NewsLetter May 2008
Page 1
Upcoming Events
April 25-26, 2008 – Panhandle Players Present: Second Time Around, Port St. Joe Elementary
April 26, 2008 – Beach Blast, Mexico Beach
May 1, 2008 – Ribbon Cutting - Fish’n Xpress, Port St. Joe Marina
May 2, 2008 – Junior Service League – Derby Days Triple Crown, WindMark Beach
May 3, 2008 – Junior Service League – Derby Days on the Lawn, WindMark Beach
May 3-4, 2008 – ACS Relay for Life, Shark Stadium, Port St. Joe
May 8-18, 2008 – Plein Air Paint Out, Gulf & Franklin Counties
May 9-10, 2008 – ACS Relay for Life, Honeyville Community Park, Wewahitchka
May 17, 2008 – Tupelo Honey Festival, Lake Alice Park, Wewahitchka
What’s Inside…
Letter from the Executive Director
New Members
2008 Renewing Members
Chamber Events
Happenings
ACS Relay for Life
Panhandle Players
A&A HomeCare
From The Pulpit – Pastor Brent Vickery, First Baptist Church
Our Own Hometown Heroes Deploy
Derby Days
Tupelo Honey Festival
Be an American Red Cross Hero
The Great Plein Air Paint-out
Page 1
The calendar of events for the past weekend of April 11th – 13th had something for everyone. The Kids Win fishing tournament held at the Port St. Joe Marina was a great family event, with 535 kids participating. The fun and excitement these kids experienced was phenomenal. The Taste of the Coast and Art Show event was well attended and offered the opportunity for people to experience the art and cuisine that has become a part of our community. And of course, one of the oldest running events, the C.W. Roberts Invitational Golf Tournament held at the St. Joseph’s Bay Country Club provided a great time for golfers. Each of these events provided an economic stimulus for our business community. Coming weekends will have many more special events such as the Great Plein Air Paint Out, bringing in artists from all over the country for our residents and visitors to enjoy and participate. All are the result of the ideas and dreams of the many individuals, businesses and organizations that make them possible.
Spring is not only a festive time, but a time for forward thinking. A time for businesses to prepare for the opportunities and the challenges that will come as the year unfolds. The Chamber of Commerce is active as well in seeking new ideas and opportunities to assist our business community to grow and prosper. We plan to expand our internet capabilities, and look for new resources to help promote our local businesses. I hope you will share with the Chamber staff, officers and directors, ideas that you may have on improving and adding services the Chamber can provide for you.
We thank the many businesses that have renewed their memberships, and we hope that all will take advantage of the benefits of Chamber membership. As we examine the inventory of potential and opportunity that we have in our area, it is not hard to understand that we truly do live in a special place at a special time.
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You’re a Hometown Hero
When You
Recently someone said a person has to see something 3 times before it registers. Well, I feel it is necessary to keep on reminding ourselves why it is so important to support our local businesses – now more than ever!
Please give local businesses the opportunity to offer their best selection and price.
Because of the size of the local retail market area, businesses have to work hard to keep competitive. Since their volume of business is lower than the super stores, it is difficult, but not impossible, to compete. I have found that if you can give them three days (sometimes just overnight) they can get what you need.
Business owners understand that price and selection are important to you. They know sometimes it is necessary to shop elsewhere because the item you want cannot be found locally or the price is significantly lower. I will caution you to be sure that you are getting the same quality when you see an ad in another county. Many times if you compare carefully, you receive less or you get a lower quality product.
We have been talking about shopping Gulf County first for years now. Recently we had a Shop Gulf County First Campaign. That program was not developed to stop people from shopping elsewhere. It was developed to bring awareness to the local consumer of the benefits of shopping local first. On that same note, we ask you to shop with Chamber members first!!
Consumers assume that the price and selection will always be better somewhere else. This program hopes to change buying habits by asking you, the customer, to try Gulf County first. If you can’t get it, it can’t be ordered for you or the price is just too high then it might make sense for you to look elsewhere. We just want our local businesses to have the opportunity to fulfill your shopping needs.
There are many benefits for the local consumers who shop local first. Next month I will talk about a few of the benefits of shopping locally!
It’s your decision, all we ask is that you let our business members offer their best when you shop local first.
