An Early Account of Florida Caverns State Park

By Dale Cox
Marianna – One of the earliest recorded accounts of the caves within the limits of today’s Florida Caverns State Park was a description of the Natural Bridge Cave (now closed to the public) written in 1842 by the editor of the Tallahassee Floridian:
…Its entrance is on the side of a small hill, the mouth sufficiently large to admit two persons at a time in a standing posture. After furnishing ourselves with lighted candles we commenced our "exploring expedition." A few steps led us into a large subterranean hall, of very irregular and curious structure. Its floor was quite uneven; and its roof thickly studded with glittering stalactites, forming a splendid arch, apparently supported by finely chiseled pillars of solid rock. After proceeding some distance, clambering over rocks, jumping ravines, now ascending land, anon descending, we at length reached a fine, cool spring, which gushed forth from a cleft in a large rock situated in a remote corner of the first apartment.
Unable to fathom that centuries of dripping water had hollowed out the cavern, the writer puzzled over what cataclysmic upheaval could have created the cave. He mentioned that local residents had explored a number of similar caverns in the area, including the Arch Cave west of the Chipola and the Rock Cave on the plantation of Dr. Samuel Bellamy.
After drinking cool water from the natural pool, the editor and his fellow explorers continued deeper into the cave:
…We pursued our uneven course into the net apartment, which presented much the appearance of the first. Having by this time become somewhat fatigued – the atmosphere being rather oppressive – we retraced our steps, and once more emerged into the light of day without meeting any accident. We think the position of the cave we explored was about 150 yards in length and ranging, in height, from 6 to 16 feet.
Such descriptions helped stimulate Florida’s first tourism industry, bringing visitors from across the country to Marianna to explore the caves and experience the beautiful scenery. Early accounts describe how visitors to Marianna were taken out to the natural bridge in wagons or carriages and given torchlight tours of the cavern. The process continues to this day, albeit in more modern form.
Editor’s Note: This article is excerpted from The History of Jackson County, Florida: The Early Years by Dale Cox. The book is available locally at Chipola River Book and Tea in Downtown Marianna or online at www.amazon.com.

City Annexes Caverns State Park

City completes annexation of three parcels of land on North side of town.

By Sid Riley

In a significant move, the City of Marianna completed the annexation of three parcels of land on its Northern border at Tuesday’s regular meeting of the City Commission. These parcels included;
● 1340 Acres which encompasses the entire boundaries of the Caverns State Park and the Caverns Golf Course.
● 324 Acres which is the John Ratzlaff family trust properties which is located on the north border of the Chipola River as you cross Yancey Bridge between the Caverns Golf Course and the river.
● 1.03 acres at the Yancey Bridge landing, which was recently deeded to the City by the Jackson County Commission.
The new Caverns Park Manager, Chris Hawthorne was at the meeting and explained that the primary purpose of this change is to enable the park to utilize the full benefits of the city water and sewage systems.

Marianna Health and Rehabilitation Center Has New Director

By Sid Riley

Jonnie Cloud retiring after 33 years of service, 28 as Director
At Tuesday’s regular meeting of the Marianna City Commission, it was announced that Jonnie Cloud, long time Director of the Marianna Health and Rehabilitation Center was retiring. It was also recommended that the City Commission appoint Melinda Gay to fill the position.
City Manager Jim Dean recommended that Mrs. Gay be designated as the interim Director until the June meeting to provide time for contracts to be prepared. This recommendation was passed by the Commission. Mrs. Gay will become the new director once this paperwork has been executed.
Retiring Director, Jonnie Cloud was highly praised for the outstanding service she has provided over her thirty three year career at the center. She is one of the longest serving Directors in state history.
As part of the monthly H & R activity and financial report, it was reported that the center received an increase in Medicaid payments in April, due to a new funding arrangement for senior centers between the state and federal governments. No cuts in funding will be realized.
Also, the occupancy level remains at 94%, thus creating good cash flow and profitability for the city from the facility.

