F-Stop Franklin: Out our way

PAGE 13

APALACHICOLA

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2021 | APALACHTIMES.COM PART OF THE USA TODAY NETWORK County settles down runway uproar

David Adlerstein whose district the airport This time, he said sponsibility to the airport. Apalachicola Times lies, did not comment on nothing, but along with “The county used to embrace the air- USA TODAY NETWORK the push by Commission- his colleagues, had ques- port, and now that’s stopped,” he said. er Bert Boldt to encour- tions about how to pro- “They stopped putting any money in the It was about as close as you can get to age the reviving of the ceed with handling the forest clear zones and it’s now a forest. a kumbaya moment when it comes to citizen advisory board. In shutting down of a third The county would not cut back trees. the Apalachicola Regional Airport. Smokey the past Parrish has Bert Boldt runway. “It’s not a one runway issue; it’s an At last week’s Jan. 5 meeting, county Parrish pushed back on the The meeting opened airport issue,” he said, citing other al- commissioners unanimously agreed to board, or been noncom- with a strong appeal by three airport leged neglects, culminating in Airport not abandon a third runway that the mittal about having one at all, for what backers to not allow the runway to be Manager Jason Puckett having filed pa- state is no longer interested in funding, he sees as overreach by aviation enthu- closed. perwork to remove the instrument ap- and to reconstitute an airport advisory siasts without regard for concerns Steve Kirschenbaum, a former mem- proach from runway #1836, and turning board. found in the neighborhood that abuts ber of the airport advisory board, ac- Commissioner Smokey Parrish, in the airport. cused the county of abandoning its re- See RUNWAY, Page 6

Carrabelle city seat up for grabs David Adlerstein Apalachicola Times USA TODAY NETWORK

Sebrina Brown is the first to burst out of the starting gate this week in the race to fill an open seat on the Carrabelle city commission. Whether she’s the thoroughbred to succeed Keith Walden, who stepped down last year due to state retirement rules pertaining to his completion of a career with the Florida Department of Corrections, or whether she’ll be tailed by other challengers, won’t be known until Friday before noon. That's the last day a candidate can come in, fill out all the oaths and affidavits, and pay the fil- ing fee of $85.56, $45 of which goes to the state. City Clerk Keisha Messer said she’s handed out packets to a number of in-

See SEAT, Page 6

Nurses, pictured clockwise from top left: RNs Lisa Hogan, Shelby Richards, Emerald Larkin, and Jordan Walk, or Heath, and Brittany Beauchamp, APRN provide some of the first COVID-19 vaccines in Franklin and Gulf counties. [ PHOTO COURTESY OF DOH ] Zoom, on Dr. Shots in the arm King holiday David Adlerstein Port St. Joe Star David Adlerstein has completed its first round of Covid-19 vaccina- USA TODAY NETWORK Apalachicola Times tions of residents and staff. USA TODAY NETWORK Death counts released by the state include those If you live on the Forgotten Coast you who previously tested positive for COVID-19. have a couple options for celebrating the They’re sticking it to grandparents these days, “The state's medical examiners are tasked with upcoming Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holi- big time, and they’re booked solid trying to get it. investigating and certifying COVID-19 deaths in day. “All vaccines are allocated via appointment slot Florida,” said Sarah Quaranta, administrator of the None of them are business as usual. and we are fully booked at this point,” said Jessie Franklin and Gulf County health department. In Port St. Joe, organizers canceled the Pippen, public information officer in Gulf County “Cross Shores has an open and active Covid-19 annual commemorative walking together for the state health department facility that serves unit that has been and is accepting patients from all parade celebration, while in Apalachicola both it and Franklin County. over the area as no other nursing home was willing the organizing committee is preparing for “We average around 75 vaccinations per day, or able to meet this tremendous need,” read a re- a ‘Let Us Do The Right Thing” motorcade/ typically more,” she said lease from Cross Shores. “Since the opening of the walk. As of Monday, the county health department unit, there have been eight deaths in the facility, of The motorcade route in Apalachicola had administered 401 doses of the Moderna vaccine which seven were on palliative care prior to their on Monday starts at the Holy Family Sen- in Franklin County, and 447 in Gulf. COVID-19 diagnosis. ior Center, continues along MLK Jr. Bou- “We are working with other providers to ensure “There were two additional patients that passed levard to 12th Street, 12th Street to 98, and they have a full schedule based on our pre-regis- away in the hospital who tested positive for CO- on to Battery Park. Cars, trucks, motorcy- tration list,” she said. “We are still working on indi- VID-19,” read the statement. cles, golf carts, scooters, skate boards, viduals ages 65 and up.” “The DOH-Franklin and Gulf developed a local own two feet, are all encouraged. Social Nowhere is the need to vaccinate more acute system to ensure every individual in this priority distances and face masks are required. than in long-term care facilities, which have seen category who wants to get a vaccine will have ac- Following the motorcade walk, special positive tests, and even some deaths, in the two cess,” read a Monday news release from the health recognition will be given to the county’s counties. department. “We appreciate everyone’s patience as front-line workers, from the county Cross Shores Care Center nursing home in Port St. Joe, which has seen COVID-19-related deaths, See VACCINE, Page 6 See DR. KING, Page 6

Police Hirings Opinion Volume 135 | No. 39 Florida gave thousands of tarnished officers a Go see your doctor, but wear a mask, Page 4 Home delivery pricing inside Subscribe 850-653-8868 second chance, Page 8 ©2021 $0.50 YAIIAF-93500u 2A | THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2021 | THE TIMES Panhandle Players to resume live shows in February

David Adlerstein Apalachicola Times USA TODAY NETWORK

The shows are back on for the Pan- handle Players, beginning the first week of February. The comedy “Dearly Departed,” which was supposed to grace the stage last March, and then perhaps in Octo- ber, is happening at the Chapman Audi- torium Feb. 5 to 7. It will be the same show as what was planned for a year ago, and hopefully the same laughs, but that’s pretty much the only thing that will be the same, Seating is limited, masks are re- quired, protocols are in place, temper- ature will be taken. And the show will go on. “We just feel right now people need an escape, something they can get in- volved in onstage, watching something else besides their TV and get involved in live theatre,” said Port St. Joe resident Renee Valentine, who chairs the board that governs the non-profit community theatre group that operates out of the auditorium in the century-old Chapman School in the heart of Apalachicola. Steve Allen, left, is directing "Dearly Departed," which features Royce Rolstad in the cast. [ PHOTO COURTESY PANHANDLE PLAYERS ] The acting troupe also will ensure the seats are sanitized after each perfor- mance, on Friday and Saturday eve- having the show. We may make no mon- nings, and Sunday afternoon. ey at all,” he said. “It’s not about making “We’re going to do everything we can money. There have been other theatres to make it as safe as possible to come to around the country that have done it the show,” said Royce Rolstad, of Apa- safely.” lachicola, a former board president. He noted that in Walton County, the “We are trying to get back to some Emerald Coast Theatre Company has form of normalcy with health protocols resumed performing. in place,” he said. “Thank god we have In addition to most of the cast, as well the vaccines. Some are OK with going as the crew, the set remains unchanged, and feel safe; not everybody’s going to after sitting undisturbed for 10 months. feel safe about going out right now. If “The ushers have a different role this you feel safe, we would love to have time,” said Rolstad. “They’re going to ac- you.” tually seat people so they’re going to The cast under the direction of Carra- have a bigger role.” belle’s Steve Allen is different than the Confident their return next month first go-round, since one male lead has will go well, the Panhandle Players have moved away, and two female leads, both already cast a show tentatively set for also board members, have opted out of the end of March. both involvements. This original dramatic comedy “The “We want to plan to do anything but Corruption of Harry Finley,” is a playw- we’re not dumb, we know that can riting debut for renowned nature pho- Julia Ferrell, left, a Gulf County resident, rehearses with Jeana Crozier, from change with what happens with this tographer, and novelist, John B. Spohr- Apalachicola. [ PHOTO COURTESY PANHANDLE PLAYERS ] pandemic,” said Rolstad. “With local er, a resident of St. George Island. laws we can be shut down tomorrow. That show is slated for March 26 to We’re well-aware of that. 28. will only be sold online; no tickets will be players.com for info, or visit the troupe’s “It’s a gamble, it’s taking a chance on Tickets for the show, which are $20, sold at the door. Visit www.panhandle- Facebook page.

CITY OF APALACHICOLA, FLORIDA PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

The City of Apalachicola Board of Commissioners is considering applying to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity for Hurricane Michael Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds under the Rebuild Florida Hometown Revitalization Program. The Rebuild Florida Hometown Revitalization Program is designed to provide funding for local governments to carry out strategic and high-impact activities to revitalize commercial districts through rehabilitation, reconstruction, or demolition. This program is not designed for individual homeowner repairs or assistance. Projects may be for public facility improvements, including streetscapes, lighting, sidewalks, and other physical improvements to commercial areas; acquisition, demolition, site preparation, or rehabilitation of commercial structures carried out by a unit of local government; assistance to small businesses for rehabilitation and physical improvements to their places of business; and façade improvements to private or public structures in commercial areas. City of Carrabelle The State of Florida has been allocated funds that will be made available to cities and counties on a competitive basis to undertake eligible activities. The total allocation under the Rebuild Florida Hometown Revitalization Program is $60,406,429. Hurricane Loss Mitigation Program Projects must meet a CDBG-DR National Objective such as: • Benefit to low- and moderate- income (LMI) persons; • Aid in the prevention or elimination of slums or blight; and The City of Carrabelle is • Meet a need having a particular urgency (referred to as urgent need). accepting applications for the Applications are due to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity on or before February 16, 2021. Additionally, projects must demonstrate damage tie- Hurricane Loss back to Hurricane Michael and primarily serve low- and moderate- income (LMI) populations. Mitigation Program

A public hearing to provide specific details regarding the proposed projects, For the 2020-2021 grant cycle program requirements, the application process, and to obtain citizen comments concerning the City’s anticipated projects for these applications shall be held at City Qualifications: of Apalachicola Community Center, 1 Bay Avenue, Apalachicola, FL on January 19 • Must live in the City of Carrabelle * at 4:00pm local time. For information concerning the public hearing, contact Leo Bebeau, at (850)653-9319, or by e-mail at [email protected] • Single Family Home– no mobile homes/trailers

During this meeting, social distancing and mask rules will apply. Seating will be • There is no income limitation requirements limited and on a first come, first serve basis. However, the meeting will be live streamed , or contact Travis Wade, at (850)653-9319. (however low to moderate income applicants will be given higher consideration) The public hearing is being conducted in a handicapped accessible location. Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring a special accommodation at this meeting because of a disability or physical impairment should contact the City Clerk, at 192 Coach Wagoner Blvd. • Exterior construction only (roofs/ fascia/ soffit/ Apalachicola, FL, or by phone at (850)653-9319 at least five calendar days prior to shutters/ roof/gable strapping) the meeting. The City of Apalachicola does not expect that anyone will be permanently displaced Applications can be obtained from the City of as a result of CDBGDR funded activities. If you are hearing or speech impaired, and you possess TDD equipment, you may Carrabelle contact the City Clerk using the Florida Dual Party Relay System, which can be 1206 Hwy 98 East reached at 1-800-955-8770 (Voice) or 1-800-955-7661 (TDD). Any non-English speaking person wishing to attend the public hearing should Carrabelle, Fl 32322 contact the City Clerk, at 192 Coach Wagoner Blvd. Apalachicola, FL, or by phone at (850)653-9319 at least five calendar days prior to the meeting and an interpreter Or requested by email at [email protected] will be provided. A public comment period to obtain citizen comments concerning the City’s intent to If you have any questions please contact apply for funds shall be open until 5:00 p.m. local time on Friday, January 29, 2021. Courtney Dempsey @ 850-697-2727 Any comments must be received by Leo Bebeau, at (850)653-9319 or by e-mail at [email protected], and will be incorporated into the application. NF-11115871 Or [email protected] apalachtimes.com | THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2021 | 3A Six oaks take root in Battery Park

By Pam Richardson posed. These new trees will do much to Special to the Times make up for the loss of the others. In 2004, former four-term mayor Jim- Arbor Day in Florida is the third Friday mie Nichols wrote an article (“It’s Time for in January which, this year, falls on Fri- a Tree Ordinance” (See Apalachicola day, Jan. 15. Times, June 3, 2004), urging the city’s Usually, the city’s tree committee hon- residents to protect its trees. ors this day with a tree giveaway, with “No owner or developer, nor any agent young trees supplied by the Florida Forest or representative thereof,” he wrote, Service, but that event has been can- “shall cut down, destroy, remove or move celled due to concerns about the pan- or injure or commit any act that would demic. Instead, the day was celebrated cause damage to any protected tree locat- with an anonymous donor’s gift of six 15- ed on any property within the city with- gallon live oak trees to the city. The donor out approval from the director of land not only purchased the 9-foot high trees, uses and code enforcement.” but also arranged for Tallahassee Nurser- A tree committee and a tree ordinance ies to plant them at Battery Park on Mon- were finally established in 2011. Since day. then, Apalachicola has been recognized Several weeks prior to the arrival of the as one of the more than 200 cities in Flori- trees, the tree committee met with John da that meet the Arbor Day Foundation Solomon, board president of the Florida requirements for being a “Tree City.” Seafood Festival, at Battery Park to decide In order to qualify for this status, the where the trees could be planted so as not city must have both a tree board and a to interfere with booths and walkways tree ordinance, a community forestry during that popular November event. program with an annual budget of at least As a result, three trees have been $2 per capita, and an annual Arbor Day planted along Sixth Street, two on the observance. The Arbor Day Foundation north side of the playground, and one in website states that the spirit of Arbor Day the central part of the park. The tree com- belongs to “people around the world who mittee will take care of watering the new know that a greener world is healthier, trees until they are established. more beautiful, and more equitable.” Hurricane Michael uprooted one old The city’s tree committee, on behalf of oak and, in the last year, two laurel oaks present and future citizens of Apalachi- and one water oak had to be removed due cola, extends heartfelt thanks to the gen- to disease, age and the safety hazard they erous anonymous donor. Planting one of the live oaks PAM RICHARDSON/SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

