🔍 What’s Up in Apalachicola & Forgotten Coast  👉 Want your event featured? Email ApalachCurrent@gmail.com     🌴 WHAT’S UP IN APALACHICOLA & THE FORGOTTEN COAST: SEPTEMBER 7–13   Labor Day is in the rearview mirror, but the Forgotten Coast still has plenty going on this week. From library programs and local government to farmers-market finds, history exhibits and live music, here are some good reasons to get out and about.   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~   🏛 COMMUNITY & CITY   ⭐ Water/Sewer District Workshop: Tuesday, Sept. 8, 4–5:30 p.m. Apalachicola’s Water/Sewer District will discuss its Interlocal Agreement at the City Commission Chambers, 74 6th Street. Editor’s Choice: If you live in Apalachicola, this is one worth knowing about. Source: City of Apalachicola Events   🏛 Apalachicola City Commission: Tuesday, Sept. 8, 6 p.m. The regular City Commission meeting follows the water/sewer workshop at 74 6th Street. Source: City Commission Meeting   🏠 Property Tax Impact Town Hall: Thursday, Sept. 10, 6 p.m. Residents can attend a town hall at the City Commission Chambers focusing on property-tax impacts. Editor’s Choice: Homeowners will want this one on the radar. Source: City of Apalachicola Events   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~   📚 LIBRARIES & LEARNING   💻 Tech Help: Tuesday, Sept. 8, 11 a.m. Need help with your phone, tablet, computer or digital life? Free Tech Help is offered at the Carrabelle Branch Library. Source: Franklin County Public Library: Upcoming Programs     📖 Novels & Nibbles Book Club: Tuesday, Sept. 8, noon–1:30 p.m. Book lovers can gather at the Eastpoint Branch for Novels & Nibbles. Bring your thoughts on the book and enjoy some good company, too. Source: Franklin County Public Library: Upcoming Programs     🀄 Mahjong Open Play: Tuesday, Sept. 8, 1–4 p.m. The Eastpoint Branch hosts open Mahjong play. Experienced players and folks who simply enjoy a friendly game can join in. Source: Franklin County Public Library: Upcoming Programs     📚 Story Time: Wednesday, Sept. 9, 10:30 a.m. Little readers can head to the Carrabelle Branch for Story Time, with a book, activities and plenty of chances to make reading fun. Source: Franklin County Public Library: Upcoming Programs     🎮 Video Game Hour: Thursday, Sept. 10, 4:30 p.m. Teens and tweens can battle it out on the Nintendo Switch at the Carrabelle Branch. Friendly competition encouraged! Source: Franklin County Public Library: Upcoming Programs     ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~   🎨 HISTORY & CULTURE   ⭐ Operation Market Garden: A Bridge Too Far: Sept. 8–12 The Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum in Carrabelle features a special exhibit about the 1944 Allied operation in the Netherlands. Editor’s Choice: A fascinating stop for history buffs, veterans' families and curious kids. Source: Florida’s Forgotten Coast Events     🏛 Foundations of Freedom: Carrabelle’s Role in America’s Story: Sept. 8–13 The Carrabelle History Museum continues its special exhibit celebrating Carrabelle’s place in American history. Source: Carrabelle Chamber September Calendar     📸 St. George Plantation Photo Contest: Through Wednesday, Sept. 9 Calling all shutterbugs: the 17th Annual St. George Plantation Photo Contest wraps up Sept. 9, with categories for professional and amateur photographers. Source: Apalachicola Bay Chamber: Photo Contest   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~   🌊 OUTDOORS & LOCAL FLAVOR   ⭐ Apalachicola Farmers Market: Saturday, Sept. 12, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Stock up on local produce, seafood, honey, baked goods and other regional goodies. Editor’s Choice: This is about as Forgotten Coast as a Saturday morning gets. Source: Florida’s Forgotten Coast Events     🐕 Yappy Hour at St. James Bay: Thursday, Sept. 10, 3–6 p.m. Bring the four-legged member of the family to St. James Bay for an afternoon of outdoor fun. Source: Florida’s Forgotten Coast Events     🏌️ 9 & Dine at St. James Bay: Friday, Sept. 11, 3–8 p.m. Play nine holes at St. James Bay Golf Course, then settle in for Friday Prime Rib dinner at Crooked River Grill. Golf and dinner: that's a pretty solid Friday plan. Source: Florida’s Forgotten Coast Events     ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~   🎶 LIVE MUSIC   🎸 Corey Hall: Thursday, Sept. 10, 6 p.m. Bandsintown lists Corey Hall performing at Indian Pass Raw Bar on Thursday evening. If you're looking for a little live music to break up the workweek, this one's worth the short drive west. Source: Bandsintown: Apalachicola, FL     🎶 Live Music Saturday: Sept. 12, 6–9 p.m. Crooked River Grill in Carrabelle keeps Saturday night rolling with live music, food and drinks. Source: Florida’s Forgotten Coast Events   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~   👻 APALACHICOLA AFTER DARK   🧘 Yoga at Apalachicola Library: Monday, Sept. 7, 6–7 p.m. Kathy Jansen leads a donation-based yoga class at the Apalachicola library. Bring a mat if you have one; some equipment is available. Source: Florida’s Forgotten Coast Events     ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~   🚗 WORTH THE DRIVE   🚙 Make a Carrabelle history day: With two special exhibits running this week, Carrabelle is an easy excuse for a road trip from Apalachicola or Eastpoint. Add lunch, the waterfront or a beach stop and call it a day. Source: Carrabelle Chamber September Calendar     🌕 Crooked River Lighthouse: Save the Date for Sept. 25 The lighthouse's next Twilight at the Tower is Friday, Sept. 25, from 7–9 p.m. There isn't a lighthouse moonlit event during Sept. 7–13, but this is one to keep on the fall calendar. Source: Crooked River Lighthouse: Full Moon Events     ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dates and times may change — verify before heading out.   That's what's up around Apalachicola and the Forgotten Coast this week. Grab a market basket, catch some live music, learn something new at the library or just take the scenic route. 🌴📚🎶 Happy exploring!

