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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Update: September 29, 2025

Big Bend Transit (BBT) is pleased to share that registered passengers in Franklin County ride free on our local services.
In addition, we are offering the following free regional trips:

• Tuesdays: Walmart shopping trips in Crawfordville
• Thursdays:  Trips to Tallahassee

To help connect eligible residents, please share our Passenger Applications, Ride Brochures, and Rider Guides with potential passengers through your offices, partner agencies, and other community locations.

How to Register
Residents who have not yet registered can contact our office to obtain an application or access materials online. Paper copies are available upon request.

Materials for Distribution (attached/available upon request):

• Passenger Application
• Ride Brochure
• Rider Guide

Thank you for your ongoing partnership in improving mobility for Franklin County. If you require bulk copies or have questions about scheduling, eligibility, or coordination, please don’t hesitate to let us know—BBT is ready to assist.

Big Bend Transit, Inc.

P.O. Box 1721

Tallahassee,  FL  32302

850-574-6266 Ext. 101

850-574-1531 Fax

smitchell@bigbendtransit.org

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Free Transportation Now Available in Gulf and Franklin Counties
Big Bend Transit Offers Rides for Medical, Work, School, Shopping, and More – Apply Today!

 

GULF & FRANKLIN COUNTIES, FL – Big Bend Transit (BBT) is excited to announce the launch of free weekday transportation for eligible residents in Gulf and Franklin Counties through Florida’s Transportation Disadvantaged (TD) Program.

This program offers free rides Monday through Friday to help residents get to:

• Doctor appointments
• Jobs and interviews
• School or training programs
• Grocery stores, pharmacies, and more

Services are available at no cost once your TD application is approved. Residents may qualify for this free transportation service if they are:

• Age 60 or older
• Have a low income (based on federal poverty guidelines)
• Have a disability or health condition preventing you from driving
• Do not own or have access to a vehicle
• Cannot afford to travel by other means

“This program is for people who need transportation help but don’t have it,” said Shawn Mitchell, General Manager of Big Bend Transit. “We want seniors, low-income families, and people with disabilities to know that reliable, free transportation is now available — and we’ll help you apply.”

To get started, call your county’s transit line to request an application. A staff member will guide you through the eligibility process, help you fill out your paperwork, and schedule your rides once approved.

• Gulf County: (850) 229-6550
• Franklin County: (850) 229-6550

Big Bend Transit is hiring drivers and dispatchers in both counties. If you’re community minded and looking for meaningful work, apply today and become part of a mission that matters.

In addition, Big Bend Transit has been a valuable partner for the RideOn program by offering both transit solutions and extended coverage for the Emergency Ride Home (ERH) service available in the areas they serve. To qualify for the ERH, sign up and begin logging your commute trips here: www.rideontogether.org.

Franklin County is aware of scam emails being sent out requesting payment for Planning and Zoning permits. The scammer appears to be gaining the information from the P&Z Agendas and includes accurate information that was obtained from the Franklin County application. The email looks official and is asking for payment to be made via wire transfer. Franklin County will NEVER require you to wire your permit payment.

Also, please note that all correspondence from the Franklin County Planning and Zoning department will come from zoning@franklincountyflorida.gov or permits@franklincountyflorida.gov.

If you have received an email pertaining to your pending application that looks suspicious or if you have any questions, please call the Planning and Zoning office at 850-653-9783.

Notice of Public Comments and Intent to Apply for CDBG-DR Grant Funds

Rebuild FloridaInfrastructure Repair Program for the 2023 and 2024 Storms

Florida Commerce’s Rebuild Florida Infrastructure Repair Program has been allocated $400 million to fund infrastructurerestoration and improvement projects in communities impacted by the 2023 and 2024 Storms (Hurricanes Idalia, Debby, Helene,Milton and the 2024 North Florida Tornadoes). The funding is provided by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Program to address unmet disaster recovery needs related to damage from the 2023 and 2024 Storms. Eligible counties and municipalities located in 2023and 2024 Storms’ Most Impacted and Distressed (MID) areas are eligible to apply for funding.

Franklin County, Florida anticipates applying for Rebuild Florida Infrastructure Repair Program in the amount of Seven HundredTwenty-Five Thousand Two Hundred Seventeen Dollars ($725,217.00) provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to assist in the recovery efforts from the 2023 and 2024 storms. Funding will be administered by Florida Commerce.

This public notice is to solicit citizen comments on the proposed project. The public comment period begins on September 12,2025, and ends on September 22, 2025, at 4:30 PM EST. For information on this public notice or project or to provide comments on the proposed project, please contact Erin Griffith, Franklin County Fiscal Manager & Grants Coordinator via email at erin@franklincountyflorida.com.

Franklin County has selected the project that best meets the requirements of the Rebuild Florida Infrastructure Repair Program.

