Debbie Roney Smith

10/10/2026

Sending my well-wishes to everyone in the path of Hurricane Isaias! It looks like it'll be making landfall sometime during the night. Most counties in the Panhandle are on flash flood and/or tornado watch until late tomorrow afternoon.

Stay safe, and know that there's a lot of emergency crews ready to respond!

In fact, we have dozens of ambulances and emergency response vehicles trucks parked at the local Chipola College campus near me. Thanks to all the hard working people out helping their communties and others during this storm!

09/24/2026

It's officially fall here in North Florida. Some trees have begun to change their color, fall wildflowers are coloring roadsides, and a some cooler weather is on the way.

Nature’s fall began on September 22nd with the autumn equinox, just two days ago. And this weekend, nights will dip into the 60s!

09/22/2026

Nothing is more encouraging than a good client testimonial.

08/16/2026

Did y'all know that the Altha Diner is open again?!

They've been closed since December 10th of last year due to a fire. They had their grand reopening recently, and it's wonderful to see a community favorite return.

Best of all, their menu has been updated --> you can still get your old favorites, check out their daily specials, and enjoy their all-you-can-eat seafood night but now you'll also get to try some NEW offerings. Swing by and check them out.

OPEN:
⏰Monday-Saturday, 5am-8pm
⏰ Sunday, 5am-2pm

05/26/2026

As a long-term community member, I am concerned about the effects an AI Data Center will have on our local ecosystems and community ambiance. We live here in the Panhandle for a quieter, rural life.

We do not want to compete for basic needs like water and electricity against an unwanted data center. And we definitley don't want to see our local wildlife and ecosystems affected by light pollution, noise pollution, and water contamination.

If you too are concerened, I encourage you to come out to the Jackson County Commissioners Meeting TODAY at 6PM at the Ernie Padgett Board Room. The meeting will also be on Zoom (link in the public meeting notice posted on our website and socials).

Or watch the livestream on YouTube: https://youtube.com/

Or sign the petition calling for a ten-year moratorium on data center development in Jackson County: https://c.org/WzcnZHcCdM

05/10/2026

Wishing all those who celebrate their moms, aunts, grandmas, sisters, and folks who fulfill motherly roles in their lives a very happy Mother's Day!

One of the predominent forces behind our modern-day Mother's Day celebration was Anna Jarvis. She was building off the work of her mother, Ann Jarvis, and choose the second Sunday of May as the day of celebration to honor her day of passing. Anna wanted Mother's Day to be a sincere, heartful day of appreciation towards those in our life who guide us, support us, and care for us unconditionally.

So today, offer your mom - whoever or whatever that looks like to you - a hug, a heartfelt letter, an honest conversation, an afternoon together, a homemade meal --- whatever your love language, today's a good day to go the extra mile.

And to those who don't celebrate or are missing someone today --- may today offer many glimmers, moments of happiness or brightness or beauty or safety that you can find joy and comfort in.

04/30/2026

Jackson County has joined the Burn Ban list as of 4/28/26 🔥

🚫 Prohibited:
All outdoor burning, including yard debris, bonfires, campfires, warming fires, outdoor fireplaces, and the use of items that create sparks (like fireworks), is not allowed.

👍 Allowed:
Cooking with a contained gas or charcoal grill
Approved burns by the Florida Forest
Firefighter training exercises

Stay safe --- don't burn!

04/25/2026

Looking for a kid-friendly activity to do today? Head out to Freeport and enjoy the FREE Earth Day Expo at E.O. Wilson.

There's going to be plants for sale, live animals, educational talks, a Tasting Room, and more!

The event runs 9am-2pm.

Today's the Day!

2nd Annual Earth Day Expo is happening today!
Come celebrate nature with us from 9 AM – 2 PM at the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center (4956 State Hwy 20 East, Freeport, FL).

We’re so grateful to our Presenting Sponsor, Pepsi Rock Company for helping make this day possible.

Expect hands-on activities, live animal encounters, nature crafts, games, and plenty of family fun all while supporting free environmental education programs for local kids.

04/14/2026

Did you know that most counties in the Panhandle are currently under a burn ban?

Burn bans are not to be taken lightly; they are essential measures in the chain that helps protect our environment, homes, and lives from out-of-control fires. A burn ban is exactly what is sounds like -- a ban on burning i.e. fires, bonfires, burn barrels, et cetera. But why are they so essential to follow?

1. Burn bans help protecting woodlands, wildlife, and every life that relies on the health of the forest ecosystem. When a fire gets out of control, it can destroy acres of woodland, harm plants and animals beyond recovery, and even toward endangerment. Wildfires have been growing in size, duration, and destructivity over the past 20 years. Burn bans help drastically reduce the number of wildfires in a season.

2. Burn bans help shield communities and personal property. Fires can easily spread from a forest or single home to the wider community; homes, businesses, and lives can be lost. Burn bans reduce the likelihood of fires starting in the first place.

3. Burn bans help maintain good air quality and support public health. Fires release large amounts of smoke filled with carcinogens and other harmful particulates -- depending on what's burning. Prolonged exposure to this smoke can lead to respiratory issues, heart problems, and other long-term health risks like asthma and heart failure. Burn bans prevent fire, thereby keeping the air cleaner and protecting all members of the community.

Keep track of ongoing burn bans by visiting the Florida Forest Service burn ban map --> herehttps://www.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/1f6572c92f8d41ec860f461ea433819b

04/07/2026

How could this not make me smile? I'm honored.

See more: https://www.realsatisfied.com/Debbie-Roney-Smith