Plant a tree to celebrate Arbor Day in Florida

Julie McConnell Right plant, right place But what if you have shade or filtered press, pond cypress, live oak, river UF/IFAS Extension Bay County light? Trees that thrive in low light are birch, sweetbay magnolia, Florida ma- Guest columnist This is the number one Florida- dogwood, redbud, Fringetree and silver- ple, black gum and wax myrtle. Instead Friendly Landscaping Principle and al- bells. These are all understory trees that of making major modifications to your Looking for something to do outdoors ways the place to start when adding to are found naturally in similar condi- site, choose trees suited for what you al- next weekend that meets with social your landscape. There is a tree for every tions. ready have. distancing recommendations? Florida type of landscape situation, and it is im- Another common “trouble spot” in Arbor Day is Saturday, Jan. 16, and what portant to match the tree to the site. landscapes are poorly drained soils or Green side up better way to celebrate than to plant a If your yard is full sun, good drainage, periodic flooding areas. Not all trees are tree? and there is lots of open space for a large able to tolerate prolonged periods of sat- A longstanding joke in the nursery Planting trees is fairly simple, but tree to mature you have your pick of urated soils, so it is very important to industry is when asked how to plant a there are a few recommendations that oaks, bald cypress, crape myrtle, Florida select the right trees for these condi- tree is to answer, “Green side up.” All can increase the likelihood of your new maple, sweetgum, magnolias, tulip tions. joking aside, it is easy to plant a tree in- tree thriving and being around for gen- poplar — the list goes on and on with Trees that can take wet soils or occa- erations to come. many valid options. sional freshwater flooding are bald cy- See ARBOR DAY, Page 5

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NF-11114517 4A | THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2021 | THE TIMES OPINION

Matthew R. Bailey Guest Columnist Go see your doctor, but wear a mask visits declined more than 40 percent compared to the Thank animal same period last year. CDC officials cited a particularly Kenneth E. Thorpe notable drop in visits for chest pain and heart attack- Guest Columnist related symptoms. research for Special to Port St. Joe Star Skipping doctor's visits also hurts patients who al- USA TODAY NETWORK ready know they're sick. A majority of doctors' appoint- ments lead to either new prescriptions, prescription re- COVID-19 fills, or check-ins regarding a prescription. Millions of Americans have postponed lifesaving When Americans don't go to the doctor, it's tougher to screenings and other preventative care due to COVID-19. ensure they're getting the right medication at the right vaccines Doctors performed 67 percent fewer mammograms, time. In April 2020, Americans' use of statins - which conducted almost 72 percent fewer colonoscopies, and help treat and prevent heart disease - and diabetes med- The race to vaccinate the country is on. People are administered 22 percent fewer childhood vaccines in ications dropped 8.1 percent and 6.6 percent year-over- beginning to receive the COVID-19 vaccine devel- March and April than in January and February 2020, be- year, respectively. This drop is concerning, because oped by Moderna. It's the second vaccine to receive fore the pandemic began. And while the total number of drugs are some of our most powerful tools to manage emergency use authorization from the U.S. Food and doctor's visits and screenings rebounded somewhat this chronic disease. Drug Administration, closely following the one from summer and fall, they're still not back to pre-pandemic Prescription nonadherence rates already fluctuated Pfizer and BioNTech. levels in many areas. between 40 and 50 percent for most chronic disease pa- Creating a coronavirus vaccine in less than a year In early 2020, patients' fears of catching COVID-19 at tient groups, even before the pandemic. And nonadher- is an astounding scientific achievement. But a global doctor's offices and hospitals were understandable. But ence frequently leads to serious -- and expensive -- shortage of research animals - particularly research we've learned a lot since then. health complications. In fact, it causes roughly 125,000 monkeys - could prevent some of the world's latest Today, it's clear that foregoing care is usually counter- deaths annually and one in 10 hospitalizations, and life-saving vaccines from ever leaving the lab. productive. It's incumbent upon politicians and the pub- swells U.S. healthcare spending by nearly $300 billion a Prior to testing in humans, scientists first con- lic health community to encourage and enable Ameri- year. ducted research with rhesus macaque monkeys and cans to once again visit the doctor, so long as proper pre- This combination of unchecked chronic conditions mice. Research then proceeded to preliminary hu- cautions are taken. and prescription nonadherence -- all caused by delayed man clinical trials to investigate the impact of Pfiz- Diagnosing cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and other care -- will strain on our nation's healthcare system long er's vaccine. Rhesus macaques share about 93 per- chronic conditions early can make the difference be- after COVID-19 subsides. cent of their DNA with humans, so they're ideal for tween life and death. That's why the drop in screenings Fortunately, it's not too late to soften the blow. Poli- determining how people might respond to a drug. is so disconcerting. Outpatient visits -- like wellness ticians and policy experts need to level with the public The macaques showed no trace of coronavirus RNA checkups, CT scans, and ultrasound imaging -- declined and explain that, yes, COVID-19 is dangerous -- but so in their lower respiratory tracts after receiving one nearly 60 percent between mid-February and early April are cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Politicians, in dose of the vaccine followed by a booster shot. of this year. particular, can pursue reforms making it easier and The Moderna vaccine prompted similarly strong For many patients, these delays prove far more dan- cheaper for people to visit the doctor and take their med- immune responses in rhesus macaques. Preclinical gerous than COVID-19 itself. Dr. Therese Bevers -- med- ications. trials showed the vaccinated primates developed ical director of the Cancer Prevention Center -- recently It's time to send a clear message to patients: Go back antibodies in greater numbers than those that had remarked "I've seen women who tell me they found a to the doctor, refill that prescription, and schedule that simply recovered from infection. lump [in their breast] in March, and when I'm seeing operation. Just put on a mask first. Although Moderna's and Pfizer's vaccines were them [in July] it's in the lymph nodes." Kenneth E. Thorpe is a professor of health policy at only developed last year, they are rooted in decades Some Americans are so leery of COVID-19 that they're Emory University and chairman of the Partnership to of research in animals. even forgoing emergency care, with fatal consequences. Fight Chronic Disease. This piece originally ran at Sa- Both vaccines use messenger RNA to stimulate an In March and April, the total number of emergency room lon.com. immune response, a technique researchers began developing more than 20 years ago. Immunologist Drew Weissman and molecular biologist Katalin Ka- riko investigated how RNA might compel the pro- duction of specific disease-fighting proteins. Ina study involving mice, Weissman and Kariko discov- ered a method to produce the specific proteins through RNA without side effects. County broadens They patented their work, and the technology was eventually licensed to BioNTech and Moderna. Other treatments for COVID-19 also have their public comment policy genesis in animal research. Consider antibody ther- apies from Regeneron and Eli Lilly. Regeneron employed genetically modified mice The following is a press release from the offices of one minute. For the record, always give your name capable of imitating a human immune system to de- the Franklin County commission administration, re- and address before you begin speaking. If you’re rep- velop its treatment. Researchers isolated antibodies garding its Public Comment/Participation policy at resenting a particular group or organization, state created by mice and humans who had recovered its regular meetings, held the first and third Tuesday that, too. from the virus and combined the strongest ones to mornings of every month at the courthouse annex, Always address remarks to the Chair or the Com- produce what they call an "antibody cocktail." and broadcast online as well. mission as a whole, never to an individual commis- Regeneron's antibody treatment successfully re- Welcome sioner or the audience. Speakers may speak once on duced viral loads in the airways of golden hamsters The Franklin County Board of County Commis- an action item and may not yield their time to another and rhesus macaques before approval for use in hu- sioners are pleased to have you at our commission person. mans. meeting. We appreciate your presence, welcome your IMPORTANT: In order to be recognized by the Eli Lilly's antibody treatment almost never left participation, and want your visit to be interesting Chairman to speak, either during public comments or the lab due to a global shortage of research animals. and informative. on any agenda action item, you must have completed Shanghai Junshi Biosciences, Eli Lilly's partner, The following is a brief summary of the Commis- and submitted a speaker card to the Board’s Adminis- spent months gathering enough monkeys to con- sion’s Meeting Rules of Procedure that apply to citizen trative Office prior to the start of the meeting. You may duct a proper trial. That ultimately delayed produc- participation. See the meeting agenda so that you can fill out the speaker card here. tion of the therapy. follow each item of business the Commission will be Be Brief, Be Relevant, and Always Be Civil. Amid the pandemic, demand for research ani- discussing. Commission meetings can be long. Our Commis- mals has increased while supply has dwindled. Chi- If you want to address the Commission about an sion works hard to keep meetings moving along in a na previously supplied 60 percent of the United issue that is not on the agenda, or is about a non-ac- productive and civil manner. Please plan your re- tion item on the agenda, the place to do this is during marks so that you can make your point clearly and See RESEARCH, Page 5 “Public Comments” and you may speak for up to three quickly. minutes. This time is reserved for citizens who want Always be courteous and civil. The Chair may call to make a request or provide input that doesn’t require down speakers (or members of the audience) who vi- discussion. The spot is frequently used by citizens olate the Commission’s rules of decorum. who don’t want to stay for the entire meeting and Here are some “no-no’s”: Personal attacks or don’t need an immediate response from the Commis- threats, booing, heckling, cheering, inappropriate sion. clapping, verbal outbursts, and distracting private Citizens also have a chance to address the Com- conversations during proceedings. mission about action items on the agenda. After a mo- Also, signs are okay outside of the meeting room, tion has been seconded on any action item, the Chair but are not allowed in it. will ask if there are any comments from the audience. If you wish to speak, limit remarks to no more than See POLICY, Page 5 Time for tourney ball, A11 Thursday, July 16, 2015 WW W.APALACHTIMES.COM VOL. 130 ISSUE 12 50¢ xxxxxOut to see PUBLISHER Tim Thompson C-QUARTERS HOSTS EDITOR David Adlerstein YOUTH FISHING TOURNEY Elliott steps down as elections chief THIS WEEKEND Carrabelle’s C-Quarters LETTERS Marina will host the 11th USPS 027-600 annual Youth Fishing 3 vying for gubernatorial appointment Tournament this Saturday, Published every Thursday at July 18, open to all kids 16 years and younger. Last year,129 CommerceBy DAVID St. ADLERSTEIN Apalachicola, FL 32329 Franklin County,” sheBenefits wrote. “It has been of a local non-profit hospice aspects of the hospice experience - physical, emo- more than 150 kids fi shed 653-8894 | @ApalachTimes an honor to serve Franklin County, and I am the Postmaster:tournament, with some Send addressDadlerstein@starfl change .com to The Apalachicola Times grateful for all the prayers and support that I tional, and spiritual. Diversity and breadth of services traveling as far away as have received.” Louisiana. P.O. SupervisorBox 820 of Elections Apalachicola, Ida Elliott has re- FL 32329 Elliott has battled cancer during the last Friday evening, all entrants signed her countywide offi ce, citing the toll of two years and most recently oversawPrior the No- to moving to Tallahassee in 2018, I worked for complement the diversity of the patients and their must attend a fi shing clinic her two-year battle with cancer. vember 2014 general elections. Since then, taught by Millard Collins, “It is Phone: with deepest regret850-653-8868 and a sorrow- however, she has been largely absent from dock master of C-Quarters, fi lled heart that I must announce my retire- PINKI WILL HEATHER the Apalachicola offi ce severalat 47 Avenue F, as she years at a large, corporate hospice located in a families we serve, as well as the community in which where they learn to tie knots, ment from offi ce, effective June 30,” she JACKEL KENDRICK RILEY busied herself with demanding treatments, tie on hooksPeriodical and overall safety ratewrote postage in a letter to Gov. paid Scott, at: which Apalachicola, she FL 32329 many at the Mayo Clinicmetropolitan in Jacksonville, area with over 30 hospice providers, the we live. while fi shing. At completion began circulating two weeks before the day voters of Franklin County. where she travelled to this week for a follow- of the clinic, each receivesWeekly Publishingshe stepped down. “Due Circulation: to my health-relat- 1-850-522-5197“I have put much thought and consid- up appointment. a rod and reel, furnished by ed issues and complications, I am no longer eration into this decision, and I know it is vast majority of which were for-profit companies. The We are an established, reputable, community- FishFloridatag.org, as well as Formerlyable to fulfi ll my dutiesThe and Apalachicola obligations to the the rightTimes one for me and for the voters of See ELECTIONS A13 a T- shirt, hat and bait. On Saturday morning, the unrelenting pressure to make a profit while providing based health care provider with a visible presence in kids can fi sh from docks or, if they can go out on a boat, SUBSCRIPTIONS they are allowed to fi sh the quality patient care was an ongoing challenge. the community and a history in the Big Bend span- CarrabelleIn county River up to Dog Out of county P&Z denies Island. A weighmaster will be MILL POND MART As I approach my third year at Big Bend Hospice, ning almost 40 years. Here, decisions are made locally available1 year all day, $24.15 and lunch $34.65 provided to kids while offi cials OK determine6 months the tournament. $15.75 For $31.00 the differences between a corporate for-profit and a by leadership the employees interact with on a daily more information, call 697- 8400. to Dentonlocal non-profit agency could not be starker. The on- basis, not by someone in a faraway corporate office. HomeSEAFOOD WORKERS delivery TASK subscribers may be charged a higher rate for FORCE TO MEET FRIDAY Covegoing reality of COVID-19 and its impact adds to this While we are good stewards of our finances, the pa- Theholiday Franklin County editions. Seafood Workers Task Force By DAVID ADLERSTEIN will be having a meeting at 653-8894distinction, | @ApalachTimes as we and the other non-profits in the tients and their family’s needs are the focus of our at- 3 p.m. this Friday, July 17, at TO ALL ADVERTISERS Dadlerstein@starfl .com the Pavilion on Patton Drive in area are affected, yet remain steadfast in our commit- tention. Continued growth for the non-profit does not Eastpoint. Less than a week after Apala- In case of error or omissions, the publishers do not hold chicola city commissioners dealt a themselvesBLUE CARBON liable for damage further than the amount received blow to the Dentonment Cove affordable to the community. translate into cutting services to help the bottom line; WORKSHOP JULY 28 housing project, the city’s planning and zoning board Monday night Can wetlands and tidal for such ads. The spoken word is given scant attention; the denied the developer’s request to marshes have an economic The distinctiveness of Big Bend Hospice can be but rather, it centers around being loyal to the com- secure design approval for the 52- benefi t? Can they be unit complex. monetizedprinted on the carbon word is thoughtfully weighed. The spoken word barely By unanimousfound consent, in P&Z the sheer number of services that the agency munity and focusing on patient satisfaction. Success market to help pay for approved a motion for denial from preservationasserts; and restoration? the printed word thoroughly convinces. The spoken Jeff Hewell, who cited the city Learn more about this concept provides to its patients and their families. The agency Tuesday,word July 28, is at lost; “Blue the printed word remains. commission’s refusal to vacate the streets and alleys on the grounds Carbon: A Management PHOTOS BY DAVID ADLERSTEIN | The Times Tool for Conservation and of the formerhas Apalachicola a tremendous High breadth of services that touch on all See LETTERS, Page 5 Barnhart Farms, from Monticello, offered lots of fresh produce. Restoration of Coastal School. The 3.6-acre site requires Wetlands.” Leading experts on vacating the city-owned thorough- Blue Carbon, Steve Emmett- fares that crisscross the corner Mattox and Dr. Stephen lots at 17th Street and Avenue L in Farmers Market order to move forward. Crooks, will lead this day-long workshop at the Apalachicola “They do not have the land to Estuarine Research Reserve build it on,” Hewell said. “They on bringing the value of debuts to large crowd don’t have the land, they can’t wetlands to the market on go forward with the permitting Florida’s Gulf Coast. We Apalachicola’s new Farmers Market opened process.” will also be forming a Blue Saturday under sunny skies at Scipio Creek Chairman Tom Daly’s remarks Carbon network on the Gulf Marina, with the organizers looking forward to a at the beginning of the meeting Coast. To register, go to www. repeat performance on July 25. signaled that P&Z did not believe it gulfalliancetraining.org or call “We were very happy with the turnout. We was in a position to OK the project. 670-7708. thought it was a wonderful success,” said Holly P&Z last month had asked the de- Brown, who has worked to create the market veloper, Wendover Housing Part- xxxxx Index together with her husband, Creighton. “We wanted ners, of Altamonte Springs, for a to be a community event and it was all about series of design changes to the $9.2 million project. Opinion ...... A4 community.” Brown said there were 20 vendors at this “I guess I’m trying to under- Society ...... A8 fi rst outing, each paying $10 to rent their space, stand what your expectation is of Faith ...... A9 gathered under the recently completed pavilion us,” Daly said, addressing Wendo- Outdoors ...... A10 at what locals call the Mill Pond. Four of these ver’s chief spokesman, Tallahas- Tide Chart ...... A10 sold produce, and two sold tupelo honey, while the see lobbyist Jeff Sharkey, and two of its Tallahassee attorneys, Linda Sports ...... A11 others featured such items as barbecue sauce and salsa, breads and muffi ns, jams and jellies, dip Shelley and Dan Stengle, who were Classifi eds ...... A14-A15 mixes, fl owers, Adirondack chairs fashioned from on hand for the meeting. Cullen Irish, left, and Frank Miceli xxxxxContact Us See MARKET A6 entertained at the Farmer’s Market. See DENTON COVE A13