Project: St George Island Boat Ramp (Cost to Franklin County $0.00)

• The objective of this project is to properly rebuild the existing seawall to ensure long-term stability and safety. The scope of work includes the excavation of the current wall’s supports, followed by the installation of tiebacks to reinforce the structure. Ribbon curbs will be added on both sides of the seawall to provide additional stabilization.
• Although the seawall is currently accessible, it continues to experience washouts, creating hazardous conditions for boaters attempting to launch their vessels. To mitigate these risks in the interim, barricades have been placed to safely guide vehicles into the water.

The program guidelines for the Rebuild Florida Infrastructure Repair Program are available on the Florida Commerce website.

This public notice and comment period is being conducted pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure accessibility to all. Any person requiring special accommodations to participate in this public notification is asked to reach out to Erin Griffith at 850-653-5143 or erin@franklincountyflorida.com. If you are hearing, speech impaired, or need other accommodations, please contact Erin Griffith using Florida Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1, which can provide many different services including Spanish to English translation.

Franklin County is committed to fair housing and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, disability or familial status.

Franklin County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages participation from minority-owned, women-owned and Section 3 businesses.

 

Aviso de Comentarios Públicos e Intención de Solicitar Fondos de Subvención CDBG-DR

Programa deReparación de Infraestructura Rebuild Florida para las Tormentas de 2023 y 2024

El Programa de Reparación de Infraestructura Rebuild Florida, administrado por Florida Commerce, ha recibido una asignación de $400 millones para financiar proyectos de restauración y mejora de infraestructura en comunidades afectadas por las tormentas de 2023 y 2024 (huracanes Idalia, Debby, Helene, Milton y los tornados del norte de Florida en 2024). Esta financiación proviene del Programa de Subvenciones en Bloque para el DesarrolloComunitario – Recuperación ante Desastres del Departamento de Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano de los EstadosUnidos, con el objetivo de atender necesidades no cubiertas de recuperación ante desastres relacionadas con los daños causados por dichas tormentas. Los condados y municipios ubicados en las áreas más impactadas y en situación de angustia de las tormentas de 2023 y 2024 son elegibles para solicitar estos fondos.

El Condado de Franklin, Florida, anticipa solicitar fondos del Programa de Reparación de Infraestructura Rebuild Florida por un monto de setecientos veinticinco mil doscientos diecisiete dólares ($725,217.00), proporcionados por HUD, para apoyar los esfuerzos de recuperación tras las tormentas de 2023 y 2024. La administración de los fondos estará a cargo de Florida Commerce.

Este aviso público tiene como objetivo solicitar comentarios ciudadanos sobre el proyecto propuesto. El período de comentarios públicos comienza el 12 de septiembre de 2025 y finaliza el 22 de septiembre de 2025 a las 4:30 PM (hora estándar del Este). Para obtener información sobre este aviso público o el proyecto, o para enviarcomentarios, comuníquese con Erin Griffith, Gerente Fiscal y Coordinadora de Subvenciones del Condado de Franklin, al correo electrónico erin@franklincountyflorida.com.

El Condado de Franklin ha seleccionado el proyecto que mejor cumple con los requisitos del Programa de Reparación de Infraestructura Rebuild Florida.

Proyecto: Rampa para Botes en la Isla St. George (Costo para el Condado de Franklin: $0.00)

• El objetivo de este proyecto es reconstruir adecuadamente el muro de contención existente para garantizar su estabilidad y seguridad a largo plazo. El alcance del trabajo incluye la excavación de los soportes actuales del muro, seguida de la instalación de anclajes para reforzar la estructura. Se agregarán bordillos tipo cinta en ambos lados del muro para proporcionar estabilización adicional.
• Aunque el muro de contención es actualmente accesible, continúa sufriendo erosiones, lo que genera condiciones peligrosas para los navegantes que intentan lanzar sus Para mitigar estos riesgos de manera temporal, se han colocado barricadas para guiar de forma segura a los vehículos hacia elagua.

Las directrices del programa están disponibles en el sitio web de Florida Commerce.

Este aviso público y período de comentarios se lleva a cabo conforme a las disposiciones de la Ley de Estadounidenses con Discapacidades para garantizar la accesibilidad para todos. Cualquier persona que requiera adaptaciones especiales para participar en esta notificación pública debe comunicarse con Erin Griffith al 850-653-5143 o erin@franklincountyflorida.com. Si tiene dificultades auditivas, del habla u otras necesidades de accesibilidad, comuníquese con Erin Griffith utilizando el Servicio de Retransmisión de Florida marcando 7-1-1, el cual ofrece diversos servicios, incluyendo traducción de español a inglés.

El Condado de Franklin está comprometido con la vivienda justa y no discrimina por motivos de raza, color, origen nacional, sexo, religión, discapacidad o estado familiar.

El Condado de Franklin es un empleador que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades y fomenta la participación deempresas propiedad de minorías, mujeres y negocios de la Sección 3.

NEW ANNOUCEMENT: