In celebration of America 250, Mrs. Brenda Karlin will be leading a Public Reading of our Declaration of Independence the weekend of Flag Day, June 13 and 14. The event will be at the SGI Lighthouse Park from 1:00 to 1:30 pm each day.
Fiscal Year 2025 Florida Small Cities CDBG Program Application Cycle — Second Public Hearing Notice
Franklin County plans to apply to the Florida Department of Commerce for a FFY 2025 Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) of $1,769.250.00 in the Neighborhood Revitalization category. The activities, dollar amounts and estimated percentage benefit to lowand moderate-income persons are as follows:
Activity Name / CDBG Funding / LMI Benefit
Administration / $84,250 / N/A
Engineering /$235,000 / N/A
New Sewer Lines / $267,625 / 54%
New Sewer Hookups / $167,375 / 100%
Fire Hydrants /$ 65,000 / 54%
Ground Storage Tank / $400,000 / 54%
Lift Station /$550,000 / 54%
The County, in partnership with the Eastpoint Water-Sewer District (EWSD) will install approximately 3,500 linear feet of new sewer lines to serve existing homes and allow for future development of workforce housing along State Route 65 in Franklin County. New sewer hookups will be available for 25 newly constructed low- and moderate-income households and up to 40 existing low- and moderate-income households and within the project boundary. Following sewer installation, new fire hydrants will be installed for increase fire protection for new and existing low- and moderate-income households. Activities also include the design and installation of a 30,000-gallon storage tank and a secondary lift station to accept the increase in sewer from the future development of new workforce housing units.
Franklin County does not expect that anyone will be displaced as a result of CDBG-funded activities. If any persons are displaced as a result of the planned activities Franklin County will assist them as described in the County’s anti-displacement and relocation policy, which is available for review at the Franklin County Courthouse Annex located at 34 Forbes Street, Apalachicola, Florida 32320.
A public hearing to provide citizens an opportunity to comment on the draft application will be held at the Franklin County Courthouse Annex, 34 Forbes Street, Apalachicola, Florida 32320 on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. during the regularly scheduled Board of County
Commissioners Meeting. For information concerning the public hearing, contact Erin Griffith, Fiscal Manager / Grants Coordinator, at (850) 653-5143 or by e-mail at erin@franklincountyflorida.com. A draft copy of the application will also be available for review during normal business hours in the Franklin County Administration Building located at 248 Highway 98, Eastpoint, FL 32328 at noon on April 10, 2026. Persons wanting to submit written comments on the draft application should send them to Erin Griffith, Fiscal Manager/Grants Coordinator, by email at erin@franklincountyflorida.com or by mail to 33 Market Street, Suite 203, Apalachicola, Florida 32320 no later than April 22, 2026.
The public hearing is being conducted in a handicapped accessible location. Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate in the hearing is asked to advise the County at least five days before the hearing by contacting Jessica Gay at 850-653-8861. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the County using the Florida Relay Service, 1(800) 955-8771 (TDD) or 1(800) 955-8770 (Voice).
Any non-English speaking person wishing to attend the public hearing should contact Jessica Gay at 850-653-8861 at least five days prior to the hearing and an interpreter will be provided.
FINAL PUBLIC NOTICE – FEMA – ISLAND VIEW PARK
FINAL PUBLIC NOTICE
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has received the subgrant application for Franklin County’s Island View Park parking area repair due to damages from Hurricane Michael (DR-4399-FL PW 01268 PN 81073). Pursuant to Executive Order 11988 and 44 CFR Part 9.12, final notice is hereby given of FEMA’s intent to provide funding for this project under the Public Assistance (PA) Program.
An initial disaster-wide Public Notice was published October 30, 2018, for Hurricane Michael. Comments and other information received were fully evaluated by FEMA along with evaluation of social, economic, environmental, and safety considerations. This notice serves as a project-specific final notice for FEMA’s funding action located within the floodplain.