Community Mobilizes in Effort To Help A Neighbor

Grand Ridge citizens demonstrate the love and caring spirit of their community. By Sid Riley

If you had a neighbor who found out she had a very serious form of cancer and you knew she could not afford to pay for the treatment she desperately needed, how far would you be willing to go to enlist help for her?
Some people might nod sadly when they were told of the situation, think to themselves "I’m glad it is not me", and then they would go back to their television to watch some silly reality TV show. That is not the case with the loving, Christian people of Grand Ridge and surrounding rural communities.
Instead they have organized a working group of concerned neighbors who are mobilized in raising funds to help their friend in need, Monica Franscona. Monica has been diagnosed with stage four colorectal cancer, has had surgery, and is now in post-surgical chemotherapy treatment.
This treatment program requires her to travel out of town to a cancer treatment center every other week for a three day cycle of treatment. The cost of her treatment has already exceeded $70,000 and is still accumulating. The 37 year old mother of two can not pay for this level of treatment.
The caring people of the Grand Ridge area have responded to her need. As a fund raising effort they have organized a mini-festival which will be held at the Grand Ridge community center on June 6 at 5:00 PM. Chicken plates will be sold for $6.00. Games, slides and pony rides for children; a silent auction with many great, donated items for sale, home made cakes, door prizes, for the adults. Perhaps the most enticing offering of the event will be the opportunity to buy a ticket to try to dunk Sneads Police Chief McAlpin or School Board Member Charlotte Gardner. A number of great musicians will be entertaining during the festivities.
Bring a lawn chair and some money to help in a worthwhile cause. If you would like to donate or participate, contact Janice Cloud at 592-9563 or 557-3015.

Expert in Tourism Recommends For TDC To Change Focus

Focus on mission of increasing room nights for area inns, bringing visitors to Jackson County By Sid Riley

Basic recommendations of guest speaker, Tom Waits-
● Reduce amount of revenue going into fund for civic center.
● Spend more on advertising what area has to offer.
● Focus on events which increase overnight visitors.
● Funding for events on co-op basis with businesses is ok.
● Increase level of post-event evaluations from hotels.
● Develop 10 year plan with objectives and benchmarks.
● Increase participation in research, using college programs.
A special joint workshop meeting of the Jackson County Board of Commissioners and the Jackson County Tourist Development Council was held on Tuesday, May 26. The purpose of this meeting was to assist in development of a new ten year development plan for the TDC, and to receive the benefit of the advice given by Mr. Tom Waits, who has a varied and rich lifetime experience working with Florida tourism development. He is the past Chairman of the state tourism function, Visit Florida.
The meeting began with a detailed overview of the history and major activities of the TDC since it was begun in 1999. Visitors staying in hotels within Jackson County must have 11.5% added to their room charges for taxes. This covers the local 7.5% sales tax, plus 4% which has been approved as a "bed tax" for funds which are to be used for local tourism development. 2% of this 4% tax is currently set aside for building a fund which is to be used for the future construction of a Civic Center near Marianna. That fund is now approaching $800,000 in total.
The TDC normally receives over $300,000 per year in tax receipts, half of which is set aside for the convention center fund, and half of which is available for promotion of tourism. Mr. Waits recommended that for the present, the amount for the civic center fund should be reduced to 25% of the receipts instead of 50%. This would then make more funds available for larger, more significant advertising campaigns. He also strongly encouraged the group to seek out opportunities to co-op with large state advertising programs, and with industry programs.
Wait stated that events such as horse shows and similar events where the visitors normally bring trucks with sleeping compartments should not be funded, since they are not adding to the activities at the hotels, which are generating the funds for their use. He felt that sporting events such as baseball and basketball tournaments are good investments. He also felt that the program should broaden its advertising about our natural attractions such as the Caverns Park, Lake Seminole, and our beautiful springs and streams.

