Florida's Forgotten Coast

Bits and Pieces Mixed Media Art Class
2023-05-16, 2023-05-09, 2023-05-02, 2023-04-25 | Art of Glass, 128 C East Pine Avenue, St. George Island, 32328
Are you looking for something to do on St. George Island? Are you down on vacation? Do you need something for you & the kids to do while Dad is fishing? Or do you just want to visit your artistic side?
Let us help you find your inner artist at Art of Glass, with our 1 hr Bit & Pieces art classes! Just call ahead, we have 3 convenient classes held daily: 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm.
You pick your canvas glass and other media and create a work of art with your family and friends in a safe and clean setting. When it’s completed, we coat it in a clear epoxy resin and you can pick up your masterpiece the next day.
Great for parties, family get-togethers, or our BYOB girl’s night out classes. Bring something special home from your vacation that you can enjoy for years. Just call Devorah at Art of Glass to reserve your Bit and Pieces experience at 850-370-1019 or book online at www.SGIArtofGlass.com.
Flyer from Art of Glass, explanation of classes

Apalach Ghost Tour
2023-05-15 20:00, 2023-05-12 20:00, 2023-05-10 20:00, 2023-05-08 20:00, 2023-05-05 20:00 (America/New_York) | Apalachicola
Take a ghost tour in downtown Apalachicola with your own personal ghostly guide. Hear ghost stories about people from the town’s past told in front of some of the city’s most historic buildings. You’ll also hear some local legends including the Ghost Hearse of Bloody Bluff and more. Plus certain volunteers will get to use EMF detectors to see if we pick up any ghostly energy and we will also do some paranormal investigating too. The tour may last up to an hour. The tour will begin in front of the Chamber of Commerce which is located at 17 Avenue E next to the Dixie Theatre. *Please Note: Schedule is subject to change without notice. Time will change due to Daylight Savings Time. Please visit the website for exact days and times.

2nd Annual SGI ShrimpFest
2023-05-13 11:00 - 16:00 | Saint George Island Lighthouse, 2-B East Gulf Beach Drive, Saint George Island, 32328
The St. George Lighthouse Association is thrilled to announce that it will be hosting the 2nd Annual SGI ShrimpFest on May 13, 2022, from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm in the western parking area adjacent to Lighthouse Park. This family and community-oriented festival will be a one-day outdoor event offering patrons great live musical entertainment, a fairway of games for the children sponsored by the Forgotten Coast Parrothead Club, and the chance to dine on the freshest, most delicious local shrimp dishes.
This year’s event will feature the musical entertainment of two extraordinary acts. Local favorites, Flying Fish, duo Singer-songwriters Robert E. Mason and Jeff Dutrow, will start the day playing their palette of music with smears of color from the Grateful Dead, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Solomon Burke, Mavis Staples, various blues and shades of Americana. The legendary, Bill Wharton, a.k.a “The Sauce Boss”, will be headlining. Bill’s music is a fun blend of roots and swampy Florida blues-rock. This Singer-songwriter is a slide guitar player and gumbo chef…cooking up a mind-blowing gumbo right on stage then passing out the tasty results at set’s end. If you like lowdown-boogie blues, you are going to love The Sauce Boss.
Tickets for the event will be $5.00 and will be available starting March 6th online at www.sgishrimpfest.com or in person at the Lighthouse Gift Shop. Children twelve years of age and under are FREE but still require the “purchase” of a free ticket for entry.
The SGI Shrimp Festival is a fundraiser for the St. George Lighthouse Association (SGLA). The SGLA is a 501c3 non-profit Florida corporation organized to preserve, maintain, and promote the Cape St. George Lighthouse. Funds raised are vital for the on-going maintenance and enhancement of the Lighthouse, the Keeper’s House Museum, and Lighthouse Park. To that end, festival organizers are looking for event sponsors and supporters. Those interested in becoming a festival sponsor or individual supporter can go online at www.sgishrimpfest.com to sign up.