 

 

**Photo Courtesy of GritsandPinecones.com ** Burgers for Labor Day from Grits and  Chicken Bacon Ranch Crescent Ring  If Labor Day still has people in and out of the kitchen, this is an easy one to set in the middle of the table. Grits and Pinecones fills a crescent ring with chicken, bacon, ranch, and cheese, then bakes it until the outside is golden and everyone can pull off a piece. Good for a porch lunch, a leftover-chicken night, or whatever’s left of the holiday weekend.  Full recipe: https://www.gritsandpinecones.com/chicken-bacon-ranch-crescent-ring/

Photo Credit FOMO Photography 

The Forgotten Coast is full of good news this week, with three community highlights worth celebrating.

Small Wins and Good Things

Week of September 7, 2026

 

Here are a few bright spots making us smile this week on the Forgotten Coast:

 

🎣 Gag grouper season is open in Gulf state waters

FWC set the 2026 recreational gag grouper season in Gulf state waters (excluding Monroe County) for September 1 through September 30. The season closes at 12:01 a.m. on October 1.

👉 https://franklincounty.news/category/state-news/

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

🪸 New reefs in the water off Dog Island

On July 25, the Organization for Artificial Reefs placed 54 reef modules at two sites off Dog Island, funded by an FWC grant. The drop included memorial reefs and was watched from more than 20 boats.

👉 https://franklincounty.news/2026/07/27/marine-memories-for-life/

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

🪖 New WWII exhibit open in Carrabelle

The Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum’s “Operation Market Garden: A Bridge Too Far” exhibit opened September 1 and runs through October 3. The museum is open Tuesday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m., with free admission.

👉 https://news.wfsu.org/community-calendar/event/special-exhibit-operation-market-garden-a-bridge-too-far-28-08-2026-10-52-54

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

🏛️ Carrabelle History Museum exhibit still on view

The Carrabelle History Museum’s “Foundations of Freedom – Carrabelle’s Role in America’s Story” exhibit opened around July 4 and remains on display through September 30.

👉 https://franklincounty.news/2026/06/30/exhibit-to-probe-carrabelles-role-in-americas-story/

Game and Trivia Nights in the Forgotten Coast

call since its Labor Day to confirm!

Bingo Night lights up Eastpoint Beer Company every Monday at 5:30 PM, bringing together locals for an evening filled with free bingo, beer, and pizza at 374 US-98, Eastpoint.

Arrive with friends, grab a pint, and enjoy a chance to win prizes in a warm, relaxed setting near the bay.

Tuesdays at 5:30 PM, join BullFrog for Trivia Night at the same beloved spot—no cost to play, fantastic craft brews, and waterfront views add to the fun.

For trivia with a twist, Crooked River Grill at 151 Laughing Gull Lane hosts Trivia Tuesdays from 6:00 to 7:30 PM, led by the lively Cecily Stevens.

It’s just $2 to enter, supporting a local nonprofit, and promises laughter, friendly competition, and a classic coastal vibe.

The Current

This Week Along the Forgotten Coast

Labor Day opens the week on the Forgotten Coast — one last official pause before September settles in. The water is still warm, the mornings still ask you to get outside before the day thickens, and the light is already a little lower in the evening.

After the holiday, the pace shifts. The weekend crowds thin, the towns feel more like themselves again, and ordinary errands start to feel like part of the season: a stop at the library, a walk along the marsh, supper while the sky is still holding color.

Nothing has to be marked or hurried. The coast is simply taking its first quiet steps into fall, one familiar afternoon at a time.

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

 Events This Week in the Forgotten Coast 

         

