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"Veterans Memorial Plaza: Memorial Day Celebrations & Conservation Efforts in Apalachicola!"
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"Veterans Memorial Plaza: Memorial Day Celebrations & Conservation Efforts in Apalachicola!"
Apalach Current
May 25, 2026
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Stories, places, and small moments from Apalachicola — week of May 25, 2026 |
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What's Happening around town: |
Memorial Day Ceremony
🗓️ Monday, May 25, 2026 ⏰ 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM 📍 Veterans Memorial Plaza, Apalachicola 🎟️ Free 📋 Join the community for the annual Memorial Day Ceremony honoring those who served and sacrificed. Hosted by Three Servicemen Statue South, Inc. and American Legion Post 106.
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Tech Help at Carrabelle Library
🗓️ Tuesday, May 26, 2026 ⏰ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM 📍 Carrabelle Branch Library 🎟️ Free 📋 Need help with your smartphone, tablet, computer, email, or other tech questions? Friendly volunteers will be on hand to provide one-on-one assistance in a relaxed setting. Drop in — no appointment needed!
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Mahjong Club
🗓️ Tuesday, May 26, 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.
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Tuesday Crochet Class
🗓️ Tuesday, May 26, 2026 ⏰ 3:30 PM 📍 Apalachicola Margaret Key Public Library - 80 12th Street (on Hwy 98) 📞 Contact (850) 653-5335 🎟️ 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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Creation Station: Sand Art Jars
🗓️ Wednesday, May 27, 2026 ⏰ 4:00 PM 📍 Carrabelle Branch Public Library - 311 St James Ave, Carrabelle 📞 Contact (850) 275-9895 🎟️ Free 📋 Kids ages 7–12 are invited to mix and match beautiful colors to create their own sand art jar to take home. A fun, creative afternoon hosted by the Friends of Franklin County Public Libraries — perfect for little artists! 👉 Sand Jar Event details & more info
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Yappy Hour at the Beer Garden
🗓️ Thursday, May 28, 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.
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International Food Night at Crooked River Grill
🗓️ Thursday, May 28, 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.
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Live Music in May at Crooked River Grill - featuring Corey Hall
🗓️ Friday, May 29, 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.
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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.
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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.
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7-day forecast: Apalachicola, FL
Mix of Partly Cloudy with some scattered Thunderstorms
Mon, May 25: Partly cloudy with a chance of afternoon showers — high ~83°F, low ~74°F
Tue, May 26: Some Showers — high ~82°F, low ~74°F
Wed, May 27: AM Thunderstorms — high ~82°F, low ~74°F
Thu, May 28: AM Thunderstorms — high ~81°F, low ~73°F
Fri, May 29: Scattered Thunderstorms— high ~81°F, low ~72°F
Sat, May 30: Scattered Thunderstorms— high ~82°F, low ~71°F
Sun, May 31: Scattered Thunderstorms— high ~81°F, low ~69°F
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Boating/Fishing Summary:
🎣 Best Days: Tuesday, Thursday & Friday (calmer winds, mostly stable weather)
🚤 Good Days: Monday, Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday (light chop possible)
⚠️ Caution: on Thunderstorm days (showers and shifting winds)
👉 Sources: Weather.com |
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This Memorial Day Monday, the Forgotten Coast feels especially still and grateful.
Flags are still flying along the streets, and many will spend Memorial Day remembering those who served and sacrificed. The town will ease back into its everyday rhythm — a little quieter after the weekend, a little more reflective, with the bay sparkling under that soft early-summer light.
You feel it in the small things: neighbors sharing a wave a little longer than usual, the gentle lap of water against the docks, and the extra minutes of daylight that turn an ordinary evening into something peaceful. After a spring filled with visitors and celebrations, the Forgotten Coast is settling comfortably into its favorite pace once again.
It’s the kind of week that makes you thankful to be part of this place — where history, community, and simple coastal life all come together.
Apalach Current - May 25, 2026
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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
This Memorial Day week, we’re reminded how deeply the Forgotten Coast honors those who served.
