updated: 9/4/2024
THIS WEBSITE WILL BE REPLACED FOR THE UPCOMING YEAR
updated: 9/4/2024
Update on: Nine Florida State Parks Threatened by Development - The Governor's 2024-2025 Great Outdoors Initiative threatens to put "amenities" like 350-room lodges and pickleball/golf in our state parks. The RESCHEDULED meeting was subsequently cancelled, but don't think the fight is over yet.
The Friends of the Everglades will show a YouTube video updating us on the state of the parks on 9/17 from noon-1PM (the update is also on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Please register for the video beforehand.
Do continue to contact our political leaders to express your opposition. Refer to the Audubon Update on the Great Outdoors Initiative for background info. The link lists the officials who should know that you oppose this. The recently passed law HB 781 allows the government to develop lands in state areas without requesting multiple bids and without listening to public comment.
Anastasia Beach at low tide (photo courtesy of Florida State Parks website)
Find what you need fast! If you need to find something quickly there are some tools to help. Use the Site at-a-Glance link for the site Table of Contents. Or use the spyglass image in the upper right corner to search by words or phrases mentioned in this website.
FFGC Officers at Fall District IV Meeting
Raffle at Ravine Gardens
Book Fair at Green Cove Springs
Ways and Means Table at GardenFest
In Memory of our Dear Al Latina
Hibiscus named after Al Latina
In 2017 Matt Martindale (HibiscusPlaceLLC.com) hybridized the “Al Latina” hibiscus using: ‘Purple Pashmina’ as the Pod Parent and ‘Mayan Princess’ as the Pollen Parent. This is a strong, upright plant and a good bloomer.
The “Al Latina” Hibiscus (registered in 2021) is ‘Purple Pashmina’ x ‘Mayan Princess’
Celebration of Albert Americo Latina
JUNE 14, 1936 – AUGUST 25, 2021
Date: Sunday, October 3, 2021
Time: 1-3 PM
Where: Woodmont Park
407 Woodmont Ave.
Temple Terrace, Fl 33617
Wear a flowered shirt and a hat to honor a man who wore too many hats to count!
Donations in Al’s memory may be sent to:
FFGC
1400 S. Denning Drive
Winter Park, Fl 32789-5662
In the “For” line please put “Wekiva B & M.”
Read about and express your memories of Al Latina.
Al Latina was called, "Mr. Amazon," because of his efforts to allow us to use Amazon to fundraise for FFGC whenever we shop. The program is back in operation. Why not consider making FFGC your designated Amazon Smiles recipient?
Beautiful thoughts for a beautiful lady. Cards may be sent to her daughters:
Sue Newton
87 Running Oak Drive
Ringgold, GA 30736
Debe Smith
1318 Neptune Grove East
Neptune Beach, Fl 32266
Liane Mihlebach
5195 Palm Drive
Melbourne Beach, Fl 32951
Click here to read about Marion's many accomplishments:
Read the wonderful tribute below. It lists organizations to donate to in her memory.
Celebration of Marion Hilliard's Life*
Date: Saturday, July 31, 2021
Time: 4 to 10 PM
Where: White Oaks Plantation Clubhouse
Running Oak Drive
Ringgold, GA 30736
Hotel recommendation:
6875 Battlefield Parkway
Ringgold GA 30736 (706) 935-4800
Hotel is .8 miles from the White Oaks Club House
Click here for Google Map directions
*RSVP: sue@newtonius.com
Indicate how many will be in your party! We'll enjoy Italian food - Marion's favorite!
Carol's death was very sudden. There is no news regarding her services or donations, etc. In the meantime please feel free to share your memories and photos at our Memorial Page.