Apalachicola Farmers Market
2023-05-13 09:00 - 13:00, 2023-04-22 09:00 - 13:00 | Mill Pond, 479 Market St, Apalachicola, 32320, United States
Located at the beautiful Millpond Pavilion at the end of Market Street, the Apalachicola Farmers Market offers local seafood, produce, honey, homemade breads, pies, and other regional specialties every 2nd and 4th Saturday from 9 AM until 1 PM in Apalachicola.

FSUCML Lecture Series (May 11th at 7:00 pm)
2023-05-11 19:00 - 20:00 | FSU Marine Lab, 3618 US-98, St. Teresa, FL, 32358, United States
Dr. Tara Stewart Merrill is an aquatic disease ecologist who focuses on understanding the causes of pathogen spread in natural systems, and the consequences of infection for individuals, populations, and ecological communities. Fourteen years ago, Tara left a promising professional career in ballet and modern dance for the dark side—the dark side of parasites and infectious disease. In 2009, she began her scientific education at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where she received her BA in Biology. In 2019, she completed her PhD at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign focusing on the drivers of fungal epidemics in freshwater plankton. Tara then completed a two-year postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Colorado Boulder. In her new faculty position at the FSU CML, Tara is investigating 1) the impacts of disease on Apalachicola oysters, 2) how parasites regulate host populations through lethal and non-lethal effects, and 3) relationships between biodiversity and infectious disease, including when parasites serve as indicators of ecosystem health versus warning signs of ecosystem decline.
In her lecture, Tara will dive into the controversy surrounding biodiversity-disease relationships, including how we can test theory and how we can move toward resolution.

Downtown Apalachicola Market
2023-05-10 09:00 - 13:00, 2023-05-03 09:00 - 13:00, 2023-04-26 09:00 - 13:00, 2023-04-19 09:00 - 13:00 | Bee Inspired Too, 56 Commerce Street, Apalachicola, FL, 32320, United States
The market offers a charming outdoor shopping experience every Wednesday, in downtown Apalachicola for all who appreciate delicious food. You’ll find fresh vegetables and micro greens, farm-fresh eggs, grass-fed beef, artisanal food, homemade kombucha, Bayside Coffee Co., gourmet foods, condiments, and more! Come support local artisans as well as indulge in delicious, homemade foods! Interested in becoming a vendor? Call (954) 593-8616.

Pen to Paper Writers' Series
2023-05-08 14:00 - 15:00 | Carrabelle Library, 311 St. James Avenue SE (US Hwy 98), Carrabelle, FL, 32322, United States
The Franklin County Public Libraries continues its popular writers’ series entitled, “Pen to Paper” with another fascinating program scheduled for Monday, May 8 at 2:00 pm at the Carrabelle Branch Library. This session will feature Michael Llado-Davila and Lois Swoboda, who will share their experiences writing travel memoirs and children’s books.
Michael Llado-Davila is a traveler, writer, social critic and human rights activist. His background in education, restorative justice, public policy, needs assessment, strategic planning and comprehensive human service delivery, contribute to his current writing endeavors. His book is called The Gift of Travel: Passport to Mindfulness, Gratitude, and Compassion.
Lois Swoboda lives in Apalachicola, Florida. She has three dogs, three cats, and loves the outdoors, the beach, and uncrowded places. Her book series is called Old Neb and it was inspired by stories told by Joe “Snooky” Barber, who spent over 70 years working as a waterman on Florida’s Gulf coast.
The Carrabelle Branch Library is located at 311 St. James Avenue (Hwy 98), Carrabelle, FL. These friendly and informal sessions are a chance to meet these local authors and ask questions about their experiences. Refreshments will be served. There is no charge to attend and the public is welcome. Sponsored by the Friends of the Franklin County Public Libraries. For questions about this series, please contact the Carrabelle Branch Library at (850) 697-2366.

Historic Apalachicola Home and Garden Tour
2023-05-06 10:00 - 16:00 | Apalachicola Trinity Episcopal Church, 79 6th Street, Apalachicola, FL, 32320, United States
Apalachicola’s annual Home and Garden Tour is scheduled for May 6 and will feature a variety of homes ranging from century-old houses to charming bungalows and contemporary homes. Homes will be open only on Saturday, May 6 from 10 am – 4 pm.