Funding for the project will be conditional upon compliance with all applicable federal, tribal, state and local laws, regulations, floodplain standards, permit requirements and conditions. This action complies with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) requirements.
Responsible Entity: FEMA Public Assistance (PA) Program
Applicant: Franklin County
Project Title(s): PA-04-FL-4399-PW-01268 [81073]; Island View Park E of Carrabelle
Location of Proposed Work: GPS: (29.85360, -84.65387)
Floodplain: Project is located in the VE Zone, otherwise known as the Coastal High Hazard Area, per Franklin County FIRM Panel # 112037C0435G dated 10/10/2024.
Proposed Work and Purpose: This project was previously posted for public comment on 05/13/2020. Franklin County repaired the East and West piers, miscellaneous systems, and parking area, including hazard mitigation measures to the piers and sidewalks. It has since been amended to capture the Scope of Work as it was performed, which entailed upgrading the parking area with asphalt as an improved project. This Final Public Notice has been updated to include the parking area improvements captured in the amended project.
The applicant removed damaged concrete pavers and resurfaced the 7,291 sq. ft. parking area with asphalt as an improved project. The mitigation measures utilized in pier repairs and the resurfaced parking area promote the parks intended purpose providing recreational and beneficial value to the community.
Project Alternatives: The no action alternative has been considered. This alternative is not practicable due to the social, economic, and recreational resources the community would lose by abandoning the park. Alternate locations were not considered as the piers, and associated facilities are functionally dependent upon their locations within the costal floodplain.
Comments: This will serve as the final public notice regarding the above-described action funded by the FEMA PA program. Interested persons may submit comments, questions, or request a map of this specific project by writing to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Region 4, 3005 Chamblee-Tucker Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30341 or by emailing FEMA-R4EHP-FLORIDA@fema.dhs.gov. Comments should be sent in writing with the subject line FL-4399-PW-01268, Franklin County at the above address within 15 days of the date of this notice.
Airport Operations Economic Development Board – Regular Meeting
Apalachicola Regional Airport
Airport Operations and Economic Development Advisory Board
Regular Meeting Agenda
Tuesday, May 26, 2026 – 9:30 AM (Eastern)
Franklin County Commission Meeting Room
34 Forbes Street
Apalachicola, FL 32320
Click here to view or download agenda with Zoom link
Apalachicola Regional Airport
Airport Operations and Economic Development Advisory Board
Regular Meeting Agenda
Tuesday, April 28, 2026 – 9:30 AM (Eastern)
Franklin County Commission Meeting Room
34 Forbes Street
Apalachicola, FL 32320
Click here for agenda and Zoom Link
The Airport Operations and Economic Development (AOED) Advisory Board March 24th Regular Meeting is cancelled. The next AOED Regular Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 28th at 9:30 a.m. (ET).
Apalachicola Regional Airport
Airport Operations and Economic Development Advisory Board
Regular Meeting Agenda
Tuesday, February 24, 2026 – 9:30 AM (Eastern)
Franklin County Commission Meeting Room
34 Forbes Street
Apalachicola, FL 32320
1) Call to Order by Chairman, Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
2) Approval of January 27th draft regular meeting and the February 10th workshop minutes.
3) Public Comments:
4) Board Discussion:
a) AVCON to supply a copy of the latest 60×60 box & T hangar plans with revised 48’ doors.
i) How will income be affected by changing all doors from 42’ to 48’
ii) Total costs for box and T-Hangars? Determine what can start in June.
iii) What funds are needed for phase 2 and so on.
b) JACIP information published in easily understandable spreadsheet format (see attached)
i) Track each initiative and show funding sources and years available.
ii) Recognize all funding gaps which delay completions. Goal is to find funding most efficiently.
iii) Load list, year and funding into County database. Update as work progresses.
c) A Clear T-Hangar Waitlist Policy drafted by Andrew Hartman from the workshop discussion.
i) Goals are promotion of a fair and manageable SOP, an accurate waitlist and increased satisfaction.