Phone: 850-653-8868 Web: apalachtimes.com Email: dadlerstein@starfl .com Fax: 850-653-8893 Circulation: 800-345-8688 FWC blocks access to McKissack Beach By LOIS SWOBODA Wildlife Conservation Commis- 653-1819 | @ ApalachTimes sion, which she said was seeking Lswoboda@starfl .com to prevent illegal beach driving. In a telephone interview, Car- McKissack Beach was a topic rabelle Police Chief Craig Kin- DEADLINES FOR NEXT WEEK: of discussion at the Carrabelle caid said he believed the area School News & Society: 11 a.m. Friday city meeting on July 2. had been posted by FWC and Display Ads: 4 p.m. Friday During the commissioner Legal Line Ads: 4 p.m. Friday was uncertain if tickets were Classifi ed Display Ads: 4 p.m. Friday comments portion of the meet- being issued as well. “We’re not Classifi ed Line Ads: 5 p.m. Monday ing, Commissioner Olivia taking any action,” he said. “I am Massey asked who had used po- unclear about the exact bound- lice tape to block access to McK- aries of (the area leased by the issack Beach. city). I want a mandate from the Tamara Allen, of Carrabelle city before I issue citations.” Cares, told her the tape had been Massey said she had never placed across the area of fl at- seen anyone driving on the tened dunes used to access the DALE JULIAN | Special to the Times beach by the Florida Fish and See BEACH A6 Signs and tape intended to block access to McKissack Beach. apalachtimes.com | THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2021 | 5A Research Arbor Day

Continued from Page 4 Continued from Page 3

States' research monkeys, but the CO- correctly even if you have it right side VID-19 outbreak prompted a halt to ex- up. The most common problem I see ports. when troubleshooting tree problems is That's not the only challenge re- planting too deep. searchers are facing. Some activists Trees rely on their fine, fibrous feed- allege that employing animal models er roots to take up most of the water, is inhumane. They're arguing for the nutrients and oxygen needed for sur- government to curb the practice. vival. When soil or excessive mulch is But they're mistaken. Federal law piled on top of those fibrous roots, the requires researchers to provide appro- roots fail and the tree struggles and may priate anesthesia or analgesic drugs die. for any potentially painful procedures You might think that planting a tree and to limit the number of animals in- so that the root ball is level with the sur- volved in preclinical trials. Veterinari- rounding soil is perfect, but container ans and animal technicians rigorously trees are grown in a bark mix that will oversee the caging, enrichment, exer- break down quickly and the tree settles No soil or mulch is covering the root cise, feeding, health and well-being of lower than planted. Adding insult to in- ball of this wax myrtle. JULIE MCCONNELL / the animals. jury, many people continuously pile Bald cypress trees can tolerate UFIAS Further, there's no viable substitute mulch on top of that root ball, resulting flooding. JULIE MCCONNELL / UFIAS for research in live animal models. in a smothered root system. Even the most powerful supercompu- A good rule of thumb is to plant the edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/EP/ ters fail to replicate or simulate the root ball 10% above grade and avoid you need the water to penetrate to reach ep31400.pdf or contact our office at complexity of living organisms. mulching on top of it. If you must apply them. 850-248-8091. Thanks to vaccines developed via mulch, be sure it is loosely packed, less Irrigation sprinklers set to water Extension Connection is a monthly animal research, an end to the pan- than 1-inch deep, and not touching the lawns do not deliver enough water for column provided by the UF/IFAS Exten- demic is in sight. Animal research can trunk. newly planted trees. If you plan to use sion, University of Florida, Institute of deliver the treatments we'll need to an automated system, be sure to add a Food and Agricultural Sciences. Single combat the next public health crisis, Water the roots designated zone for your tree with ap- copies of UF/IFAS Extension publica- too - if we let it. propriate heads. tions (excluding 4-H and youth publi- Matthew Bailey is president of the Whether watering by hand or using For more information about how to cations) are available free to Florida Foundation for Biomedical Research. an automated system, be mindful of properly install trees, see “Planting and residents from county UF/IFAS Exten- This piece originally ran in the Hous- where the tree roots are and how deep Establishing Trees” online at https:// sion offices. ton Chronicle.

to an increasingly diverse population. agree with Ms. Kelly and I hereby chal- Letters The reality of COVID-19 and its im- lenge her to prove her wild allegations. Policy pact on our community mean that our Here are her own words, "We have Continued from Page 4 non-profits are being asked to step up learned that fundraising by the current Continued from Page 4 and do more, often with fewer re- president, being done in the guise of a for a non-profit is not linked to financial sources, as budgets are stretched, em- "defense" fund, has raised monies esti- Commission Meeting Rules of Pro- profit; it is all about making a lasting, ployees are working harder than ever, mated to be sufficient to pay his long cedure (which will be available at positive contribution and helping im- and the community’s needs are in- overdue bills and anticipated fines that franklincountyflorida.com) give the prove the quality of life in our commu- creasing. The non-profits who, in this may surface after his single term is Chair control of the meeting, much like nity. most trying moment of need and uncer- over." Prove this Mel, I challenge you. a judge controls his courtroom. These Non-profits like Big Bend Hospice tainty, selflessly provide to the commu- And here she goes on (her words, not same rules also give the Chair the flex- are better suited to respond to the com- nity will ultimately be the difference mine), " ... it has now come to public at- ibility to use his or her judgment in munity’s needs due to their relation- makers as we work our way back to a tention that a shell company was cre- running an efficient and orderly meet- ships with local stakeholders, intimate renewed sense of normalcy. ated earlier in 2018 with Trump and ing. knowledge of the area, and years of ex- Charles Hyde, MSW Pence family members on the board of Thanks for your interest. We’re glad perience in providing services. The Big directors. That company is identified as you’re here! Bend area's non-profit community has Prove it, Ms. Kelly having diverted more than $617 million Please note: Except for common an expansive footprint and provides of donated campaign dollars into their courtesy rules, slightly different much-needed services to the commu- I read the recent Letter to the Editor, own pockets. Show us the proof Mel, guidelines may apply to public hear- nity and surrounding area. The allure of "Alligators may be winning in the baby, I challenge you. ings and workshops. the non-profit community is its experi- swamp" from Mel Kelly (See Jan. 7 Dr. Mikel Tuten ence in providing a variety of services Times ). First and foremost, I do not Carrabelle

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https://tinyurl.com/ya6vanjl for Vaccine Franklin County, and https://tiny- url.com/y9x6h86a for Gulf County. Continued from Page 1 The Florida Department of Health in Franklin and Gulf County is committed we expect more shipment of the vac- to providing timely and important up- cine to arrive. dates regarding the distribution of a “The health department and other COVID-19 vaccine. To receive local CO- local COVID19 vaccine registered pro- VID19 updates including information viders are sharing the pre-registration on vaccinations, please text “Frank- list created in both counties to help linCV19” to 888777 in Franklin County meet the demand for the vaccine. or “GULFCOVID” to 888777 in Gulf Working off the same list, individuals County. are contacted for their appointment In Gulf County, as of Monday morn- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is on the phone in St. Augustine, Fla., to Washington slot to receive their vaccine,” it reads. ing, 1,462 peoples, very few of them after a riot on the streets of St. Augustine, June 25, 1964, when civil rights “If you ask any health care employee non-Florida residents, had tested posi- demonstrators were attacked by white segregationists during a nighttime what it’s like to be part of this process, tive since the pandemic began, and march. King was requesting help from U.S. Marshals. AP FILE they will tell you they receive the deep- among these 76 hospitalizations and est appreciation from these patients. 29 deaths, both in keeping with the 5 “This is what it’s all about. Protect- percent and 2 percent rates statewide. Togetherness, Peace and Agape Love for ing the ones who need it the most,” the In Franklin, there have been 1,022 Dr. King each other in our community and com- statement read. cases, 15 hospitalizations and four munity prayer for healing.” If you are age 65 and older and would deaths, both well below the state aver- Continued from Page 1 Access to the Zoom meeting can be like to get the COVID-19 vaccination, ages. found at https://tinyurl.com/ please pre-register using the link health department and Weems Memori- yyy8mqnj. al Hospital, the county food pantry, The meeting identification is #775 Franklin’s Promise Coalition and Taber- 6720 0880. The passcode is nCDe3v nacle of Faith Int’l Ministries. Former For additional information, please Franklin County educator, the late Coach contact Curtis, with Freedom Exchange Brown said her connection to the coun- Eddie Joseph will be honored. Community Development Centers of the Seat ty goes back eight or nine generations, For more information, call Dolores Americas Foundation, Inc. at (850) 545 about as far back on both sides as set- Croom at 653-5943 or Robert Davis at 8646 or Psalmist Cora McNair Curtis at Continued from Page 1 tlers go. 653-5089. (850) 890- 6563 or Email freedom1foun- On her dad’s side it’s the Browns, In Gulf County, organizers decided to [email protected] terested citizens, but none had filed to from Brickyard Landing, 19th-century establish “an alternative approach to hon- Contributions can be made to the qualify as of Tuesday. Those interested founders of turning Eastpoint from a oring the day in a way that aligns with the Freedom Exchange Foundation, and parties included former county com- transit point to a permanent communi- City of Port St. Joe and pays tribute to the mailed to P.O. BOX 1372, Port St. Joe, FL missioner William Massey, former Car- ty. On her mom’s side she's among the legacy of a truly amazing man!” 32457-1372. rabelle Police Chief Joe Ham, Linda Thompsons, in Apalachicola. The Virtual Zoom event will be on In Panama City the ripple effect of Burns and Kenneth Griswold. Brown attended Carrabelle High Monday, Jan. 18, as a time for “a whole COVID-19 continued as organizers made Following the noon close of qualify- School, and graduated from Apalachi- community day of prayer for together- the "difficult decision" to cancel the annu- ing week on Friday, the city commis- cola High School in 1998. ness, peace, and agape (unconditional) al Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial March sion will meet to approve an interim re- She lives in downtown Carrabelle, in love. and accompanying festival. placement for Walden. The individual the old pharmacy building, and owns “The present pandemic we are cur- It was a precautionary measure will not be chosen from among any Pirate Girl’s Treasures, a cottage indus- rently facing in the United States and against the spread of COVID-19, which candidates who plan to run in the spe- try in which she makes furniture out of around the world causes us to look differ- brought a halt to a string of marches that cial election, as stipulated by the com- deadhead cypress. ently at how we interact with family, began more than 30 years ago. It started mission last month. If you want to vote in the March 2 friends, and our communities. To that with the march and the festival at The appointed commissioner will city election, you have until Feb. 1 to be end, we are taking a more creative ap- McKenzie Park was added later. serve until the second week of March, a registered voter. proach to honor Dr. Martin Luther King’s "This was a difficult decision to make when the election's victor will be sworn The election will be held at Carra- legacy in 2021,” said Diaconal Ecumenical and we wrestled with it for quite some in, a term of office that could contend belle City Hall located at 1206 Hwy 98 E. UMC Minister Tommy Curtis. time before concluding that the health for the title of "The Lamest of the Lame There will be no early voting, but you “Please be certain that each of your ac- and safety of our vendors and participat- Ducks Ever." may request a Vote by Mail ballot by tive participation levels is great desired, ing community members were far more As far as filing early in the week, contacting the Supervisor of Elections greatly appreciated and greatly needed important than our annual traditions," ac- there’s a clear explanation for why Office at 653-9520. for the continued success of the sixth an- cording to the news release sent by Brown did that. She’s not hesitant or The City of Carrabelle Canvassing nual commemorative celebration honor- ACURE (Advisory Committee for Urban half-hearted; she is in it to win it. A Board will convene at supervisor of ing Dr. Martin Luther Jr. in Port St. Joe,” Revitalization Equity) Chairman Myron quick telephone interview provided a elections office in Apalachicola at 10 he said. Hines. "We are grateful to all those who demonstration of that. a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 26. The board is The Zoom day begins Monday at 9 have always come together over the dec- Liking the experience of serving on convening for the pre-election testing a.m. EST and continues at 10 a.m. with ades to help make these events success- the Community Redevelopment Au- of tabulating equipment to be used in “The Community Prayers for Community ful." thority, to which she was appointed, the March 2 election.

