Buds N Bugs: Swallow-tailed kite

  I know it’s really spring when I see my first swallow-tailed kite. Since we have a fairly robust population here, many people may be unaware that this bird is in eminent danger due t... READ MORE

Classic vessels shine at boat show

Dadlerstein@starfl.com Sunny skies, gleaming on a wealth of shiny automobiles and boats, highlighted last month’s 15th annual Apalachicola Antique & Classic Boat Show at Riverfront Park. ... READ MORE

Solar-powered boat makes her debut

The Archemedes is the world’s largest solar-powered concrete boat. On Saturday, April 20, those who attended the Florida State University Marine Lab Open House got a glimpse of the future. Disc... READ MORE

Rocking the dock

Luke Solomon, 12, holds a 3-pound 11-ounce flounder that won first place, and $500, in the adult division of the fifth annual Rock the Dock fishing tournament last weekend in Panacea.  ...

Chills and thrills at the FSU Marine Lab

Cool weather and a brisk breeze didn’t keep visitors away from the Florida State University Marine Lab open house. On Saturday, April 20 the marine lab held its biannual open house which was at... READ MORE

Stout trout

St. George Island’s Tom Tiffin holds a spotted seatrout he caught and released while fishing at a favorite spot off the island April 18. Found inshore and nearshore in and around seagrass meadows... READ MORE

Buds N Bugs: Coral Honeysuckle

I grew up thinking of honeysuckle as having white frothy flowers full of nectar that faded to yellow with age. As children we learned to suck the nectar out. Only later did I see coral ... READ MORE

Buds N Bugs: Indigo Bunting

Beautiful indigo buntings have been spotted across the county this month during their spring migration. I am hardly an expert on birds but, since I am trying to learn more, I thought I’d share my... READ MORE

Volunteers tackle Carrabelle’s Patton Park

On Saturday, April 6, volunteers from the Apalachee Audubon Chapter, Boy Scouts of America Troop 220, city of Carrabelle, Leon County Soil and Water Conservation District, and Sea Oats Garden ... READ MORE

Pompano arrive

The pompano have just begun to show up here in our little part of the northern Gulf. Photo is by Captain Tommy Holland and the angler is one of the Edmisten party aboard Holland’s boat on April 2. ... READ MORE

Buds N Bugs: Blue-eyed grass

Blue-eyed grass thrives on neglect.

This hardy little member of the iris family is common to open moist habitats throughout Florida.

A perennial evergreen, this cheery little plant blooms...

Hundreds visit St. Vincent Island

Almost 300 people attended the annual open house on St. Vincent Island hosted by the Supporters of St. Vincent. In spite of cold weather, forbidding skies and whitecaps on the bay, the passenge... READ MORE

Reusable recyled grocery bags from SAPP

Students against Plastic Pollution (SAPP) has two new projects in the works. At the March 18 county commission meeting, Brooke Pittman, president of the student conservation group, requested pe... READ MORE

Buds N Bugs: Gallinippers

A number of emails have circulated recently regarding so-called monster mosquitoes or gallinippers. Described as “One of the most ferocious insects you've ever heard of; the size of a quarter a... READ MORE

Buds N Bugs: Brown Widow Spiders

The poisonous spider most commonly encountered in Franklin County is now the brown widow, Latrodectus geometricus. They are an invasive species from Asia that appeared here only a few ...