St. George Island Live Cam

Situated in the beautiful Panhandle of Florida, Franklin County seat is Apalachicola, boasts some of the State's most wonderful well-preserved natural and historical resources.

During the last part of the 17th century, the Spanish maintained their tenuous hold on Northwest Florida through the missions and the small fort at St. Marks. When Indian allies of the English at Charleston, S.C., raided Spanish territory, Indian allies of the Spanish desert- ed eastern Ceorgia in favor of the Chattahoochee River. Dr. Henry Woodward, a soldier of fortune, led the English activities in this contest for the Indian trade. The Spanish tried to control their Indian allies by building a fort near the junction of the Chattahoochee and Flint Rivers known as Santa Cruz de Sabacola. This lasted only a few years (1689-1691) because the Indians, incensed at the Spanish fort in their territory and preferring English trade goods, began moving closer to English settlements.

They left the Chattahoochee River to settle on Ochese Creek of the Ocmulgee River. The name of Ochese Creek Indians was shortened by English traders to Creek Indians. Later, Upper Creeks came to mean those in Alabama, and Lower Creeks those in Georgia. An alliance between France and Spain at the time of the War of the Spanish Succession, when Louis XIV of France tried to place his grandson on the throne of Spain (1701-1714), upset Great Britain, Holland and other European states, and threatened British control of the Indian trade. This was successfully resisted by the British Governor in Charleston, James Moore, from 1702-1704. In the process, however, he transported several thousand Indians from the Apalachee and Apalachicola River countries to a town on the Savannah River. This forced migration caused hard feelings.

A large-scale Indian uprising momentarily threatened Charleston in 1715 and resulted in the Indians returning to the Chattahoochee River, the Creeks near Columbus, Georgia, and the Apalachicolas north of the forks of the Chattahoochee-Flint Rivers. The years 1717-1739 saw France allied to her former foes, Great Britain and Holland, against Spain, much dissatisfied over the losses from the War of the Spanish Succession. The Spanish from St. Marks and Pensacola (1696) dominated most of the Lower Creeks and blocked French advances along the Gulf Coast. The settlements at Biloxi and Mobile (1702), while not thriving, were bases of French power which extended over the Upper Creeks in Alabama. The French attempted to control the Lower Creeks with a fort at St. Joseph Bay (1718), but this was successfully countered by the Spanish and abandoned. Pensacola was captured and held by France from 1719-1723.

The British steadily pushed westward from Charleston to establish hegemony over the Cherokee, some of the Upper Creeks, and several Lower Creek towns. The Seven Years' War, or French and Indian War, and the Treaty of Paris (1763) marked the end of French power in the New World, and,because Spain had assisted France after 1761, transferred the Floridas to Great Britain in return for British evacuation of Havana. The War of the American Revolution (1776-1783) of the British North American colonies brought many refugees or Loyalists to Florida. As Spain was allied with France and the British North American colonies in 1781, the Spanish Governor of New Orleans captured Pensacola, and, although the British trading houses remained, most of the British left. By the Treaty of Paris in 1783, the Spanish once again occupied Florida.

Set sail aboard Apalachicola's historic Governor Stone

An authentic, fully restored Gulf Coast Schooner, the Governor Stone was built in 1877 for ships chandler Charles Greiner of Pascagoula, Mississippi for use as a cargo freighter. Named for his good friend John Marshall Stone, the first elected governor of Mississippi after the Civil War, this gaff-rigged, 40-foot schooner has seen service as an oyster buy boat, "rum runner", sponge freighter, U.S. Merchant Marine training vessel, yacht club committee boat and pleasure craft.

Vessels like the Governor Stone were designed with especially shallow drafts and carried a great press of sail so they could slip over the sand bars that were typical along coastline waters before channels were dredged to allow deep water ships access to Gulf ports. Despite being sunk twice and beached twice by hurricanes, the Governor Stone has survived to become the last of her kind afloat. Gifted to the Apalachicola Maritime Museum, Inc. by John Curry, owner of the GStone since 1965, this historic vessel now serves as a working museum, embodying the romantic traditions of the Gulf Coast's maritime heritage.

The Governor stone is a National Historic Landmark and is considered the oldest operating sailing vessel of the American South.

Apalachicola Maritime Museum

A non-profit corporation, the Apalachicola Maritime Museum, Inc. (AMM) is dedicated to informing the public about the maritime history of the American South, and especially that of the Apalachicola Bay area. Sailing vessels have plied these waters for commerce and pleasure since the 18th century. Steamboats operated here in countless numbers for over 100 years. Today, our maritime tradition continues with the proud fleet of working vessels of independent fishermen, oystermen and shrimpers. The activities of AMM include: preserving, displaying and demonstrating historical maritime artifacts, such as the Governor stone, building, restoring, maintaining and operating traditional wooden vessels, and keeping alive the knowledge and skills that have been a part of the South's special maritime heritage. We believe that the traditions of the past can have a profoundly positive effect on the youth of today. Thus, the AMM endeavors to reach out to young people through various hands-on programs that will help prepare them for a strong future.

