LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF LOGIC AND ACCURACY TEST

PRIMARY ELECTION

AUGUST 18, 2026

FRANKLIN COUNTY, FLORIDA

Pursuant to F.S. 101.5612, The Logic and Accuracy test for the Optical Scan Tabulation System to be used for the August 20, 2024, Primary Election, will be held at the Franklin County Supervisor of Elections Office, 34 Forbes Street, Suite 1, Apalachicola, FL 32320 on Tuesday, July 28, at 10:30 AM.

L&A testing is open to the public. We would like to remind you; we have a small office and space is extremely limited. Please coordinate with your candidate and party representatives if you plan to attend.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 22, 2026

DOH-Franklin Issues Water Quality Health Advisory

 

Advisory Issued for Several Franklin County Beaches

Contact:

DT Simmons

Deanna.Simmons@flhealth.gov

850-653-2111

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

Carrabelle Beach

St. George Island (Franklin Blvd/Lighthouse)

St. George Island (11th St. East Beach Access)

St. George Island (11th St. West Beach Access)

St. George Island State Park (Sugar Hill Access)

Tests completed on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, indicate that the water quality at Alligator Point Beach, Carrabelle Beach, St. George Island (Franklin Blvd/Lighthouse), St. George Island (11th St. East Beach Access), and St. George Island (11th St. West Beach Access) areas do not meet the recreational water quality criteria for Enterococcus bacteria recommended by the Florida Department of Health. The St. George Island State Park (Sugar Hill Access) location was not sampled due to unsafe, rough wave conditions, but it is included in the advisory as a precaution.

DOH-Franklin advises against any water-related activities at these locations 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.

Enterococci are bacteria that live in the intestinal tracts of humans and animals. Their presence in high levels can indicate fecal contamination from sources such as stormwater runoff, pets and wildlife, or human sewage. If the bacteria are ingested or enter the body through a cut or sore, they may cause infections, rashes, or other illnesses.

All Franklin County beaches are currently under a swim advisory. The advisory will remain in effect until surf conditions allow for resampling and test results show bacteria levels have returned to acceptable health levels. Test results are available at FloridaHealth.gov/HealthyBeaches.

For more information, call 850-653-2111 or Franklin.FloridaHealth.gov.

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May 28, 2026

Franklin County, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health Franklin County (DOH-Franklin) is lifting the advisory for high bacterial levels the following location:

Carrabelle Beach

Tests completed on Monday, May 27, 2026, indicate that the water at 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 Franklin.FloridaHealth.gov.

DT Simmons, MPH

Public Information Officer

Florida Department of Health in Franklin & Gulf County

139 12^th Street,

Apalachicola, Fl 32320

 

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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.

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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.

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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.

===========================================================================================================================

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.

=======================================================================================================================

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.

SPECIAL JOINT MEETING:

FRANKLIN COUNTY AIRPORT OPERATIONS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BOARD (AOED)

THE FRANKLIN COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL

TEAM FRANKLIN BOARD

Meeting Date: 7/28/2026

Meeting Time: 9:30 AM EST

Meeting Location: Fort Coombs Armory – 66 4^th St. Apalachicola, FL 32320

***PUBLIC NOTICE: Two (2) or more elected from the Franklin County Board of County Commissioners and/or appointed officials from the listed advisory boards may be in attendance.***

AGENDA

9:30 AM     Welcome, Call to Order, Pledge of Allegiance, Prayer & Objectives of Meeting– Ricky Jones, BOCC & EDC Chairman

9:40 AM – Board Member/ Guest Introductions – Ricky Jones

9:55 AM – Airport Board Master Plan & Economic Overview – BOCC Commissioner Ottice Amison- George Wilkerson- AOED Board Chairman & Steve Kirschenbaum- Airport Manager

10:30 AM – Overview – FC EDC Mission, FC Strategic Plan, Florida’s Great Northwest- United Forward & Stakeholder Update – BOCC Chairman Ricky Jones & Bill Williams, EDC Coordinator

10:45:00 AM – Team Franklin-P3 Housing-Objectives-Chairwoman-Commissioner Adriane Elliott

11:00 AM – Next Steps & Board Member Q&A-Chairman Jones

12:00 PM – Adjournment

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.

The Franklin County SHIP program is currently undergoing system and processing updates. We are not processing applications at this time. We will issue a public notice once these updates are complete and application processing is reestablished. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. We appreciate your patience as we update and streamline our processes.