Explore Northwest Florida – Choose Your Adventure

Bay Scallop Season

The 2018 scallop season will be open August 17 to September 30, 2018. This season opening includes all state waters (shore to 9 nautical miles) from the Mexico Beach Canal in Bay County through the westernmost point of St. Vincent Island in Franklin County. All other regulations apply, including a daily bag limit of 2 gallons of whole bay scallops in shell or 1 pint of bay scallop meat per person, with a maximum of 10 gallons of whole bay scallops in shell or 1/2 gallon bay scallop meat per vessel.

Updates and more info on scalloping areas can be found at MyFWC.com.

by Eleanor Dietrich, Florida Panhandle Wildflower Alliance

There are several species of Indian plantain that grow in our area, but this (Arnoglossum ovatum) is the most common one. The plant can reach up to six feet in height, and the ovate shaped leaves are up to a foot long and half a foot wide. The surfaces of the leaves usually have a whitish cast. There are multiple tubular white flowers in the flower heads of this plant. It was used by American Indians for medicinal purposes, hence the common name.

Visit Florida Wildflower Foundation website www.flawildflowertrips.org to see more of what is in bloom in the NW Florida area.

Town-Wide Sidewalk Sale in Downtown Havana

September 8th – Visit us for the last Sidewalk Sale of the year! This is your very last chance to snag some great deals. Almost all of the shops in Havana will be participating in this event; the sidewalks will be lined with fun things needing a great home! www.dosomethingoriginal.com

Sandestin Triathlon

September 8th – Held at the Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort, the Sandestin Triathlon is a true test of athletics, skill and determination. In its 32nd year, the event will lure 800 participants to the area for a half-mile Gulf of Mexico swim, a 20-mile bike along the coast, and a four-mile run through Sandestin’s beach and bayside communities. Proceeds from the event benefit the Sandestin Foundation for Kids.www.sandestintriathlon.com

Fall Beach Blast Triathlon & Duration in Mexico Beach

September 8th – The event offers choices of Sprint or Olympic distance and Triathlon or Duathlon. Pick your race and distance! The races take place on the beautiful Gulf Coast beaches. Pick-up info package and race at El Governor Motel on Hwy 98. Olympic races start at 7:00 am and sprint distance races start at 7:30 am. All races run on Central Time.www.mexicobeach.com

Panama City Beach “911 Memorial Stair Climb”

September 11th – This fundraiser started back in 2011 as a special way to remember the 10th Anniversary of the tragic events that happened on September 11 2001 and pays tribute to the lives that were lost on that day (Firefighters, EMS, Law Enforcement, Military, and civilians). All money raised goes towards the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and local First Responder projects.www.visitpanamacitybeach.com

Chipley Flea Market Days “Flea Across Florida”

September 14th & 15th – Part of the “Flea Across Florida” initiative, this event will be taking over Historic Highway 90 in Chipley. People from the surrounding area will come and set up, selling furniture, clothing and everything in between. If you are a bargain hunter or just looking to get a jump start on your holiday shopping list, this is the perfect place for you to be. While you are strolling the city streets, stop in our unique shops for even more deals and gift ideas. www.visitwcfla.com

“Bayfest” in Freeport

September 15th – Held at the Freeport Regional Sports Complex, This event is a city-wide showcase of arts, crafts, and entertainment. The event will feature a variety of food vendors and a kid’s zone where the youngsters can run around and play.

To learn more about the event, visit www.freeportbayfest.com

Havana Car Show

September 15th – Take a stroll in Historic Havana and discover antique and unique cars in the Havana Car Show.