Carrabelle Country Market
2023-05-06 09:00 - 13:00 | Crooked River Lighthouse, 1975 Hwy 98 W, Carrabelle, FL, 32322, United States
This market at the Crooked River Lighthouse in Carrabelle features vendors from the community with perfect gifts and goodies. There is freshly roasted coffee, delicious baked goods including cinnamon rolls and artisan bread, gorgeous art and photography, handcrafted balms and soaps, fresh herbs, vegetable seeds, handmade goods, and craft items, produce, and exotic starter plants.
Guests can also visit the free Museum and browse inside the Lighthouse Gift Shop for unique nautical gifts. Also, shoppers have the unique opportunity to climb to the lighthouse’s top for a breathtaking view of the Bay.
New and returning vendors are always welcome. The cost to be a vendor is $10. For more information, contact 850-697-2732 or carrabellelighthouse@gmail.com. Funded in part by the Franklin County Tourist Development Council.

May Full Moon Climb at Crooked River Lighthouse
2023-05-05 20:00 - 22:00 | Crooked River Lighthouse, 1975 Hwy 98 W, Carrabelle, FL, 32322, United States
The Crooked River Lighthouse will host a Full Moon Lighthouse Climb on Friday, May 5th, from 8:00-10:00 pm in Carrabelle, FL. Visitors can enjoy this opportunity to see the gorgeous natural surroundings of St. George Sound and Carrabelle Beach under the glow of the rising Flower Moon.
While at Carrabelle’s lighthouse, guests can also have an after-hours visit of the Keeper’s House Museum and see the new exhibit for the lighthouse’s original, historic Fresnel lens. Visitors can browse the unique nautical gifts and souvenirs in the gift shop. Guests may also enjoy the glowing bonfire in the park (weather permitting). Bring a chair and enjoy the evening.
The climb to the top of the tallest Forgotten Coast lighthouse rewards bold climbers with breathtaking views of the bay. Cost is $8 for adults and $3 for kids. All climbers must be at least 44 inches tall. You’ll need to make reservations for those who wish to climb the lighthouse tower during this event by calling the Lighthouse gift shop.
A limited number of climbers (max of 7) are allowed at one time. There will be a time limit for viewing from the top. Guests who want a more leisurely climbing experience are welcome to enjoy one of the daytime climbs available every Wednesday through Sunday. Masks are welcome but not required.
Crooked River Lighthouse is located in Carrabelle, just west of the Carrabelle Public Beach Park at 1975 Hwy 98 W, Carrabelle. For more information, contact the gift shop at 850-697-2732, carrabellelighthouse@gmail.com or https://www.crookedriverlighthouse.com. Funded in part by the Franklin County Tourist Development Council.

May Sunset and Full Moon Climb at Cape St. George Lighthouse
2023-05-05 20:00 - 22:00 | Saint George Island Lighthouse, 2-B East Gulf Beach Drive, Saint George Island, 32328
The May Sunset and Full Moon Climb at the Cape St. George Lighthouse on St. George Island will be held on Friday, May 5, 2023. This is a unique opportunity to enjoy the view of St. George Island, the Gulf of Mexico and the Apalachicola Bay under the evening sky from the top of the lighthouse.
The Sunset and Full Moon Climb will begin at 8:00 p.m. and run until 10:00 p.m. Fifteen-minute time slots will be allotted for each group on a first come, first served basis. No advanced reservations will be taken. You will purchase your tickets in the gift shop and then sign up for your 15-minute time slot with the lighthouse keeper. Up to 12 persons allowed in each 15-minute time slot. The gift shop will open at 7:30pm to begin selling tickets.
Cost is $10.00 per climber for the general public and $7.00 for members of the St. George Lighthouse Association. Cash or credit card payments accepted. All climbers must be at least 40 inches tall to climb the tower and children must be age 13 and over to access the outside catwalk. For more information, please contact the Lighthouse Gift Shop at 850-927-7745.
The sun will set at 8:18 p.m. and the “Flower” moon will rise at 8:34 p.m. on May 5. The May full moon is called the Flower moon because flowers are in abundant bloom at this time. Full Moon names are attributable to native American tribes, most notably the Algonquin, who named the moons to mark the changing seasons.
The Cape St. George Light is located in St. George Lighthouse Park at the center of St. George Island, where Island Drive (the road off the bridge) ends at Gulf Beach Drive. Parking is available in lots at either side of the park.

