5 & 48. Significant numbers for us this year. 5 being the number of years we have been in print and 48 being the record number of pages for our upcoming July/August edition. These are both goals we have strived for when we started our magazine back in 2016. Close one door, open another. End one chapter, begin another. I have learned quite a bit on this journey and we have added additional features and tools to help promote this area even more. 50+ Racks, Social media pages, Web Advertising, Google AdWord Campaigns and finally a complete apparel line that includes shirts, hats, visors, tote bags, koozies, magnets and decals. It has been hard work but I have been lucky to have strong support from my family and great customers and contributors who have supported us from day one. We thank everyone for their patronage over the past 5 years and look forward to promoting and serving this area for a long time to come.
Sea Hag Marina is on the cover of our July/August edition again this year with their annual scalloping theme. Sea Hag has done quite a bit of work over the past year at their location and if you haven’t been lately you might want to check them out. They revamped their docks and upgraded their facilities. They have a great crew working for them and we wish them well with the upcoming season!
In addition to Sea Hag, we welcome James Chewning to this edition. James grew up in the area and currently lives in California. He has written “The Coast is Clear” a riveting tale of a smuggler’s life and you can purchase your copy through his ad with us. We also welcome Good Time Charters and Big Bend Charters both back in for us this round and our brand new customer on the Local Flavors Page, The Putnam Lodge.
IFAS has also contributed some timely information on the scalloping season again this year and our regular charter captains all give their insight on the fishing and scalloping season. They talk about what is being caught in the waters this month and the do’s and don’ts of scalloping. Heed their advice! Steinhatchee Chamber has given us an article on a very unique visitor that now calls their coastline home.
Again we thank all of our regular writers and advertisers for their continued support. Without them we are not where we are today. Please take the time to read their articles and visit their storefronts when in the area. They are a tough bunch, but they will welcome you with open arms and a big heart.
Finally we are happy to announce we were the recipient of the Above and Beyond Award 2022-2023 from the Steinhatchee Chamber of Commerce in June. We are very proud to have been recognized by our peers and thank them for this wonderful recognition. Also, be on the lookout for a big announcement in our September edition. We look to top off our year long anniversary in a fun way! Until the next time, Happy and safe scalloping.