for search and rescue operations. tailed presentation. have in a small community with a nice Runway “The runway’s not as bad as people “FAA and FDOT have made a policy airport. We can’t pick this airport up and want them to be, it’s classified by the change, we don’t necessarily have a dog move it out away from everybody.” Continued from Page 1 FAA as fair,” he said. “In the latest FDOT in the fight,” he said. “If we make no in- The main argument Parrish made, analysis in June, the biggest problem is vestment in 1836 it would deteriorate and which carried the day, was that the it into a utility area. trees. until it became no longer safe and be- county should make no guarantees of “This is the first step towards dis- “You have many years of use on those come a liability. The runway is in great funding, and look for it. The commis- abling our airport,” Kirschenbaum said. runways,” Graham said, noted that shape today, we’ve been out there quite sioner agreed to a wording change in the “We need #1836 closure out of the mas- about $7 million in grants could be flow- a bit and the concrete slab is in very master plan that would ensure the ter plan, and we need the road depart- ing into the airport. good shape for their age.” county did not go on record of seeking ment to assist with grants. He said as the concrete joins begin to closure of 1836. “This airport is a $300 million county Avcon cites pros and cons of break down, plants and water infil- “There may be additional revenue, asset. Why is this administration going closure trates, and the mile long runways break. but I don’t want to commit the county to to take action to destroy it?” he asked. Pierce estimated that there are 97 say we will do this,” he said. “We’ll look With finances looming in the later In his report to the commission, over miles of concrete joints at the airport, at it but not to lock the county in. I don’t presentation by John Collins and Lee Zoom, Avcon’s Collins outlined compo- that have to be maintained, and that it want to stick my neck out there to be Lewis, engineers with Avcon, the air- nents of the 20-year master plan, which takes about 10 to 15 years before they de- chopped off. port consulting firm, Kirschenbaum the FAA and FDOT require to be updated teriorate. “I don’t want to leave us open for suggested there were available airport every five years. In the last update done He said one option would be invest criticism we didn’t do what we said we funds to get work started, and the air- in 2006, all three runways were recom- no more money in 1836, with a second were going to do,” Parrish said. “We will port’s fixed base operator Centric Avia- mended for rehabilitation as necessary. option for county to commit to funding look at alternative sources. I don’t see us tion, could be made responsible for He said the county has three run- any rehab over the long term, over the breaking the county, and I don’t want to weed and grass control. ways, the primary one #1432, a cross- next 20 years, with another master plan be locked into anything. Ted Mosteller, who has a great deal of road one, #624, and a third runway, update in the next five years to deter- “I’m not saying I want to close the experience over the past three decades #1836, which lacks runway edge light- mine whether to spend money on it, runway,” he said. with all aspects of the airport, as a user ing, to enable aircraft to land in poorer “We need to show a picture of what Parrish also defended the county’s and an active volunteer, said the county weather, and no approaches. the airport will look like 20 years from shepherding of the airport from the days needs to be mindful of what they have. “We look at wind coverage and oper- now,” Pierce said. “Is runway 1836 active when it was far less trafficked. “We are very fortunate and proud of ational capacity of the airport,” Collins or open 20 years from now?” “It went dormant for a while and then our airport,” he said. “We’re the envy of said, noting the first two runways meet He said he thought the estimates of we brought it back,” he said. “With the surrounding counties, they’re salivat- all FAA requirements for wind coverage $5 million to $7 million in costs to main- community working hand in hand. We’d ing, wishing they had such a valuable and capacity. tain and operate 1836 “might be on the like to see economic development out asset. “Because of that they will fund im- high end.” In 2013, it cost a half-million there.” “With the waning of the seafood in- provements to these two, but they won’t to do a concrete rehab joint replace- But, with no four-lane highway, and a dustry, tourism is our future,” he said. fund to 1836 because they don’t think ment. nearness to the coast and possible fre- He said the proposed master plan in- the further investment warrants that in- Pierce said there are trees “that need quent bad weather, “it’s hard to entice cluded misleading photos that showed vestment,” he said, “They will not com- to be mitigated as part of keeping road people to come here and bring that eco- the runway, which dates back to 1933 mit any funding for 1836. We’d be happy surfaces clear” to the north. “It could be nomic development to you. And having when the military began using the site to go with you and sit down with FDOT more extensive than just joints.” to train a workforce is a whole other is- for a gunnery school, in poor condition. and make a case for funding 1836 if The runway, if abandoned would be sue,” Parrish said. “There’s a host of is- He said the runway needs less main- that’s something you want. converted to a 35-foot taxiway that sues when you’re talking about eco- tenance than the other two, and with “They were very firm about saying would also provide airside access to the nomic development. But we’ve no given general, routine maintenance, would be they want the county to focus energy on east side of airport. “We are running out up.” good for several more years. the two other runways instead,” he said. of landside access on the east and west Chairman Ricky Jones noted the dif- Mosteller said the runway is used of- Collins said the $7 million allocated apron, for future industrial develop- ference, in costs between maintenance ten, due to prevailing winds, especially by FAA and FDOT over the next five ment on the east side of the airport.” and capital improvements, and the pos- by small general aviation aircraft, “the years will go towards pavement rehab, He said the trees in question have sible tie-in of the airport to a freight lo- tail dragger variety.” maintaining the apron and proper been identified as being on private gistics plan for the entire Big Bend area. He went on to raise a general ques- draining, and hangar improvements. property caught Parrish’s attention. Boldt pushed successfully in his mo- tion about the dynamic among local vol- The engineer has also estimated that it “We see the trees but we really don’t tion to include a request that County unteers, county government, Centric, would take up to that much money to know exactly where those trees are,” Coordinator Michael Morón work to de- and the Florida Department of Trans- properly maintain and rehab 1836, al- Pierce said. “They are above the ap- velop a plan for reconstituting the air- portation, which administers federal though the Friends of the Airport (FA- proach surface, and FDOT said it’s an port advisory board. dollars. RA), in celebrating the county’s deci- item that needs to be addressed.” “The airport is a valuable resource, “No one can say who is overseeing sion, “a fictitious number to put a scare an asset as valuable as our hospital is,” the airport for the county interest,” into the commissioners.” Parrish outlines economic he said. “Our big asset is tourists, but we Mosteller said. As he has done faithfully for three development challenges do need a second resource relative to Bruce Graham, a local pilot who decades, the county’s liaison with the economic viability. We need formal in- voiced support for preserving the run- airport, former County Planner Alan The tree issue caught Parrish’s atten- put by a citizen advisory group. way, said his fellow pilots would be will- Pierce, who is nearing full retirement tion. “I think it’s very important (a board) ing to provide aerial spotting of improp- from his stepped-down role, offered a “He’s not going to want you cutting help us find additional funding to help er and perhaps unlawful duck hunting succinct summation of the significance his trees, that’s private property,” he maintain the airport,” he said. in the area, as well as offering support of the issue, as outlined in Avcon’s de- said. “This is a unique situation. We apalachtimes.com | THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2021 | 7A SPORTS

Creeping indigo can become a nightmare

By Les Harrison Guest Columnist Special to Apalachicola Times USA TODAY NETWORK

The term creeping has many negative implications. It generally conveys sneaky behavior with potentially malevolent intent. Fairytales, from the Brothers Grimm to J.R.R. Tol- kien have characters which fit the following descrip- tion: to pursue or follow someone in a persistent, secre- tive way with less than honorable objectives. By creeping the goal is to advance gradually and un- noticed, then infringe on some aspects of the target’s existence. In Gulf and Franklin County’s botanical pop- ulation, both native and exotic, is under threat daily from a creeping plant. Creeping indigo (Indigofera spicata) is a weed with many traits equivalent to a malicious stalker whose sole purpose is to conquer territory and supplant the current inhabitants. This commonly overlooked exotic invader does not get the attention of the long list of in- famous invasive plants such as kudzu, cogon grass, and climbing fern. Fishing from shore at St. Marks. [ PHOTO COURTESY OF FWC ] A native of Africa, this plant is a legume. Most le- gumes are viewed favorably by the agricultural com- munity since they possess nitrogen-fixing bacteria in their root nodules. Creeping indigo was introduced from Ceylon to Learn to saltwater Gainesville around 1925 as part of a research project in Florida to investigate several properties including ni- trogen fixation and it’s potential as a forage crop for the livestock industry. While this species was considered to have a good fish for free online nitrogen fixing capacity, there were other features which were not appreciated. Livestock toxicity issues Want to learn how to saltwater fish in Florida? course will receive a free starter tackle box. began to be a concern of researchers as early as 1933. Join the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Register for a Virtual Saltwater Fishing Clinic sev- Commission for a series of free Virtual Saltwater Fish- en-week course: See CREEPING, Page 8 ing Clinics for beginner anglers age 16 and older to h Jan. 19 (includes seven sessions) learn how to saltwater fish and help conserve our ma- h March 9 (includes seven sessions) rine resources for the future. h April 27 (includes seven sessions) Discover the importance of fisheries conservation Don’t have enough time to commit to a seven-week and stewardship through the fun and exciting sport of course? Participate in our Mini Virtual Saltwater Fish- fishing! You’ll be taught basic fishing skills and ing Clinics instead and you’ll learn about saltwater knowledge that can be used, shared and built upon for fishing and conservation in a bite-size format tofit a lifetime of catching Florida memories with those your busy schedule. you love. These 90-minute virtual events will be held once a Fishing clinic sessions will prepare you for a day month on a Thursday evening from 6 to 7:30 p.m. ET. out on the water to enjoy the amazing variety of salt- Each session has the same content, so anglers only water fishing opportunities Florida has to offer. Ses- need to register for one single session. sions will include topics on conservation, rods and Register for a Mini Virtual Saltwater Fishing Clinic reels, tackle, baits, rigs, knot tying, habitats, fish han- session: dling, best practices and additional resources. h Jan. 28 (single session) Creeping indigo’s unique seed pod clusters help Registrationis required and must be completed two h Feb. 25 (single session) identify this potentially toxic exotic plant in early days prior to the session date. Participation is limited h March 25 (single session) autumn and later. Hundreds of seed are quickly to 50 anglers per course; anglers who register after the h April 22 (single session) disbursed and many, but not all, will germinate 50-person limit has been reached will be put on a h May 13 (single session) next spring. [ PHOTO COURTESY OF LES HARRISON ] waiting list. Anglers must use Microsoft Teams to h June 10 (single session) participate. Can’t carve out time to participate in either format Ready to dive into a course on saltwater fishing? right now? Don’t worry, later this year we’ll post Virtual Saltwater Fishing Clinics are offered as a videos of these virtual clinics on the FWC webpage so course that includes seven separate ONE-hour ses- you can take the course sessions at a time and pace WEEKLY ALMANAC sions held every Tuesday evening from 6:30 to 7:30 that works best for you. DATE HIGH LOW PRECIP p.m. ET for seven consecutive weeks. Have questions? Visit MyFWC.com/Marine and Thu, January 14 60° 49° 5% Anglers must be able to attend all seven sessions. click “Virtual Saltwater Fishing Clinics” under Get In- Each course has the same content, so anglers only volved or contact [email protected] to learn Fri, January 15 64° 41° 55% need to register for one course. Those who attend a more. Sat, January 16 58° 37° 0% Sun, January 17 58° 43° 5% Mon, January 18 59° 44° 35% Tues, January 19 61° 50° 15% Wed, January 20 63° 54° 35% OUTDOOR BRIEFS TIDE TABLES MONTHLY AVERAGES Missing man found unharmed ily-friendly games and activities; art, diving and con- To find the tides of the following area, subtract the indicated After being reported Tuesday evening as missing, a servation booths; and the world’s largest lionfish times from these given for APALACHICOLA: 71-year-old Franklin County man who told family he spearfishing tournament, the Emerald Coast Open. HIGH LOW was going out to fish and hunt near the Pine Log area Satisfy your taste buds by visiting any of the partici- Cat Point Minus 0:40 Minus 1:17 of the New River, deep in the Carrabelle forest area, pating locations of Lionfish Restaurant Week (May East Pass Minus 0:27 Minus 0:27 has been found. 10-14) for your chance to try this delicious invasive. To find the tides of the following area, subtract the indicated The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office has been Learn more by visiting FWCReefRangers.com. times from those given for CARRABELLE: searching for Jerry Wilson through the early morning Interested in having a booth at the event? Apply HIGH LOW Bald Point Minus 9:16 Minus 0:03 hours, with additional resources deployed, including today. Booth spacing will be implemented to abide by helicopters and a plane to help cover the forest area. COVID-19 guidelines to allow for safe social distanc- APALACHICOLA Wilson last mentioned to family that he would fish ing. Date Day High Tide High Tide Low Tide Low Tide and hunt near the Pine Log area of the New River, Do you harvest lionfish? Register for the Emerald deep in the Carrabelle forest area. Coast Open lionfish tournament. Interested in being a 14 Th 3:12a 1.2 7:16p 0.9 12:00p -0.6 11:22p 0.8 Wilson was reported found unharmed in Liberty volunteer or sponsor? Learn more at EmeraldCoastO- 15 Fr 4:07a 1.2 7:31p 0.9 12:34p -0.5 County Wednesday morning, after his vehicle had be- pen.com. come trapped in the mud. The 2021 Lionfish Challenge removal incentive 16 Sa 5:02a 1.1 7:46p 0.8 12:10a 0.6 1:04p -0.3 Plan now for lionfish festival in Destin program will begin May 21 and continue through La- 17 Su 5:58a 0.9 8:01p 0.9 12:59a 0.5 1:32p -0.2 The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Com- bor Day, Sept. 6. More details on how to get rewarded mission is excited to announce the seventh annual Li- for your harvest coming soon to FWCReefRanger- 6:58a 0.8 8:19p 0.9 1:53a 0.4 1:57p 0.0 18 Mo onfish Removal and Awareness Festival May 15 and 16 s.com 19 Tu 8:07a 0.8 8:40p 0.9 2:53a 0.2 2:23p 0.2 at AJ’s Seafood and Oyster Bar and HarborWalk Vil- Lionfish Removal and Awareness Day (the first Sat- lage in Destin. urday after Mother’s Day each year) raises awareness 20 We 9:32a 0.6 9:06p 1.0 4:02a 0.2 2:49p 0.3 Come out and celebrate the fight against invasive about lionfish; a nonnative, invasive species that has CARRABELLE lionfish with the FWC and Destin–Fort Walton Beach. the potential to negatively impact native species and Activities will include fillet demonstrations; fam- habitat. Date Day High Tide High Tide Low Tide Low Tide 14 Th 1:19a 2.2 5:23p 1.8 9:12a -1.1 8:34p 1.4 15 Fr 2:14a 2.2 5:38p 1.8 9:46a -1.0 9:22p 1.1 16 Sa 3:09a 2.1 5:53p 1.6 10:16a -0.6 10:11p 1.0 17 Su 4:05a 1.8 6:08p 1.8 10:44a -0.3 11:05p 0.8 18 Mo 5:05a 1.6 6:26p 1.8 11:09a 0.0 19 Tu 6:14a 1.4 6:47p 1.8 12:05a 0.5 11:35a 0.3 20 We 7:39a 1.1 7:13p 1.9 1:14a 0.3 12:01p 0.6 SPONSOR THE WEEKLY ALMANAC CALL TODAY! 227-7847 8A | THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2021 | THE TIMES Florida gave thousands of tarnished officers a second chance

