Fickling of Florida Blog

More incentive to visit beautiful St. George Island and earn free money! Our local Tourist Development Council has declared September to be Seafood Days in Franklin County and is putting their money where their mouth is – pun intended. Together with the TDC, we are offering anyone booking a vacation in September FREE money! This is good for a stay on St. George Island, Apalachicola, Carrabelle, Eastpoint, all of Franklin County.

Stay in one of our vacation rental homes on St. George Island for two nights and receive a $50 gift card, three nights receive $100 gift card, four nights receive $150 gift card, five nights receive $200 and if you stay 6+ nights you will receive $250 in gift cards!

These will be standard gift credit cards and can be used anywhere credit cards are accepted. You can enjoy that special dinner while watching the sunset on the Apalachicola Bay, order an extra dozen (or two!) of fresh oysters, rent a kayak or a bike, charter a fishing trip or buy a new fishing pole, buy that adorable sundress you’ve been eyeing in the shop window, or that amazing framed photo of the lighthouse… use your imagination!

Quantities are limited so CALL NOW TO BOOK YOUR STAY! We are also offering super discounts on many of our homes – low season rates for the whole month of September!

DETAILS & RESTRICTIONS:

Only good for nights in September.

Non-pay reservations excluded.

Reservations paid in full on arrival only.

Good for reservations booked prior to the special announcement.

While quantities last, so book NOW.

Pick-up in person from your accommodations provider.

View the Franklin County Daily Beach Report Video

Here on St. George Island our beaches remain beautiful, clean, and unaffected in any way by the oil. It appears that the efforts to cap the well have been successful and the permanent seal provided by the relief well will be in place within the next two weeks. The oil plume is being dispersed, collected or evaporating so the chances of our area being affected by oil grow slimmer each day. In fact, the majority of environmental clean up crews have left town and much of the precautionary boom is being removed.

State and Federal waters are open to fishing to the south and east of us. On July 22, 2010 NOAA re-opened a large portion of the southern Gulf to fishing after water samples consistently showed no signs of oil in that area. Local charter captains have been busy going offshore and fishing in the Bay – all reports are of limit reaching days! FL DEP continues to monitor local water and air quality, everything remains safe to eat and enjoy!

View the Franklin County Daily Beach Report Video

Here on St. George Island our beaches remain beautiful, clean, and unaffected in any way by the oil. We are all so thankful that the cap has been working and no oil has been leaking for several days now. In addition, the prevailing winds have been out of the southeast, pushing the oil plume even farther away from our beaches and the entire Gulf Coast of Florida. Many sections of boom that had been staged throughout the Bay have been removed as the likelihood of oil making it this far east have decreased.

State and Federal waters are open to fishing to the south and east of us. Last week NOAA re-opened a large portion of the southern Gulf to fishing after water samples consistently showed no signs of oil in that area. Local charter captains have been busy going offshore and fishing in the Bay – all reports are of limit reaching days! FL DEP continues to monitor local water and air quality, everything remains safe to eat and enjoy!

Here on St. George Island our beaches remain beautiful, clean, and affected in any way by the oil. We are very encouraged that the oil flow from the Deepwater Horizon spill has been stopped and sincerely hope that now all of the recovery efforts to our west have a chance to make a permanent improvement!

State and Federal waters are open to fishing to the south and east of us. All of the charter captains are reporting excellent fishing and red letter days so be sure to call your favorite captain when you are here! If you are more into eating seafood than catching it, don’t worry, there is a huge variety of local seafood for sale and it is fantastic. The local water and air quality are also monitored daily by FL DEP to make sure everything is safe.

We appreciate everyone’s understanding and patience during this summer of uncertainty. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the people and animals being affected by this disaster. The media is covering the situation to the best of their ability but we also communicate with our local agencies on a regular basis so we can provide you with current information and utilize several different websites which we encourage you to check as well.

Florida Emergency Management Map

NOAA’s daily 72 hour trajectory map

Ocean Circulation Models

Federal Fisheries Closures

Unified Command’s Deepwater Horizon Response

Florida Dept of Environmental Protection

Please remember that your reservation with us is GUARANTEED. If our beaches are closed, we will refund your rental monies less 10% of your initial deposit. Since our beaches are NOT BEING AFFECTED AT THIS TIME, any refunds will be based on our rental refund policy that was in effect at the time of booking. We will also work with any renter to reschedule their vacation.

As always, if you have any questions regarding your stay with us or what is happening locally, please do not hesitate to give us a call! 877.927.2218

Our lovely St. George Island beaches remain beautiful and clear! We have been unaffected by the Louisiana oil spill and our vacationers are enjoying gorgeous weather for kayaking, fishing, paddleboarding or just reading a book on the beach. The majority of the eastern Gulf of Mexico is still open for some fantastic fishing so don’t hesitate to book an offshore charter while you’re here!