On Monday, May 25 at 10:00 a.m., the community will gather at Veterans Memorial Plaza in Apalachicola for the annual Memorial Day Ceremony. Hosted by Three Servicemen Statue South, Inc. and American Legion Post 106, this heartfelt service pays tribute to the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
In a place like ours, these moments of remembrance feel especially meaningful. They bring neighbors together to reflect, remember, and express gratitude in a simple, sincere way.
If you’re in town, we hope you’ll consider joining the ceremony at Veterans Memorial Plaza (230 Market Street). It’s a small but powerful way to show respect and appreciation.
👉 Event details: Apalachicola Memorial Day Celebration – Veterans Memorial Plaza
More info & event details: 👉 Three Service Men Statue South
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Franklin County Humane Society |
Support the Franklin County Humane Society 🐶 Adoptions 📅 Sundays ⏰ 2 pm to 3 pm 📍 Franklin County Humane Society
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
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The links and pictures are from the Franklin County Humane Society Adoptable Pets Page:
Jake is a 2 yr old Dalmation mix. He is a handsome and fun-loving guy who seems to like everyone, including cats. His liver-colored freckles and spots are sure to draw attention wherever he goes!
👉 Click here to find your new best friend
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The links and pictures are from the Franklin County Humane Society Adoptable Pets Page:
👉 Click here to find your new best friend
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Trivia Nights Around the Forgotten Coast: |
Bingo Night at Eastpoint Beer Company 🗓️ Mondays ⏰ 5:30 PM 📍 Eastpoint Beer Company -374 US-98 Eastpoint 🎟️ Free to play 📋 Join us every Monday for Bingo at 5:30 pm! Come hang out, have some beer and pizza, and win some great prizes in a fun, laid-back atmosphere.
👉 Event details & full schedule
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Tuesday Night Trivia at Eastpoint Beer Company 🗓️ Tuesdays ⏰ 5:30 PM 📍 Eastpoint Beer Company -374 US-98 Eastpoint 🎟️ Free to play 📋 Join host BullFrog for a fun night of trivia, craft beer, bay views, and prizes — a true local favorite right on the water. 👉 More info & latest details
👉 Follow for latest + join the fun
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Trivia Tuesdays at Crooked River Grill 🗓️ Tuesdays ⏰ 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM 📍 Crooked River Grill - 151 Laughing Gull Lane 🎟️ $2 entry (benefits local nonprofit) 📋 Fast-paced trivia hosted by the one and only Cecily Stevens — laughs, competition, and that classic waterfront vibe.
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Did You Know? |
Fun Facts - May 25, 2026
1. In the 1830s, the town of St. Joseph (now Port St. Joe) briefly became one of the largest and most important cities in Florida. It was a bustling deep-water port and was chosen to host Florida’s first Constitutional Convention in 1838. 👉 More info: Port St Joe - Wikipedia
2. The Crooked River Lighthouse in Carrabelle is one of the few remaining iron skeletal lighthouses on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Built in 1895, the 103-foot tower now serves as a museum and is a beloved landmark for locals and visitors alike. 👉 More info: Florida's Forgotten Coast - Maritime Museum
3. Franklin County was home to Camp Gordon Johnston during World War II, a major training base where thousands of U.S. soldiers prepared for amphibious landings, including those used on D-Day in Normandy. 👉 More info: Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum
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Families in Apalachicola are celebrating the grand opening of the city’s new splash pad, which officially welcomed visitors on May 14.
This free water attraction already offers a cool, playful gathering spot for kids and parents as summer heats up.
Meanwhile, Franklin County’s public libraries in Apalachicola, Eastpoint, and Carrabelle continue to engage the community with a packed calendar of activities like crafts, book clubs, and story hours, building connections across generations.
At Tyndall Air Force Base, officials confirmed a successful conclusion to the Checkered Flag 26-2 exercise.
The two-week event brought together 14 units from the Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps for one of the country’s largest air combat training programs, reinforcing the base’s vital national security role along the Gulf Coast. Read More... |
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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. Read More... |
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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. Read More... |
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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. Read More... |
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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. Read More... |
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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. Read More... |
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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. Read More... |
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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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