We want to hear from you! Apalachicola Main Street is currently working on its strategic plan, and we are seeking broad community input on the downtown Apalachicola district. Our organization is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to promoting our future while preserving our past.

By responding to our survey, you can share your long-term vision for the downtown district, what projects you think we should undertake, and how you see the district’s strengths and challenges.

“We’re looking forward to receiving diverse input from the community,” said Main Street’s Executive Director, Augusta West. “Please take a few moments to share your thoughts and ideas with us.”

Click here to have your voice heard.

Apalachicola Main Street has been designated as a 2020 Accredited Main Street America™ program.  Accredited status is Main Street America’s top tier of recognition and signifies a demonstrated commitment to comprehensive commercial district revitalization and proven track record of successfully applying the Main Street Approach™. 

“We are proud to recognize this year’s 860 Nationally Accredited Main Street America programs that have dedicated themselves to strengthening their communities,” said Patrice Frey, President & CEO of the National Main Street Center. “These Accredited Main Street programs have proven to be powerful engines for revitalization by sparking impressive economic returns and preserving the character of their communities. During these challenging times, these Main Street programs will be key to bringing economic vitality back to commercial districts and improving quality of life during the recovery process.”

A peaceful protest rally sponsored by H’COLA (Hillside Coalition of Laborers for Apalachicola), will be held downtown this Saturday. The rally is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. at the corner of Market Street and U.S. 98 in downtown Apalachicola. The event is part of the larger Black Lives Matter protest movement. All are welcome to join H’COLA in standing against police brutality, inequality and racism.

Protesters are encouraged to wear masks and to exercise social distancing, and to bring their own signs, although campaign signs, hats and clothing are not welcome. For more information, click here to read the Apalachicola Times article. You can contact H’COLA at 850-323-0544 or visit www.HCOLA.org. To view the event poster, click here.

This edition’s business spotlight is on the Ward family of 13 Mile Seafood. Their retail seafood operation is located right on the Apalachicola River in the heart of downtown. You’ll find fresh fish, shrimp straight off the boat, smoked fish, delicious dips, sauces, and merchandise with their iconic logo. The interesting history of their family seafood business can be found on their website:

What is 13 Mile? Many people ask about our name. It refers to a tiny community 13 miles west of Apalachicola where Olan Buddy Ward and Martha Pearl Ward began the family business in 1957. Back in those days there were little communities along the shore of Apalachicola Bay at 7, 9, 11 and 13 miles west of town. Martha Pearl’s family – the Millers – had a small oyster and fish house right on the bay, and many of the nearby families worked there.

Olan Buddy Ward was a strong, tall man with an iron handshake; he looked others in the eye and lived his life by making his word a bond others could count on. Buddy instilled these traits into his five boys. (Olan, Dakie, George, Tommy, and Joey). Buddy and Martha Pearl were married for more than 50 years, until he passed away in 2006.

The Ward family is very close. Some people say blood is thicker than water, but if you are a Ward you know that blood is thicker than molasses. This closeness is due to the way Buddy was raised.  His father was a tug boat captain on the Apalachicola River during the Depression and times were tough. Many people turned up their noses at the people that worked the waters surrounding Apalachicola. But growing up poor taught Buddy how to work, and he worked hard his whole life. He taught that ethic to his  boys and they have never stopped.

Now Buddy’s granddaughter Sara and grandsons T.J. and Walter Mack are part of the business, too.

If you stop by the 13 Mile oyster house today you might get to see a pair of eagles or a school of porpoise chasing mullet by the dock. Around evening you’d get to watch the sunset on an unspoiled part of Florida that looks just like it did 500 years ago: no houses or cars, just the old oak trees of St. Vincent Island and the big sky stretching out over the Gulf.

The Ward family continues the tradition. Come see for yourself. The Buddy Ward & Sons Seafood Market is located at 227 Water Street in historic Apalachicola, right next to Riverfront Park.

Phone: (850) 653-1399
Email: [email protected]

Website: www.13mileseafood.com

Click here to buy an e-gift certificate!

Apalachicola Main Street is postponing its Independence Eve Celebration, normally held on July 3^rd each year. “In consultation with City officials, local law enforcement, downtown business leaders, and others, we have come to the decision to postpone this event out of respect for public health,” said Board Chair Jim Bachrach.

Governor Ron DeSantis’ executive order 20-139, announced this week, outlines Phase 2 of Florida’s reopening plan. It discourages gatherings of more than 50 people. “We know the community looks forward to this event every year,” said Augusta West, Main Street’s Executive Director, “This was a difficult decision to make, but we feel postponing it is the right course of action.”

Main Street is currently making plans to move this event to Labor Day weekend, to be held on Saturday, September 5. “We will continue to evaluate the status of the pandemic as we move forward,” said Bachrach.

The annual event includes live music, food trucks, a Veteran’s Tribute, the singing of the National Anthem, children’s activities, and a fireworks display reflected in the waters of the Apalachicola River. It has been recognized as an Outstanding Special Event by the Florida Secretary of State and named one of the Top 12 Fireworks Events in Florida. The event draws 8,000 people, making it the largest single-day event in the county. Last year’s speaker was Secretary of the Navy Richard Spencer, who announced the naming of a U.S. Navy transport ship Apalachicola.

For updates, please visit www.july3fireworks.com.

Apalachicola Main Street is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing downtown Apalachicola through economic development in the context of historic preservation. For more information please email [email protected] or call 844-272-2523.