Columnists

Another Season Rolling Over

Wild sennas were shooting upward alongside roads, and spring cress was rampant in wet ditches. Afternoons were steamy and unpleasant. Sometimes cicadas sang so loud in the trees, they drowned out mockingbirds

and cardinals.

I was walking on the shady side of the street one afternoon, seeking some relief when an enormous red ratsnake raised it's head above scorched lantana. For a moment, I thought it was trying to communicate in some primitive fashion. Then, I sped off through the sand, fearful and exhilarated at the same time. Hoped it wouldn't try to cross the road.

A dusty truck passed me, full of construction workers. Some up front in the cab and some riding in the back with ladders and tools. The road was full of ripples, back and forth, sand waves in the sun.

I crossed a paved road lined with resinweed and houses in soft colors. The dunes were marked with paths so soft, you'd bog down here and there. Stickers and sea-oats surrounded me and dragonflies were everywhere.

Only a few people dotted the shore. The air was full of vapor and skies were graying rapidly. An old poem came to mind, floating through my head as softly as dreams. "Bloom the ragweed late in summer, round about fly dragon hawks.

 

Still this hotness hovers on us. Heeds no west wind when she talks."

The Gulf was beginning to churn a little and distant rumblings could be heard a little above seagull screams. Another season rolling over: flowerstalks flowing heavenward, late summer crops, mad, roiling storms, and Dog Days that last almost forever.

 

 

 

Sometimes 'Stuff' Just Comes Out

Did you see where the courts have overruled the FCC regards some “profanities” on live media? Giving some latitude under the “free speech” amendment. Finally, some sanity!

It was during the ’66-’67 period and I was fresh out of the Air Force and serving as sports editor of the Hammond (Louisiana) Daily Star.

Guided by a local resident sports fan, an imposing, bald-headed man came sauntering into my office. The introductions revealed he was Heartly “Hunk” Anderson, and his resume noted that he was the football coach (1931-33) with the unfortunate distinction of having to follow legendary Notre Dame coach Knute Rockne, after his untimely air crash death in a south Kansas pasture. A daunting task to say the least.

I interviewed him. And then spent considerable social time on the 19th hole with him. He was funny, well read and great company. But also regularly peppered his conversation with profanities. What the hell, after all he was a college football coach.

In order to supplement my meager newspaper wages, I had several “sideline” jobs. One was as a sports “color commentator” on the local radio station.

The general manager of that station had read my Anderson article and asked if I would interview the man live during the halftime of the upcoming Southeastern Louisiana College football game.

Called by Rockne, “The greatest lineman I ever coached,” Hunk played offensive guard on Rockne’s first Irish team in 1918 and played until ’21 (and was later elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in ’74). He blocked for the famous George Gipp. While playing for the pro Chicago Bears in the ‘20s he also served as a coaching assistant to Rockne.

A whole lot to talk about and the listeners would love it. But I declined to do the interview. Just way too many Anderson profanity peppered speech patterns for live radio.  And the FCC seriously frowned upon such things. Revocation of a license was even a possibility.

When you are a 22-year-old with a children, bills and ego it isn’t all that hard to be persuaded.

 I actually rehearsed my questions with “Hunk” and crafted what I felt would be a really great interview.

But in the back of my mind was that lingering fear that he would curse and then curse some more. And that the FCC gendarmes would come down on me with both hands and feet.

The interview began smooth as silk. And, to my surprise, continued on the straight and narrow. Wow, I had me a winner here. An insightful big time interview with a big time celebrity. Networks here I come!

“Coach, one final question, who’s the fastest ass you ever coached.”

To this day, I have absolutely no idea where that question came from. Or even what it meant or was supposed to mean.

Hunk stared at me. A wide, toothy grin on his face. And then burst into laughter.

Blurting over the airwaves, “And all this time you were worried that I was the one who was going to curse.”

Interview over. The microphones went dead. I figured I was dead. Off to the side I could see the station manager rushing up the stadium steps towards the broadcast booth. FCC road kill? Career ender?

Fortunately FCC Almighty apparently wasn’t tuned to my interview. My broadcast life was allowed to live for another day.

And yet another blunder. Next month “Never, ever ‘adjust’”

-30-

 

 

Although Horizon Oil Didn't Find Forgotten Coast
Some Businesses Did Better Than Others

 

During early August I had plenty of opportunities to chat with business owners across the Forgotten Coast. Obviously, in the wake of the Horizon Disaster, my first question (after exchanging social amenities)was, “How did you do this summer?”

The answer varied. The majority heaved a collective sigh of relief and said they did just fine. I didn’t ask, but could tell that some others were either in the “BP Claims Process” or preparing to do so. That’s certainly their business and not ours.

A businessman I have known and respected for some 18 years (and has been an advertiser during the same period) was one of the most enthusiastic about how the summer months played out. Billy Blackburn, owner of BJ’s Pizza & Subs on St. George Island, and his spouse shared their thoughts over a delicious pepperoni pizza. With all natural ingredients, by the way.

“ It was the best summer we have ever had,” he stated without hesitation. “No, I never surpassed my biggest day ever, but overall it was the best yet. I have kept identical calendars every year and this was the steadiest ever.”

“We not only had a lot of our regulars come in, but we also had a lot of customers who were here for the first time. The oil spill scared them away from their usual vacation spots in Alabama and western Florida and they decided to give us a try. From what they said, they’ll be coming back.”

We surely hope there are many others who had the same kind of Billy Blackburn success.

It took more than a decade and a half for the Forgotten Coast to build a respectable tourist trade.  And A solid reputation as a genuine ecotourism destination. Before that the region was mostly a secret shared  by some inland Alabama and Georgia residents and the folks up in Tallahassee.

The Horizon Disaster could well have wiped out all of the time, effort and promotional & educational money that we expended over the last 15 years.  Sent us back into the dark ages when “meat fishing” was the favorite pastime among many visitors. Lord, help us!

Oh, we were plenty scared, believe me. Most all private conversations between business people was certain to include at least a couple minutes devoted strictly to “what the heck are you going to do if the oil washes up on our shores and the tourism business dries up.” Not fun conjecture.

We on the Forgotten Coast are certainly appreciative of those who supported us this summer and those who are here in September and will be returning later in the year. We know how easy it would have been to just say “no” and pay Mickey and Minnie a visit.

Enjoy your stay! You are appreciated!

-30-

Volunteers Visit Sites on and around Island

 

There is no possible way that during every hour of every day a paid employee can be sitting at the “answer desk” in one of the many “visitor centers”, parks and attractions along the Forgotten Coast. There are so many hours and so little money. So volunteer help is enlisted.

So how in the world do the volunteers know all of the answer? They don’t but they sure try hard. Using their practical local knowledge or placing a phone call to someone who just may be a little more well-versed in a particular subject.  In the case the of the reasonably new St. George Island Visitor Center & Lighthouse Museum, the volunteers are going on “field trips” in order to expand their personal knowledge of the surrounding sights and attractions.

The volunteers (many who are also members of the St. George Island Lighthouse Association) have been on several such trips. The latest was an adventure to the St. George Island (Dr. Julian G. Bruce) State Park;  the brand new Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve (ANERR) soon-to-opened facilities in Eastpoint and to the brand new St. George Island Plantation Homeowners Association clubhouse.

Visitor Center Executive Director Elaine Rosenthal hired a (John) Crooms Transportation bus for the sojourn. And at 9:30 am about 15 volunteers piled onboard. Amazingly only one was on “island time” and arrived just 10 minutes late. Others were to be picked up along the route.

Park Manager Mark Knapke boarded the bus at narrated the trip along its winding roads. Pointing out every campsite, boat ramp and observation deck in the award-winning 2,000-acre facility. Talking about the birds and bees and the flowers and the trees within the nine-mile-long ecological enhanced Gulf of Mexico corridor.