Brain Builders 📅 Every Monday ⏰ 4:00 p.m. 📍 Franklin County Public Library – Eastpoint Branch, 160 Hickory Dip Road, Eastpoint, FL 32328 📞 (850) 670-8152 🆓 Free · Recommended ages 8+ 🧠 A new challenge every week — problem-solving, experimenting, building, designing, and thinking outside the box. You never know what the mission will be. 👉 Link to Brain Builder Flyer  _______________________________________________________ Tech Help 📅 Tuesdays ⏰ 11:00 a.m. 📍 Franklin County Public Library – Carrabelle Branch, 311 St. James Avenue, Carrabelle, FL 32322 📞 (850) 275-9895 🆓 Free 💻 Free help with cell phones, email, Facebook, Skype, internet safety, and other everyday tech questions. One-on-one sessions are available by reservation — call the Carrabelle branch to schedule. The library does not repair computers. 👉 Link to Tech Help Flyer _______________________________________________________ Mahjong Club at Eastpoint Library  🗓️ Tuesdays  ⏰ 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM 📍 Eastpoint Branch Public 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 _______________________________________________________  The Enchanted Page Story Time – Eastpoint 📅 Wednesday, September 2  ⏰ 10:30 a.m. 📍 Franklin County Public Library, 160 Hickory Dip Road, Eastpoint, FL 32328 📞 850-670-8151 🆓 Free 📖 Stories come to life with soundscapes, colorful visuals, hands-on crafts, and simple games that help with imagination, listening, and early literacy. September 2 is Don’t Trust a Fish; September 23 is Don’t Bring a Dragon to the Library. 👉 https://fcpl.wildernesscoast.org  _______________________________________________________  Free Homework Help  📅 Thursdays ⏰ 3:00 – 3:45 p.m. (by appointment) 📍 Apalachicola Margaret Key Public Library, -80 12th Street (on Hwy 98)  📞 850-653-8436  🆓 Free • Grades K–12 📚 Students can get free one-on-one tutoring help with reading, math (including algebra and geometry), science, language arts, social studies, and more. Flexible times and free resources like internet access and craft supplies are available at the library. Call ahead to schedule a session.  👉Click for Additional info  _______________________________________________________  Hurricane Preparation Event 📅 Friday, September 4 ⏰ 2:00 p.m. 📍 Franklin County Public Library – Carrabelle Branch, 311 St. James Avenue SE, Carrabelle, FL 32322 📞 850-275-9895 🆓 Free 🌀 Franklin County Emergency Management will be at the Carrabelle Library to help residents get ready for hurricane season and other emergencies. Staff can assist with Alert Franklin sign-up, the Special Needs Registry, the Transportation Disadvantaged Program, and other local emergency resources. Hosted with the Franklin County Public Library and the Disability Resource Center. 👉 Click for Hurricane Prep Flyer   _______________________________________________________  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 ______________________________________________________     Country Farmers Market 🗓️ Saturdays (1st and 3rd Saturdays)  ⏰ 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM  📍 Crooked River Lighthouse -1975 Hwy 98 W, Carrabelle 📞 (850) 697-2732 Call to plans have not changed, confirm since July 4th... 🎟️ Free to attend 📋 Fresh local produce, handmade goods, and that classic small-town weekend vibe right downtown. 👉Click for info on Country Farmers Market 👉 Farmers Market Flyer  _______________________________________________________   Live Music at Crooked River Grill - call to confirm 🗓️ Saturdays  ⏰ 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM 📍 Crooked River Grill - 151 Laughing Gull Lane 📞   Contact (850) 967-5050  🎟️ Call for reservations and to confirm   📋 Great food, cold drinks, and live music with Jon White, with classic coastal sunset views. ________________________________________________________ Twilight at the Tower 📅 Saturday, September 5 ⏰ 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. 📍 Crooked River Lighthouse, Carrabelle 🆓 Grounds admission is free · Tower climb $6 (free for CLA members; children 12 and under free with a ticketed adult if at least 44 inches tall) 🌙 After-hours museum visits, twilight tower climbs, live music by Harold Boothe, a weather-permitting bonfire, and refreshments from Beacon Bistro and LINK Sausages & Beer. Climbs run about every 15 minutes. Reservations for climbs are encouraged. Bring a chair if you’d like to settle in on the grounds. 👉 https://www.crookedriverlighthouse.com/full-moon-events/ ________________________________________________________ Special Exhibit: Foundations of Freedom – Carrabelle’s Role in America’s Story 📅 Today through September 30, 2026 📍 Carrabelle Library or Visitor Center area 💰 Free to attend Explore Carrabelle’s important place in American history with this special exhibit celebrating our nation’s 250th birthday. Discover local stories, historical artifacts, and Carrabelle’s unique contributions to America’s story during this patriotic summer. Perfect for history buffs and families alike!   👉 Click Here for Full Details 👉 Carrabelle History Museum website

Photo Credit FOMO Photography 

The Forgotten Coast is full of good news this week, with three community highlights worth celebrating.

Small Wins and Good Things Week of August 31 - September 6, 2026

Here are a few bright spots making us smile this week on the Forgotten Coast:

🐚 Bay scallop season is still open

The 2026 recreational bay scallop season opened July 1 and runs through September 24 in Franklin County and nearby waters, including Carrabelle and Lanark. Harvest is limited to hand or dip net, with a daily bag limit of two gallons of whole scallops in the shell per person.
👉 https://franklincounty.news/2026/07/07/bay-scallop-season-opens-in-franklin/

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

🏘️ New Lanark group is meeting on Mondays

A new “Lanark By The Sea” group is meeting Mondays at 6 p.m. Anyone with a connection to Lanark Village Proper and the Lanark community is welcome. The meetings are focused on getting organized, talking through local issues, and looking for solutions.
👉 https://franklincounty.news/2026/07/07/new-lanark-by-the-sea-group-meets-mondays/

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

🏛️ Carrabelle History Museum exhibit still on view

The Carrabelle History Museum’s “Foundations of Freedom – Carrabelle’s Role in America’s Story” exhibit opened around July 4 and remains on display through September 30.

👉 https://franklincounty.news/2026/06/30/exhibit-to-probe-carrabelles-role-in-americas-story/

Game and Trivia Nights in the Forgotten Coast

Bingo Night lights up Eastpoint Beer Company every Monday at 5:30 PM, bringing together locals for an evening filled with free bingo, beer, and pizza at 374 US-98, Eastpoint.

Arrive with friends, grab a pint, and enjoy a chance to win prizes in a warm, relaxed setting near the bay.