First Friday Art Event
2023-05-05 17:00 - 20:00 | Rio Carrabelle, 102 St James Ave, Carrabelle, FL, 32322, United States
Rio Carrabelle is hosting a First Friday art event on Friday, May 5 from 5:00-8:00 pm at Rio Carrabelle. This First Friday art event will be held in celebration of the new outdoor art recently installed along Tallahassee Street in Carrabelle. These large pieces of public art were created by phenomenal artists William Owen, Roger Leonard, Pat Moore, Barb Ryan and Bo May. This wonderful art project, fully funded by Rio Carrabelle and the artists themselves, was installed and unveiled just in time for the Carrabelle Riverfront Festival. The artists felt it was important to take a key location in the historic business district, which had become empty and boarded up, and turn it into a delightful enhancement for Carrabelle citizens and visitors to enjoy. These outdoor art pieces include abstracts, large scale historic photographs, landscape photographs, coastal themed paintings and striking portraits including a painting in memory of Ron Gemple of Carrabelle Junction. Guests can also browse new artwork recently put on display inside the Rio Carrabelle Gallery. These include new works by Joe Kotzman, William Owen, Pat Moore and Barb Ryan as well as the art of the “Dog Island guys”, artists Bradlee Shanks and Roger Leonard and owner, Bo May.
This indoor / outdoor First Friday art event will be filled with interesting art, live music, local artists, lively conversation, and refreshments and is a wonderful chance to meet several of these talented artists in a relaxed, social atmosphere. Rio Carrabelle Art Gallery is located at 102 St. James Avenue (US Hwy 98), Carrabelle, Florida. Rio Carrabelle is a unique art and music destination located in beautiful Carrabelle. Visit www.riocarrabelle.com for more information or on Facebook, The Gallery at Rio Carrabelle.

Vintage Flea Market and Country Farmer’s Market
2023-04-29 09:00 - 13:00 | Crooked River Lighthouse, 1975 Hwy 98 W, Carrabelle, FL, 32322, United States
Vintage Flea Market and Country Farmer’s Market April 29th from 9 am-1 pm at Crooked River Lighthouse in Carrabelle. From thrift-store worthy scores to high-end antiques, bring your much loved treasures to the market to find them a new home. The Vintage Flea Market welcomes home décor, furniture, vintage jewelry, music, antiques, tools, ceramics, kitchenware, books, art, toys, or gently used clothing as long as they are clean and in good condition. Plus the Country Market features local vendors with farm fresh produce, grass fed beef, delicious baked goods including cinnamon rolls & artisan breads, batch roasted coffee, gorgeous art, handcrafted balms, and handmade goods and craft items. Funded in part by the Franklin County Tourist Development Council.

Spring Speaker Series - Marshall Brothers: Architects, Boatwrights and Pillars of the Community
2023-04-22 16:00 | Raney House – Carriage House, 128 Market Street, Apalachicola, FL, 32320, United States
The Apalachicola Area Historical Society (AAHS) is presenting a program on “Marshall Brothers: Architects, Boatwrights and Pillars of the Community” featuring Marshall family descendants, Donia Smith and Ken Tucker, on Saturday, April 22, at 4:00 pm at the Raney Carriage House, 126 Market Street, Apalachicola, FL. Guests are invited to hear a discussion about the many beautiful homes in Apalachicola that were built by the Marshall Brothers, as well as their boatbuilding experiences. For more information, please call and leave a message at (850) 653-1700, email to AAHS.Raney@gmail.com, or online at www.apalachicolahistoricalsociety.org. Funded in part by the Franklin County Tourist Development Council.

