Escambia County Animal Welfare hosting free pet adoption event Oct. 24

The Escambia County Department of Animal Welfare is bringing back "Howl-o-Ween," a free community event designed to help adoptable pets find homes. The event runs Saturday, Oct. 24 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Animal Welfare and Adoption Center at 200 W. Fairfield Drive.

All adoption fees will be waived for dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens during the event. Escambia County residents will pay a $15 licensing fee per adoption. Prospective adopters can complete adoptions the same day and browse available pets beforehand at 24petconnect.com.

Beyond adoptions, the event will feature food trucks, vendors, and pet resources for the community. Animal Welfare Director John Robinson said the department is grateful for support from Anderson Subaru and Cumulus Media in organizing the second annual "Howl-o-Ween" event, particularly as the community navigates recent challenges.

Florida Protects 1,500 Acres of Ranch Land from Development

Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson announced Friday the permanent protection of nearly 1,500 acres of working cattle ranches through the state's Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, preventing future development while keeping the operations active.

The two properties—Mossy Island Ranch in Manatee County and Florida Commission Company Ranch in Highlands County—have been secured through rural lands protection easements totaling $8.7 million. Manatee County contributed $500,000 toward the Mossy Island protection. Both ranches are located within the Florida Wildlife Corridor and enrolled in the state's Best Management Practices program.

Mossy Island, a 420-acre cattle operation, sits adjacent to Myakka River State Park and faces development pressure as surrounding lands are projected to develop by 2040. The larger Florida Commission Company Ranch spans 1,046 acres and operates cattle grazing and hay production. By purchasing development rights rather than acquiring land outright, the program avoids long-term state ownership costs while supporting agricultural operations.

Since its 1999 establishment, the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program has permanently preserved more than 253,000 acres statewide. Under Simpson's administration alone, the program has protected nearly 188,000 acres, recognizing that Florida's working agricultural lands face increasing pressure from development and urban expansion.

Gulf Coast Magicians Guild brings magic showcase to Bay Minette Saturday

The Gulf Coast Magicians Guild is hosting its 3rd Annual Showcase of Magic at the Bay Minette Civic Center on Saturday, October 17, in partnership with the Bay Minette Library. The free event will feature performances and demonstrations by local magicians. Bay Minette is located in Baldwin County, Alabama, about 30 miles northeast of the Pensacola area.