ii) Top on the list- those in a small or older AAF hangar, AC housed in the full-service hangar, pilots in neighboring counties within 100 miles of AAF, aircraft owners planning to build a home in FC
iii) Allowance of a week to 10-day response window.
iv) $150 non-refundable fee to remain on waitlist. Pass on available hangar- add $150 go to end of line
v) Commercial maintenance shops-only allowed in box hangars
Mr. Hartman’s draft policy. (see attached) T-Hangar Waiting List Administration Policy (6)
d) Box Hangar Contracts-distinct from T-Hangar contract
i) Phill Shelly contract conversion to a standard contract. Separate contract for manager’s office.
ii) Box hangars can be utilized differently than T-hangars.
e) Donny Maddox will look into the possibility of the Airport being designated as an opportunity zone.
5) IAM Report Review: (see attached) 02 24 2026 Airport Manager’s Report to the AOED (1) Haney Budget to date Feb 06 2026 – Sheet1
6) FBO report: (see attached)
7) Staff Reports:
a) Golson: T and Box hangar timeline
b) Maddox: Team Franklin updates
c) Mescher January Virtower report (see attached)
8) Review tasks board members and other attendees should complete before next meeting.
9) Board member comments, announcements or other business:
10) Next Regular Meeting Date: Tuesday, March 24th, 2026 @ 9:30AM
11) Motion to Adjourn
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Apalachicola Regional Airport
Airport Operations and Economic Development Advisory Board
Regular Meeting Agenda
Tuesday, January 27, 2026 – 9:30 AM (Eastern)
Franklin County Commission Meeting Room
34 Forbes Street
Apalachicola, FL 32320
1) Call to Order by Chairman
2) Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
3) Approval of December 16, 2025 draft Minutes and January 13, 2026 workshop minutes
4) Public Comments
5) Action Items:
a) Phil Shelly contract for vacant hangar. Board will vote. If approved, send to BOCC.
b) Hangar construction project (1.5M re-allocated and .8M specifically for hangars) How to secure
funds to complete the first phase, then next phases? (21 T and 5 box hangars 11M total)
c) Tenant sublease language
d) Pilot waitlist management
e) AVCON deliver reliable estimates to advisory board for understanding big picture funding needs
f) List current Airport funding available right now and what is approved for near term projects
g) Create concise 5-year project list for BOCC review and approval
h) Deliver to BOCC concise project list and the funding paths
i) Decide whether to recommend the BOCC engage AVCON to seek funding (FAA/FDOT) to hire
the firm doing the 6 acres utility mapping to add the entire airport. Where will funding be from?
An overall map may help development efficiency.
j) Decide whether to recommend the BOCC allow AVCON start overhaul process of the FBO
facility to make it more attractive to visitors. Similar airport examples were mentioned.
k) Schedule February 10th workshop to continue addressing action items
6) IAM Report:
7) FBO report: 01 27 2026 Airport Managers Report to the AOED
8) Staff Reports:
a) Golson: T and Box hangars progress
b) Maddox: Team Franklin updates
c) Mescher December Virtower report
9) Board Member Comments:
10) Next Regular Meeting Date: Tuesday, February 24th, 2026 @ 9:30AM
11) Motion to Adjourn
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===================================================================================================
Apalachicola Regional Airport
Airport Operations and Economic Development Advisory Board
Regular Meeting Agenda with Updates
Tuesday, December 16, 2025 – 9:30 AM (Eastern)
Franklin County Commission Meeting Room
34 Forbes Street
Apalachicola, FL 32320
- Call to Order by Vice Chair, Andy Shoaf
- Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
- Approval of November 19, 2025 draft Minutes
- Public Comments:
- Report on Jingoli lease: Michael Morón
- Discussion of upcoming workshops and plan for 2026
- List all grants with timing and responsibilities
- Team to coordinate further grant acquisition per Master Plan
- Hangar waitlist review
- Leasing/subletting review and discussion
- Interim Airport Manager Report AOED Report Dec 2025
- Centric report plus Q&A
- Staff Reports:
- Golson: T and Box hangars
- Maddox: Team Franklin updates
- Mescher November Virtower report
- Board Member Comments:
- Next Meeting Date: Tuesday, January 27th, 2026 @ 9:30AM
- Motion to Adjourn
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=====================================================================================================
