County News

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING

APALACHICOLA WATER AND SEWER DISTRICT

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Apalachicola Water and Sewer District Board will hold a public meeting on:

Monday, October 12, 2026
 at 6:00 p.m.
Fort Coombs Armory
66 4th Street
Apalachicola, Florida 32320

The public is invited to attend. The meeting will include discussion of matters related to the organization and operation of the Apalachicola Water and Sewer District.

 

Meeting Agenda
Call to Order –Torben Madson, Chair
Roll Call
Invocation
Pledge Allegiance
Review/Approval of Minutes from last Meeting
Topics

Old Business
1. Review of law firms and service retention options
2. Continue Organizational Discussions
a. Staffing data.
b. Payroll services.
c. Insurance status.
d. Status of Board Members and oath of office
i. Financial Disclosure 2025 Form1 or 6
e. Software discussion (365)
f. Coordination of:
i. Getting staffing data from City.
ii. Scheduling onsite meeting with City at water and sewer facilities.
iii. Assignments for Board Members

New Business/Other Concerns
Next Steps
Public Comments
Meeting adjourns-Torben Madson
Next Meeting: October 15, 2026 at 6:00 pm

---

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING

APALACHICOLA WATER AND SEWER DISTRICT

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Apalachicola Water and Sewer District Board will hold a public meeting on:

Thursday, October 8, 2026
 at 6:00 p.m.
Fort Coombs Armory
66 4th Street
Apalachicola, Florida 32320

The public is invited to attend. The meeting will include discussion of matters related to the organization and operation of the Apalachicola Water and Sewer District.

MEETING AGENDA
1. Call to Order and Roll Call
  – Torben Madson, Chair
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Review and Approval of Minutes from Last Meeting
4. Topics

OLD BUSINESS
• Continue Organizational Discussions

NEW BUSINESS / OTHER CONCERNS
• Discussion of new business and other concerns brought before the Board
5. Next Steps
6. Public Comments

Members of the public are invited to provide comments to the Board during the designated public comment period. All meetings of the Apalachicola Water and Sewer District Board are subject to Florida’s Government-in-the-Sunshine Law.

 

---

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING

APALACHICOLA WATER AND SEWER DISTRICT

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN

that the Apalachicola Water and Sewer District Board will hold its initial organizational meeting on:

Monday, October 5, 2026
4:00 p.m.
Fort Coombs Armory
66 4th Street
Apalachicola, Florida 32320

The purpose of this meeting is to organize the newly established Apalachicola Water and Sewer District and conduct organizational business, including:

Call to Order and Roll Call
Public Comment
Election of Chair
Election of Vice Chair
Election of Secretary
Election of Treasurer
Establishment of the Board’s Regular Meeting Schedule
Discuss Attorney Services
Other Organizational Business
Adjournment

The meeting is open to the public. All meetings of the Apalachicola Water and Sewer District Board are subject to Florida’s Government-in-the-Sunshine Law.

Apalachicola Water and Sewer District Board

Amy S Hersey
District Aide, Florida House District 7
Representative Jason Shoaf
Amy.Hersey@FLHouse.gov
850-323-1417

Capitol Office
222 The Capitol
402 South Monroe St
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1300
(850) 717-5007

District Office
101 Reed Ave 110
Port St Joe, Fl 32456
(850) 295-5680

All evacuation orders for Franklin County have now been lifted. Please remain cautious while traveling, as some areas are still experiencing power outages, and crews are diligently working to restore electricity and clear debris from the roadways. Law enforcement, EMS, and other first responders are on-site to ensure the safety of our community. We kindly ask that you avoid the roads as much as possible to allow them to perform their duties. Be alert for wildlife on roads and bridges, as they may be disoriented and displaced due to the storm.

Residents are reminded that if you experience power outages or encounter downed power lines, please report this to Duke Energy by calling 1-800-228-8485 or visiting https://www.duke-energy.com/outages.

If you have suffered any damages from the storm, please report them through our website by clicking the “Need to Report Damages?” icon, or complete this form: https://forms.gle/MNic9BNu3Shja8an9.

---

Isaias has now intensified into a hurricane, and Franklin County is currently under a Tropical Storm warning, storm surge warning, and flood watch. We anticipate an additional 5-10 inches of rain from this storm, along with 4-6 feet of storm surge, the possibility of tornadoes, and a chance of sustained tropical storm-force winds.

