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Secretary of the Navy Names Navy’s Newest Expeditionary Fast Transport Ship Apalachicola

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APALACHICOLA, FL — Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer has announced the newest Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) ship will be named USNS Apalachicola (T-EPF 13). Spencer travelled to Apalachicola to make the announcement personally at Apalachicola Main Street’s Independence Eve Celebration on July 3rd.

“The city of Apalachicola is one of the most historic cities in Florida, with foundations rooted in the maritime industry and support for a strong Navy and Marine Corps team,” said Spencer. “I am pleased that the history, culture, and spirit of this city will live on in the future USNS Apalachicola (T-EPF-13).”

The Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) is a shallow draft, all aluminum, commercial-based catamaran that is designed for High Speed Intra-Theater Surface Lift and serves in a variety of roles for the military branches to include support of overseas contingency operations, conducting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions and supporting special operations forces.

“I am both grateful and honored that the City of Apalachicola, a small, rural costal community along Florida’s Forgotten Coast has been chosen to receive such a distinct recognition by the United States Navy,” said the Hon. Van W. Johnson, mayor of Apalachicola.  “This recognition speaks volumes about Apalachicola’s significance as an historic port City and its hardworking, dedicated and resilient residents.”

“I am proud of our community and sincerely pray that when called into action to provide assistance, relief and support to those in need, that the USNS Apalachicola and its crew will rise to the occasion and exemplify the true essence of the people who live and work in this unique and historic port City.” 

The future USNS Apalachicola is the second ship named in honor of the city of Apalachicola, Fla: the first, a large harbor tug (YTB-767), served from 1965-2002. The most recent naming is part of a program designed to honor small cities throughout the nation. “This ship and its class is to be named after smaller communities, but as I like to say, smaller communities with bigger hearts,” said Spencer. “This ship will sail around the world…and people around the world will know where Apalachicola is.”

Austal USA in Mobile, Alabama, is under contract to build the new EPF, which will be 338 feet in length, have a waterline beam of 93.5 feet, displace approximately 2,362 tons and can operate at speeds of 35-plus knots.

Secretary Spencer, his wife Polly, security, and staff attended Apalachicola’s award-winning Independence Eve Celebration known for its fireworks display over the Apalachicola River. Spencer made the announcement to a crowd of 7,000 gathered downtown for the festivities which included live music, a parade, Veteran’s Tribute, remarks from the newly elected State Representative Jason Shoaf, and performances of patriotic songs culminating in the National Anthem.

“It was an honor to host Secretary and Mrs. Spencer as well as the Secretary’s staff for this exciting announcement,” said Apalachicola Main Street’s Executive Director Augusta West, who worked with Spencer’s staff to coordinate logistics.

Plans Underway for Apalachicola’s Independence Eve Celebration

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Apalachicola’s “Independence Eve” celebration attracts locals and visitors from all over the Forgotten Coast and beyond. Named one of the Top 12 Independence Events in Florida, this family-friendly event is held each year on July 3rd at Riverfront Park in downtown Apalachicola from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m.

The celebration includes live music, food trucks, a parade, kids’ activities, a free ice cream social, arts and crafts vendors, a veterans’ tribute, and the singing of the National Anthem– all leading up to a spectacular fireworks show reflected in the waters of the Apalachicola River.

Our featured entertainment is the Bo Spring Band from Port St. Joe whose Rock, Soul, Country, Funk and Bluegrass influences blend to create their popular sound. “This year’s set list is focused on upbeat tunes that audiences love. We’re so excited to be playing this event. It’s just so much fun,” says vocalist Lauren Spring. The band released their debut album in 2017 and has a large following in the area. Our opening band is the local rock group Southern Flood. They will get the party started with their all-American rock and roll.

Food trucks, both local and from throughout the region, will be offering a delicious selection of American and international favorites. In addition, we are welcoming arts and crafts vendors as a new component of the event.

The Center for History, Culture, and Art will be offering free kids’ art activities in its facility across the street from Riverfront Park from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Director Merrill Livingston will have a fun collection of red, white, and blue art materials for kids to create projects they can take home. You can also enjoy perusing the Anna Feil exhibit “Paradise Found” that will be on display in the gallery.

We are honored that U.S. Navy Commander Elizabeth Zingarelli Milliken will give the Veterans’ Tribute speech this year. Her theme centers on the history of veterans from Apalachicola and the concept that there are many ways to serve. This will be followed by a performance of the National Anthem by local youth. Just after the sun sets and darkness settles over the crowd, pyrotechnics will be launched from a barge on the river, lighting up the night sky with the Forgotten Coast’s best fireworks show.

Admission is always free, and lawn chairs and picnic blankets are welcome. For an upscale experience and fantastic seats for the fireworks, you can reserve a table in our VIP section on the docks where you can enjoy complimentary beverages and snacks from a private bar.