Tuesdays at 5:30 PM, join BullFrog for Trivia Night at the same beloved spot—no cost to play, fantastic craft brews, and waterfront views add to the fun.

For trivia with a twist, Crooked River Grill at 151 Laughing Gull Lane hosts Trivia Tuesdays from 6:00 to 7:30 PM, led by the lively Cecily Stevens.

It’s just $2 to enter, supporting a local nonprofit, and promises laughter, friendly competition, and a classic coastal vibe.

 

**Photo Courtesy of GritsandPinecones.com ** Burgers for Labor Day from Grits and Pinecones  If Labor Day weekend calls for something cooked low and slow, these smoked burgers from Grits and Pinecones are a good place to start. Ground chuck gets a gentle smoke, then a quick sear so you end up with a juicy burger and a little crust. Simple, smoky, and made for a cookout plate.  Full recipe: https://www.gritsandpinecones.com/smoked-burgers/

The Current

This Week Along the Forgotten Coast

Labor Day week has a way of making the coast feel both full and a little quieter at the same time. The water is still warm, the days are still long enough, and the last stretch of summer hangs on just a little longer before September starts to change the light.

It’s a good week for one more slow morning, one more evening on the porch, or one more easy meal with whoever happens to be in town. Summer isn’t quite finished — but you can feel the season beginning to turn the page.

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

 Events This Week in the Forgotten Coast 

         

Mahjong Club at Eastpoint Library 

 🗓️ Tuesdays 

⏰ 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

📍 Eastpoint Branch Public 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

 

 _______________________________________________________ 

   

Free Homework Help 

 📅 Thursdays

⏰ 3:00 – 3:45 p.m. (by appointment)

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

 📞 850-653-8436

 🆓 Free • Grades K–12

 

📚 Students can get free one-on-one tutoring help with reading, math (including algebra and geometry), science, language arts, social studies, and more. Flexible times and free resources like internet access and craft supplies are available at the library. Call ahead to schedule a session.

  👉Click for Additional info

 

 _______________________________________________________ 

 

Sunset and Full Moon Climb

 📅 Friday, August 28

⏰ 8:00 – 10:00 p.m.

📍 Cape St. George Light, Lighthouse Park, St. George Island

📞 Tickets available at the Lighthouse Gift Shop starting at 7:30 p.m.

 

🌕 Climb the lighthouse under the August full moon (the Sturgeon Moon). Sunset is at 8:06 p.m. and moonrise at 8:26 p.m. Climbs are 15 minutes, first-come, first-served, with 12 climbers per time slot. Cost is $10 per climber ($7 for SGLA members). Cash or credit accepted. Climbers must be at least 40 inches tall; only ages 13+ may go out on the exterior catwalk. Weather permitting.

 👉 https://www.floridasforgottencoast.com/event/sunset-and-full-moon-climb/

 

  _______________________________________________________ 

 

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

 

 

_______________________________________________________  

  Live Music at Crooked River Grill - call to confirm

 🗓️ Saturdays 

⏰ 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

📍 Crooked River Grill - 151 Laughing Gull Lane

📞   Contact (850) 967-5050 

🎟️ Call for reservations and to confirm 

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

 

________________________________________________________

 

Special Exhibit: Foundations of Freedom – Carrabelle’s Role in America’s Story

 📅 July 4th through September 30, 2026

📍 Carrabelle Library or Visitor Center area

💰 Free to attend

Explore Carrabelle’s important place in American history with this special exhibit celebrating our nation’s 250th birthday. Discover local stories, historical artifacts, and Carrabelle’s unique contributions to America’s story during this patriotic summer. Perfect for history buffs and families alike!  

 👉 Click Here for Full Details

👉 Carrabelle History Museum website 

  

 

 

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

Meet Gerald! 🐶    

Gerald is a gorgeous 6-month-old Labrador Retriever mix with a rich chocolate coat and a smile that never seems to quit. This sweet boy is great on the leash, loves other dogs, and would make an excellent companion for just about any family.

Medium-sized and easy to travel with, Gerald is still young enough to learn the ropes of life with you. If you’re looking for a friendly, good-natured pup who’s ready to join the family, Gerald is it. 

👉Click here to find your New Best Friend

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

 

Game and Trivia Nights in the Forgotten Coast

Bingo Night lights up Eastpoint Beer Company every Monday at 5:30 PM, bringing together locals for an evening filled with free bingo, beer, and pizza at 374 US-98, Eastpoint.

Arrive with friends, grab a pint, and enjoy a chance to win prizes in a warm, relaxed setting near the bay.

Tuesdays at 5:30 PM, join BullFrog for Trivia Night at the same beloved spot—no cost to play, fantastic craft brews, and waterfront views add to the fun.

For trivia with a twist, Crooked River Grill at 151 Laughing Gull Lane hosts Trivia Tuesdays from 6:00 to 7:30 PM, led by the lively Cecily Stevens.

It’s just $2 to enter, supporting a local nonprofit, and promises laughter, friendly competition, and a classic coastal vibe.

The Forgotten Coast is full of good news this week, with three community highlights worth celebrating.

Small Wins and Good Things Week of August 24-30, 2026

Photo Credit FOMO Photography 

 

Small Wins and Good Things

Week of August 24-30, 2026

 

Here are a few bright spots making us smile this week on the Forgotten Coast:

🏫 New Principal Named at Franklin County School

The Franklin County School District has selected Dr. Jennifer Fowler as the new principal of Franklin County School. Fowler brings more than 20 years of experience as a teacher, instructional coach, and administrator. 