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New Members
Wireless Zone
Michelle Royal, General Manager
76 Market Street, Suite C
Apalachicola, FL 32320
Phone: 850-653-1244
Fax: 850-274-9510
American Red Cross
Robert Pearce, Executive Director
430 E. 15th Street
Panama City, FL 32405
Phone: 850-763-6587
Phone: 800-272-7206
Fax: 850-785-3995
Waste Management
Janice Higgs, Operations Specialist
6319 E. Hwy 22
Panama City, FL 32404
Phone: 850-874-1019
Phone: 800-273-9757
Fax: 850-874-8550
Common Sense Conservation, LLC
Dawn Jones, President
115 Deer Street
P.O. Box 957
Brewton, AL 36426
Phone: 850-227-4111C
Phone: 251-867-2146
www.commonsenseconservation.com
Premier Sportsfishing Adventures
Capt. Trey Landry
607 Woodward Avenue
Port St. Joe, FL 32456
Phone: 850-227-9720
Phone: 850-527-2659
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2008 Renewing Members
10th Street Bed & Breakfast
5 Star 2000 Paint and Collision Centre
A & A Homecare
Above Par, Inc.
Ake’s Septic
Aline’s Coiffures/ Merle Norman Cosmetics
Allemore, Ellen
Allen and Associates of Port St. Joe
Amanda’s Bistro
America’s Mini Storage and Office Complex
American Cancer Society
AN Railway
Anderson, James & Geri
Anderson, Rex & Anne
Arizona Chemical
Badcock & More Home Furniture
Bay Artiques
Bay St. Joseph Care & Rehabilitation Center
Bay Walk-in Clinic
Bay Wash of Port St. Joe
Bayside Animal Hospital
Bayside Lumber and Building Supply
Bayside Savings Bank
BaySolutions
Beach Baptist Chapel
Beach Bartenders
Beach Realty of Cape San Blas
Beach to Bay Interiors
Beachwalk
Better Business Bureau of NW Florida
Big Fish Construction
Big Time Charters
Bluewater iNet Group
Bluewater Outriggers
Bluewater Realty of Gulf County – Port St. Joe
Bo Knows Pest Control
Boardwalk Realty of NW Florida
Boyer Signs & Logo Designs
Broke-a-Toe Horseback Riding on the Beach
Burg Management Co.
Burke & Co. Real Estate Group
Buy-Rite Drugs – Port St. Joe
Cape San Blas Inn
Cape San Blas Realty
Cape San Blas Vacation Rentals
Cape to Bay Vacation Rentals
Capital City Bank
Carpet Country
Carrabelle Area Chamber of Commerce
Cathey Construction and Development
Century 21 - Collins Realty
Century 21 – Gulf Coast Realty
Century 21 – Gulf Coast Vacation Rentals – Mexico Beach
Century 21 – Gulf Coast Vacation Rentals – Simmons Bayou
Charisma Charters
Christian Community Development Fund
Coastal Community Bank
Coastal Design and Landscape
Coastal Foot and Ankle Clinic
Coastal Joe Vacation Rentals
Coastal Realty Group
Collins Vacation Rentals
Congo Charters
Copy Products Co.
Costin & Costin Law Office
Costin Development Corp.
Costin Insurance Agency
Covenant Hospice
Cox Pools
Culligan Water Service
David Whitfield – Physical Therapy Services
Debbie Hooper Photography
Decorative Flooring
DiLorenzo, Joseph
Dixie Belle Motel
Dixie Labels and Systems
Dockside Café
Dodsworth, Sherri
Donamelia
Donna Spears Realty
Duo - Trio Internazionale
Ed’s Red
El Governor Motel
Emerald Coast Federal Credit Union
Emerald Waste Services
Emerson Cooling and Heating
Estes, Rodger & Karen
Expressions from the Heart Florist & Gift Shop
Faith Bible Church
Family Life Church
Farnsley Financial Services
First Baptist Church
First United Methodist Church Care Closet
First United Methodist Church of Port St. Joe
Frost’s Pottery Garden
GALA – Gulf Alliance for Local Arts
Galati Yacht Sales
Gant’s Bar-B-Que
Gaskin Graddy Insurance Agency
Girl Scout Council of Apalachee Bend
GM Appliance
GPM Financial
Great Wall Chinese Restaurant
Guilford Driggers & Associates
Gulf Coast Community College
Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative
Gulf Coast Medical Center Primary Care
Gulf Coast Panel Homes
Gulf Coast Property Services
Gulf Coast Workforce Board
Gulf County School Board
Gulf County Senior Citizen’s Assn.