While there is still boom deployed in and around our Bay, it is a precautionary measure only. We understand our vacationers concerns and we really appreciated everyone’s patience and understanding during this uncertain time. We are staying in close contact with our local agencies so we can keep you updated on the situation. Since we realize that the media is not always specific, we hope that you will check on these websites below, just as we do, so you’ll have the most accurate scientific data at your disposal.

Florida Emergency Management Map

NOAA’s daily 72 hour trajectory map

Ocean Circulation Models

Federal Fisheries Closures

Unified Command’s Deepwater Horizon Response

Florida Dept of Environmental Protection

St. George Island beaches remain beautiful and clear! The water is clear and refreshing and there has been some great fishing from the shore. We had a great 4^th of July – the Blue Parrot had a fantastic fireworks display and so many of our vacationers brought their own – it was a lightshow from one end of the beach to the other!

The winds are continuing to blow from the east which is keeping the oil even further from our beaches. We understand our vacationers concerns and we really appreciated everyone’s patience and understanding during this uncertain time. We are staying in close contact with our local agencies so we can keep you updated on the situation. Since we realize that the media is not always specific, we hope that you will check on these websites below, just as we do, so you’ll have the most accurate scientific data at your disposal.

Florida Emergency Management Map

NOAA’s daily 72 hour trajectory map

Ocean Circulation Models

Federal Fisheries Closures

Unified Command’s Deepwater Horizon Response

Florida Dept of Environmental Protection

St. George Island beaches remain beautiful and clear! The water is warm but still refreshing and there has been some great fishing from the shore. There are lots of people on the beach but still plenty of room to set up your umbrella/chairs/fishing poles with at least 100’ clear beach on either side of you at certain spots – stake your claim!

Needless to say, we’ve been watching Hurricane Alex. It’s far enough south to not be much of a problem except a little rain. We’ll take the rain since the winds are blowing out of the southeast which has pushed the oil plume even farther from our shores. You can see the ocean current and wind model here.

The fishing reports are excellent! There are charter captains still going offshore and catching snapper, grouper, amberjack, cobia plus flounder when they’re in closer. To ease your concerns about the water quality – FL DEP is testing water samples on a daily basis so rest assured the situation is closely monitored. Also, scallop season has now been open for a week and a half – reports are that they are plentiful if you know the secret holes!

We understand our vacationers concerns and we really appreciated everyone’s patience and understanding during this uncertain time. We are staying in close contact with our local agencies so we can keep you updated on the situation. Also, see the websites below for the most accurate, up to date information regarding the Deepwater Horizon Incident. There is no substitute for info straight from the source!

Florida Emergency Management Map

NOAA’s daily 72 hour trajectory map

Ocean Circulation Models

Federal Fisheries Closures

Unified Command’s Deepwater Horizon Response

Florida Dept of Environmental Protection

St. George Island beaches are beautiful and clear! You can see your feet (along with blue crabs, hermit crabs, lightning whelks, and other treasures) in 5’ of water, so bring your mask and snorkel to look for critters. Plenty of people are out enjoying our lovely beaches, so pack up your car and make a plan to join them! As clear as the water has been, you may want to try a stand up paddle board – they really give you a birds eye view of what all is living under the sea.

While there are reports of tar balls in Panama City Beach, the weather is shifting today – winds are expected to come out of the east/southeast for the next week which will be pushing the oil plume back to the west. The first stages of boom are being set around the passes and in the bay as a preemptive measure. The county has also received state approval to place a barge across Bob Sykes Cut to help block pollutants from entering the Bay. This is a huge step in protecting our Bay!

FISHERMEN! C’mon down! I won’t go so far as to say they are jumping in the boats but I did hear of a bay fishing charter that limited out so just had to go a few miles offshore where they surface fished for mangrove snapper. Limited out there too! To ease your concerns about the water quality – FL DEP is testing water samples on a daily basis so rest assured the situation is closely monitored. Also, scallop season opened up this weekend (two weeks early) so when you get tired of catching dinner on a pole, head out to St. Joe Bay or Lanark and gather up some blue-eyed rascals.

We understand our vacationers concerns and we really appreciated everyone’s patience and understanding during this uncertain time. We are staying in close contact with our local agencies so we can keep you updated on the situation. Also, see the websites below for the most accurate, up to date information regarding the Deepwater Horizon Incident. There is no substitute for info straight from the source!