👉 https://franklincounty.news/2026/06/30/fowler-named-new-principal-at-franklin-schools/

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

🎓 Eastpoint Student Heads to Troy University

Sophia Strickland of Eastpoint has completed IMPACT new student orientation and is enrolled at Troy University for the fall 2026 semester. 👉 https://franklincounty.news/2026/06/23/strickland-completes-impact-and-enrolls-at-troy/

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

🚒 St. George Island Volunteer Fire Department Receives Equipment Grants

The St. George Island Volunteer Fire Department was awarded grants totaling nearly $82,000 to help fund new safety gear and equipment. 

👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05PSs2ZlT64

 

Labor Day Recipes from Grits and Pinecones With Labor Day right around the corner, Grits and Pinecones has put together a big collection of easy, crowd-pleasing recipes perfect for a cookout, potluck, or last summer gathering. You’ll find Southern classics like creamy potato salad and smoked baked beans, plus lighter options like watermelon feta salad and bacon-wrapped shrimp. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just keeping it simple, there’s plenty of inspiration to finish the season strong. Full list of recipes: https://www.gritsandpinecones.com/25-best-recipes-for-a-labor-day-celebration-2024/

The Current

This Week Along the Forgotten Coast

 

The air still holds onto summer’s heat, but something quieter is settling in. The light shifts a little earlier each evening, the water stays warm well into dusk, and the coast seems to take a slower breath as August winds down.

It’s a good week for the simple rituals — an early walk before the day warms up, a long lunch under the shade, or just sitting still and watching the marsh change color. Summer isn’t finished yet, but you can feel it beginning to loosen its grip.

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

 Events This Week in the Forgotten Coast 

 

Mahjong Club at Eastpoint Library  🗓️ Tuesdays  ⏰ 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM 📍 Eastpoint Branch Public 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 _______________________________________________________     Writers Forum at Eastpoint Library 📅 Wednesday - 3rd Wednesday of each month  ⏰ 1:00 PM 📍 Eastpoint Branch, - 160 Hickory Dip Road, Eastpoint 📞 (850) 670-8151 ✍️ Are you an aspiring or accomplished writer? Join this welcoming monthly group to meet author Dawn Radford and fellow writers, share your latest works, get feedback, network, and discuss the craft in a supportive environment. All genres and skill levels welcome! 👉 Click here for Writers Forum Info or call the library to confirm dates.  ________________________________________________________ Blood Drive at the Library 📅 Wednesday, August 19 ⏰ 2:00 – 7:00 p.m. 📍 Apalachicola Margaret Key Public Library, -80 12th Street (on Hwy 98) 🆓 Free to donate 🩸 Be cool and save lives this summer. OneBlood is hosting a blood drive at the library. All donors receive a $20 eGift card, a Big Red Bus T-shirt, and a free wellness checkup (blood pressure, pulse, temperature, iron count, and cholesterol screening). Appointments are encouraged — visit oneblood.org/donate-now and use sponsor code 66827. ID required. 👉Click for Additional info  ________________________________________________________ Apalachicola Library Book Club 📅 3rd Wednesday of each month ⏰ 6:00 p.m. 📍 Apalachicola Margaret Key Public Library, -80 12th Street (on Hwy 98) 📞 850-653-8436 🆓 Free 📖 The library’s Book Club continues on the third Wednesday of each month. This month’s selection (August) is The Giver of Stars by JoJo Moyes. Books are available at the library on a first-come, first-served basis (library card required), or Oystertown Books offers a 10% discount if you mention the Book Club.  👉Click for Additional info  ________________________________________________________ Adult Crafternoon: Puffer Fish Painting 📅 Thursday, August 20 ⏰ 2:30 p.m. 📍 Carrabelle Library, 311 St James Ave, Carrabelle 🆓 Free 🎨 Join the Carrabelle Library for a fun afternoon of puffer fish painting. All supplies are provided and no experience is necessary. Space is limited to 12 participants, so pre-registration is strongly recommended. Contact Friends of Franklin County Public Libraries at ffcplflorida@gmail.com to sign up. 👉 Click for Event Info  ________________________________________________________ Free Homework Help  📅 Thursdays ⏰ 3:00 – 3:45 p.m. (by appointment) 📍 Apalachicola Margaret Key Public Library, -80 12th Street (on Hwy 98)  📞 850-653-8436  🆓 Free • Grades K–12 📚 Students can get free one-on-one tutoring help with reading, math (including algebra and geometry), science, language arts, social studies, and more. Flexible times and free resources like internet access and craft supplies are available at the library. Call ahead to schedule a session.  👉Click for Additional info  _______________________________________________________  Plant Identification for Beginners 📅 Thursday, August 21 ⏰ 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. 📍 Franklin County Public Library (Eastpoint Branch), 160 Hickory Dip Road, Eastpoint 🆓 Free 🌿 Join local Educational Forester Genevieve Sasnett for a beginner-friendly session on plant identification. Learn about native forests, host plants, survival tactics, plants to avoid, common uses for trees, and leave with your own herbarium of samples you collect. No experience needed.   👉 Click for more Info           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 _______________________________________________________      Apalachicola Farmers Market 🗓️ Saturdays, (2nd and 4th Saturdays)  ⏰ 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM  📍 Apalachicola - downtown - Across from the CVS on Avenue E  (133 Avenue E/11th Street)  📞 (850) 697-2732  🎟️ Free to attend 📋 Fresh local produce, handmade goods, and that classic small-town weekend vibe right downtown. 👉Click for info on Country Farmers Market 👉 Facebook Farmers Market Info  _______________________________________________________     Live Music at Crooked River Grill - featuring Conor Churchill 🗓️ Saturday,  July 25, 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   ________________________________________________________ Special Exhibit: Foundations of Freedom – Carrabelle’s Role in America’s Story 📅 July 4th through September 30, 2026 📍 Carrabelle Library or Visitor Center area 💰 Free to attend Explore Carrabelle’s important place in American history with this special exhibit celebrating our nation’s 250th birthday. Discover local stories, historical artifacts, and Carrabelle’s unique contributions to America’s story during this patriotic summer. Perfect for history buffs and families alike!   👉 Click Here for Full Details 👉 Carrabelle History Museum website