Sailing Charters Available - Daily two-hour sails out of Apalachicola, Florida are available with reservations. Ask about our group charters, special occasion arrangements such as weddings and reunions, extended excursions, sunset and moonlight cruises.

ANERR - Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve

The Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve (ANERR) was established in September 1979 as a cooperative program between Franklin County, the State of Florida and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The Reserve is administered by the Bureau of Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas, which is in the Division of Marine Resources of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

There are areas within the Reserve with state protective designations as an Outstanding Florida Water, an Aquatic Preserve, and Class II Shellfish Harvesting Waters. There is a national designation as a National Estuarine Research Reserve and an international designation as a Biosphere Reserve through the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

The Reserve is located in northwest Florida, approximately 90 miles southwest of Tallahassee and 60 miles southeast of Panama City, near the coastal town of Apalachicola. The Reserve encompasses 193,758 acres of land and water, making it the largest of the 22 existing national estuarine research reserves in the United States. Included in the Reserve are two barrier islands and a portion of a third, the lower 20 miles of the Apalachicola River and its floodplain, adjoining uplands, and the Apalachicola Bay system.

The goals of the Reserve include supporting and conducting scientific research within the Apalachicola estuarine system, disseminating research information, educating the public about estuarine processes, and promoting resource protection.

The Reserve and surrounding drainage basin contain barrier islands, as well as estuarine, riverine, floodpiain, and upland environments. Habitats within these environments include beaches, oyster bars, marshes, forested floodplains, and sandhills. More than 1300 plant species have been identified within the Apalachicola drainage basin and 103 of them are listed as threatened or endangered. Also, the largest stand of tupelo trees in the world is found in the lower Apalachicola River floodplain.

The Apalachicola River drainage basin contains more than 40 species of amphibians and 80 species of reptiles. This is the highest diversity of these animal groups in the United States and Canada. Among these many species are the southern dusky salamander, the gopher frog, Barbour's map turtle, which is an endemic species to the Apalachicola River, the Atlantic loggerhead turtle, the Apalachicola kingsnake, and eastern indigo snake.

Mammals also abound within the Reserve. More than 50 species, including the threatened Florida black bear, the endangered West Indian manatee, the Indiana bat, and the gray bat are found in the Apalachicola River basin.

Over 180 species of fish have been documented from the river and bay systems. These include freshwater, estuarine, and salt water species that utilize the estuary during part of their life cycle. There are eight diadromous species, four endemic species, and seven introduced species that are commonly found in the Apalachicola River system. Among these are the Gulf of Mexico sturgeon, American eel, striped bass, bluestripe shiner, and shoal bass. Common estuarine and marine species that are of importance commercially include striped mullet, speckled trout, menhaden, red drum, flounders, and sharks.

The reserve's facilities are located at 261 7th. Street in Apalachicola, Florida. They include:

The Research Building - a 24 ft. by 44 ft. modular office which houses the research staff, also consists of a 150 square foot lab facility.

The Estuarine Walk - located beside the Howell Building, is primarily an educational display. It is open to the public on weekdays between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.. This facility includes a 1,500 gallon freshwater tank with freshwater marsh, a 1,500 gallon brackish water tank with salt marsh, and a 2,500 gallon full strength salt water tank, each complete with representative species. Guests are welcome during regular hours, and educational groups may call to schedule a program for your group.

The purpose of the Reserve education program is to provide information about estuarine ecosystems and associated resource protection. As Florida's population continues to grow, a greater demand is being placed on the Apalachicola River and Bay resources through increased development, and recreational and commercial uses. The Reserve education program strives to increase public awareness of these impacts and teaches the importance of maintaining a healthy, productive estuarine system. Research information is disseminated through the education program to large audiences ranging from school groups and the general public to environmental management professionals.

The Reserve provides its audiences with a variety of methods to learn about estuarine ecology in a natural setting. On-site education opportunities include, hands-on exhibits, cultural experiences, an audio-visual lending library, slide and audio-visual presentations, a guest lecture series, interpretive field trips and hikes into river, bay, and barrier island habitats, teacher workshops, and oystermen certification training. Off-site education opportunities include, classroom curriculum materials, traveling displays, slide and audio-visual presentations, and publications such as newsletters and brochures.

The Reserve encourages compatible traditional uses of the natural resources. Hunting and fishing are allowed within most areas of the Reserve as well as swimming, boating, hiking, camping, bird watching, and nature photography. Commercial activities such as shrimping, oystering, fishing, and crabbing are supported by the Reserve. Approximately 90 percent of the oysters harvested in the State of Florida come from Apalachicola Bay. In fact, between 60 and 85 percent of the local citizens make their living from the fishing industry, much of which occurs in Reserve waters.