Florida Emergency Management Map

NOAA’s daily 72 hour trajectory map

Ocean Circulation Models

Federal Fisheries Closures

Unified Command’s Deepwater Horizon Response

Florida Dept of Environmental Protection

Let us reassure you that St. George Island beaches remain pristine and unaffected by the oil spill. Nothing on the beach but umbrellas, beach chairs, flying kites and sandcastles! We realize that the media is making blanket reports and rumors are flying but please be aware that the Florida Wildlife Commission dispatched a flyover off our beaches yesterday (Sunday, June 13, 2010) and saw no signs of oil.

If you have any concerns and want up to the minute live info, just give us a call at the office! We’re happy to answer any questions you may have. We certainly understand that your summer beach vacation is precious and that most of you consider St. George Island your home away from home. So many of our guests have called wondering if they could volunteer for cleanup or to prepare in advance and we so appreciate your concern and generous offers! At this time, we’re all working to keep the beaches trash free which is the most we can do. Booms have been put into place on the east side of the St. George Island bridge as well as several areas west of us as a precautionary measure. Since the Bay will be protected by three tiers of boom, it was decided to install the first tier early.

We are constantly researching websites covering the oil spill in search of the most accurate, up to date data. Here are the websites we monitor so you can check on the information that is most relevant to you as well:

NOAA’s daily 72 hour trajectory map

Ocean Circulation Models

Federal Fisheries Closures

Unified Command’s Deepwater Horizon Response

Florida Dept of Environmental Protection

Next time you are in Apalachicola, be sure to take a stroll down Market St. to the Three Servicemen Statue Park.  The state park has been hard at work and has created two new parking areas to serve the Orman House, the Three Servicemen Statue and the newly improved Chapman Botanical Gardens.  The heart of a town is often it’s parks.  Apalachicola homeowners and visitors alike have always enjoyed the gazebo and dock at Lafayette Park in the Historic Southside, as well as Battery Park, down by Ten Foot Hole Marina.  Now there are even more public spaces to enjoy in Historic Apalachicola!  The city dock at the end of Ave D and Water Street has become a popular spot for after dinner strolls.  The Orman House/Three Servicemen/Chapman Botanical Gardens now promises to be a new spot to enjoy.  There are plans to construct a gazebo/stage area in the Chapman Botanical Gardens with the possibility of hosting outdoor concerts.    New green space is always good for a town and Apalachicola is a great home town to claim as your own!

Old Man Winter, begone!  It certainly seems Groundhog Phil read the right signs.  It doesn't slow us down too much down here in Franklin County Florida - we've had plenty of warm and sunny days to charge the batteries and go fishing, even if only cast netting for mullet.   Then after dark, there is plenty to do inside.  The Mardi Gras celebration at the Dixie Theater in Apalachicola  was enjoyed by a full house, with great music, great food and successful silent auction.  All told about $4,000 was raised for Habitat for Humanity and Franklin's Promise.  There is something at the Dixie every weekend for the next three months, no boredom allowed! 

January was a solid month for St. George Island real estate sales and upcoming sales activity in all areas (Apalachicola, Carrabelle and Eastpoint) looks positive too.  We are seeing a pent up demand for property at true market value.  Homes are significantly more affordable than they've been in recent years and most buyers are "end users", intending to enjoy the home and area, knowing full well this is a long term investment.  The online auction for the four local properties (a beachfront home and townhome on St. George Island,  creekfront lot in Carrabelle and commercial property in Apalachicola) ends Wednesday, February 17th - it's not too late to register to bid!

Judging from the reservations in the Fickling Vacation Rental department, we are going to have a busy spring break and summer season.   Last year many guests waited till a week before their vacation to book a rental home and that may still be true this year but many others are starting now!  Our list of rental homes is ever-growing so visit our website to see the new homes www.ficklingvacationrentals.com
We hope all is well with you and yours!  If there is anything we can do for you, don't hesitate to call.

The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration announced that the Big Bend Scenic Byway has achieved National Scenic Byway status. The Big Bend Scenic Byway runs from Apalachicola in Franklin County, Florida, through Wakulla County, to southern Leon County.  The scenic route features over 200 miles of forests, wildlife, historic forts, battlegrounds, museums, beaches, fishing villages, historic towns and rural communities.

The National Scenic Byway program was established to help recognize, preserve and enhance selected roads throughout the United States. There are currently 125 such designated Byways in 44 states. The program awards National designation based on the road’s important scenic, natural, historical, cultural, archaeological or recreational qualities.

This prestigious award was made possible by the efforts and devotion of the  local citizens, community leaders, businesses, nonprofit organizations and numerous government agencies. Information including maps, driving directions, and recommended stops along The Big Bend Scenic Byway can be found at http://www.floridabigbendscenicbyway.org.

What's not to love about October?  This year, it could have been the record humidity, but that hasn't lasted long and now fall is in the air.  Oyster Spat Festival was held next to the lighthouse this year and visitors enjoyed good food and music on Columbus Day weekend under sunny skies.   There is something happening every weekend till November 6&7th - the Seafood Festival!

