The Local Low Down:
Events, Festivals and More
June 2015
Bay Scallop Season
Season opens the Saturday before July 1 unless July 1 falls on a Saturday, then the opening date would be July 1. Recreational harvesters need a Florida saltwater fishing license to harvest bay scallops, even when scalloping from shore. Bay scallops may only be harvested in state waters from the Pasco-Hernando County line (near Aripeka - latitude 28 degrees, 26.016 minutes North) to the west bank of the Mexico Beach Canal in Bay County (longitude 85 degrees, 25.84 minutes West).…
Find out more »August 2015
MBARA Kingfish Tournament
We are getting ready for our 19th Annual Mexico Beach Artificial Reef Association Kingfish Tournament. Expect another great tournament. We have a new Miss Kingfish, new sponsors, new T-shirt with another beautiful color, and new prizes. The Mexico Beach Artificial Reef Association (MBARA) was formed in January of 1997 and has since deployed over 150 artificial reefs. The primary function of the organization is the conservation and environmental improvement of our natural and artificial marine reef systems in the Gulf…
Find out more »September 2015
Free Fishing Days
FREE FISHING DAYS: Did you know that there are a few days in the year that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission deems "Free Fishing Days"? In other words, no one needs a Fishing License on these select days to enjoy fishing and other activities, such as scalloping. The saltwater waiver applies to any recreational harvest requiring a saltwater fishing license (e.g., crabbing, lobstering, scalloping, etc.) as well as fishing from shore or a boat. A snook or spiny…
Find out more »Beach Blast Triathlon & Duathlon- Fall Race
The next race is coming up on September 12 - let's get ready! Pick your race, distance, sign up and stay motivated to have fun Beach Blast style! USA Triathlon is the national governing body for the sports of triathlon, duathlon, winter triathlon and aquathlon in the United States. Beach Blast race is USAT sanctioned and a subject to USAT Rules. USAT officials will be present to ensure a safe and fair competition. We are triathletes, volunteers, runners, couch potatoes,…
Find out more »St. Joseph State Park Appreciation Day
The Friends of St. Joseph State Parks invites you to join them for St. Joseph State Park Appreciation Day, September 26, 2015. The even lasts from2:00 PM to 6:00PM. Featuring food, drinks and music by Brian Bowen. The event is open to the public and music and entertainment will be located at Eagle Harbor and can be enjoyed by boat from the beaches or the harbor. Come have fun and learn about the park! Family fun events are being held…
Find out more »October 2015
19th Annual Florida Scallop & Music Festival
Make plans now to attend the Florida Scallop Festival, October 2-3, 2015 along the shore of beautiful St. Joseph Bay in Port St. Joe, Florida. With musical artist and award winning songwriter Phil Vassar headlining the event, country music fans will want to enjoy every minute! Now the new home of the Cape San Blas Lighthouse, George Core Park, with it's towering (and shady) pine trees, refreshing sea breezes and pictureque setting, provide the ideal location for this fall event.…
Find out more »2nd Annual Cone Heads Music Fest!
Live Music from Konkrete Soul, the Crickets and Greg Wood. The South Gulf Fire Rescue will be there with a Fire Truck for the kids to explore, climb the ladder, use the fire truck hose, etc. The Fire Fighters will also have some nice gifts for the kids like firefighter hats and other goodies. The Florida Coastal Conservancy (Turtle Patrol) will have a booth displaying fascinating information about our beautiful Sea Turtles. Plus, they will also have some nice materials…
Find out more »Blast On The Bay Songwriter’s Festival
Celebrating our 7th anniversary in 2015, Florida’s Gulf Coast will play host to a group of talented musicians and songwriters direct from the streets of Nashville. Festival performances will consist of 30+ musicians who collectively have written hundreds of hit songs from Faith Hill and George Strait to Jason Aldean and Garth Brooks. Many songwriters from past events will be returning for another great weekend of music and storytelling, in addition, guests can count on several new faces at this…
Find out more »November 2015
Downtown Oyster Roast
Love oysters? Don't miss the 12th annual Downtown Oyster Roast on November 6st, 6:00 to 9:00 pm in Apalachicola. This enchanting event, sponsored by the Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce, will feature roasted oysters, oysters on the half shell, creamy artichoke, oyster and thyme soup, fresh local shrimp, blue crabs, salad greens and fantastic desserts. Dine under the stars next to the Apalachicola River. Local blues man Joe Hutchinson will provide live entertainment. Tickets are $60 each. For more information,…
Find out more »February 2016
Bay Day at St. Joseph Bay Buffer Preserve
Join us for this wonderful Bi-annual Shrimp Boil and Open House! Enjoy live music, take a free tour of the preserve, dine on a local Shrimp Boil, learn more about the Buffer Preserve and more. Experience the natural beauty of the St. Joseph Bay State Buffer Preserve at the Bay Day celebration. St. Joseph Bay State Buffer Preserve provides an essential buffer to St. Joseph Bay that helps protect the bay's water quality, natural productivity and critical habitats. For more…
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