Gulf Sands Motel
Gulf South Self Storage
Gulf to Bay Construction and Development
GW Service Heating and Air
Haddock, Gail
Half Hitch Tackle
Hannon Insurance Agency
Happy Ours Kayak & Canoe Outpost
Health Check
HomeAway Port St. Joe Vacation Rentals
I-C Contractors
Indian Pass Marine Services
joseph’s cottage
Junior Service League
JV Gander Distributors
Keith L. Jones, C.P.A.
Kerigan Marketing Associates
Kerrigan, Estess, Rankin, McLeod & Thompson
Kilgore’s Brick Pavers & Tile
L.L. Lanier and Son
Lady J Charters
Long Avenue Baptist Church
LuLu’s Sweet Expectations
Magidson, Mel C. Jr. P.A.
Magnolia Lodge and R/V Park
Mahlkov, Gregg H.
MainStay Suites
May, David and Marjorie
May, Frank D. D.M.D. P.A.
Mediacom Southeast
Mexico Beach Community Development Council
Mexico Beach Harmon Realty
Miller Heating and Air Conditioning
Miller Marine
Mize Plumbing Services and Supply
MUST SEE Magazine
NAPA – St. Joe Auto Parts
Nationwide Lifts
NHC Homecare
North Florida Child Development
North Florida Land and Capital
Norton, Charles and Caroline
NVDi – North Valley Digital
Oak Grove Assembly of God Church
Old Saltworks Cabins
Oyster Radio and Oyster Country 106.5FM
Palm Tree Books
Panache Tent and Event
Parker Realty of Mexico Beach
Peaden Air Conditioning and Heating
People’s First Community Bank
Pepper’s Mexican Grill & Cantina
Persnickety
Petals by the Bay
Petals N Things
Pilkington, Larry
Pineapple Plantation Vacation Beach Home
Port Inn
Port St. Joe Lions Club
Port St. Joe Marina
Port St. Joe Port Authority
Port St. Joe Redevelopment Agency
Portside Trading
Preble-Rish
Prism Publications
Progress Energy Florida
Prosperity Bank
Provisions Gourmet Catering
Radio Shack
Realtors’ Association of Franklin & Southern Gulf Counties
Reeves’ Furniture and Refinishing Shoppe
Republican Party of Gulf County
Rich’s IGA
Rish, Gibson, Scholz & Groom, P.A.
Roberson and Friedman, P.A.
Rumberger, Kirk & Caldwell
Scallop Cove BP
Scott’s Quality Electric
Seahorse Water Safaris
Server Solutions
Shoreline Medical Group
Sisters’ Restaurant
Small Business Development Center – Gulf Coast Community College
Southern Resorts / Remax Southern
St. Joe Ace Hardware
St. Joe Company
St. Joe News Network
St. Joe Pool
St. Joe Rent-all, Nursery & Supply
St. Joe Sod and Landscape Supply
St. Joe Timberland
St. Joseph Living
St. Joseph’s Bay Country Club
Star Publications
Steve Meadows, State Attorney
Subway
Sunset Coastal Grill
SunTrust Mortgage
Superior Bank
Suzanne Doran Photography
Tall Tales Fishing Charters
The Appliance Solution
The Fuss
The L’s Place
The Port Fine Wine and Spirits
Tim McFarland, P.A.
Turtle Beach Inn
United Way of Northwest Florida
Vision Bank
VMS
Waldo, Patty
Ward, Brenda
Warriner, David and Trish
Watson Brothers Construction
Weston, Betty Ray
Wewahitchka Medical Center
Whitfield Timber
Willis, Bob and Charlotte
Windolf Construction
Witten, Fred
Wood’s Fisheries
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Chamber Events
Photos courtesy: Debbie Hooper, Sonny Chafin, Kristin Douglas and Steve Kerigan
Coast2Coast Printing & Promotions St. Patrick’s Day Business Before Hours
Two Crabs Seafood Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting
Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative Annual Meeting
: The 2nd Time Around provided live music for Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative's 60th Annual Members' Meeting. Pictured, from left, are band members Chris Hood (lead guitar), Brad Clark (acoustic guitar and vocals), J. T. Brooks (lead vocals), Kenny Holcomb (percussion) and Randy Hammond (bass guitar).
Three of the grand prizes at Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative's 60th Annual Members' Meeting were vacation packages, courtesy of Florida Media. Pictured, from left, are winners Aranka Nyquist of Panama City, John Green of Wewahitchka and Odeen Flowers of Kinard.
Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative also gave away $100 electric bill credits at its 60th Annual Members' Meeting. Credit winners included (from left) Jeanie Flowers of Wewahitchka, JoAnn Stewart of Wewahitchka, Zoe Hanes of Howard Creek, Brenda Bailey Reinhart of Port St. Joe, Robin Gail Webster of Panama City, Kevin Gilmore of Wewahitchka, Milton and Marilyn Scurlock of Southport and Margaret Ann Jenks of Wewahitchka. (Not pictured: Ray Dickens of Wewahitchka).
Port St. Joe Salt Air Farmers’ Market
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Page 5
Happenings
Photos Courtesy: Debbie Hooper and Lynn Marshall
A Taste of the Coast – An Artful Affair
6th Annual Kids Win Fishing Tournament
:
Junior Service League – Easter Egg Hunt
Page 6
Port St. Joe Relay for Life
The 2008 Port St. Joe Relay for Life event will be held on May 3rd and 4th at Shark Stadium. This event will honor those who have survived cancer and remember those who have lost their battle .Opening Ceremony/Survivors’ Walk will start at 11am ET on Saturday and Survivors’ Lunch to be served at noon. Luminaria Ceremony begins at 9pm. Throughout the day and night, there will be plenty of fun activities, including games, live music (John Mazzanovich, Jeremy Dixon to mention just a couple), friendly competitions (Relay Idol, Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?) and of course plenty of food and drink. To close our event, we will be having a community wide, sunrise worship service. Please call Suzanne Doran, Event Chair at 850-370-6614 or email at
for more information, or go to www.events.cancer.org/rflpsjfl . The Port St. Joe Relay for Life Committee would like to extend their thanks to the following companies for their support and sponsorship:
FairPoint Communications
St. Joe Company
Preble-Rish Inc.
Progress Energy Florida
Cathey Construction and Development
Port St. Joe Lions Club
Beach Realty of Cape San Blas
Gulf County School Board
Andy Smith, President of Port St. Joe Lions Club presents sponsorship check to Suzanne Doran, Event Chair, Port St. Joe Relay for Life. Also pictured, Scott Baker, Logistics Chair.
Suzanne Doran and Scott Baker, Port St. Joe Relay for Life Committee, thank Clay Kennedy of Preble-Rish, Inc., for sponsorship of 2008 Relay for Life.
Wewahitchka Relay for Life
Wewahitchka’s Relay for Life will be held on May 9th and 10th at Honeyville Community Park with opening ceremonies starting at 6pm CT. The Survivor Supper will be held at Honeyville Methodist at 4:30pm on May 9th. At the event there will be a volleyball tournament, carnival style games, music, chance drawings, food, and a lot of fun. Vision Bank will have a chance drawing on a Mother's Day Basket. Taunton Truss is creating a Hope Book that will be displayed in the local library. This book will have 12x12 pages with photos and stories of cancer survivors and victims. The cost per page is $15. Martha Tidwell and Abby Taunton are the contact persons (Taunton Home Center). Anyone interested in this event can contact Amanda Huft at 819-9177 or 639-2753 or via email at
Many thanks to our corporate sponsors:
Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative
UPS
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Panhandle Players Present: Second Time Around, in Port St. Joe!
April 25, 2008 to April 26. 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM. Port St. Joe, Elementary "Little Theater"
A charming comedy! Second Time Around, by Henry Denker, performed by Panhandle Players Community Theater.
Senior citizens Samuel Jonas and Laura Curtis, a widower and a widow, strike up a love affair.
When they announce plans to live together without marrying their children hit the roof even though they were never close to their deceased parent and their own marriages leave a lot to be desired. Is love lovelier the second time around? Tickets may be purchased at the door, Provisions Restaurant in Port St. Joe, or by calling GALA: 227.4960. Tickets: $12.00
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A&A HomeCare, Inc. Deficiency Free – 5 Years Running
On Monday, March 31st, a Representative from the Agency for Health Care Administration arrived to perform an unannounced full survey – auditing patient charts, policy and procedure manuals, employee files, and riding along with staff to the patient’s homes to observe care being provided. On Tuesday afternoon, April 1st, the survey concluded with no deficiencies being found. This is the equivalent of a student receiving a 100 A+ on an exam, or a school receiving an A on the FCAT. Most agencies, when audited, are found to have deficiencies – or areas of concern - that will require a plan of correction to be instituted. In addition, the Agency for Health Care Administration would be required to make an additional unannounced visit to verify that the agency had made the correction. A monetary fine could also be levied if the deficiency were severe enough. It is rare that an agency has a deficiency free survey with the Agency for Healthcare’s first audit. Yet, A & A HomeCare, Inc. has had a 1st time deficiency free survey visit each time they have been audited!