Apalachicola Regional Airport
Airport Operations and Economic Development Advisory Board
Regular Meeting Agenda with Updates
Wednesday, November 19, 2025 – 9:30 AM (Eastern)
Franklin County Commission Meeting Room
34 Forbes Street
Apalachicola, FL 32320
1) Call to Order
2) Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
3) Approval of October 28, 2025 draft Minutes
4) Public Comments:
5) IAM Report Review
6) Questions regarding AOED primary GA initiatives:
a) T-hangar construction scope and total funding needed
b) Overflow parking area – standing water trouble may be too costly
c) New terminal construction planning- general timeline of future funding
d) 12,000 square foot or larger corporate/MRO hangar
7) Staff Reports:
a) Golson: T and Box hangars progress and near term income potential
b) Maddox: Team Franklin updates
c) Mescher- October Virtower report
8) Board Member Comments:
9) Next Meeting Date: Tuesday, December 16th, 2025 @ 9:30AM
10) Motion to Adjourn
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DOH-Franklin Issues Water Quality Health Advisory
May 22, 2026
Franklin County, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Franklin County (DOH-Franklin) has issued a water quality advisory for the following location:
Carrabelle Beach
Tests completed on Thursday, May 21, 2026, indicate that the water quality at Carrabelle Beach does not meet the recreational water quality criteria for Enterococcus bacteria recommended by the Florida Department of Health.
DOH-Franklin advises against any water-related activities at this location due to an increased risk of illness in swimmers. Sampling conducted during regular water quality monitoring showed that the level of bacteria exceeds the level established by state guidelines.
This advisory will continue until bacteria levels are below the accepted health level. Test results are available at FloridaHealth.gov/HealthyBeaches.
For more information, call 850-653-2111 or Franklin.FloridaHealth.gov.
November 5, 2025
Franklin County, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Franklin County (DOH-Franklin) is
lifting the advisory for high bacterial levels the following location:
Alligator Point Beach
Tests completed on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, indicate that the water quality at Alligator Point Beach shows an acceptable level of Enterococcus bacteria established by state guidelines. Test results are available at FloridaHealth.gov/HealthyBeaches.
For more information, call 850-653-2111 or visit Franklin.FloridaHealth.gov.
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October 23, 2025
Franklin County, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Franklin County (DOH-Franklin) has issued a water quality advisory for the following location:
Alligator Point Beach
Tests completed on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, indicate that the water quality at Alligator Point Beach does not meet the recreational water quality criteria for Enterococcusbacteria recommended by the Florida Department of Health.
DOH-Franklin advises against any water-related activities at this location due to an increased risk of illness in swimmers. Sampling conducted during regular water quality monitoring showed that the level of bacteria exceeds the level established by state guidelines.
This advisory will continue until bacteria levels are below the accepted health level. Test results are available at FloridaHealth.gov/HealthyBeaches.
For more information, call 850-653-2111 or Franklin.FloridaHealth.gov.
================================================================================================
October 10, 2025
Franklin County, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Franklin County (DOH-Franklin) has issued a water quality advisory for the following location:
Alligator Point Beach
Tests completed on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, indicate that the water quality at Alligator Point Beach does not meet the recreational water quality criteria for Enterococcus bacteria recommended by the Florida Department of Health.
DOH-Franklin advises against any water-related activities at this location due to an increased risk of illness in swimmers. Sampling conducted during regular water quality monitoring showed that the level of bacteria exceeds the level established by state guidelines.
This advisory will continue until bacteria levels are below the accepted health level. Test results are available at FloridaHealth.gov/HealthyBeaches.
For more information, call 850-653-2111 or Franklin.FloridaHealth.gov.
