 3 pm

📍 Franklin County Humane Society

 📷 Instagram link for Info

There’s something hopeful happening week after week at the Franklin County Humane Society.

Even in the calm days after spring festivals, the shelter team continues its steady work — caring for animals, helping with adoptions, and running their community pet pantry so no local pet goes without food or basic care. They remain a true no-kill shelter with one of the highest adoption rates on the Forgotten Coast, giving second chances right here at home.

In a place that already looks out for its own, these small, consistent acts of kindness make a real difference for families and their four-legged friends.

If you’ve been thinking about adopting, volunteering, or simply dropping off a bag of food, the Franklin County Humane Society is always worth a visit.

More info on your future best friend: 

👉 Franklin County Humane Society / Forgotten Pets

The links and pictures are from the Franklin County Humane Society Adoptable Pets Page:  

👉  Click here to find your new best friend

Penelope

The links and pictures are from the Franklin County Humane Society Adoptable Pets Page:  

👉  Click here to find your new best friend

Whitney

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Trivia Nights Around the Forgotten Coast:

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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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Did You Know?

1. Apalachicola is home to the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve, the second largest National Estuarine Research Reserve in the United States.

👉 More info: Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve

2. The Apalachicola area is famous for producing Tupelo honey, prized around the world for its light, buttery flavor and unique floral notes.

.👉More Info: Tupelo Honey

3. Apalachicola is the hometown of Dr. John Gorrie, the physician who invented mechanical refrigeration in 1851 — the invention that eventually made modern air conditioning and ice-making possible.

👉More Info: John Gorrie Museum

Fun Facts - May 18, 2026

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Franklin County Public Libraries in Eastpoint and Carrabelle are bustling this spring, drawing locals and families to well-attended crafts, book clubs, and summer reading kickoffs.

Creative programs such as Creation Station and Adult Crafternoon are especially popular, giving residents unique ways to connect and learn.

The local economy is also seeing a slight boost.

Franklin County’s unemployment rate edged downward in February 2026 as the workforce expanded, offering a positive sign for job-seekers across Eastpoint and Carrabelle.

Meanwhile, ongoing conservation efforts on St. George Island are showing strong results.

ANERR, FWC, and Florida Audubon are in their third year collaborating on invasive plant removal and shorebird habitat restoration, with new methods raising hopes for a successful nesting season.

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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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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.

Apalachicola’s Veterans Memorial Plaza will host the annual Memorial Day ceremony on Monday, May 25, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

The event gathers the local community to honor those who sacrificed their lives in service to the nation.

At the heart of the plaza stands a striking bronze “Three Soldiers” statue, the only detailed replica made directly from the original molds in Washington, D.C.

Dedicated in 2008, its presence resonates deeply with local veterans and their families, symbolizing enduring remembrance and gratitude.

Attendees include veterans, friends, and neighbors who come together to share stories and pay heartfelt respects, underscoring that our military heroes are not just distant figures but beloved community members.

Hosted by Three Servicemen Statue South, Inc., American Legion Post 106, and the Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum, the ceremony offers a meaningful way for all to honor these sacrifices.

Franklin County Humane Society is inviting locals to its new “Sunday Funday” adoption events, offering a welcoming space for families to meet dogs and cats ready for loving homes.

Every Sunday from 2 pm to 3 pm, community members can visit the Franklin County Humane Society and connect with animals in a relaxed, low-pressure environment.

Volunteers are also needed to support these gatherings, which aim to turn pet adoption into a weekly community tradition on the Forgotten Coast.

Each visit, adoption, and volunteer hour helps give animals a fresh start, while bringing people together in meaningful ways.

If you’ve been considering a pet or wish to help out, the Humane Society welcomes both visitors and volunteers.

See adoptable pets and more info at the Franklin County Humane Society website.

Last month, a weekend camping trip revealed why this park is a gem along the Forgotten Coast.

Nestled between the Gulf of Mexico and serene St. Joseph Bay, the park offers a level of quiet beauty rarely found.

Wake up to the soothing sounds of waves and birds—no traffic, just nature’s soundtrack.

Days unfold with shell-hunting strolls, kayaking on pristine bay waters, and leisurely hikes through wild dunes and towering pines.

Dolphins sometimes play nearby, and when night falls, the sky reveals the Milky Way in brilliant clarity.

This is a place of uncomplicated pleasure—beautiful campsites, easy beach access, and the slow-paced charm that defines the Forgotten Coast.

If you yearn for a genuine escape where you can truly connect with the water and landscape, look no further.

Despite missing the Historic Apalachicola Home & Garden Tour, hearing about the event brought a smile.

On May 2, over 800 locals and visitors turned out, undeterred by gray skies and more than two inches of rainfall.

Organizers celebrated the tour as a resounding success, with neighbors welcoming guests, volunteers lending their time, and local artists and merchants enriching the silent auction.

For one memorable day, the community united in support of historic preservation and the charm of Apalachicola’s storied homes, all while raising vital funds for Trinity Episcopal Church.

This annual event reaffirms the area’s warmth, hospitality, and enduring pride, even for those who experience it from afar.

The anticipation for next year is already growing—don’t miss this cherished tradition on May 1, 2027.

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.

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.

I’ll be back next Tuesday with whatever the tide brings in. Until then, take care and enjoy the longer days.

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