6th Annual SGI Brewfest
2023-04-22 13:00 - 16:00 | Saint George Island Lighthouse, 2-B East Gulf Beach Drive, Saint George Island, 32328
The SGI Brewfest is a one-day beer tasting festival to promote the appreciation of craft beer. All proceeds benefit the Franklin County Humane Society. 2023 will be our 6th year. This year’s event features an even broader selection of amazing craft beers, friendly faces and furry friends. We’ve got some really cool new features planned for 2023 so be there or be square! This is a very limited engagement and tickets must be purchased in advance. Tickets will NOT be sold at the door. This event will SELL OUT, so buy your tickets early! The SGI Brewfest will be held on Saturday, April 22, 2023 from 1:00-4:00pm (Eastern) in our new location at the public parking area adjacent to SGI Lighthouse Park. VIP and early admission ticket holders will be granted access at noon. Beers, beaches, and bettering the lives of animals. What’s not to love?
All Brewfest attendees must be 21+ including designated drivers. Children and adults under 21 years of age are not permitted at this event. This event will be held rain or shine – NO REFUNDS.

Airing of the Quilts
2023-04-22 10:00 - 15:30 | George Sands Park, Corner of 3rd East &, US-98, Carrabelle, FL, 32322, United States
FREE open-air quilt show. New and vintage quilts are displayed on the fence railing at George Sands Park. Some quilts for sale. Shop the Quilters Boutique for unique handmade items. King-size quilt raffle benefitting Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Charity Fund. Drawing @ 2 pm. Purchase raffle tickets at the event or in advance at Carrabelle Chamber of Commerce, St. James Golf Pro Shop, Art of Glass/SGI, Quilt Guild @ Chillas Hall every Thursday. Tickets are (6) for $5.
Location: George Sands Park * Hwy 98 * Carrabelle

Panhandle Players present Nunsense
2023-04-21 - 2023-04-23 | Chapman Auditorium, 155 Avenue E, Apalachicola, FL, 32320, United States
Panhandle Players present Nunsense: The Mega-Musical by Dan Goggin, April 21-23, 2023.
This musical is a hilarious spoof about the misadventures of five nuns trying to manage a fundraiser. Sadly, the rest of the sisterhood died from botulism after eating vichyssoise prepared by Sister Julia, Child of God. Thus, the remaining nuns – ballet-loving Sister Leo, street-wise Sister Robert Anne, befuddled Sister Mary Amnesia, the Mother Superior Sister Regina, and mistress of the novices Sister Mary Hubert – stage a talent show in order to raise the money to bury their dearly departed. With catchy songs and irreverent comedy, ​Nunsense​ is sure to keep audiences rolling with laughter.

FSUCML Lecture Series - Dr. Dean Grubbs (April 20th at 7:00 pm)
2023-04-20 19:00 - 20:00 | FSU Marine Lab, 3618 US-98, St. Teresa, FL, 32358, United States
Dr. Dean Grubbs is a fish ecologist with >30 years of experience studying the biology and ecology of sharks and rays in coastal, pelagic, and deep-sea environs. Dean’s interest in sharks stems from being raised in Florida’s Gulf coast. After 15 years away doing research based in south Florida, The Bahamas, Virginia and Hawaii, Dean returned “home” in 2007 and has been research faculty at Florida State University’s Coastal and Marine Laboratory since, where he maintains an active and highly collaborative lab and mentors graduate and undergraduate students. In this lecture, Dean will pull examples from his research and recent books to display the diversity and splendor of shark life, the roles sharks play in marine ecosystems, the challenges and successes of shark fisheries management and conservation, and illustrated with some “highlights” and “lowlights” from his own research career.

Reserve Wednesday: Nesting Shorebirds
2023-04-19 14:00 - 15:00 | Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve Nature Center, 108 Island Drive, Eastpoint, FL, 32328, United States
Join us to learn about what it takes to be a breeding shorebird in the panhandle and the hardships that come with nesting in this ever-changing landscape. Brian Cammarano, Audubon FL Shorebird Stewardship Coordinator, will introduce us to the five focal species that the Florida Shorebird Alliance closely monitors throughout the panhandle and how you can help beach-nesting birds through volunteering. We will also get the most up to date information regarding nesting activity in the eastern panhandle.
