For those who have spent any time in Jackson County, the Chipola River is more than a waterway winding through cypress trees and limestone banks.

As Women Build volunteers raised walls and hammered nails in two Panhandle communities, they were helping more than just construct houses. They were helping build stability and a future for families who have spent years dreaming of a place to finally call home.

Another agenda item from the Jackson County Board of County Commissioners Meeting Tuesday. I would like detail in this article, with the commissioners comments and concerns noted. The concern over the confidentiality of the business and Ms. Watkins response about the proposed business not being detrimental to other 'like' businesses in the City of Graceville. Word count is not an issue.  Darwin Gilmore is president and CEO of Jackson County Economic Development.

The Jackson County Times is once again inviting young readers to set sail on a summer adventure through books with this year’s exciting summer reading program theme, “Dive Into Reading!”

For half a century, the Marianna City Farmers Market has been more than just a place to buy fresh vegetables. It has been a Saturday tradition, a gathering place for neighbors, and a lasting symbol of Jackson County’s agricultural roots.

The Union Grove Rockers of the former Union Grove High School of Greenwood, now operating as Union Grove Alumni Association, Incorporated (UGAA), continues to find ways to give back to the community that helped shape them.

Jackson County Fire Rescue continues to gain statewide recognition, most recently earning a top distinction for pediatric emergency care while still riding the momentum of being named Florida’s Rural EMS Provider of the Year.

The City of Marianna continues to make progress on park improvements across the community.

At a recent Jackson County School Board meeting, the spotlight turned to a young leader whose roots run deep in agriculture and community, Marianna High School’s own Madeline Garcia.

Tuesday morning, the North Florida Research and Education Center welcomed producers, landowners, agricultural professionals, and students to its 2026 Beef and Forage Field Day just outside Marianna. Held every 18 months, the event is designed to bring the agricultural community together for a full day of practical learning, hands-on demonstrations, and expert insight aimed at improving beef cattle and forage management.

The breakfast crew has been dissolved as a group for some time now but I’m fortunate to say, I’ve maintained frequent contact with them. I am like the nucleus because I am stationary, everyone can appear at the Times and 99 times out of 100, I am here. Last week was a very nice week for ‘breakfast crew’ visits that I always enjoy. We talk about the latest edition of the Times, what was in it or what is going to be in it when it hits the stands on Thursday (or Wednesday night).

The 9th Annual Chipola Mental Health Symposium brought students, educators, and community partners together April 2 at the Chipola Cultural Center, continuing a growing tradition of mental health awareness in Jackson County.

The Marianna Police Department is partnering with the Autism Hero Project to bring the Blue Envelope Program to the community, an initiative designed to make interactions between law enforcement and individuals with autism safer, clearer, and less stressful.

The Marianna Farmers Market is marking a major milestone this spring, celebrating 50 years of serving Jackson County while also stepping into a new chapter of growth and expansion.

Marianna High School’s Brain Bowl A team brought home the state championship last week, finishing a perfect 10-0 and winning every match decisively on the way to the title.

The annual Cruisin’ for Kids Car Show and Festival, hosted by the Optimist Club of Jackson County, once again brought the community together for a day of fun and nostalgia.

The Jackson County Master Gardeners kicked off the spring season with their annual plant sale on Saturday, March 21, drawing a strong turnout from local gardening enthusiasts.

At Tuesday night’s Jackson County Commission meeting, several residents spoke during the public comment period about ongoing concerns with road conditions in rural parts of the county.

"When he had finished speaking, he knelt down with them all and prayed. There was much weeping among them all; they embraced Paul and kissed him, grieving especially because of what he had said, that they would not see him again. Then they brought him to the ship." Acts 20:36-38.

Governor Ron DeSantis has signed Senate Bill 290, known as the Florida Farm Bill, a sweeping piece of legislation that could have direct implications for agricultural communities across the Panhandle, including Jackson County, where farming remains a major economic driver.