Devan Patel committed some form of crime, ranging [email protected] from drug offenses to sexual assault to USA TODAY NETWORK murder, leaving a trail of victims and at least two dozen lawsuits. Joseph Floyd turned Florida’s Crest- These officers were able to find work view Police Department into a criminal because the main burden for weeding out enterprise, the judge said at his 2013 sen- bad hires in Florida is put on local agen- tencing, but his willingness to break the cies, and the minimum requirements for rules didn’t start there. officers, established by a state law that Story after story from witnesses, in- some criminal justice experts criticize as cluding fellow officers, illustrated the “ir- weak, did not explicitly disqualify them reparable” harm the judge said the police from employment. major caused: accusations of excessive The same minimum requirements use of force, false arrests, sexual assault, have left hundreds of questionable hires bribery, planting drugs, falsifying police currently on agency payrolls, including reports and intimidating other officers to dozens of officers with such poor charac- force them to go along with his crimes. ter that they could be barred from testify- A woman lost her unborn child after ing in court. Floyd intentionally rammed her car with The death of George Floyd in Minne- his police vehicle, flipping it multiple apolis and others at the hands of law en- times, leading to a $75,000 legal settle- forcement have spurred calls for police ment with the city in Florida’s Panhandle, Circuit Judge Mike Flowers presided over former Crestview Police Maj. Jospeh reform. But Florida lawmakers have according to court records. Floyd's racketering trial in 2013. NORTHWEST FLORIDA DAILY NEWS largely failed to address how troubled of- “The volume of the evidence present- ficers get hired, as evidenced by the lack ed to the jury was remarkable, astound- of proposed legislation spanning nearly a ing really,” said Judge Michael Flowers in have revealed that Floyd has demonstrat- Sheriff’s Office — for offenses similar to decade. A bill is in the works that calls for rejecting the minimum sentencing for ed that he did not have the necessary those he was accused of in Crestview. the creation of a misconduct registry, but racketeering and ordering Floyd to prison character traits to be a good officer,” the Thousands of tarnished officers that information is already public record for 12 years. grand jury foreman wrote when Floyd around the state have been forced out in Florida. Another would reduce quali- “He ruined lives,” special prosecutor was indicted in 2012. from another Florida agency for miscon- fied immunity for police, which limits Russ Edgar said. “He perverted justice, Before he became a cop, Floyd was ar- duct in the last 30 years. At least 505 of their personal liability. and he did everything a police officer rested for battery, disorderly conduct and those law enforcement and corrections “What I found is it is a terrible system should never do. He used his badge to resisting a law enforcement officer, the officers who were given a second chance, for hiring officers,” said former Oak Hill break the law. He had no respect for it, no grand jury found. As an officer, Floyd was including Floyd, later committed an of- Police Chief Walt Zalisko, a policing prac- observance for it in these incidents.” terminated for misconduct or forced to fense that led to decertification, an inves- tice expert who also had decades of law But Floyd crossed legal and ethical resign from three other agencies — the tigation by the Naples Daily News and enforcement experience in New Jersey. lines long before Crestview hired him. Bay County Sheriff’s Office, Sneads Po- The News-Press found. “A background investigation would lice Department and Sarasota County The vast majority of those officers See OFFICERS, Page 9

Carrabelle mayor’s house hit by gunfire

Jeff Burlew Democrat senior writer USA TODAY NETWORK

Carrabelle Mayor Brenda La Paz was asleep in bed Tuesday night, Jan. 5, when she was awakened by a series of loud “pops.” She and her husband, Greg Kristoffer- son, got up to look around but didn’t see anything unusual. Thinking it was fire- works or perhaps a pop gun used to scare bears, they retired once again to their bedroom. They had no inkling the noises were gunshots, directed at their house, until they looked at surveillance video the next morning. The video, which had no sound, Carrabelle Mayor Brenda La Paz SPECIAL showed a truck drive by around 11:15 p.m., An image from surveillance video of a truck believed to have been involved in a TO THE DEMOCRAT the same time of the disturbance. drive-by shooting at the home of Carrabelle Mayor Brenda La Paz. No one was Kristofferson decided to take a closer injured in the shooting, which happened the night of Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2021. look outside, finding a bullet hole in a tree SPECIAL TO THE DEMOCRAT "The sheriff is telling me (the inci- and two more in their tin roof. Investiga- dents) are not connected," she said, "and tors got additional video with audio taken the chief doesn't think they're connected nearby in which six gunshots could be She called Carrabelle Police Chief Gary video and asked for whoever was respon- either." heard. Hunnings, who responded in minutes. sible to come forward, saying they “will be La Paz and her husband are offering a La Paz said she doesn’t know whether The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and treated fairly.” $2,000 reward for information leading to the shots fired were related to city busi- the Florida Department of Law Enforce- “You probably wouldn’t like somebody the arrest and conviction of anyone re- ness somehow. She first was elected to ment are assisting in the investigation. shooting into your house,” Smith said. sponsible. the Carrabelle City Commission in 2011 “They all said this looks like someone “And these folks didn’t like it at their "We aren't going to tolerate it," she and enjoys broad support, having won re- is sending you a message because they house. It was stupid. But come forward said. "We're doing everything to find out election last year without opposition. were aiming high,” La Paz said. “It was and let’s get it behind us.” who it is. We just want everyone in Carra- “It’s really hard to say because so many high on the tree ... and up on the roof. The shooting happened next door to belle and our neighborhood to be safe and people can get upset,” she said. “But real- They weren’t aiming at the windows or where an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle was know that they're safe." ly, I’m not scared. And my husband isn’t anywhere people would be standing or stolen early Monday from a Franklin Contact Jeff Burlew at jburlew@talla- scared. We’re moving ahead with busi- sitting, thank goodness.” County deputy's unlocked patrol car, La hassee.com or follow @JeffBurlew on ness as usual. But we're extremely con- Sheriff A.J “Tony” Smith mentioned Paz said. Investigators believe juveniles Twitter. cerned." the shooting Thursday in a live Facebook were involved in the theft.

ARREST REPORT The following report is provided by lation of conditional release; held with- law enforcement officer, firefighter or Jan. 10 the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office. Ar- out bond (FCSO) EMT, trespassing – failure to leave prop- Matthew Drake Turner, 18, Pompa- rests listed this week were made by offi- Jan. 6 erty upon order by owner, resisting an no Beach, larceny – theft valued be- cers from the Apalachicola Police De- Christopher Shea Thompson, 44, officer with violence, domestic battery; tween $300 and $5,000; $1,000 bond partment, and the Franklin County Eastpoint, driving while license sus- $10,500 bond (APD) (FCSO) Sheriff’s Office. All defendants are to be pended or revoked – habitual offender; Renee Johnson, 53, Eastpoint, tres- James Schmid, 28, Eastpoint, larce- considered innocent until proven guilty $1,000 bond (FCSO) passing on property not structure or ny – theft valued between $300 and in a court of law. Jan. 9 conveyance; released on own recogni- $5,000; $1,000 bond (FCSO) Jan. 4 Cameron Lashley, 18, homeless, Ap- zance (FCSO) Melanie Leigh Zingarelli, 40, DUI – Jon D. Borel, 43, Apalachicola, vio- alachicola, two counts of battery on a first offense; $250 bond (FCSO)

clovers and peanut hay make excellent distinctive seed pod clusters. Seed pods displaying hairs, too. Creeping forage, but there is a constant search for are straight and approximately an inch Dainty flower spikes appear at the the next improved option. long in densely packed groups of about base of the leaves, and contain numerous Continued from Page 7 When early tests as potential forage one hundred pods per stalk. pink blooms during the summer. Seed were conducted on rabbits, one did not These downward-pointing clusters are pod development soon follows. Historically, most of the Indigofera survive the initial grazing trial. The sur- bright green when immature, but dry to a As the attractive flowers disappear, species were used for production of indi- viving rabbits recovered after creeping matte black. The pods easily shatter this creeping beauty soon becomes ev- go dye produced deep blue shades in a va- indigo was removed from the diet. when bumped or struck by an animal and eryone's nightmare. If not controlled im- riety of textiles. Over time this stable dye Besides rabbits, equine, cattle, sheep, will scatter the tiny seeds within. mediately after discovery, its presence became a valuable commodity and was goats, guinea pigs, and birds have also The seed can stay viable for many will drag on for years. hauled by way of pack animals to distant been poisoned by this exotic plant. years in the soil, sprouting when condi- To learn more about this weedy pest in locations for barter in ancient markets Swine, demonstrating exceptionally good tions become idea. Franklin and Gulf counties, contact the and bazaars. sense despite their boorish table man- During the growing season, creeping nearest UF/IFAS County Extension Office Creeping indigo does not contain as ners, will not eat this plant and have indigo is a lowing growing plant which or visit https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find- much dye as other species in its genus avoided it in feeding trials. lies over in a prostrate fashion potentially your-local-office/. To read more stories by and was ignored as a valueless weed until Identification of creeping indigo in the reaching six feet in length. Leaves contain Les Harrison visit: Outdoorauthor.com the early 20th century. Legumes such as autumn and winter is aided by the very seven to nine hairy leaflets with stems and follow me on Facebook. apalachtimes.com | THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2021 | 9A

ing records: 11% Clarens Desrouleaux, whose settle- Network–Florida investigation published Officers h homicide or manslaughter: 2% ment was subject to a confidentiality in October. The Naples Daily News and The News- clause, spent five years in prison before Before he was hired by the Clewiston Continued from Page 8 Press found cities and sheriff’s offices he was deported to Haiti, which separat- Police Department and the Hendry Coun- have been sued at least 24 times since ed him from his wife and children, court ty Sheriff’s Office, at least nine other “You can have an officer who’s been un- 1990 as a result of the actions of these offi- records show. agencies rejected or disqualified Vandetti, der investigation and resigns and it will cers, according to local and federal court The court system also vacated Desrou- many of which stated it was because of say something like it was a voluntary sep- records. This figure does not include no- leaux’s conviction. his past conduct, selection records show. aration. Cities will do that to avoid pos- tices of claim submitted to the cities or According to pre-employment disclo- sible litigation down the road. We’ve seen agencies, which could have been resolved Officers are held to a lesser sures and polygraph reports, Vandetti ad- officers who have changed departments before litigation was filed. standard when hired mitted to at least 10 vehicle burglaries in eight times.” North Naples, using drugs, soliciting a State Sen. Bobby Powell, D-West Palm Warning signs The checkered pasts in many officers’ prostitute, having sex with a minor and Beach, who will sit on the criminal justice backgrounds show that the higher stan- inadvertently exposing his genitals at a committee during Florida’s upcoming leg- In some of the most serious cases, dards and expectations of law enforce- drug store in Lee County. He was also ac- islative session, said the issue needs to be there were connections between past ment do not necessarily apply in the hir- cused of falsifying applications and using explored. “We need to look at the back- misdeeds and the offenses that led to de- ing process. countermeasures during polygraph ex- grounds of people being hired.” certification. State rules require agencies to verify ams. Jimmy Dac Ho was fired from the Bro- that officers they hire are of “good moral While Vandetti said most of those of- Hundreds of officers given a ward County Sheriff’s Office after he was character” through the vetting of govern- fenses occurred when he was a juvenile, second chance were later accused of domestic abuse. He was then ment databases, past employment according to a 2003 polygraph report, a decertified hired by Florida Atlantic University in Bo- checks and history of drug use. Collier County Sheriff’s Office polygraph ca Raton, which fired him after he shot Beside the training, physical and aca- examiner noted “significant responses” to Florida’s minimum requirements to and killed 29-year-old Sheri Carter in demic standards to become certified, the questions about involvement in illegal ac- become a police officer, which are estab- 2011. He’s serving two life sentences for only disqualifiers include a dishonorable tivities, use of marijuana more than 20 lished by law, don’t prevent officers forced murder. discharge from the armed services, any times and the sale of illicit drugs for profit out from other agencies from being hired Before the murder, Ho also was ac- felony conviction or any misdemeanor after he became an adult, the report stat- at another agency. cused of being overzealous as a police of- conviction involving perjury or a false ed. Since 1988, thousands of Florida law ficer at Florida Atlantic University, lead- statement. Vandetti said he did not remember enforcement officers who were fired for ing to complaints about excessive use of However, good moral character is sub- making those admissions or the events misconduct or who resigned in lieu of ter- force. The university had to settle a law- ject to interpretation by local agencies, ever happening when he applied again to mination were given multiple chances to suit by a student whom Ho injured during Florida Department of Law Enforcement the agency nearly a decade later, employ- continue their careers, according to a a false arrest and required surgery to re- spokesperson Gretl Plessinger said, and ment records show. study published in April in the Yale Law pair a torn rotator cuff, according to court is not necessarily inclusive of the moral Vandetti could have been decertified if Journal by Duke University professor Ben records. character violations that could lead to he had committed those offenses as an Grunwald and University of Chicago pro- The university also settled a lawsuit loss of certification once someone be- officer. fessor John Rappaport. filed by Carter’s mother. comes an officer. His past conduct did not prevent Cle- They made up about 2% of employed Also among the officers identified in Moral character violations, which are wiston from hiring him in 2015 and Hen- officers during that time, which the re- the newspapers’ analysis is former Bis- established by state law, include any felo- dry in 2018 even though the agencies searchers said translated to nearly 800 of cayne Park Police Chief Raimundo Ate- ny offense or specific misdemeanors such were aware that he had disclosed those these officers working in any given year. siano, who was hired at the agency in as assault, battery, DUI, theft, possession offenses to the Collier County Sheriff's The study also found that these officers 2008 despite being forced out at the Sun- of drugs, falsifying records, making false Office, employment records show. were nearly twice as likely as other hires ny Isles Police Department in 2006. statements, exposure of sexual organs Vandetti did not respond to a request to be fired again and 75% more likely to be Before Atesiano became police chief, and prostitution regardless of prosecu- for comment. accused of a serious offense. he accepted an offer to resign from Sunny tion. After he declined to be interviewed, In addition to being forced out for mis- Isles in exchange for the state attorney’s They also can include noncriminal of- Hendry County Sheriff Steve Whidden conduct at a higher rate than others, tar- office declining to file criminal charges af- fenses such as sex on duty, excessive use wrote in a Facebook post in response to nished cops were also more likely to com- ter he admitted to forging the signature of of force, subverting testing or training the investigation into his hiring practices mit an act that resulted in decertification, a suspect on a promise-to-appear affida- and false statements during the employ- that his agency performs “rigorous ‘boots according to an analysis by the Naples vit, according to an internal affairs inves- ment application process. on the ground’ background checks, Poly- Daily News and The News-Press that tigation completed by the agency. Roger Goldman, a professor at St. Lou- graph exams, Psychiatric exams and drug tracked the work histories of decertified The Criminal Justice Standards and is University and a national expert on po- screens.” officers using employment records. Training Commission, the body that cer- lice licensing laws, said the state’s inter- While the state’s Criminal Justice The 505 law enforcement and correc- tifies and decertifies officers, also de- pretation has essentially created two dif- Standards and Training Commission rec- tions officers who went on to commit an- clined to issue any further punishment, ferent character standards for hiring and ommends agencies disqualify officers other serious offense after being forced instead sending a letter of guidance to decertifying officers because there is no with a history of substantial “unlawful out for misconduct from another agency Atesiano. uniformity. conduct,” it relies on the agency’s find- make up about 6% of the more than 8,000 “The Panel decided to take no disci- For example, Matthew Vandetti was ings. There are no administrative reper- decertifications since 1990, according to plinary action against your certification, one of 51 deputies hired by the Hendry cussions for certifying an officer is of the analysis. Corrections officers in Flori- and that the profession would be best County Sheriff’s Office since 2009 who good moral character when evidence sug- da are held to the same minimum em- served by allowing you to learn from your had a history of personal or professional ployment requirements as law enforce- mistakes,” then-Commissioner Gerald misconduct, according to a USA Today See OFFICERS, Page 10 ment officers. Bailey wrote. The analysis is likely an undercount After he became a police chief, Atesia- based on Zalisko’s explanation of how de- no pleaded guilty in 2018 to directing offi- partments have sometimes categorized cers to frame people through false arrests officer separations. and to claim false confessions in order to Join us for a Virtual Volunteer Training At least 433 of the complaints against clear unsolved burglaries. tarnished officers that led to decertifica- “Putting an arrest statistic above the to become a Big Bend Hospice Volunteer tion were criminal in nature, though not rights of an innocent man instead of all of the offenses were prosecuted. working to protect all our citizens under- rd Drug offenses were the most common mines the safety goals of every Miami- Saturday, January 23 reason for decertification of the officers Dade police department,” State Attorney identified in the analysis, with 20% of the Katherine Fernandez Rundle said. “Mi- 9:00am - 4:00pm via Zoom officers committing offenses including ami-Dade’s residents deserve honesty drug possession, sales or driving under and integrity, qualities that Raimundo the influence. Atesiano deliberately failed to deliver.” Other types of offenses included: Atesiano is serving a three-year prison h theft or robbery: 12% sentence. h assault or battery: 13% The officers whom Atesiano instructed h sex crimes: 8% to make false arrests settled with two of h making false statements or falsify- Atesiano’s victims.

