Many thanks to our hard working volunteers that showed up on Market Street for the Pre-Spring Cleanup this past Sunday! Their time and energy towards sprucing up our downtown district is truly appreciated! Special shout out to Apalachicola Chocolate and Coffee Company for treating us to their delicious coffee. It was a great booster as we continued to clean for a few extra blocks. Next cleanup event will be scheduled for June 2020–let us know if you’d like to get involved!
Community Easter Egg Hunt Postponed
We regret to announce that we have postponed the April 11th Apalachicola Community Easter Egg Hunt due to the current Coronavirus situation. We hope to reschedule this event when the situation improves as a “Spring Egg Hunt.” The egg hunt is hosted on the grounds of the Chapman Botanical Garden each year by Apalachicola Main Street, Patrons of the Apalachicola Library Society, the Orman House State Park, and Bring Me a Book Franklin. The event has become a cherished annual tradition for local families. Children hunt for thousands of candy-filled eggs and have the chance to win loaded Easter baskets and other prizes. In addition, each child takes home an age-appropriate book. We thank all of you who volunteered for this event.
Apalachicola in Southern Living!
We love this new piece in Southern Living that sings Apalachicola’s praises! Check it out and let us know what you think! https://www.southernliving.com/travel/apalachicola
Secretary of the Navy Names Navy’s Newest Expeditionary Fast Transport Ship Apalachicola
APALACHICOLA, FL — Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer has announced the newest Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) ship will be named USNS Apalachicola (T-EPF 13). Spencer travelled to Apalachicola to make the announcement personally at Apalachicola Main Street’s Independence Eve Celebration on July 3rd.
“The city of Apalachicola is one of the most historic cities in Florida, with foundations rooted in the maritime industry and support for a strong Navy and Marine Corps team,” said Spencer. “I am pleased that the history, culture, and spirit of this city will live on in the future USNS Apalachicola (T-EPF-13).”
The Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) is a shallow draft, all aluminum, commercial-based catamaran that is designed for High Speed Intra-Theater Surface Lift and serves in a variety of roles for the military branches to include support of overseas contingency operations, conducting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions and supporting special operations forces.
“I am both grateful and honored that the City of Apalachicola, a small, rural costal community along Florida’s Forgotten Coast has been chosen to receive such a distinct recognition by the United States Navy,” said the Hon. Van W. Johnson, mayor of Apalachicola. “This recognition speaks volumes about Apalachicola’s significance as an historic port City and its hardworking, dedicated and resilient residents.”
“I am proud of our community and sincerely pray that when called into action to provide assistance, relief and support to those in need, that the USNS Apalachicola and its crew will rise to the occasion and exemplify the true essence of the people who live and work in this unique and historic port City.”
The future USNS Apalachicola is the second ship named in honor of the city of Apalachicola, Fla: the first, a large harbor tug (YTB-767), served from 1965-2002. The most recent naming is part of a program designed to honor small cities throughout the nation. “This ship and its class is to be named after smaller communities, but as I like to say, smaller communities with bigger hearts,” said Spencer. “This ship will sail around the world…and people around the world will know where Apalachicola is.”
Austal USA in Mobile, Alabama, is
under contract to build the new EPF, which will be 338 feet in length, have a
waterline beam of 93.5 feet, displace approximately 2,362 tons and can operate
at speeds of 35-plus knots.
Secretary
Spencer, his wife Polly, security, and staff attended Apalachicola’s
award-winning Independence Eve Celebration known for its fireworks display over
the Apalachicola River. Spencer made the announcement to a crowd of 7,000
gathered downtown for the festivities which included live music, a parade, Veteran’s
Tribute, remarks from the newly elected State Representative Jason Shoaf, and
performances of patriotic songs culminating in the National Anthem.
“It was an honor to host Secretary and Mrs. Spencer as well as the Secretary’s staff for this exciting announcement,” said Apalachicola Main Street’s Executive Director Augusta West, who worked with Spencer’s staff to coordinate logistics.
Plans Underway for Apalachicola’s Independence Eve Celebration
Apalachicola’s “Independence Eve” celebration attracts locals and visitors from all over the Forgotten Coast and beyond. Named one of the Top 12 Independence Events in Florida, this family-friendly event is held each year on July 3rd at Riverfront Park in downtown Apalachicola from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m.
The celebration includes live music, food trucks, a parade, kids’ activities, a free ice cream social, arts and crafts vendors, a veterans’ tribute, and the singing of the National Anthem– all leading up to a spectacular fireworks show reflected in the waters of the Apalachicola River.
Our featured entertainment is the Bo Spring Band from Port St. Joe whose Rock, Soul, Country, Funk and Bluegrass influences blend to create their popular sound. “This year’s set list is focused on upbeat tunes that audiences love. We’re so excited to be playing this event. It’s just so much fun,” says vocalist Lauren Spring. The band released their debut album in 2017 and has a large following in the area. Our opening band is the local rock group Southern Flood. They will get the party started with their all-American rock and roll.
Food trucks, both local and from throughout the region, will be offering a delicious selection of American and international favorites. In addition, we are welcoming arts and crafts vendors as a new component of the event.
The Center for History, Culture, and Art will be offering free kids’ art activities in its facility across the street from Riverfront Park from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Director Merrill Livingston will have a fun collection of red, white, and blue art materials for kids to create projects they can take home. You can also enjoy perusing the Anna Feil exhibit “Paradise Found” that will be on display in the gallery.
We are honored that U.S. Navy Commander Elizabeth Zingarelli Milliken will give the Veterans’ Tribute speech this year. Her theme centers on the history of veterans from Apalachicola and the concept that there are many ways to serve. This will be followed by a performance of the National Anthem by local youth. Just after the sun sets and darkness settles over the crowd, pyrotechnics will be launched from a barge on the river, lighting up the night sky with the Forgotten Coast’s best fireworks show.
Admission is always free, and lawn chairs and picnic blankets are welcome. For an upscale experience and fantastic seats for the fireworks, you can reserve a table in our VIP section on the docks where you can enjoy complimentary beverages and snacks from a private bar.
This celebration is the winner of a Florida Secretary of State’s Main Street award for Outstanding Special Event. An event of this caliber is only possible because of the financial support of many businesses and residents across the Forgotten Coast community. Our sincere thanks go out to all of our supporters.
For more information please visit www.july3fireworks.com.
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