==================================================================================================
August 20, 2025
Franklin County, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Franklin County (DOH-Franklin) is lifting the advisory for high bacterial levels the following locations:
Alligator Point Beach
Carrabelle Beach
Tests completed on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, indicate that the water quality at Alligator Point Beach and Carrabelle Beach shows an acceptable level of Enterococcus bacteria established by state guidelines. Test results are available at FloridaHealth.gov/HealthyBeaches.
For more information, call 850-653-2111 or visit Franklin.FloridaHealth.gov.
###
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August 8, 2025
Franklin County, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Franklin County (DOH-Franklin) is lifting the advisory for high bacterial levels the following location:
St. George Island Beach
Tests completed on Thursday, August 7, 2025, indicate that the water quality at St. George Island shows an acceptable level of Enterococcus bacteria established by state guidelines. Test results are available at FloridaHealth.gov/HealthyBeaches.
Please note that water quality advisories for Alligator Point and Carrabelle Beach are still active and have not been lifted at this time.
For more information, call 850-653-2111 or visit Franklin.FloridaHealth.gov.
===========================================================================================================================
August 7, 2025
Franklin County, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Franklin County (DOH-Franklin) has issued a water quality advisory for the following locations:
Alligator Point Beach
St. George Island Beach
Tests completed on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, indicate that the water quality at Alligator Point Beach and St. George Island Beach does not meet the recreational water quality criteria for Enterococcus bacteria recommended by the Florida Department of Health.
DOH-Franklin advises against any water-related activities at this location due to an increased risk of illness in swimmers. Sampling conducted during regular water quality monitoring showed that the level of bacteria exceeds the level established by state guidelines.
This advisory will continue until bacteria levels are below the accepted health level. Test results are available at FloridaHealth.gov/HealthyBeaches.
Please note that water quality advisories for Carrabelle Beach are still active and have not been lifted at this time.
For more information, call 850-653-2111 or Franklin.FloridaHealth.gov.
========================================================================================================
August 1, 2025
Franklin County, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Franklin County (DOH-Franklin) has issued a water quality advisory for the following location:
Carrabelle Beach
Tests completed on Thursday, July 31, 2025, indicate that the water quality at Carrabelle Beach does not meet the recreational water quality criteria for Enterococcusbacteria recommended by the Florida Department of Health.
DOH-Franklin advises against any water-related activities at this location due to an increased risk of illness in swimmers. Sampling conducted during regular water quality monitoring showed that the level of bacteria exceeds the level established by state guidelines.
This advisory will continue until bacteria levels are below the accepted health level. Test results are available at FloridaHealth.gov/HealthyBeaches.
For more information, call 850-653-2111 or Franklin.FloridaHealth.gov.
=====================================================================================================================================
July 23, 2025
Franklin County, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Franklin County (DOH-Franklin) is lifting the advisory for high bacterial levels the following locations:
Alligator Point Beach and Carrabelle Beach
Tests completed on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, indicate that the water quality at Alligator Point Beach and Carrabelle Beach shows an acceptable level of Enterococcus bacteria established by state guidelines. Test results are available atFloridaHealth.gov/HealthyBeaches.
For more information, call 850-653-2111 or visit Franklin.FloridaHealth.gov.
=======================================================================================================================
July 11, 2025
Franklin County, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Franklin County (DOH-Franklin) has issued a water quality advisory for the following location:
Alligator Point Beach
Tests completed on Thursday, July 10, 2025, indicate that the water quality at Alligator Point Beach does not meet the recreational water quality criteria for Enterococcus bacteria recommended by the Florida Department of Health.
DOH-Franklin advises against any water-related activities at this location due to an increased risk of illness in swimmers. Sampling conducted during regular water quality monitoring showed that the level of bacteria exceeds the level established by state guidelines.
This advisory will continue until bacteria levels are below the accepted health level. Test results are available at FloridaHealth.gov/HealthyBeaches.
For more information, call 850-653-2111 or Franklin.FloridaHealth.gov.