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The City of Carrabelle will be holding a Special Election to elect one city commissioner on March 2, 2021.

The election will be held at Carrabelle City Hall located at 1206 Hwy 98 E, Carrabelle, FL.

The books close for new registrations on February 1, 2021. There will be no Early Voting, but you may request a Vote by Mail ballot by contacting the Supervisor of Elections Office at 850-653-9520.

The City of Carrabelle Canvassing Board will convene at the Franklin County Supervisor of Elections Office 47 Avenue F, Apalachicola, Florida at 10:00 am on Thursday, January 26, 2021.

The board is convening for the pre-election testing of tabulating equipment to be used in the March 2, 2021, Special Municipal Election. In accordance with the Sunshine Law of Florida, this meeting will be open to the public.

NOTE: Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes, states that if a person decides to appeal any decision made by a board, agency, or commission with respect to any matter considered at a meeting or hearing, he or she will need a record of the proceeding, and that for such purpose, he or she may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which appeal is to be based.

Heather C. Riley Franklin County Supervisor of Elections

NF-11115914 10A | THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2021 | THE TIMES Deputy’s stolen rifle recovered, teen arrested

Jeff Burlew yourself in," he said. "Because we will find you.” Democrat senior writer Smith said the Sheriff's Office obtained a pickup or- USA TODAY NETWORK der for the boy's arrest. "I think he's in Tallahassee or somewhere," Smith The Franklin County Sheriff's Office has recovered said. "It looks like he's been trying to avoid us. We a semi-automatic rifle that was stolen from a deputy's talked to relatives (Wednesday) night trying to pick unlocked patrol car. him up, and they were not cooperative." The suspect, Michael Reece, 16, turned himself in The sheriff said another child, a student at the K-12 after a pick up order was issued on the evening of Jan. Franklin County School, was involved in the theft. 9. Reece was charged with grand theft of a firearm and However, the student cooperated with school resource burglary of a conveyance. officers and investigators. Smith announced the theft of the AR-15 on Monday, "We appreciate that," Smith said. "Truthfulness and in a live video, and offered to let the person who stole it cooperation goes a long way." walk away without charges if the gun were returned. Meanwhile, Smith said he disciplined the deputy But that didn't happen. The sheriff said the firearm who left his car unlocked and the rifle unsecured. Dep- was recovered in Wakulla County but didn't give de- uty John Nunez was given a three-day suspension tails. He also asked the boy to surrender. without pay and placed on probation for six months. “If he’s seeing this video, if he’d like to turn himself Contact Jeff Burlew at [email protected] or Franklin County Sheriff A.J. "Tony" Smith announces in, feel free to come to the Sheriff’s Office and turn follow @JeffBurlew on Twitter. the recovery of an AR-15 stolen last weekend from a deputy's unlocked patrol car. SPECIAL TO THE DEMOCRAT.

Escambia County deputy also known by his professional While agencies try to glean as much as they can from Officers wrestling stage name “Lord Humongous.” Van Camp re- interviews and personnel records, determining what tired from the agency in 2012 shortly after the State At- kind of officer a person will be is a crapshoot, Scott said. Continued from Page 9 torney's Office for the First Judicial Circuit placed him on “I hired a lot of cops, and I found myself firing more its Brady list because he was under investigation for than I was glad to have done,” Scott said. “I found myself gests otherwise, Plessinger said, adding that prospective untruthfulness. asking, ‘How the hell could this thing have happened and officers “just have to meet the minimum requirements.” An internal affairs investigation by the Escambia we not have predicted it’? I came to a humbling under- The hands-off approach and reliance on local agen- County Sheriff's Office found that Van Camp was in- standing of the limits. What we don’t know about the cies are some of the reasons many tarnished officers volved with disseminating a police report about an at- person is pretty significant.” continue to find employment in Florida, Zalisko said. torney in the public defender's office and then lied about Gualtieri said the Florida Sheriffs Association would “This is one of the worst states because there is little doing so. oppose a requirement like Connecticut's because taking oversight,” Zalisko said. “Many agencies don’t do a com- Before the allegations of perjury, Van Camp had also out subjectivity and making criteria black and white can prehensive background check. The system here is really received a letter of acknowledgment from the Criminal make the process unfair by disqualifying officers. flawed.” Justice Standards and Training Commission after a sex- “Differing situations require a different response,” he Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, past president ual harassment complaint was made against him, which said. “You want to ask, ‘How long ago was the conduct of the Florida Sheriffs Association and its legislative resulted in a written reprimand and mandated sexual someone engaged in and was this an example of some- chair, disagreed with Zalisko. harassment training. thing you did when you were young and stupid?’ The “I take offense to that,” he said. “I’ll put our hiring Van Camp found work at the Okaloosa County Air- better approach is to look into the situation.” process here (in Pinellas County) up against anyone else. port Police Department in 2014 before moving in 2015 to Zalisko and David Thomas, a former Gainesville po- We have to go conduct a comprehensive background the Ocean Ridge Police Department in Palm Beach lice officer and professor at Florida Gulf Coast University, check, psychological exam and polygraph. Is it perfect? County, which is part of the 15th Judicial Circuit. He disagreed and said that agencies should not be allowed No, but what always comes after that is ‘What is (per- worked there until 2019. His separation was listed as an to hire officers discharged for misconduct. fect)?’” administrative termination not involving misconduct, "The reality is that the person is ineffective and inca- according to employment records. pable of doing their job,” Thomas said. “As a community Barred from testifying in one area, dozens of The Naples Daily News and News-Press were unable member, I wouldn’t want that. I would want quality ser- cops find new homes to reach Van Camp for comment. vice, quality employees and people I can trust." In some cases where an officer on one Brady list State Sen. Powell agreed and said it is a topic the Leg- Ambiguity in the meaning of good moral character moves to another judicial circuit, the state attorney’s of- islature needs to explore. has not prevented agencies from hiring officers whose fice is unaware of the past credibility concerns. “There needs to be legislation filed to prevent some- credibility has been questioned by prosecutors, includ- The State Attorney’s Office for the 10th Judicial Circuit thing like that from happening,” Powell said. ing up to the point of being barred from testifying as a put Michael Rowan on its Brady list when he was police Florida Democrats and members of the Legislative witness in criminal cases in some judicial circuits. chief at the Avon Park Police Department, where he was Black Caucus had attempted to call a special session to Prosecutors are required to turn over all exculpatory accused of being “untruthful and insubordinate” after discuss police reform after the death of George Floyd but evidence, including that which may impeach a witness, being questioned about making “inappropriate record- were rebuffed by Senate leaders because they believed as a result of the 1963 Supreme Court decision in Brady v. ings,” according to a letter from the state attorney's office discussions would be ineffective at finding solutions due Maryland. obtained through a public records request. to the session being time-limited. One of the ways prosecutors do this is by maintaining Yet he was then hired by both the Clewiston Police Many of the Florida bills proposed thus far don’t focus a formal list of officers with credibility concerns. Department and Hendry County Sheriff’s Office in the on how troubled officers are hired but rather draw simi- While placement on the list can mean disclosure of 20th Judicial Circuit. larities to the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, which the credibility issues in some circuits, some state attor- The State Attorney’s Office for the 20th Judicial Cir- was passed in the U.S House of Representatives before neys have documented their stances that these officers cuit was unaware Rowan had been on a list elsewhere stalling in the U.S. Senate. will not be called as a witness for the prosecution. until the Naples Daily News questioned the office in 2019 That bill included calls for a national registry of police In nine of 20 state attorney’s offices that maintain a about his testimony in a Clewiston Police Department misconduct, the lowering of standards to convict police formal Brady-Giglio list, the Naples Daily News and The drug case. for misconduct, requiring implicit bias training and lim- News-Press found that at least 32 officers in the last dec- The analysis does not include offices like the State At- ited qualified immunity as a defense for law enforcement ade were hired by another agency, including at least 11 torney’s Office for the Second Judicial Circuit, which officers. officers who moved to other judicial circuits, after being does not maintain a list but issued a memo in 2012 docu- Gualtieri said the Florida Sheriffs Association would placed on a list. menting credibility concerns about Clifford Carroll while oppose bills involving a registry and reducing qualified The analysis is likely an undercount because 11 state he was employed at the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office. immunity, calling some of them “political grandstand- attorney’s offices do not maintain a formal list to docu- Prosecutor Lorena Vollrath-Bueno outlined her con- ing.” ment officers' credibility concerns. cerns that spanned a few years, including her belief that “Before they call for things, they need to be informed The newspapers identified the officers by gathering Carroll had been dishonest with her and the court. about what is in place or not in place,” Gualtieri said. Brady lists from around the state and building a data- In addition to her suspicions, Vollrath-Bueno also “That’s not helpful or beneficial.” base that tracked their employment histories. noted that Carroll had made assurances to defendants Among those 32 officers is Jeff Van Camp, a former and “it appeared Capt. Carroll was becoming involved in Calls for consistency possible witness tampering, or attempting to influence the investigation and/or outcome” of a case in 2010 While experts disagreed on automatically disqualify- when she was working in the U.S. Attorney’s Office. ing officers that had been fired before, there was some Carroll retired from the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Of- agreement that the state could do more in terms of im- OF THE fice in 2015 and was hired just over a year later by the proving character requirements in the hiring process. Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, where he is currently a “I would prefer that states have more precise lan- PET WEEK major and in charge of its patrol division, despite the guage,” Scott said. state attorney’s office's concerns about his credibility. Currently, there is no definition of what good moral Franklin County Humane Society Carroll did not respond to a request for comment. character means in the certification process for law en- forcement and corrections officers in Florida, despite the Peyton is a very How Florida compares state’s overall reputation for burdensome occupational handsome 2 yr old Rotti/ licensing requirements. The state laws were ranked Hound mix. Besides Criminal justice experts and law enforcement officers fifth-most burdensome when it came to occupational li- being good looking, he is differ on how they think Florida rates compared to other censing in general by the Institute of Justice. smart and strong. We are states that certify law enforcement and corrections offi- Some states, like Colorado, spell out more past ac- looking for a home without cers. tions that will result in a loss of eligibility for hire. The While Zalisko believed Florida to be among the worst same occurs in Missouri, which has a slightly more ro- young children because states when it came to the basic requirements, Michael bust definition of what moral turpitude constitutes. of his size and strength. Scott, a criminal justice professor at Arizona State Uni- Zalisko and Thomas said moral character hiring stan- This good boy has a lot of versity and the founding police chief of the Lauderhill dards should closely mirror the higher standards and ex- potential and should make Police Department, disagreed. pectations law enforcement are held to that could result a wonderful pet! “My general impression is that it’s near the top in in their decertification, adding that there needs to be Volunteers are desperately needed to socialize all of terms of open records laws and state regulations on both consistency. our dogs and cats. We are always looking for people willing requirements to be an officer,” Scott said. “It has both a There are uniform standards for other officer qualifi- to bring one of our animals into their home to be fostered decent certification and decertification process.” cations but not moral character. for various needs. Any time you can spare would be Goldman of St. Louis University said other states do “The system is uniform when it comes to the number greatly appreciated. have individual requirements that are more strict than of hours of training, annual firearms qualification, mini- Call Karen at 670-8417 for more details or visit the Franklin County Florida, pointing to a state law in Connecticut that pre- mum scores on tests for recruits,” Thomas said. “Be- Humane Society at 244 State Road 65 in Eastpoint. You may logon to the website at www.forgottenpets.org to see more of our vents agencies from hiring an officer who resigned under cause of this, there is no question as to a standard and adoptable pets. investigation or was “dismissed for malfeasance or other minimum qualifications.” www.forgottenpets.org serious misconduct calling into question such person's State Sen. Powell said the current character require- fitness to serve as a police officer.” ments for certification cannot be subjective and need to Connecticut’s law was “probably going too far,” said be addressed by the Legislature in the same manner as Scott, who has worked in about half a dozen states, in- decertification. cluding Missouri, Wisconsin and New York. “I’m a supporter of good policing and work with the Just as employment records can be misleading, like (Fraternal Order of Police) and Police Benevolent Associ- when an officer’s resignation for misconduct can be cat- ation to work on what we think is good legislation,” Pow- egorized as a voluntary separation, there may be more to ell said. “I would hope something like this is on their ra- why an officer had trouble at a former agency, Scott said, dar.” adding that it was plausible that the person was a good Connect with reporter Devan Patel: @DevanJPatel NF-11115911 officer at a bad agency. (Twitter) or [email protected] apalachtimes.com | THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2021 | 11A