Join us for this day long event! Downtown Havanawww.dosomethingoriginal.com

Charity Amazing Race and Poker Run in Carrabelle

September 15th – Join us for the first-ever event at the Carrabelle Bistro and Marina, 275 Timber Island Road. This family-friendly event will include live music, raffles, food, drinks, auctions and much more. All proceeds benefit the Epilepsy Association of the Big Bend. Winners could win a Nissan Titan Truck from Kraft Nissan and a boat. www.floridasforgottencoast.com

2018 Lobster Festival & Tournament

on Panama City Beach

September 17th thru 23rd – Lobster lovers, behold the biggest lobster tournament and festival in the area! This week-long celebration will bring live music, contests and lots of Florida lobster! Held on the beaches behind Schooners, 5121 Gulf Beach Drive. www.visitpanamacitybeach.com

Rock By the Sea “Lite”

September 21st thru 23rd – Rock By The Sea present this “lite” charity music festival hosted at Harry A’s on St. George Island, 28 W Bayshore Drive. The event will feature artists including Steve Everett, Boo Radley, The Brown Goose, The Currys, Meaghan Farrell, Mentz, Tobacco Road Band and more! The Rock by the Tee Golf event will be held on September 21st at St. James Bay Golf Club in Carrabelle. www.rockbythesea.org

9th Annual Panama City Creative Con

September 22nd – 23rd – Creative Con is entering its 9th year as a community event. What started with six artists doing free sketches in the foyer of the Bay County Public Library has grown into a creative convention which brings artists and attendees from all over the tri-state area filling downtown Panama City with vivid costumers and the sounds of celebration. www.pccreativecon.com

Chipley’s 7th Annual Scarecrow Express

September 22nd – This annual family-festival will be held on the lawn at the Washington County Historical Society from 10am-5pm. Beginning in August the collection of scarecrows started to appear around town that set the stage for the festival. Visitors will also enjoy live music, refreshments, photo ops, and free crafts for the kids. “Get on the train” and participate by creating scarecrows to enter in the contest & visit our local museums. www.visitwcfla.com

Old Fashioned Peanut Boil

September 22nd – at the Panhandle Pioneer Settlement, 17869 NW Pioneer Settlement Rd, Sam Atkins Park, Blountstown from 5-8 pm.

FREE boiled peanuts and live entertainment!

Visit our website for more info: www.panhandlepioneer.org

Mexico Beach SUP Classic

September 22nd – Love to Paddle Board? The Mexico Beach SUP Classic is the place to paddle! Check-in starts at 6:30 am. The night before the race, September 21st, there will be some fun events at El Governor Motel. Join in the paddle or just enjoy watching from the beach. Water safety personnel will be available to all participants. Bring family and friends, invite everyone you know and join us for this world record attempt. www.mexicobeach.com

Museum Day in Carrabelle

September 22nd – Back by popular demand all three of Carrabelle’s wonderful museums will open their doors free of charge as part of Smithsonian magazine’s 14^th Annual Museum Day. Carrabelle History Museum, Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum, and Crooked River Lighthouse Museum will also have extended hours from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and special activities and exhibits. www.floridasforgottencoast.com

Cape St George Island Lighthouse Climb

August 24th – 8:30 PM – Climb to the top of the Cape St George Lighthouse to see spectacular views of the sunset and full moon. Light refreshments are served.

Contact Visitors Center Gift Shop at 850-927-7745 for reservations.

www.floridasforgottencoast.com

“Final Friday” in Downtown Chattahoochee

September 28th – This event is held every last Friday of the month from 6 pm to 10 pm. Featuring a free concert, food, arts and craft vendors and kid’s zone. Tell your neighbors and bring your lawn chair. Proceeds benefit the Chattahoochee Main Street’s Historic Preservation and Downtown Revitalization Efforts. For more information give us a call at (850) 663-2323 or visit: www.chattahoocheemainstreet.org.

4th Annual Washington County

Heritage Festival

September 28th and 29th – Come out 9am to 4pm to experience how life used to be lived by visiting with our demonstrators. North Florida Artillery will have their Civil War reenactors camp set-up. Come enjoy our local arts & crafts, Kid Zone, live entertainment, great food and the backdrop of one of the most beautiful state parks in Florida will round out this event. www.visitwcfla.com

Gulf Coast Bluegrass & Folk Music Festival

September 28th and 29th – This is an annual event sponsored by the Boy’s and Girl’s Club of Bay County, Florida as a fundraiser. This year features bands Twin Kennedy and Trinity River Band.Held at Aaron Bessant Park, 600 Pier Park Drive, Panama City Beach.www.visitpanamacitybeach.com