© 2026 WFSU Public Media
WFSU News · Tallahassee · Panama City · Thomasville
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Search results for

  • The Carrabelle History Museum is honored to announce a special additional display for its Veteran Tribute Exhibit in recognition of Veterans Day. The Veteran Tribute Exhibit pays heartfelt tribute to several local men who bravely served in the armed forces from World War I through Vietnam. Deeply meaningful to the community, this display has touched the hearts of local families and visitors alike. The special addition will be on display from Wednesday, November 5 through Sunday, November 30, 2025.

    The exhibit continues to celebrate military veterans with strong ties to Carrabelle and Franklin County, sharing their personal stories of courage, service, and sacrifice. In honor of Veterans Day, this year’s special addition will be Aviation Radioman Petty Officer Second Class David Learoy Rickards. David Rickards was born on October 12, 1921 in Carrabelle to Omer “O. E.” Rickards, a fisherman, and Della Rickards.

    At the age of 20, David Learoy Rickards registered for military service in Franklin County. At the time he was working for J.T. Millinor in Carrabelle, FL. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II as a radio operator aboard naval aircraft, a critical part of the aircrew.

    On May 30, 1944, Rickards died while in service to his country when the Naval aircraft that he was aboard tragically crashed near Chincoteague Naval Auxiliary Air Station in Virginia. The crash, which happened while the crew were attempting an emergency landing, took the lives of all eleven of the crew. There is a plaque at the Carrabelle Airport in memory of him and two others. His story reflects the deep local roots and ultimate sacrifice of so many Franklin County service members.

    In the Veterans Exhibit, visitors will find a moving collection of artifacts offering a glimpse into their experiences both in uniform and at home. The museum extends a special thanks to the families of the honored veterans for sharing their stories and treasured items. Additionally, the museum is grateful for the support of Lisa Keith-Lucas and Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum, whose invaluable collaboration helped make the exhibit possible. The Carrabelle History Museum warmly invites the public to visit and celebrate the legacy of these local heroes.

    The Carrabelle History Museum is open Wednesdays from 12–5 pm, Thursdays through Saturdays 10 am–5 pm, and Sundays 12–5 pm. Admission is free, with donations gratefully accepted. The museum is located at 106 SE Avenue B, Carrabelle, FL. For more information, visit www.carrabellehistorymuseum.org or contact carrabellehistorymuseum@gmail.com or 850-697-2141. Funded in part by the Franklin County Tourist Development Council.
  • Get your costumes ready for Trunk or Treat on Saturday, October 25, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Old West Florida Enrichment Center, 2344 Lake Bradford Road. Receive information about human services available in the community and enjoy fun for the whole family, including candy for all trick-or-treaters, music, snacks, and raffles with great prizes.

    This event is brought to you by Leon County Government, the City of Tallahassee, the Children's Services Council of Leon County, United Way of the Big Bend, and United Partners for Human Services.
  • Join Elder Care Services at Parkview at Cascades and the AC Hotel Plaza Lawn for the 27th Annual Oktoberfest. It will be a fun-filled celebration where the spirit of Oktoberfest and the joy of giving back unite to create a meaningful difference for seniors!

    As Elder Care's premier fundraiser, Oktoberfest is a crucial part of providing vital nutrition to home-bound seniors, social connections to lonely seniors, personalized care for frail seniors, and emergency assistance for seniors facing crisis situations.

    General admission tickets include beer, wine, and drink tastings from a number of area craft brewers and businesses, hot pretzels and snacks, lawn games, and music.

    VIP tickets include early entry, a souvenir beer glass, and an Oktoberfest-style meal in the Parkview at Cascades indoor event space, in addition to all general admission benefits.
  • Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum in Carrabelle is presenting two special exhibits in the month of December. The focus of one exhibit will be on commemorating the Anniversary of Pearl Harbor and the focus of the other exhibit will be on exploring Christmas During the War. These two exhibits will open Tuesday, December 2, 2025 and be on display until Saturday, January 3, 2026. The museum is open every Tuesday through Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm ET and there is no charge for admission. (Closed Thursday, December 25 and January 1.)

    In honor of the Anniversary of Pearl Harbor, Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum is presenting an exhibit commemorating this dark day in America’s history. World War II came home for the United States on December 7, 1941, when the naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan attacked the US Western Fleet at the American base Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. President Franklin D. Roosevelt called it “a date which will live in infamy”. Learn about those that planned the attack, the sole Japanese POW taken, and the heroic efforts by Doris Miller of the USS West Virginia to shoot down attacking Japanese planes. This attack resulted in the declaration of war with Japan and the US entering World War II. Luckily, the Pacific Fleet's aircraft carriers were at sea on that day, and escaped damage to fight later. "Remember Pearl Harbor" became the rallying cry of Americans as they enlisted by the thousands and built up the immense industrial effort needed to achieve victory in 1945.

    The second special exhibit for this month will reflect on what Christmas was like during the war. Americans had to learn to do with less during the years they were fully engaged in fighting World War II. That had a significant impact on every aspect of American life including how Christmas was celebrated. Americans were encouraged to make their own toys and decorations, and commercially-made gifts emphasized materials that were not needed for war, including cloth, paper and wood. For example the popular Lionel Train toys were converted to cardboard and people learned how to cook and bake with corn syrup once sugar became scarce. Learn more about how rationing changed toys, food and even decorations during the war.

    Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum is located in Carrabelle, directly across from Carrabelle Public Beach Park at 1873 Hwy 98 West. For more information, contact Camp Gordon Johnston Museum at (850) 697-8575 or museum@campgordonjohnston.com. Funded in part by the Franklin County Tourist Development Council.
  • Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum in Carrabelle is excited to announce a special exhibit honoring Native American Servicemen, opening Tuesday, November 4 and on display until Saturday, November 29, 2025. November is National Native American Heritage Month, and the museum salutes their service and sacrifice. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 am to 5 pm ET with free admission. (Closed Thursday, November 27 for Thanksgiving.)