Mandatory Evacuation Notice
In response, Franklin County will be implementing a mandatory evacuation starting at noon today, 10/8/26, for all Barrier Islands, Alligator Point, Bald Point, low-lying areas, mobile homes, and RV parks. Further evacuations may be announced if there are changes in the storm’s track or intensity. If you plan to evacuate, please do so by Friday morning, 10/9/26.
For those needing evacuation transportation, call our office at 850-653-8977 by 5:00 PM today, and we will arrange transportation to a shelter outside the county. If you feel unsafe leave until the storm has passed.

Important Considerations
• Bridges will close at sustained winds of 45 mph.
• EMS services will cease at sustained winds of 45 mph as well.
• To monitor wind speeds, use Franklin County Weatherstems at the following link: https://franklin.weatherstem.com/.

Franklin County schools and government offices will be closed on 10/9/26.
Given the heavy rainfall earlier this week, the ground is highly saturated, increasing the likelihood of trees falling. If power outages occur and power lines are down, please report this to Duke Energy by calling 1-800-228-8485 or visiting https://www.duke-energy.com/outages.

Sandbag Distribution Information
To assist residents in preparing for potential flooding from the storm, sandbag distribution locations will be open today only from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Please note that we will no longer provide filled sandbags; instead, we will supply empty bags and sand at each location. Remember to bring your own shovel.
Sandbag Locations:
• The Old State Yard – 1090 Bluff Rd, Apalachicola, FL
• Vrooman Park – 30 6th St, Eastpoint, FL
• Old Courthouse Annex – 1647 HWY 98, Carrabelle, FL
• SGI Firehouse – 324 E Pine Ave, St. George Island, FL
• Lot across the street from Alligator Point Firehouse – 101 Tom Roberts Rd, Alligator Point, FL

DOH-Franklin Lifts Water Quality

Health Advisory

Alligator Point tests below unsafe level

Contact:

DT Simmons

Deanna.Simmons@flhealth.gov

850-653-2111

Franklin County, Fla.

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

Alligator Point

Tests completed on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, indicate that the water at Alligator Point shows an acceptable level of Enterococcus bacteria established by state guidelines. Test results are available at FloridaHealth.gov/HealthyBeaches.

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

---

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 18, 2026

DOH-Franklin Issues Water Quality Health Advisory

Advisory Issued for Alligator Point

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 location:

Alligator Point

Tests completed on Thursday, September 17, 2026, indicate that the water quality at AlligatorPoint 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.

 

---

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 29, 2026
DOH-Franklin Lifts Water Quality Health Advisory

Several Franklin County Beaches tests below unsafe level

Contact:
DT Simmons
Deanna.Simmons@flhealth.gov
850-653-2111

 

Franklin County, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health Franklin County (DOH-Franklin) is lifting the advisory for high bacterial levels 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 28, 2026, indicate that the water 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), and St. George Island State Park (Sugar Hill Access) shows an acceptable level of Enterococcus bacteria established by state guidelines. Test results are available at FloridaHealth.gov/HealthyBeaches.

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

---

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.

---

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

 

---

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.

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

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.

###

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

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.

The Board of County Commissioners is accepting nominations for exceptional volunteers to be publicly recognized for their outstanding service and contributions to the community.

If you know an individual who you believe deserves recognition for their volunteer efforts, please submit your nomination by email to angelal@franklincountyflorida.gov.

Please include the following information with your nomination:

• Your name and contact information
• The nominee’s name and contact information
• A detailed description of the nominee’s volunteer service and contributions
• An explanation of why you believe the individual should be recognized as an outstanding volunteer

Below are upcoming scheduled Franklin Board of County Commissioners meetings, public hearings, and workshops.  All will be held at the Fort Coombs Armory located at 66 4th Street in Apalachicola.

To access the County’s Public Hearing webpage, click here. This webpage offers download links for additional documents.

Wednesday, October 7, 2026 @ 9:00 a.m. (ET) — Regular Meeting

Wednesday, October 7, 2026 @ 5:05 p.m. (ET) — Public Hearing: Amending and Restating the St. George Island Corridor Overlay District