This celebration is the winner of a Florida Secretary of State’s Main Street award for Outstanding Special Event. An event of this caliber is only possible because of the financial support of many businesses and residents across the Forgotten Coast community. Our sincere thanks go out to all of our supporters.

For more information please visit www.july3fireworks.com.

New! Free Historic Trolley Tours

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Beginning Saturday May 26, and continuing through Sunday June 10, Apalachicola Main Street is sponsoring Free Trolley Tours of Apalachicola.

Tours will depart every Saturday and Sunday at 2 PM in front of the Raney House Museum, at 128 Market Street. Although the tours are free, tickets are needed to board the trolley, and will be given out on a first-come basis at the Raney House starting at 1:30 PM the day of the tour.

The tour will go along the waterfront to battery park, then continue through the historic areas, up to the hill area, and over to Scipio Creek before returning to the Raney House. Along the tour route people will learn all about the history of the town and the many famous and infamous people who have played a role in the development of the area.

They’ll also get some insight into little-known mysteries about town, some of the fun and unusual things that have happened here, facts about our fabulous nature and wildlife, and a glimpse into Apalach life throughout the decades.

Tour participants will get to enjoy all of this while riding the comfortable trolley that holds 30-35 passengers.

The tours are being held Saturdays and Sundays at 2 PM for three weekends, starting May 26 and ending June 10. They are funded by a grant to Main Street from the Visit Florida.

Tours may be cancelled in case of severe weather. Questions? Call 844-272-2523.

7th Annual “Independence Eve” Celebration in the works!

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Planning is underway for Apalachicola’s seventh annual “Independence Eve” Fireworks Celebration to be held on July 3 at Riverfront Park from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. Each year this family-friendly event features live music, great food, a parade, kids’ activities, an ice cream social, a veterans’ tribute, and the singing of the National Anthem– all culminating in a spectacular fireworks show reflected in the waters of the Apalachicola River.

Here’s a sneak peek at some of this year’s details.

Our featured entertainment is the popular Bo Spring Band. Native to the gulf coast, they blend their crowd-pleasing Americana sound from Rock, Soul, Country, Funk and Bluegrass music. “We can’t wait to play this event,” says Lauren Spring, vocalist for the group. “We’re working on our set list now, focusing on feel-good tunes that people know and love. There will be something for everyone.” The band released their debut album in 2017.

New this year will be a food truck “food court”. We’re excited to be offering a tasty array of American and international favorites plus snow cones and other treats that the whole family will love. With more than 6,000 people expected to attend the event, the food court concept allows us to offer more variety and faster service. We think it will be a hit.

Also new, the Center for History, Culture, and Art will be offering free kids’ art activities. Located just across the street from Riverfront Park, the center will host a kids’ art fair with all art supplies provided at no charge. Director Merrill Livingston is putting together a fun collection of collage materials, canvasses, and red, white, and blue paint for kids of all ages to create their own art piece to take home. Face painting will also be available. Parents will enjoy perusing the gallery of Independence Day themed art for sale by local artists.

This event is the winner of the Florida Secretary of State’s Main Street award for Outstanding Special Event. Each year, we try to keep the best elements while also raising the bar with something new and better. More than ever, we are counting on sponsors to make it all possible.  For sponsors who contribute $500 or more, we offer a special “thank you” by providing reserved tables in our VIP section on the docks–the perfect place to enjoy the festivities and view the fireworks show.

For more information, including the schedule, photos, videos, and more, please visit www.july3fireworks.com or call 844-272-2523.

 

Car Show Saturday!

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Here in the Oyster Capital of the World, the “Autos & Oysters” Car Show combines two things that are always in good taste: fresh Florida seafood and classic automobiles. Now in its third year, this award-winning event will take place this Saturday in downtown Apalachicola. Enjoy a fabulous lineup of cars, fresh oysters and hotdogs, music, raffles, and more. The show will be held on Water Street at Riverfront Park from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., followed by the awards ceremony. If you’d like to enter your car, the fee is $20 and you can register on site between 9:00 a.m. and Noon.

The head judge will be J.C. O’Steen of Tallahassee. O’Steen has judged several major national and international events and owns an impressive collection of vintage cars and motorcycles. Come see his 1932 Ford Roadster on display. Dozens of cars are pre-registered for the event, from vintage to late model.

The event is a downtown economic vitality initiative by Apalachicola Main Street to stimulate the economy in the off season. For more information, please contact:  Tom Fugate, Car Show Committee Chair, at (502) 682-1964 or tfugate76@yahoo.com. Visit www.autosandoysters.com to learn more. This is a rain or shine event.

 

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APALACHICOLA MAIN STREET, INC.
1 Avenue E
Apalachicola, Florida 32320
Info@DowntownApalachicola.com
844-272-2523