FAITH When you are facing the impossible, do this

diately frowned. The signs didn’t look new. In fact, they Nope, not the Philistines. They weren’t scared. Not un- were weathered. til Covid-1,000 B.C. hit with a cancerous plague of tumors. R.A. Mathews What a puzzle. Israel’s most holy treasure had become the Philistines’ Guest Columnist And then it was solved. I passed a business named nightmare. “Covington Pecan.” Their sign read, “We buy, sell, and “Why should you harden your hearts... as the Egyp- crack pecans.” tians hardened theirs?” the Philistine priests said, re- Oh. membering Pharaoh and the Egyptian plagues. Apparently, Covington County had some pecan trees. So, the Philistines promptly sent the Ark back with a It surprised me! Who knew? nice box of gold. Can’t you hear them shouting? “Sorry. I stopped my vehicle and stared at the sign: “Buy Sell Jenny will tell you that juvenile drug dealers are devot- Innocent misunderstanding!” Crack.” This was my introduction to Covington County in ed businessmen. I can see them eyeing that first sign and God’s people were surprised. They had no hope of get- South Alabama near the Florida line. jumping onto the sidewalk, waving their packets. ting their sacred treasure back. Immediately, I grabbed my phone. “Buy, sell, crack right here, Baby!” But the Lord intervened. Buy Sell Crack,” I said, reading the sign to my friend, I can also see them in jail shouting, “Innocent misun- If you’re facing the impossible, remember how great Jenny, who represents juvenile drug dealers. She despis- derstanding!” your God is. He fought for his people thousands of years es crack. That’s the plea of the guilty. ago, and He’ll fight for you. “They’re going to get into trouble,” Jenny said. I suspect a whole nation of people shouted that plea But be forewarned—why did Israel lose the Ark in the I stared at the huge sign. “You don’t understand. This some 3,000 years ago when they landed in trouble. It first place? is some sort of ad.” seems the mighty Philistine warriors had captured the God’s people weren’t right with Him. They refused to “They’re REALLY going to get into trouble!” Ark of the Covenant — Israel’s most holy possession. honor the commandments. I kept driving, eyeing the next sign and the next. All Ark? Like Noah’s Ark? Don’t make that mistake. Repent and surrender to read, “Buy Sell Crack.” Some were billboards. No, this wasn’t a boat. It was a wooden chest covered in God’s will and His words. “Jenny, I think crack must have a medicinal use.” gold, holding Moses’ stone tablets inscribed with the Ten When Joshua faced the fight of a lifetime, conquering “No, it doesn’t!” Commandments. Two angels of gold rested on top of the the Promised Land, Moses reassured him. “Then how do you account for the signs? They’re ev- chest, facing one another. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified erywhere.” The Ark was so holy, God’s people couldn’t touch it. because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he “They’re going to jail. Are you in a ghetto?” The Israelites slid poles through rings along either side of will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 I glanced at the beautiful churches, one right after the the Ark and carried it that way. Joshua lived a life devoted to God. Do the same. other. Rolling green acres meandered behind them. The Initially, the Philistines were as pleased as any drug- When you’re faced with an impossible battle, it’s all area was pastoral. dealing juvenile spying “Buy Sell Crack” signs. But the about surrender. “Jenny, I bet it’s for cancer patients. Like marijuana. fierce Philistines had no idea what was about to happen. The Rev. Mathews is the author of “Reaching to God.” Maybe it helps with pain.” Still, why hadn’t I heard about They placed the Ark beside their god, Dagon, and Contact her at [email protected]. Copyright © this? awoke to find Dagon flat on his face. Immediately, they 2017, 2019, 2021 R.A. Mathews. All rights reserved. “I have to go, but get out of there!” erected him and awoke the next morning to find Dagon She hung up, and I suddenly remembered I hadn’t laying in the dust. This time with only his torso intact; his seen the morning news. Obviously, Jenny hadn’t either. head and hands have been chopped off. TODAY’S OBITUARIES AND DEATH NOTICES “This has just been announced!” I thought and imme- Oooh. Sort of gives you the shivers! Name Age Town, State Death Date Arrangements *Gempel, Ronald Clark -- 27-Dec - * Additional information in display obituaries Obituaries appear in print and online at www.legacy.com/obituaries/starfl

Ronald Clark Gempel On being mask-shamed Ronald Clark Gem- pel November 26th, would’ve been destroyed! 1942-December 27th, A few days before I perceived a similar judgment 2020 when the driver of the big truck behind me obviously Reflections wanted to drive faster than me. I was calmly driving the Ron’s celebrity was Michael J. Brooks speed limit. He got on my bumper and threw his hands in cemented with the 1977 Guest Columnist the air in a pantomime of “what are you doing?” This re- opening of the iconic, minded me of the bumper sticker I sometimes see: “The DAILY SCOOP restau- closer you get, the slower I drive,” though I wasn’t inten- rant, in the Potrero Hill I suppose it’s the modern equivalent of “You kids get tionally trying to agitate. He zoomed around me when he neighborhood, of San off my lawn.” I’ve heard of “mask-shaming” in recent could, but I had momentary satisfaction when we came Francisco, and he later months but didn’t experience it until last week. alongside at the next traffic light. He wasted gasoline The senior adult didn’t introduce himself. He just and was frustrated, and I was enjoying Christmas music! opened CITY SALAD. walked by me and scowled, “You need to wear your Our first reaction to stress is often to strike rather than Ron ran“The Scoop,”Ice Cream Parlour, for over mask!” Which I was. I entered the store with the mask on to reflect. It occurred to me there’s wisdom in the old ad- 20 years. After caring for his Mother in Florida, my chin since I was finishing off my soda and about to age about counting to ten before reacting. Ron moved to Carrabelle, where he opened the drop the bottle in a receptacle before picking up a few A former military officer got frustrated in a meeting in CARRABELLE JUNCTION, soda fountain and items. I suppose my first reaction was shock that a total which I participated. He stood and said to our superior, cafe, that became a destination restaurant for stranger would accost me. My second reaction was an- “Sir, may I be excused?” He later told me this is the mil- families and travelers along the Gulf coast. It ger that he deigned to lecture me. As a church leader I’ve itary way of stepping aside and cooling down for clearer was said that; “Ron was a tourist attraction, in been in the forefront with protocols based on our gover- thought. Not such a bad idea. nor’s orders, and I constantly caution about distancing Solomon insisted, “A soft answer turns away wrath” and of himself!” Ron held court at the Junction and intimate contact. (Proverbs 15:1). This simple principle is a good life lesson. for the last 15 years. Born in Cleveland, raised in Fortunately, I pursed my lips and didn’t respond, We should learn not to respond in kind to rude or de- West Palm Beach, Ron was a true Renaissance though my first thought was to blast him and tell him to manding people. We should take a little time to process man, who died, as he lived, intentionally, and as mind his own business. I could’ve quoted scripture: things rather than making a little thing a big thing. the Producer of his own “movie.”Ron studied in “Who made you a judge over us?” (Exodus 2:14). I’m still learning. the ISLS (Interdisciplinary Studies of Letters and A few seconds later I saw a pastor friend in the store Reflections is a weekly devotional column written by Science) at Chabot Community College and at- and thought how fortunate I was to have held my peace Michael J. Brooks, pastor of the Siluria Baptist Church in and not made a scene. If I’d blown up, my friend Alabaster, Alabama. The church's website is siluriabap- tended San Francisco State University in the early would’ve observed, and my preacher reputation tist.com. 1970’s. Ron was infamous for his Panama Hats, cigars, Hawaiian shirts and his 1965 Ford Falcon! Ron was a romantic, a prolific poet, a collector of nostalgia, a keen observer of human nature, and cunningly sarcastic. He was one of the last of the timeless gentlemen, who lived with aplomb and grace. Ron is survived by; his son, Michael Gem- Why spend regular time with God? pel, (spouse, Lucy Reedy) his two brothers, Norm Gempel, (spouse, Judy Moody-Gempel), David more than anyone else ever will or ever could. He knows everything about us and our future. And He longs to Gempel, and devoted friend, Karen Cox-Dennis. spend time with us! Ron’s life celebration at Carrabelle Beach will be Today Can Be Different Read Psalm 27:8 and let these words become your announced in the coming weeks. In the Spring Sheryl H. Boldt mindset, ‘“You have said, “Seek my face.” My heart says there will be ash scattering under The Golden Guest columnist to you, “Your face, Lord, do I seek’” (ESV). Gate Bridge. Please feel free to make a donation to Big Bend Hospice of North Florida, to honor Mr. Thomas cleared his throat. “I’m sorry to have to do See GOD, Page 14 Ron’s memory. this, Ellen, but I don’t have a choice.” “Don’t say it. Please don’t say it!” Ellen thought. She gripped the chair’s armrests as she sat across from her JANET CUMBAA boss. TAYLOR “There’ve been a lot of budget cutbacks.” Looking CUMBAA Cell: 850-447-0315 down, he fidgeted with papers on his desk, then cleared MONUMENTS, INC. [email protected] his throat again. “I’m going to have to let you go.” 19041 SR 20W In this fictional story, how do you envision Ellen han- Blountstown, FL 32424 dled this unexpected crisis? How would you handle this – or an equally stressful event – if it happened to you? Monuments • Memorials Do you think Ellen’s (or your) response would be in- All Types Cemetery Work fluenced by whether she (you) had been spending reg- ular time with God? Serving NW Florida Since 1963

Even when I have regular quiet times, I don’t always NF- Compare Our Prices respond to difficulty the way I wish I would. But as I pur- pose to pray and read my Bible every day, my relation- First Baptist Church ship with my heavenly Father grows deeper and I have St. George Island less anxiety in life’s stresses. 501 E. Bayshore Drive Why do I talk so often about spending regular time 927-2257 with God? For three main reasons. R.R. Michael Michael Whaley, Waley, Pastor First, we never know what our future holds. Even a Join us as we praise and worship the living Christ. minute from now, our lives could change in dramatic “Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise.” Psalm 145:3 ways. Second, we need strength and comfort when we’re Sunday Bible Study ...... 10:00am struggling, and counsel when we’re confused. Third, Worship Praise...... 11:00am even in the good seasons in life, getting to know our Fa- Sunday Night ...... 7:00pm ther more intimately will only enhance our lives and our Wednesday - “Power Hour”...... 7:00pm relationships. Wednesday - “Youth at S.P.L.A.S.H”...... 7:00pm

There’s no downside to pursuing God. He loves us NF-4530673 “Walking in Christ” 12A | THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2021 | THE TIMES

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NF-11113798NF-11113798 apalachtimes.com | THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2021 | 13A F-STOP FRANKLIN Out our way

f-stop is an abbreviation for a camera lens aperture setting that corresponds to an f-number, which is the ratio of the focal length of a lens to the effective diame- ter of its aperture. It's been a rocky start to 2021, but all around Frank- lin County, life is filled with joy and beauty. The Times welcomes readers to send us their best photographs; whatever they capture, an unusual image, person, place or thing, we want it. Photos can be of any subject, but we especially like people. Please send photographs to David Adlerstein at dadlerstein@starfl.com. For more information, call 653-8894.

Sunrise at Bald Point DANIELLE FLATT/SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

Crunchy Christmas in Carrabelle JEAN RENARD/SPECIAL TO THE TIMES Carrabelle harbor pelican prepared for takeoff SKIP FRINK/SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

A first-year masked booby, a great bird PHOTO COURTESY C-QUARTERS, TAKEN BY A FISHERMAN OFFSHORE WORKING HIS TRAPS.

A female indigo bunting, left, and a male grace a bird feeder in Franklin County. KATIE DAVIS/SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

Two cousins playing in the surf on St. George Island KATY HARGROVE/SPECIAL TO THE TIMES NF-11115874 14A | THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2021 | THE TIMES

Scarlett Hernandez FILE PHOTO Scarlett Hernandez turns 5

Scarlett Hernandez turns 5 on Thursday, Jan. 14! Scarlett is the daughter of Rick and Krystal Hernan- dez, of Apalachicola. She's the granddaughter of Gordon and Becky Shuler, and Jorge and Tracy Hernandez. Mommy, daddy and bubba love you very much. Happy birthday to our Bonnie Kellogg, left, accepts check and donated items from Brenda and Steve Coles. PHOTO COURTESY FORGOTTEN COAST PARROT sweet, sassy and brilliant girl. HEAD CLUB

God Parrot Heads help fund Continued from Page 11 new year’s baskets What stressful events are you facing today? How are your responses to these events influenced by the time you spend By Betsy Nofziger The club brought household items to viduals have committed to donating (or don’t spend) with God? Special to the Times fill New Year’s Baskets for elders. This is items for the baskets this year. Let us Life is hard enough. I cringe to think the third consecutive year the ECCC has know how you can help. Items can be about how overwhelming it would be Elder Care Community Council of given out New Year’s Baskets filled with dropped off at Holy Family Senior Cen- without God’s presence. Franklin County was invited to attend items that food stamps will not pur- ter in Apalachicola between 9 a.m. and Beginning today, choose to seek The Forgotten Coast Parrot Head Club’s chase. Items such as toilet paper, paper 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. God’s face. Seek Him earnestly in your monthly meeting Jan. 7 at the High Five towels, dish soap, laundry soap, dish- Knock on the door and someone will heart, beyond just seeking answers to Dive Bar in Apalachicola. cloths/sponges, toiletries, and cleaning answer to accept your donation. The your prayers. Try this for one full month The club has designated ECCC a supplies, are placed in a new laundry doors at the Center are locked due to and see how much better you handle “charitable partner, and took up a dona- basket and distributed to seniors in COVID-19, so call us at 850-370-0116 life’s stresses. Even better, watch how tion at their December meeting. On Jan. need in our community. This year ECCC and we can arrange to pick up your do- much more you fall in love with – and 7, Steve and Brenda Coles, the club’s is planning on 90 baskets; deadline for nations, too. Cash donations also ac- revere – Almighty God. captain and first mate, presented ECCC donations is Friday, Jan. 22. cepted by mailing us a check at PO Box Franklin County resident Sheryl H. Past President Bonnie Kellogg, with Tabernacle of Faith, Betsy’s Sun- 335, Eastpoint, FL 32328 or PayPal.me/ Boldt is author of the blog, www.Today- checks and cash totaling over $400. flower, Mount Up Consulting, The Phi- ecccfranklin. CanBeDifferent.net. Connect with her The members had a 50/50 raffle and the laco Woman’s Club, Friendship Mis- at [email protected] money was also donated to ECCC. sionary Baptist Church and many indi-