Other home health care agencies may receive ratings based upon statistical reports that are computer generated, but a deficiency free survey is an accomplishment that very few agencies are able to achieve! Quality patient care, highly trained staff, consistent communication between staff members and the patient’s physicians, medical follow through, and adhering to all federal and state guidelines are the reason that A & A has been deficiency free with each audit ever conducted.
A & A HomeCare pledges to continue to provide personalized and superior medical care to its patients. A & A is privately owned and employs staff members who live locally, have raised their families here – attending local churches and schools. The staff are local residents who take great pride in caring for their neighbors – treating each patient as if he or she were a member of their own family by making their health our top priority.
A & A employees, along with their families, will be treated to a special appreciation dinner for all their hard work and dedication.
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From the Pulpit
Dear Chamber Members,
Did you know that Jesus was always talking about money? He was. In fact, money was one of his favorite subjects because he spoke more about the subject than any other topic that he ever addressed. What did Jesus have to say about money? Well, let’s look at it together. Hopefully, Jesus’ thoughts about money will be an encouragement to us all.
There are at least three main things Jesus spoke about in relation to money. First, Jesus stated that no person can serve two masters in Matthew 6:24. You can’t serve God and money. Here’s a question for you. In your life is it money or MONEY? Does money serve you, or do you serve MONEY?
A second thing that Jesus said is that riches are deceitful. He said that in Matthew 13:22. Truthfully, riches can trap us, lead us away from God, and produce greed. So much about riches is appealing, but as most of us know, money can’t buy happiness or spiritual well-being. Have you been led astray in the pursuit of riches?
Thankfully, Jesus also said “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” There is a right use of money and a right reason to pursue it. Personally, I believe that a person’s use of financial resources says as much about that person as anything in this world. Dedicate your resources to God. Use what you have to make a difference in the lives of others. Impact the future by using your money wisely today. Always examine your motives for wealth building. Where is our treasure? Look carefully! Your heart is somewhere close.
Blessings,
Pastor Brent Vickery
First Baptist Church, Port St. Joe
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Thank You for Serving!
Robert Ramsey and Buck Watford Head Back to the Middle East
As many of you know, Buck Watford, a long time Gulf District employee, has for the THIRD time been deployed to the Middle East. Buck is with the 1186th Terminal Transportation Unit out of Jacksonville, FL. He left for the Middle East on April 15th. The soldiers in his unit have asked for any kind of recreational equipment from balls of all kind to gloves, bats and nets. These troops are working 12 hour days, 7 days a week for each and every one of us. They will appreciate anything we can contribute to help pass the time while away from their family and loved ones. Port St. Joe Middle School is the drop-off point for any donations. If you are unable to donate any recreational equipment, please remember them with your greatest contribution – your thoughts and prayers for their safety and comfort while away from home these next 12 months.
Robert Ramsey is a lifelong resident of Port St. Joe and employee of The Gulf Correction Institution. Like Buck, this is Robert’s THIRD deployment and the third time leaving his wife Kelly and two young daughters McKenzie (6) and Ruthie (4). While in Iraq, Staff Sergeant Ramsey is in service with the 576 Transportation Division of the MVMT Control, U.S Army Reserves. This division is charged with logistical transportation need for both equipment and troops by land, air and sea. The unit is asking for simple care packages and especially a note with your thoughts and prayers. Robert is expected to ship out May 5th and is expected to be away for 12 months. The Gulf County Welcome Center at 150 Capt. Fred’s Place is serving as a drop off point for any donations. The love and support this community has shown and continues to show Robert and his family is so appreciated and they are truly grateful.
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Derby Days
The Junior Service League of Port St. Joe
Invites You to Celebrate
Put On Your Sundresses,
Seersucker Suits & Hats!
Join Us for Mint Juleps, Croquet, Horse Racing,
Music & More.
Saturday, May 3rd
5k run & 1 mile fun run
Run on the new paths and boardwalks at
8:oo a.m.
Register online at Active.com
$10 entry fee for 5k
Family Fun Day
A day of games and events for the whole family
9:oo a.m. –
The Lawn at
Face Painting, Sack Races, Karaoke and more