The Forgotten Coast is full of good news this week, with four community highlights worth celebrating.

Small Wins and Good Things Week of August 17-23, 2026

Here are a few bright spots making us smile this week on the Forgotten Coast:

⚓ Franklin County Maritime Heritage Museum Officially Opens

More than 50 people gathered on August 5 for the grand opening of the new Franklin County Maritime Heritage Museum at the former Lombardi Oyster Plant. Exhibits, artifacts, video interviews, and a 12-foot timeline of the area’s maritime history were unveiled, along with two replica lighthouses overlooking the bay.

👉 https://www.floridasforgottencoast.com/2026/08/franklin-county-maritime-history-museum-opens-in-apalachicola/

🏛️ UWF Archaeology Team Honored for Apalachicola Work

 A research team led by the University of West Florida Archaeology Institute received an international award for its community-engaged work in Apalachicola. The project focused on cultural heritage and involved local partners throughout Franklin County.

👉 https://www.newswise.com/articles/uwf-archaeology-institute-receives-international-award-for-research

 

📚 Library Literacy Program Continues Strong

The parent-child literacy program at the Margaret Key Public Library, funded by a $10,000 grant, is still helping local families build early reading skills through evening sessions that combine learning, books, and community support.

👉 https://franklincounty.news/2026/07/21/helping-parents-learn-to-catch-a-teachable-moment/

Game and Trivia Nights in the Forgotten Coast

Bingo Night lights up Eastpoint Beer Company every Monday at 5:30 PM, bringing together locals for an evening filled with free bingo, beer, and pizza at 374 US-98, Eastpoint.

Arrive with friends, grab a pint, and enjoy a chance to win prizes in a warm, relaxed setting near the bay.

Tuesdays at 5:30 PM, join BullFrog for Trivia Night at the same beloved spot—no cost to play, fantastic craft brews, and waterfront views add to the fun.

For trivia with a twist, Crooked River Grill at 151 Laughing Gull Lane hosts Trivia Tuesdays from 6:00 to 7:30 PM, led by the lively Cecily Stevens.

It’s just $2 to enter, supporting a local nonprofit, and promises laughter, friendly competition, and a classic coastal vibe.

Tucked in the heart of Apalachicola’s historic district, the Majestic Jewel (also known as the Majestic Inn) is one of those places that feels like a secret worth sharing. Built in 1908 as a private home for the Flatauer family, the grand old house later served as a bank and insurance office before sitting empty for years. In 2017 it was carefully brought back to life as a welcoming inn, and locals still call it the “Jewel of Apalachicola.”

Today it offers elegantly furnished suites and a studio apartment, each with its own character, modern baths, and top-of-the-line beds. Guests love the peaceful Grand Salon (where classical music often floats through the air), the wraparound verandas, and the simple luxury of being just a short walk from restaurants, shops, galleries, and the riverfront. On-site parking is plentiful and well-lit, and boat trailers are welcome.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic weekend, a quiet base for exploring town, or a special place for a small gathering, the Majestic Jewel delivers old Florida charm with modern comfort.

👉 https://majesticjewelofapalachicola.com/

The Current

The heat is still holding strong, but the days are starting to feel a little different. The light softens earlier in the evening, the afternoons carry that familiar heavy stillness before a possible storm, and the coast seems to settle into a quieter rhythm as August moves along.

It’s a good week for the simple things — an early morning walk before the day warms up, a slower lunch under a fan, or just watching the water change color as the sun drops. Summer isn’t done yet, but you can feel it beginning to shift.

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

 Events This Week in the Forgotten Coast 

 