“Better know the waters if you are going to launch a boat. But the fishing is so great it is well worth it”

“We have reestablished our burn program to eliminate the chance of our assets getting caught up in a really massive fire.”

He chatted about his desire for the island bike path to extend through the park and about the quirky nature of the golf cart rules (allowed in park but not on road or bike path leading up to the park). And about WWII munitions and the missing William Augustus Bowles sailing ship.

One of the objects of the trip was to learn about the new “motorized mobility devices” pilot program being tested in the park. Everyone is hopeful it will be a significant success and spread throughout the state. According to park personnel, the testimonials thus far have been truly encouraging.

The park already had ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) approved facilities. What it didn’t have was a vehicle that the disabled could drive to the beach and travel along the shoreline. Or one that would actually allow them (with a buddy) to go into the water and enjoy the lovingly lapping Gulf waves. SGI State Park has one of each. Only the relatively constant need to recharge has been a problem.

Notes from users that start, “I haven’t been out on the beach in years,” have been heartwarming.

Make reservations for use of one or both of these devices at the front gate.

The bus then traversed the new $72 million Bryant Patton Bridge to the mainland and a quick right hand turn off Island Drive into the site of the new, soon-to-be-opened Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve in Eastpoint.  

Boss man Seth Blitch provided a comprehensive tour of the entire 18,500 square foot series of structures that house public viewing facilities as well as extensive office and lab space. You can read the details of this wonderful asset in a special “Sneak Peak” feature elsewhere in this issue.

Then it was off to the exclusive “Plantation” section of St. George. And a viewing (and lunch) at the majestic new Plantation Owners Association Clubhouse.  Can’t remember exactly if the” CO” was coming in that day or the next but you get the idea that the volunteers were among the first to see and tour the near completed fun house.

The two-story structure has all the necessary amenities (including porch rockers ideal for “just plain relaxing”) and a meeting/conference room (with adjoining kitchen) large enough to house every member of the association. The pool certainly looked inviting.

Guards always man the front gate and visitors need a legitimate reason to be in this ultra-exclusive 1,200-acre area. There are about 550 homes (about half of them are part of the island rental pool) and about 300 lots that are yet to be developed. Some of the homes are, in fact, mansions and mighty popular for large family reunions. Some neighbors whisper the names of noted folks who own or frequent the development. Most others don’t really care.

The bus slipped into the Bob Sikes Cut area at the far west end of the 28-mile-long island and made short stops at the Sea Pine Place fire house, built by the “Plantation” and leased out to the volunteer fire department for $1 a year, and at Longpoint Road, where Plantation Airport is situated. It has a 3,200-foot paved runway and tie-downs.

It was 2:30 pm when the bus slipped back into the parking lot at Lighthouse Park in the center of the island and next to the soon-to-be-opened St. George Lighthouse Association Lighthouse Keepers’ Museum. Five hours of touring and the group hadn’t traveled more than a dozen miles in one direction at any one time.

Now you have some idea why we tell new visitors to the area that they could “daytrip” all day and night for a month and still not come close to seeing and visiting all of the attractions and attractiveness of Franklin County and the Forgotten Coast.

altSEPTEMBER WAKULLA WAYS
With Bonnie Holub


Here’s a question for you.  When can a horse patty help save a life? Answer:  When it plops down at the 3rd Annual Woodstork Music Festival and Silent Action.  Here’s how it works. 

Trot on over to the annual Woodstork festivities on October 9, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. at Harvey-Young Farm near Crawfordville and purchase a horse patty raffle ticket.  Then walk around the festival grounds and enjoy a wide range of festival offerings such as the line-up of bands for your listening or dancing pleasure, a silent auction, art vendors, education vendors, kids activities, food, drink, and beer.  Don’t miss Susan Sentman’s exhibit of live snakes and reptiles.  It’s an exhibit both startling and fascinating with a highly educational display of poisonous and non-poisonous snakes.

Venture over to the horse pen, too.  Notice that the floor, or ground, of the horse pen is marked off in numbers from 1 - 100.  Your raffle ticket also bears a number, and this is where the fun…and suspense…begins.  According to the Woodstork promotional flyer, the horse in the pen has been fed some yummy grain, and then some more and perhaps even a little more.  The well-nourished horse walks around the pen throughout the day, and at some point in time, unknown to all, except maybe the horse, is when the horse patty arrives.  If the patty plops on a square with your ticket’s number, you win.  It’s like a living roulette table, with a top prize of $100.  

Now, how does a horse patty help save lives? The money spent on horse patty raffle tickets, and other proceeds from the festival, are used to care for sick, injured and orphaned wildlife by the folks at the Florida Wild Mammal Association.  Your donation, combined with those of other individuals can help save the lives of hundreds of wild creatures each year.   Founded in 1994 FWMA provides care for close to 1000 wildlife patients annually with the goal of returning rescued wildlife to their native habitat.  Animals that suffer debilitating injuries that prevent them from ever returning to the wilds are provided sanctuary at FWMA or other homes FMWA may find for disabled wildlife. 

For more information about FWMA, festival events, schedule, auction items, sponsorships and the horse patty raffle, visit the eye-catching and colorful festival website at woodstorkfestival.com.  Then make your plans to attend the 3rd Annual Woodstork Music Festival and Silent Auction and be sure to buy your horse patty raffle tickets. It’s fun for you and a lifesaver for wildlife.  It’s a whinny-whinny situation.


 


 

WAKULLA WAYS
Bonnie Holub

Here’s a question for you.  When can a horse patty help save a life? Answer:  When it plops down at the 3rd Annual Woodstork Music Festival and Silent Action.  Here’s how it works. 

Trot on over to the annual Woodstork festivities on October 9, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. at Harvey-Young Farm near Crawfordville and purchase a horse patty raffle ticket.  Then walk around the festival grounds and enjoy a wide range of festival offerings such as the line-up of bands for your listening or dancing pleasure, a silent auction, art vendors, education vendors, kids activities, food, drink, and beer.  Don’t miss Susan Sentman’s exhibit of live snakes and reptiles.  It’s an exhibit both startling and fascinating with a highly educational display of poisonous and non-poisonous snakes.

Venture over to the horse pen, too.  Notice that the floor, or ground, of the horse pen is marked off in numbers from 1 - 100.  Your raffle ticket also bears a number, and this is where the fun…and suspense…begins.  According to the Woodstork promotional flyer, the horse in the pen has been fed some yummy grain, and then some more and perhaps even a little more.  The well-nourished horse walks around the pen throughout the day, and at some point in time, unknown to all, except maybe the horse, is when the horse patty arrives.  If the patty plops on a square with your ticket’s number, you win.  It’s like a living roulette table, with a top prize of $100.  

Now, how does a horse patty help save lives? The money spent on horse patty raffle tickets, and other proceeds from the festival, are used to care for sick, injured and orphaned wildlife by the folks at the Florida Wild Mammal Association.  Your donation, combined with those of other individuals can help save the lives of hundreds of wild creatures each year.   Founded in 1994 FWMA provides care for close to 1000 wildlife patients annually with the goal of returning rescued wildlife to their native habitat.  Animals that suffer debilitating injuries that prevent them from ever returning to the wilds are provided sanctuary at FWMA or other homes FMWA may find for disabled wildlife. 

For more information about FWMA, festival events, schedule, auction items, sponsorships and the horse patty raffle, visit the eye-catching and colorful festival website at woodstorkfestival.com.  Then make your plans to attend the 3rd Annual Woodstork Music Festival and Silent Auction and be sure to buy your horse patty raffle tickets. It’s fun for you and a lifesaver for wildlife.  It’s a whinny-whinny situation.



 

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Forgotten Coast Weather

Sunny

86°F

Sunny

Humidity: 65%

Wind: S at 6 mph

  • Mon Clear

    88°F 76°F

  • Tue Partly Cloudy

    88°F 76°F

  • Wed Partly Cloudy

    88°F 76°F

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