    “During World War I and World War II, hundreds of American Indians joined the United States armed forces and used words from their traditional tribal languages as weapons. The United States military asked them to develop secret battle communications based on their languages—and America’s enemies never deciphered the coded messages they sent. “Code Talkers,” as they came to be known after World War II, are twentieth-century American Indian warriors and heroes who significantly aided the victories of the United States and its allies.

    The Code Talkers’ role in war required intelligence and bravery. They developed and memorized a special code. They endured some of the most dangerous battles and remained calm under fire. They served proudly, with honor and distinction. Their actions proved critical in several important campaigns, and they are credited with saving thousands of American and allies’ lives.”
    (Source: The National Museum of the American Indian).

    Visitors are invited to learn about the Native American Servicemembers, including members of the Choctaw, Navajo, Cherokee, Pima, Comanche and other nations that served their country in World War II. Guests can discover the story of the Code Talkers, who used their unbreakable code based on their native tongues to help defeat the enemy and the stories of the seven Native American Medal of Honor Recipients from WWII.

    Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum is located in Carrabelle, directly across from Carrabelle Public Beach Park at 1873 Hwy 98 West. For more information, visit CampGordonJohnston.com or contact (850) 697-8575 or museum@campgordonjohnston.com. Funded in part by the Franklin County Tourist Development Council.
  • Whether you are a first-time homebuyer, or just haven't bought a home in a while, join local real estate agents and lenders to learn more about the process, what's happening in the local market today, and how that affects buyers.
  • The Crooked River Lighthouse will be offering one of their very popular lantern-making workshops on Friday, November 7 from 1:00-4:00 pm ET at the Lanark Boat Club at 2364 Hwy 98 East, Carrabelle, FL. A wonderful volunteer, Lisa Keith-Lucas, will guide attendees in making the very popular Jellyfish Lanterns! These enchanting lanterns are highly admired at Lantern Fest and are fairly easy to make.

    Basic materials, instruction and hands on help will be provided at the workshop. Attendees are invited to bring any additional materials - ribbons, beads, tulle - they may like to really personalize their creations! Cost is $10 a person to cover the cost of materials. Participants will be able to explore their creative side and personalize their lantern to make it uniquely their own. At the end of the workshop, attendees will go home with their own lovely, finished lantern.

    Participants are encouraged to bring their glowing creations back for Lantern Fest at the Crooked River Lighthouse on Saturday, November 8 from 6-10 pm, where the lanterns will add to the festival’s spectacular display.

    Space is limited. Reservations are required by contacting the gift shop at the Crooked River Lighthouse at 850-697-2732 or carrabellelighthouse@gmail.com. Participants are asked to bring their $10 fee (cash only and correct change if possible) to pay at the door. Funded in part by the Franklin County Tourist Development Council. Special thanks to the City of Carrabelle.
  • We are pleased to invite you to the 6th International Conference on Cardiology & Cardiovascular Diseases (ICCCD 2026), taking place on April 06–08, 2026, at the prestigious MIDAS Palace Hotel in Rome, Italy.

    This distinguished CPD-accredited conference will gather renowned cardiologists, clinical researchers, healthcare professionals, and medical innovators from across the globe to explore the central theme: “Digital Heartbeat: Innovations Transforming Cardiovascular Care.”

    The program will feature keynote sessions, expert-led workshops, and networking opportunities with thought leaders in cardiovascular medicine—offering a dynamic platform to exchange ideas, present research, and address pressing challenges in the field.

    Whether attending in person or joining virtually, participants will gain valuable insights into the latest breakthroughs in cardiovascular science, technology, and clinical practice.

    For more details, visit: https://cardiomeetings.com/

    We look forward to welcoming you in Rome!

    Best regards,
    Jenny Chiara | Program Manager
    ICCCD 2026 | Rome, Italy
    Email: cardiologycongress@inovineconferences.com
    Phone: +1-662-601-8380
    WhatsApp: +1 (514) 446-9130
  • The Crooked River Lighthouse, in partnership with the Big Bend Filipino-American Association, will be offering their popular lantern-making workshop on Saturday, October 18 from 2 pm ET to 5 pm ET at C-Quarters Marina, 501 St. James Avenue (Hwy 98), Carrabelle, FL. At this wonderful workshop, led by Aurora Hansen and members of the Big Bend Filipino-American Association, guests will be guided in making traditional Filipino Parols, 3D star lanterns. These gorgeous lanterns are highly admired at Lantern Fest. Adding to the fun, guests can savor delicious Filipino food.

    Materials, instruction and hands on help will be provided at the workshop. (Note: this workshop requires a bit more skill than the jellyfish lantern workshop.) Cost is $10 a person to cover the cost of materials. Participants will be able to explore their creative side and personalize their lantern to make it uniquely their own. At the end of the workshop, attendees will go home with their own lovely lantern.

    Participants are encouraged to bring their glowing creations back for Lantern Fest at the Crooked River Lighthouse on Saturday, November 8 from 6-10 pm, where the lanterns will add to the festival’s spectacular display.

    Space is limited. Reservations are required by contacting the gift shop at the Crooked River Lighthouse at 850-697-2732 or carrabellelighthouse@gmail.com. Participants are asked to bring their $10 fee (cash only and correct change if possible) to pay at the door. Funded in part by the Franklin County Tourist Development Council. Special thanks to the City of Carrabelle.
  • Whether you are a first-time homebuyer, or just haven't bought a home in a while, join local real estate agents and lenders to learn more about the process, what's happening in the local market today, and how that affects buyers.
1,083 of 29,312