The area continues to make the news; National Geographic Adventure calls Apalachicola a great place to live and play in this month's issue.  We'd all have to agree!  Oyster loving out-of-towners may also be interested to know that Bonefish Grill is now serving Apalachicola Oysters.  Of course, they won't be as good as they are sitting on a deck over the river...

The 3rd Quarter real estate report follows this post in the blog.  The trend of increased transactions, decreased volume, and high number of distressed properties has continued through the 3rd quarter.  News of the improving economy has reached our shores as well, and buyers are still out looking for good properties.  Also, be sure to check out the online auction we're offering on a bank owned Gulf front lot on St. George Island.

If you're planning a trip down and need a place to stay, be sure to check out www.ficklingvacationrentals.com first!  Several properties are offering special fall rates and we still have some availability for Seafood Festival Weekend.

Always feel free to give us a call if you have any questions, we're here to help!

All of us at Fickling & Company, SGI

Join volunteers from the world over during the September 19, 2009 International Coastal Cleanup. Volunteers will meet at various locations throughout Franklin County with trash bags in hand. Each location’s collected debris will be weighed at the County Landfill. Totals will be tallied to see which volunteer group gathered the most debris. Last years locations are listed below and if would like more information call or email Rosalyn Kilcollins 850-653-8063 or Rosalyn.kilcollins@dep.state.fl.us

1. Apalachicola: Boat Ramp at 10’ Hole and Abercrombie Landing

2. Bald Point State Park: 149 Box Cut Rd, Alligator Point

3. Carrabelle: City Pavilion, Marine St. south of Highway 98

4. Eastpoint: Marion Millender Park off Patton St.

5. Indian Creek Park: North Bayshore Dr, Eastpoint by kayak and canoe

6. Lanark Beach: Lanark Boat Club

7. Little St. George Island

8. St. George Island Community Park: Downtown St. George Island

9. St. George Island State Park: Park Entrance

Work is progressing on the new Sacred Heart Hospital on Hwy 98 just east of Port St. Joe. Bricks have been set, windows installed and curbs laid out. They are working on the interior too, installing the electrical system and drywall. Construction should be completed in December 2008 and the grand opening is planned for March 2010. All locals and visitors are looking forward to having a modern, new facility which will have two operating rooms, an emergency room and a medical office building.

Apalachicola, St. George Island and surrounding areas are currently served by Weems Memorial Hospital in Apalachicola. A fine place for minor issues but right now any major illness or injury sends you to Panama City or Tallahassee. It will be so much more convenient to have a Sacred Heart Hospital just 20 minutes away!

Check out what the rest of the world has to say about Apalachicola & St. George Island.

National Geographic Traveler mentioned Apalachicola as a great “Southeast Weekend” in their August issue. It includes a great Richard Bickel photo of Capt.’s Chris Robinson and Nathan Donahoe of the Robinson Brother’s Guide Service on an early morning redfish trip.

Connie Mae Fowler, a local author who has written several novels featuring the Apalachicola Bay area, wrote an enticing article on Apalachicola for Southern Accents magazine. With poetic license she describes the heart of Apalachicola, from oystermen to the historic homes and buildings.

Most recently, Garden & Gun magazine’s “Big Bad Chef”, John Currence, recommended that his readers try some world famous Apalachicola oysters. He describes how exceptionally good they are this summer since all the stars have aligned to perfectly balance water temperature and salinity. I can certainly vouch for the oysters, having had a dozen raw at Up the Creek raw bar Sunday night, and another dozen raw at the Owl Cafe last night!

Apalachicola Florida’s most famous citizens are undeniably oysters. Living only in a delicately balanced mix of salt and fresh water, oysters grow in numerous beds spread throughout the Apalachicola Bay. They are without a doubt the source of the romance that puts Apalachicola on the map. 90% of Florida’s oysters are harvested in the Apalachicola Bay and Florida supplies 10% of the nations oyster supply.

Normally, the rule of thumb is to only eat oysters (the raw ones) in months with the letter “R”. This rule is loosely based on the water temperature, rainfall, temperature on the boats before they come in, etc. Makes good sense when you think about it. This year though, I’ve had some excellent oysters all through the summer; from oyster bars on St. George Island, Apalachicola and Indian Pass. Lots of oyster bars have a long list of toppings that you can add to the oysters – we’ve come a long way from just Oysters Rockefeller! While purists only eat them raw, or occasionally steamed or in stew, I like to try some toppings every once in awhile. I recently tried a French dip – caramelized onions, creamy horseradish, and gooey white cheese were baked on top of a dozen. Pretty good, but not something I’d like to do every day. I say keep it simple. Eat our famous Apalachicola oysters raw!