There is also a large honey industry in the area because of the large stand of tupelo trees along the river. Apiary sites are prevalent within the floodplain, most of which is State owned. Beekeepers lease their sites from the State for a nominal fee and are encouraged to maintain them. The Reserve is recognized worldwide as an important and productive estuarine system. Through wise management it will remain protected for future generations to utilize and enjoy.

Apalachicola High School Profile

Apalachicola High School (ca. 1972), located at #1 Shark Boulevard, Apalachicola Florida, Franklin County, houses grades seven through twelve. The 1995-96 enrollment was 369 with 69 white students, 29 black students, and 2% other. Our school population remains fairly stable. The number of instructional personnel is 26. On the campus are 3 athletic fields, a gymnasium, a parking lot, vocational building, an athletic fieldhouse, and the main building. In the main building are a cafetorium, bandroom, music room, home economics suite, kitchen, media center, 3 science lab/classrooms, 3 computer lab/classrooms, 16 classrooms, a vocational center, a JTPA center, guidance center, and the main office. These facilities are used almost every day and night by the community for various activities: social, educational, and athletic.

Apalachicola is an economically and culturally deprived community. The primary industry, harvesting and processing seafood, was devastated by 3 hurricanes within 3 months in 1985. Recovery has been slow, but is steadily improving. Another facet of the economy is tourism, which is rapidly growing. Thirty percent of our families have incomes below the poverty level. The per capita income based on 1990 figures is $11,678. Forty-one percent of our students are on the free and reduced lunch program. In 64 percent of our households, both parents work outside the home; this means that many of our students are unsupervised in the afternoon. Apalachicola High School requires 24 credits for graduation. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Extra-curricular activities: SPORTS: football, volleyball, boys and girls basketball, baseball, and softball; Band; CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS: Element Club, VICA, FHA-HERO, Student Government, Spanish Club, DCT, WAHS-TV, Annual Staff, Quill and Scroll, Mu Alpha Theta, National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, and National Beta Club. Even though we house grades 7-11, we keep the middle school separated from the high school through the use of different bell schedules, different halls, and separate lunch times. Our academic program offers early admit to college; we have a very close relationship with Gulf Coast Community College, offering college courses at our site, as well as some dual enrollment classes.

Mission Statement

The mission of Apalachicola High School is to provide for students' educational programs according to identified needs. It is to provide an environment in which every student can and will learn. Fulfillment of this mission will result in students who are rewarded for academic success and appropriately prepared for advanced academic or vocational-technical education.

A Vision Statement

The Apalachicola High School community's vision is committed to preparing our students to be literate and possess the knowledge and skills necessary to become productive members of the twenty- first century.

Principal's Statement

As Apalachicola High School ventures into the twenty-first century, our intention is for our students to be fully prepared to enter the high tech world of the future. We are continually implementing and purchasing equipment to prepare our students for either higher education or career preparation: the next stage of their life. We will continue to work closely with our parents and community through our school advisory committee and our school volunteers to make our school an institution that advocates lifelong learning. Through clubs, academics, assemblies, and positive role models, we will encourage students to prepare for life in a democracy in which they will continue to develop as social beings. Further, we will continue to expect students to demonstrate academic achievement that can stand up to national scrutiny. Apalachicola High School exists to benefit young people.

Franklin County Friends

The mission of the Friends of the Franklin County Public Library is to support the Franklin County Public Library's plan to provide current, high-demand, high-interest, informational, educational and cultural materials for persons of all ages, and to support the library's efforts to serve as a central focus point for community activities. The friends seek to accomplish this through fund raising, support services, and promotional activities which will encourage growth of the library in the community.

Long before the Franklin County Friends joined forces with Wakulla and Jefferson County Public Libraries to form the Wilderness Coast Public Libraries in October, 1992 to open a library door in a donated storefront space with a handful of paperbacks, a lumpy sofa, and big dreams, there was a garden club serving tea, lending books and sharing ideas about a one day to be Franklin County Public Library. There was a staunch group of residents working toward this goal since the 195O's which formed the backbone of the Friends of the Franklin County Public Library. Currently, from two small branches and a program center, the library serves 2400 registered borrowers in this county of 9500 residents and strives to meet community needs especially by providing a variety of programs for both adults and young people The Friends conducts fund raisers which include anything from dinners to a circus and serve as fiscal agent for the literacy program and several special grant programs for young people. In 1996, the Franklin County Public Library received the national American Public Library Association Excellence in Small and/or Rural County Public Library Service award for outstanding community service. The Friends was also presented a national award from FOLUSA, for their dedication, commitment and innovative support of a small public library.