Mahjong Club at Eastpoint Library  🗓️ Tuesdays  ⏰ 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM 📍 Eastpoint Branch Public 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 _______________________________________________________   Novels & Nibbles Book Club 📅 Tuesday, August 11 ⏰ 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. 📍 Eastpoint Branch Public Library - - 160 Hickory Dip Road, Eastpoint 🆓 Free • Light refreshments provided 📖 Join the Eastpoint Public Library for this month’s Novels & Nibbles gathering. The August selection is The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner. Come ready to discuss the book and enjoy light refreshments with fellow readers.  👉Click for Book Club Event details  ________________________________________________________ Adult Crafternoons – Make-Up Crafts 📅 Thursday, August 13 ⏰ 2:30 p.m. 📍 Eastpoint Branch, Franklin County Public Library, 160 Hickory Dip Road, Eastpoint 📞 850-670-8151  🆓 Free 🎨 The library has leftover craft projects from previous sessions and invites adults to come make something they may have missed. Join this relaxed make-up crafts afternoon and get creative.   👉Click for Additional info  ________________________________________________________ Free Homework Help 📅 Thursdays ⏰ 3:00 – 3:45 p.m. (by appointment) 📍 Apalachicola Margaret Key Public Library, -80 12th Street (on Hwy 98)  📞 850-653-8436  🆓 Free • Grades K–12 📚 Students can get free one-on-one tutoring help with reading, math (including algebra and geometry), science, language arts, social studies, and more. Flexible times and free resources like internet access and craft supplies are available at the library. Call ahead to schedule a session.  👉Click for Additional info  _______________________________________________________  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 _______________________________________________________        Country Farmers Market   🗓️ Saturdays (1st and 3rd Saturdays)  ⏰ 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM  📍 Crooked River Lighthouse -1975 Hwy 98 W, Carrabelle 📞 (850) 697-2732 Call to plans have not changed, confirm since July 4th... 🎟️ Free to attend 📋 Fresh local produce, handmade goods, and that classic small-town weekend vibe right downtown.   👉Click for info on Country Farmers Market 👉 Farmers Market Flyer  _______________________________________________________     Live Music at Crooked River Grill - featuring Bruce Brown   🗓️ Saturday,  July 25, 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 _______________________________________________________ Special Exhibit: Foundations of Freedom – Carrabelle’s Role in America’s Story   📅 July 4th through September 30, 2026 📍 Carrabelle Library or Visitor Center area 💰 Free to attend Explore Carrabelle’s important place in American history with this special exhibit celebrating our nation’s 250th birthday. Discover local stories, historical artifacts, and Carrabelle’s unique contributions to America’s story during this patriotic summer. Perfect for history buffs and families alike!   👉 Click Here for Full Details 👉 Carrabelle History Museum website

 

   

 

The Forgotten Coast is full of good news this week, with four community highlights worth celebrating.

Small Wins and Good Things Week of August 10–16, 2026

Here are a few bright spots making us smile this week on the Forgotten Coast:

🥎 Franklin County Girls Take Third at World Series

 The Franklin County squad finished third at the World Series in Winnabow, North Carolina, after a strong run that included shutouts and hard-fought wins. Coaches and families praised the girls’ resilience and teamwork throughout the tournament.

👉 https://franklincounty.news/2026/08/04/franklin-county-takes-third-at-world-series/

 

📚 Apalachicola Library Planning Expanded Courtyard

 The Margaret Key Public Library is moving forward with plans for a new outdoor courtyard and seating area as part of a larger revitalization that also includes parking lot improvements. The courtyard project is being funded by PALS and will create more inviting outdoor space for reading and gathering.

👉 https://franklincounty.news/2026/08/04/apalachicola-library-plans-expanded-courtyard/

 

🏓 New Pickleball Courts Coming Across the County

 Franklin County TDC funds are supporting new pickleball courts on St. George Island and in Carrabelle, with six more courts under construction in Apalachicola. The same tourism dollars are also helping with road improvements and the recent renovation of the Fort Coombs Armory.

👉 https://www.wjhg.com/2026/08/07/pickleball-courts-road-paving-franklin-county-putting-tdc-funds-work/

Game and Trivia Nights in the Forgotten Coast

Bingo Night lights up Eastpoint Beer Company every Monday at 5:30 PM, bringing together locals for an evening filled with free bingo, beer, and pizza at 374 US-98, Eastpoint.

Arrive with friends, grab a pint, and enjoy a chance to win prizes in a warm, relaxed setting near the bay.

Tuesdays at 5:30 PM, join BullFrog for Trivia Night at the same beloved spot—no cost to play, fantastic craft brews, and waterfront views add to the fun.

For trivia with a twist, Crooked River Grill at 151 Laughing Gull Lane hosts Trivia Tuesdays from 6:00 to 7:30 PM, led by the lively Cecily Stevens.

It’s just $2 to enter, supporting a local nonprofit, and promises laughter, friendly competition, and a classic coastal vibe.

The Current

There’s a particular quiet that starts settling over the coast in mid-August. The big holiday crowds have thinned, the mornings feel a little softer, and the long days still hold plenty of light even as the evenings begin to arrive a touch earlier. You can feel the season shifting — not in a dramatic way, just in the slower pace of the boats coming in, the way the heat lingers later into the afternoon, and the sense that summer is still here but no longer quite as loud.

It’s a good week to notice the smaller things: the way the marsh looks after a quick storm, the sound of the water against the docks in the early evening, the simple pleasure of an unhurried afternoon.

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

 

 Events This Week in the Forgotten Coast 

   

Mahjong Club at Eastpoint Library

🗓️ Tuesdays 

⏰ 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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 ________________________________________________________

 

Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening – Maritime Heritage Museum

 

📅 Wednesday, August 5

 ⏰ 2:00 p.m.

📍 Franklin County Maritime Heritage Museum, 441 Hwy 98, Apalachicola, FL

📞 (850) 670-3474

 🆓 Free

 

⚓ Celebrate the grand opening of the Franklin County Maritime Heritage Museum with a ribbon cutting. The evolving museum, funded by state grants and the Franklin County TDC, is seeking additional maritime artifacts. Visitors can also view the two replica lighthouses on the back lawn.

