JCSB votes to recognize Veterans Day 2025
At their July meeting, the Jackson County School Board unanimously approved the recognition of Veterans Day in 2025 as an official school observance. The motion was made by board member M.J. Jackson and seconded by Chephus Granberry, passing with a 5-0 vote.
Air Prop Specialists keeps the world flying from Marianna
At the Marianna Municipal Airport, a globally recognized name in aviation quietly operates from a hangar that buzzes with precision, expertise, and history.
Like a Thief in the Night
It was a hot June day in 2025 and one of our Ponsse logging crews was busy loading log trucks out in the woods. It had been a long day, and they were loading the last load of the day.
County Commission Declines to Revisit RFP Process for Insurance
Despite mounting public pressure and impassioned appeals from citizens, industry professionals, and even some commissioners, the Jackson County Board of County Commissioners declined to revisit their controversial decision not to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the county’s insurance coverage.
Jackson County Commission Approves Pooser Road Land Swap and Temporary Closure
At their July meeting, the Jackson County Board of County Commissioners addressed two motions concerning Pooser Road, both tied to the construction of a new city street, Charlie’s Way, and a commercial development project by Chipola Nurseries.
Waste Pro gives back to Sneads
The City of Sneads contracts with Waste Pro for their garbage services. They’re obvious to everyone with their blue tops on every trash container. Waste Pro’s Community Partner reputation is cemented in its motto, “Caring for our Community.” Waste Pro shows their appreciation in a number of ways.
Seeds of the Future: A Look Inside Bellamy Seed Orchard
Tucked away in the heart of Jackson County, the Bellamy Seed Orchard is growing more than trees, it’s cultivating the future of forestry.
Gulf State Chemical and Welding Opens New Location in Marianna
A well-established name in the welding and industrial supply business has expanded into Jackson County. Gulf State Chemical and Welding, which has served customers from its Blountstown base since 1988, is now officially open in Marianna
Nannette Watts Named Interim Town Manager for Grand Ridge
The Town of Grand Ridge has welcomed Nannette Watts as its interim town manager.
Graceville Civic Center proving to be the hub of Graceville
It’s been nearly 50 years since the Graceville Civic Center was just a dream, a project to bring a central location for the citizens of Graceville to host events at all levels. It wasn’t built without some controversy with many worried it would deteriorate for lack of use, but a half century later, it’s proved that the commissioners made the right decision. The members present at the November 1977 meeting were Henry Ezell, E. J. Cooper, and Jerry Gardner. Present at the June meeting in 1977 were Henry Ezell, Alyce Boyd, Buddy Williams, and Jerry Gardner.
Sneads, Florida: Gateway to Natural Beauty and Southern Charm
Tucked away in the northwest corner of Jackson County, Sneads, Florida has earned its place among the South’s most scenic small towns. Known for its peaceful charm and natural splendor, Sneads offers a refreshing escape for visitors and locals alike.
Chief Chipola returns home
Chipola College has educated families in the panhandle and beyond since 1947 when it opened its doors. Betty Ford Hatcher is a graduate of Chipola College and remains a proud alumna of the college. Ironically, Hatcher resides in view of Chipola College and sees current students daily taking advantage of the education Chipola provides.
Grand Ridge native now leads Governor’s security detail
Chad Dickson, a Grand Ridge native and 2001 Sneads High School graduate, spoke to the Rotary Club of Marianna this week, offering insight into his high-level role as the head of Governor Ron DeSantis’ security detail.
Alabama Teacher’s Fossil Find Becomes Historic Discovery
What started as a broken shark tooth in the Chipola River has evolved into one of the most significant fossil discoveries in the world, thanks to Marianna native and longtime Alabama biology teacher, Ashley Allen.
Blood Drive Honors Memory of Young Jazmina Matias
A special blood drive was held Thursday, July 3, at the Wells Fargo Bank in Marianna in honor of Jazmina Matias, a vibrant little girl whose life was cut tragically short by leukemia. The event, organized by her mother, Rebecca Matias, commemorates what would have been Jazmina’s third birthday.
Jenel D’Alessandro makes history as first female VFW Commander in Jackson County
In a historic moment for Jackson County, Jenel D'Alessandro was officially installed as the new Commander of Ted Walt VFW Post 12046 last Thursday evening. D'Alessandro is notably the first female commander for any veteran organization in Jackson County, Florida.
Breanna Booker Named July Employee of the Month
The Jackson County Board of County Commissioners proudly recognized Breanna Booker as the Employee of the Month for July 2025 during their recent meeting.
Sara Hughes Makes History as First Woman President of Marianna Rotary Club
In a moment of quiet but powerful history, Sara Applewhite Hughes recently became the first woman president of the Marianna Rotary Club, marking a new chapter in the organization’s proud legacy of service. While she is the first to hold the gavel, she is quick to point out she was not the first woman inducted. That honor belongs to Carmen Smith, who joined in October 2015. Hughes followed just a few months later in January 2016.
Rooted in Service: Macy Jordan and Jocelyn Eubanks Reflect on Their Year as Florida FFA State Officers
Two young women from Jackson County recently wrapped up a year of service that reached every corner of Florida agriculture.