Debbie Roney Smith

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

04/02/2026

I’m truly honored by this, and smiling from ear to ear.

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

04/01/2026

Do you know the origin of April Fools Day?

If not, don't worry! No one really does. The origin is uncertain, and all anthropolgists can do is theorize. One theory is that April Fools’ Day was simply the result of its timing at the end of winter and the coming of spring. This is a time of renewal and rebirth that, across cultures around the world, was celebrated with fun and joy.

Some links have been made to the Roman festival of Hilaria in late March. This festival was celebrated with disguises, rejoicing, and merrymaking. Other links have been made to the city of Gotham in Nottinghamshire, England. In the 13th century, King John tried to buy some land there to hunt on. The townsfolk, rightly angry that the King wanted to essentially steal their limited resources, put on an act of 'madness' to convince the king the area was too dangerous to spend time in.

Regardless of the origin, the idea of April Fools’ Day spread rapidly throughout Britain during the 18th century. Now it's a widely celebrated event during which folks do everything from play silly pranks like freezing bras or saran wrapping the toilet bowl, to horribly scarring their friends and family with ill-advised 'pranks' like pretending to be pregnant or faking a death.

Always think about the potential damage of your jokes, folks!

Here's to a wonderful April! Are you going to play any pranks or make any jokes today?

03/24/2026

The ongoing 500-acre wildfire in the Mossy Pond area is, as of this morning, about 90% contained.

Calhoun officials report fire lines are improving but they will continue to monitor the situation. The fire has been burning since Sunday with the Florida Forest Service and local fire departments working on improving fire lines and addressing various hot-spots.

According to Calhoun County Emergency Management, damage assessments have identified a total of 43 displaced occupants, 15 dwellings destroyed, 7 outbuildings destroyed, along with 7 vehicles, 2 boats and 1 utility trailer. We offer our condolensces to the friends and family of Deputy Steven Bruner who died after suffering a medical emergency while assisting with evacuations.

Officials ask that if you have experienced any structural or residential damage to self-reporting using its damage assessment tool here or email [email protected].

ATTENTION: the county-wide burn ban remains in place.

03/08/2026

Don't forget to check your clocks!

The time change occurred this morning at 2am, springing us forward! Commonly known as daylight savings, it occurs yearly when the clocks are moved forward one hour; daylight saving time effectively moves an hour of daylight from the morning to the evening.

Phones, computers, and other digital clocks connected to Wi-Fi should self-update but don't forget to check your oven, car, wall, and other unconnected clocks.

Fun fact!!! Did you know that daylight saving time was first adopted by the U.S. during WWI (1998) in an effort to conserve fuel?

02/24/2026

Looking for something fun to do with the family this weekend? Check out the Blountstown Florida River Fest!

Come out to Neal Landing to enjoy a full day of activities for all ages. There will be a classic car show, live entertainment, food, an artisan and craft market, a catfish tournament, a fireworks show, AND a free kids zone.

So grab your coziest lawn chair, a cooler full of your favorite goodies, and come down to Neal Landing for an afternoon of fun leading to an evening of enjoyment (11am-6pm)!