👉 https://www.floridasforgottencoast.com/event/two-monumental-ribbon-cuttings/

 

 

 _______________________________________________________ 

 

 

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

 

 

_______________________________________________________  

  

Apalachicola Farmers Market

 

🗓️ Saturday, August 8 (2nd and 4th Saturdays) 

⏰ 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM 

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

 (133 Avenue E/11th Street) 

📞 (850) 697-2732 

🎟️ Free to attend

 

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

 

👉Click for info on Country Farmers Market

👉 Facebook Farmers Market Info

 

_______________________________________________________  

  

Infinity Day 

 

 📅 Saturday, August 8

⏰ 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

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

 📞 (850) 275-9895

🆓 Free • All Ages

♾️ Join the library for a fun morning of creativity and curiosity as you explore the idea of infinity through hands-on activities. Try infinity mirrors, make infinity art cards, learn infinite knots with macramé, play a paper-plate loop game, and enjoy ongoing stations like a scavenger hunt, mural wall, and building with Legos and Magna-Tiles.

 

 👉Click for Infinity Day Event Details

 

_______________________________________________________ 

 

Evening at the Edge of the Sea

 

📅 Saturday, August 8, 2026

⏰ 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

📍 FSU Coastal and Marine Laboratory, St. Teresa (3618 Coastal Hwy 98)

🦀 Explore the hidden world of the tidal flats! This hands-on evening program starts with a short talk on local marine ecology, followed by a guided walk into the shallows to discover fascinating sea creatures up close. Perfect for nature lovers and curious minds!

💵 $15 per person (cash or check at the event)

👥 Limited to 20 participants | Ages 7+ (kids 7–13 must be accompanied by a paying adult)

 

👉 Register at marinelab.fsu.edu

 

  _______________________________________________________  

 

Live Music at Crooked River Grill - featuring Up to No Good

 

🗓️ Saturday,  July 25, 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

 

________________________________________________________

 

Special Exhibit: Foundations of Freedom – Carrabelle’s Role in America’s Story

📅 July 4th through September 30, 2026

📍 Carrabelle Library or Visitor Center area

💰 Free to attend

Explore Carrabelle’s important place in American history with this special exhibit celebrating our nation’s 250th birthday. Discover local stories, historical artifacts, and Carrabelle’s unique contributions to America’s story during this patriotic summer. Perfect for history buffs and families alike!  

👉 Click Here for Full Details

👉 Carrabelle History Museum website 

   

 

The Forgotten Coast is full of good news this week, with four community highlights worth celebrating.

Here are a few bright spots making us smile this week on the Forgotten Coast:

📚 Library Literacy Program Helps Local Families

A $10,000 grant from the Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida is supporting a hands-on literacy program at the Apalachicola Margaret Key Public Library. Parents and young children gather twice a week for meals, reading, and practical tips on catching those everyday “teachable moments.” 

👉 https://franklincounty.news/2026/07/21/helping-parents-learn-to-catch-a-teachable-moment/

_______

🏛️Carrabelle Exhibit Still Drawing Visitors

The Carrabelle History Museum’s “Foundations of Freedom – Carrabelle’s Role in America’s Story” exhibit remains on display through September 30. The free exhibit, timed with the nation’s 250th birthday, highlights local history, civic life, and original artifacts. 

👉 https://franklincounty.news/2026/06/30/exhibit-to-probe-carrabelles-role-in-americas-story/

_______

🐢 St. George Island Sea Turtle Patrol Finds 10 New Nests

After Tropical Storm Bertha washed away or damaged a large number of nests, the St. George Island Sea Turtle Patrol focused on the positive and reported 10 new nests found over the weekend. Volunteers continue their dedicated work protecting the remaining nests and encouraging beachgoers to keep the beaches clean, flat, and dark.

 👉 https://www.mypanhandle.com/news/saint-george-sea-turtle-patrol-finds-10-new-nests/ 

Game and Trivia Nights in the Forgotten Coast

Bingo Night lights up Eastpoint Beer Company every Monday at 5:30 PM, bringing together locals for an evening filled with free bingo, beer, and pizza at 374 US-98, Eastpoint.

Arrive with friends, grab a pint, and enjoy a chance to win prizes in a warm, relaxed setting near the bay.

Tuesdays at 5:30 PM, join BullFrog for Trivia Night at the same beloved spot—no cost to play, fantastic craft brews, and waterfront views add to the fun.

For trivia with a twist, Crooked River Grill at 151 Laughing Gull Lane hosts Trivia Tuesdays from 6:00 to 7:30 PM, led by the lively Cecily Stevens.

It’s just $2 to enter, supporting a local nonprofit, and promises laughter, friendly competition, and a classic coastal vibe.

 

Photo Courtesy of GritsandPinecones.com   Southern Cornbread Recipe (Buttermilk and Cast Iron) Traditional Southern Cornbread Nothing pairs with a summer supper on the Forgotten Coast quite like a skillet of true Southern cornbread — crispy on the outside, tender inside, and made the old-fashioned way with no sugar. This version from Grits and Pinecones uses stone-ground cornmeal, buttermilk, and a hot cast-iron skillet to deliver that classic golden crust and rich corn flavor. It’s simple, reliable, and perfect alongside greens, field peas, fried fish, or a bowl of chili. Serve it warm with a pat of butter and you’ve got pure comfort. Full recipe: https://www.gritsandpinecones.com/traditional-southern-style-cornbread/