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TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD CALL: 352-807-2657 or 352-807-5898 • HELP WANTED: EMAIL [email protected]

der for cash beginning 2, Pages(s) 20, of the tificate or certificates 1/14/2021 replacement of 5 sewer with this court WITHIN at 11:00 AM on the 2nd public records of will be sold to the high- 28670T manholes, which was THE LATER OF 3 The Blue Parrot Apalachicola Floor Lobby at the Franklin County, Flor- est bidder at the Court- achieved, but the pro- MONTHS AFTER THE is Now Hiring: 2BR Camper Trailer Franklin County Court- ida. house door on the First 28672T posed manhole reha- TIME OF THE FIRST house, 33 Market (4th) Monday in the bilitation was reduced PUBLICATION OF available to rent. Street, Suite 203, Apa- PROPERTY ADDRESS: month of January, NOTICE OF APPLICA- from 20 to 12 man- THIS NOTICE OR 30 • COOKS Call 850-653-6103 lachicola, FL 32320 in N/A 2021 which is the 25th TION FOR TAX DEED holes. Construction bid DAYS AFTER THE • SERVERS accordance with Chap- day of January , 2021 prices exceeded the DATE OF SERVICE OF NOTICE IS HEREBY • CASHIERS ter 45, Florida Statutes NAME IN WHICH AS- AT 11:00 A.M. project budget, forcing A COPY OF THIS NO- • HOSTESSES on January 28, 2021 SESSED: SGI Land GIVEN THAT Robert K. the reduction of the TICE ON THEM. the following described Company, LLC, a Flor- MARCIA M. JOHNSON Bondesen, Sr., the project scope. The • BUSSERS property as set forth in ida limited liability (SEAL) holder of the following grant closeout budget All other creditors of • BARTENDERS CASH FOR said Final Judgment, company CLERK OF COURT certificate has filed said will also be adjusted. the decedent and other to-wit: FRANKLIN COUNTY, certificate for a TAX persons having claims Apply in Person at CARS DEED to be issued All of said property be- FLORIDA The public hearing will or demands against Blue Parrot We Buy Any Condition thereon. The certificate LOT 14, LOCATED IN ing in the State of Flor- be held during a spe- decedent’s estate must Ocean Front Cafe Vehicle, 2002 and number and year of is- HAMMOCK SHORES, ida, County of Florida. BY: cial city commission file their claims with 68 West Gorrie Dr. Newer. Nation’s Top suance, the description A SUBDIVISION, AS Unless such certificate Lauren Luberto, Dep- meeting, which begins this court WITHIN 3 St. George Island Car Buyer! Free Tow- of the property, and the MAP OR PLAT or certificates shall be uty Clerk at 5:00 p.m. on Janu- MONTHS AFTER THE ing from Anywhere! THEREOF RE- redeemed according to names in which it was ary 19, 2021, at the DATE OF THE FIRST assessed are as fol- Spot Advertising Call Now: CORDED ON PAGE the law the property 12/24, 12/31, 1/7/, Community Center, 1 PUBLICATION OF 1-888-995-2702 28642T 30 OF PLAT BOOK 6 described in such cer- 1/14/2021 lows: Bay Avenue, Apalachi- THIS NOTICE. works! OF THE PUBLIC REC- tificate or certificates 28668T cola. Questions regard- IN THE CIRCUIT ORDS OF FRANKLIN will be sold to the high- PARCEL ID#: ing the meetings ALL CLAIMS NOT COURT OF THE 2ND COUNTY, FLORIDA. est bidder at the Court- 28670T 20-07S-04W-4212-0027-0 should be directed to FILED WITHIN THE JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN house door on the 150 Travis Wade, City Man- TIME PERIODS SET AND FOR FRANKLIN Property Address: 26 Fourth (4th) Monday in NOTICE OF APPLICA- CERTIFICATE NUM- ager. Any person wish- FORTH IN SECTION COUNTY, FLORIDA Hammock Cv, the month of January, TION FOR TAX DEED BER: 403 ing to attend and re- 733.702 OF THE Eastpoint, FL 32328 2021 which is the 25th CERTIFICATE YEAR: quiring an interpreter FLORIDA PROBATE CASE NO.: day of January, 2021 NOTICE IS HEREBY 2014 or special accommoda- CODE WILL BE 192020CA000069CAAXM ANY PERSON CLAIM- AT 11:00 A.M. GIVEN THAT Robert K. tions should contact FOREEVER BARRED. X ING AN INTEREST IN Bondesen, Sr., the DESCRIPTION OF the City Clerk’s Office THE SURPLUS FROM MARCIA M. JOHNSON holder of the following PROPERTY: Lot 15, at (850) 653-9319 (or NOTWITHSTANDING U.S. BANK TRUST NA- THE SALE, IF ANY, (SEAL) certificate has filed said Block 27 (188) call 711 for the Florida THE TIME PERIODS TIONAL ASSOCIA- OTHER THAN THE CLERK OF COURT certificate for a TAX Keough’s Second Ad- Relay Service for hear- SET FORTH ABOVE, TION, AS TRUSTEE PROPERTY OWNER FRANKLIN COUNTY, DEED to be issued dition to the Town of ing impaired TTY/TDD) ANY CLAIM FILED OF CVI LCF AS OF THE DATE OF FLORIDA thereon. The certificate Carrabelle, according at least two business TWO (2) YEARS OR MORTGAGE LOAN THE LIS PENDENS number and year of is- to the plat thereof as days prior to the meet- MORE AFTER THE DE- TRUST I, MUST FILE A CLAIM BY: suance, the description recorded in Plat Book ing. Face masks and CEDENT’S DATE OF Plaintiff, BEFORE THE CLERK Lauren Luberto, Dep- of the property, and the 2, Pages(s) 20, of the social distancing are DEATH IS BARRED. REPORTS THE SUR- uty Clerk names in which it was public records of required, and seating v. PLUS AS UN- 12/24, 12/31, 1/7 & assessed are as fol- Franklin County, Flor- will be limited and on a The date of first publi- CLAIMED. 1/14/2020 lows: ida. first come, first seated cation of this Notice is CHARLES J. DEASON; 28666T basis. However, the January 14, 2021. Downtown Carrabelle UNKNOWN SPOUSE THE COURT, IN ITS PARCEL ID#: PROPERTY ADDRESS: meeting will be live OF CHARLES J. DISCRETION, MAY 28668T 20-07S-04W-4212-0027-0 N/A streamed and can be ARTHUR A. SMITH Newly remodeled 2Bath DEASON; RUTH S. ENLARGE THE TIME 130 accessed via a link on Personal Representa- DEASON F/K/A RUTH OF THE SALE. NO- NOTICE OF APPLICA- CERTIFICATE NUM- NAME IN WHICH AS- the City website. tive KEITH-STANTON; UN- TICE OF THE TION FOR TAX DEED BER: 401 SESSED: SGI Land 228 Kevin Road business space. KNOWN SPOUSE OF CHANGED TIME OF CERTIFICATE YEAR: Company, LLC, a Flor- 1/14/2021 Apalachicola, Florida RUTH S. DEASON SALE SHALL BE PUB- NOTICE IS HEREBY 2014 ida limited liability com- 28790T 32320 F/K/A RUTH LISHED AS PRO- GIVEN THAT Robert K. pany 1,050 SQ. FT. KEITH-STANTON; VIDED HEREIN. Bondesen, Sr., the DESCRIPTION OF All of said property be- 28792T Steve M. Watkins, III HAMMOCK SHORES holder of the following PROPERTY: Lot 13, ing in the State of Flor- Attorney for OWNERS ASSOCIA- Marcia M. Johnson certificate has filed said Block 27 (188) ida, County of Florida. IN THE CIRCUIT Personal Representa- $1000.00 a month. TION, INC.; ALL UN- CLERK OF THE CIR- certificate for a TAX Keough’s Second Ad- Unless such certificate COURT OF THE SEC- tives KNOWN PARTIES CUIT COURT DEED to be issued dition to the Town of or certificates shall be OND JUDICIAL CIR- 41 Commerce Street Please call 850-251-3432 CLAIMING INTERESTS Franklin County, Flor- thereon. The certificate Carrabelle, according redeemed according to CUIT, IN AND FOR Apalachicola, FL 32320 BY, THROUGH, UN- ida number and year of is- to the plat thereof as the law the property FRANKLIN COUNTY, (850) 653-1949 DER OR AGAINST A suance, the description recorded in Plat Book described in such cer- FLORIDA Fla. Bar No.: 0794996 NAMED DEFENDANT DEPUTY CLERK OF of the property, and the 2, Pages(s) 20, of the tificate or certificates [email protected] TO THIS ACTION, OR COURT names in which it was public records of will be sold to the high- CASE NO.: HAVING OR CLAIMING assessed are as fol- Franklin County, Flor- est bidder at the Court- 2020-CP-000078

1/14/2021 NF-11115839 TO HAVE ANY RIGHT, 1/7/2021 lows: ida. house door on the First 1/21/2021 TITLE OR INTEREST 1/14/2021 (4th) Monday in the IN RE: ESTATE OF 28792T IN THE PROPERTY 28642T PARCEL ID#: PROPERTY ADDRESS: month of January, PROBATE DIVISION HEREIN DESCRIBED; 20-07S-04W-4212-0027-0 N/A 2021 which is the 25th WILLIE JOHN SMITH, UNKNOWN TENANT 28666T 120 NAME IN WHICH AS- day January, 2021 AT Deceased. #1; UNKNOWN TEN- ICE OF APPLICATION CERTIFICATE NUM- SESSED: SGI Land 11:00 A.M. ANT #2, FOR TAX DEED BER: 400 Company, LLC, a Flor- NOTICE TO CREDI- Defendants. CERTIFICATE YEAR: ida limited liability MARCIA M. JOHNSON TORS NOTICE IS HEREBY 2014 company (SEAL) NOTICE OF FORE- GIVEN THAT Robert K. CLERK OF COURT The administration of CLOSURE SALE Bondesen, Sr., the DESCRIPTION OF All of said property be- FRANKLIN COUNTY, the estate of WILLIE holder of the following PROPERTY: Lot 12, ing in the State of Flor- FLORIDA JOHN SMITH, de- NOTICE IS HEREBY certificate has filed said Block 27 (188) ida, County of Florida. ceased, whose date of GIVEN pursuant to Fi- certificate for a TAX Keough’s Second Ad- Unless such certificate BY: death was December nal Judgment dated DEED to be issued dition to the Town of or certificates shall be Lauren Luberto, Dep- 16, 2020 and whose December 10, 2020 en- thereon. The certificate Carrabelle, according redeemed according to uty Clerk social security number tered in Civil Case No. number and year of is- to the plat thereof as the law the property is xxx-xx-4649, is pend- 192020CA000069CAAXMX in suance, the description recorded in Plat Book described in such cer- 12/24, 12/31, 1/7 & ing in the Circuit Court Circuit Court of of the property, and the 2, Pages(s) 20, of the tificate or certificates 1/14/2021 for Franklin County, the 2nd Judicial Circuit names in which it was public records of will be sold to the high- 28672T Florida, Probate Divi- assessed are as fol- Franklin County, Flor- est bidder at the Court- sion, the address of in and for Franklin 28790T County, Florida, lows: ida. house door on the First which is 33 Market (4th) Monday in the Street, Apalachicola, wherein U.S. BANK NOTICE OF SPECIAL TRUST NATIONAL AS- PARCEL ID#: PROPERTY ADDRESS: month of January, Florida 32320. The 20-07S-04W-4212-0027-0 N/A 2021 which is the 25th MEETING AND CDBG names and addresses SOCIATION, AS TRUS- PUBLIC HEARING TEE OF CVI LCF 110 NAME IN WHICH AS- day of January, 2021 of the personal repre- MORTGAGE LOAN CERTIFICATE NUM- SESSED: SGI Land AT 11:00 A.M. sentative and the per- BER: 399 Company, LLC, a Flor- The Apalachicola City sonal representative’s TRUST I, Plaintiff and Commission will con- CHARLES J. DEASON; CERTIFICATE YEAR: ida limited liability MARCIA M. JOHNSON attorney are set forth 2014 company (SEAL) duct a special meeting below. RUTH S. DEASON with a public hearing to F/K/A RUTH CLERK OF COURT DESCRIPTION OF All of said property be- FRANKLIN COUNTY, obtain comments on All creditors of the de- KEITH-STANTON; the modification to HAMMOCK SHORES PROPERTY: Lot 11, ing in the State of Flor- FLORIDA cedent and other per- Block 27 (188) ida, County of Florida. CDBG grant sons having claims or OWNERS ASSOCIA- 19DB-ON-02-29-02-N18, TION, INC., are Keough’s Second Ad- Unless such certificate BY: demands against dece- dition to the Town of or certificates shall be Lauren Luberto, Dep- sewer manhole dent’s estate on whom Defendant(s), Marcia replacement/rehabilitation proj- To place a classified ad call: M. Johnson, Clerk of Carrabelle, according redeemed according to uty Clerk a copy of this notice is to the plat thereof as the law the property ect on the west required to be served 352-807-2657 � 352-807-5898 Court, will sell to the side of the City. The recorded in Plat Book described in such cer- 12/24, 12/31, 1/1, & must file their claims Help Wanted: email [email protected] highest and best bid- original grant proposed NATIONAL ADVERTISING Reader Notice: This newspaper will never knowingly accept any advertisement that is illegal or considered fraudulent. 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Stacy Kirvin, the chairman of the Franklin County School Board, has been named by the Florida School Boards As- sociation as the first recipient of its Mentor of the Month honor. Kirvin was nominated by his mentee, Jodi Bailey, from Liberty County. “He quickly made contact and has frequently advised me, provided infor- mation and has been an enormous asset to me,” Bailey said. “I think Stacy is a great example of a mentor who sincerely cares about the roles and responsibil- ities of being a school board member. I look forward to working with him in the future.” Tina Pinkoson, the FSBA’s director of leadership services said Kirvin “is not only a great mentor but he is a valued member of FSBA’s Leadership Services team. He shares his knowledge of boardsmanship with school board members across the state of Florida.” The FSBA, a nonprofit corporation representing the elected school boards in Florida, has been the collective voice for Florida school districts since 1930 and is closely allied with other educational and community agencies to work to- ward improvement of education in Flor- ida. The FSBA’s mission is to increase student achievement through the devel- opment of effective school board leader- ship and advocacy for public education.

Stacy Kirvin, left , from a presentation he made of a Certified Board Member plaque to a Gulf County School Board Member Cindy Belin. PHOTO COURTESY OF FSBA NF-11112443 NF-11116057

MLS# 306178 • $475,000 • APALACHICOLA MLS# 301601 • $139,900 • ST. GEORGE ISLAND

CORNER OF AVE C & 10TH ON 2 CITY LOTS PLANTATION LOT Recently renovated, 3 BR, 2 BA, New HVAC, kitchen 2nd Tier Plantation lot! Approx 148 feet wide by 150 feet deep, centered behind the 1st tier lots, a & bath makeovers, new windows, cabinets, and great Gulf view is highly likely, the wind-swept pines foundation/floor leveling. 10’ ceilings, tongue & grove and sandy glades will win your heart, all Plantation walls and ceilings, and fresh paint. Unfinished attic. amenities included, Reed Ct West, listed by John Oversized back yard. Listed by Michael Billings Shelby John Shelby, Broker John Shelby, Broker 800-344-7570 800-344-7570 850-927-4777 850-927-4777 NF-11116053 NF-11116054 Locally owned www.sgirealty.com Locally owned www.sgirealty.com

Contact Robin (850) 227-7847 NF-11115909