County Mourns Loss of Robert "Doc" Johnson

Well known for his lifetime work and accomplishments

The Life He Lived
By Sheryl Johnson McGriff
Robert B. Johnson was born August 7, 1935 to the late Chester and Pellie Myrick Johnson in Marianna, Jackson County, Florida. Brother Johnson was converted at an early age and joined Pope Chapel AME Church where he was a faithful member and served dutifully in various roles including Choir Number One member, Sunday school secretary, church Treasurer and Church Stewart. His early education was received at Pope Chapel Church School. He graduated in the Jackson county Training School class of 1955 and later completed a vocational training program at Chipola Junior College.
Brother Johnson earned his nickname "Doc" from his many years as a veterinarian technician at Marianna Animal Hospital where his instinct and care led many clients to prefer his assistance over that of the doctors. His best "doctoring," however, was performed on his "little girl", Sheryl, when a pan of hot grease was accidently spilled over her face and the top layer of skin was peeled off. Doc threw out the prescribed drugs because they weren’t helping, then, lovingly cared for her with his own homemade concoction that restored her skin to optimal condition.
Brother Johnson lived a life of service to others. From an early age until a few days before his passing, he graciously transported his family members to and from church services. For many years, he got up early to open the church and turn on the heat or air conditioner so that the members would be comfortable when they arrived. He faithfully served as an officer in the United Christian Aide Grand Lodge, the United Christian Aide Lodge Number 1, and Pope Chapel Masonic Lodge. For many years he was a funeral attendant for Vann Funeral Home.
R.B. relished bringing joy to others. He had a love of life and loved to have fun. For many years he was the unofficial "ump" for the annual Pope Chapel May Day baseball game. His eyesight was often called into question, though, because many of his "calls" were suspect. During the years when local churches held Sunday afternoon baseball games, Johnson transported the Pope Chapel team on the back of his pick-up truck. For many years, he drove truckloads of trick-or-treaters to the homes of family and friends in Marianna, and Bascom, always dressed, of course, in his own "tailor-made" costume (straw hat, cane & pipe). His annual holiday fireworks display lit up Johnson Hill to the delight of his children, nieces, and nephews. It was hilarious to watch him play UNO because he held his cards in a way that everyone knew what he had. In the end, everyone else’s laughter put a bright smile on his face.
Robert "Doc" Johnson –
A Caring, Compassionate Man
By Sid Riley
Our local communities are saddened today by the passing of Robert "Doc" Johnson. He was buried on Monday, June 1 after a service at the Pope Chapel AME Church in Marianna. Many will remember Robert as the capable, friendly Veterinarian’s Assistant who was always at the side of Dr. Ben Willis. Willis provided Veterinarian services to this area for many years.
Willis was never hesitant to give credit to Robert Johnson for his knowledge and skills. "He is actually a more skilled vet than I am", Willis would exclaim. "He can do any surgical procedure as well as anyone". It was those skills which earned him the nickname, "Doc". After Willis retired and closed his clinic, Robert worked for many years at Vann Funeral Home. We will all miss his friendly greetings and helpful hands.

182 Graduation Caps Fly At Marianna High

Final Rites Given Friday Evening to Class of 2009

By Sid Riley

Extreme joy, a feeling of pride of accomplishment, anticipation of new adventures, all mixed with a twinge of sadness…that is the graduation experience. As a graduate you suddenly realize that your secure, ordinary world of getting up every morning and going to school, dealing with mom and dad, rooting for the school teams, hanging out with your lifelong friends, eyeing the student of the opposite sex which has you infatuated at the moment, keeping up with the latest school gossip, learning, developing, and growing….is about to change. You find yourself standing alone on the threshold of adulthood. It suddenly becomes frightening.
The class of 2009 at Marianna High School has 182 graduates, with sixty five "honors" graduates. There were four Valedictorians with perfect 4.0 averages, and one Salutatorian.
The Valedictorians were Megan Daniels, Dustin Miller, Don Nowell, and Chase Taylor. The Salutatorian was Austin Bruckner.
Principal Randy Ward handed out the diplomas to the graduates. Festivities at "Project Graduation" followed the ceremonies.
Our affiliate company, A&K productions has prepared an edited DVD of the entire graduation ceremony for sale. If you are interested in obtaining a memorial DVD of the graduation of the MHS class of 2009, call 573-4857

Paul Donofro Jr. Now Mayor Donofro

City recognizes services of past Mayor Jim Wise
By Sid Riley

The gavel was passed from outgoing Mayor Jim Wise to Incoming Mayor Paul Donofro, Jr. at the beginning of Tuesday evening’s regular meeting of the Marianna City Commission. Commissioner Howard Milton was designated as Vice Mayor.
As part of the recognition of the start of a new term of service, Commissioners Milton, Wise, and Donofro were sworn into office by City Attorney Frank Bondurant. We wish all who lead our governments a clear head and steady hand.

Let’s Do Lunch!!

Marianna patrons can enjoy a new, unique restaurant for lunch

By Sid Riley

Bistro Palms, the new, brightly colored restaurant on McPherson Street in Marianna will have its official Grand Opening Ceremony this Friday, June 5 at 4:00 PM. A live band will be playing as the ribbon is cut to officially open Marianna’s newest place to dine.
The restaurant is located just up the hill from the historic Stone Hotel on McPherson Street. The owner-operator is Mystie Richards from Orlando, who moved to our area seven years ago with her husband. He works with Petroleum Helicopters Inc. a company which flies oil crews onto off shore rigs. They bought the property from Linda Percy and Pete Carmichael and have worked three years to convert the facility into a beautifully decorated and appointed restaurant.
Mystie got the idea for the restaurant from their wedding experience at the beautiful Gaylord Palms Hotel in Orlando. She felt bringing a tropical environment to downtown Marianna was an eye catching theme.
Bistro Palms is decorated in bright, cheerful tropical colors and plants. A large outdoor patio deck overlooks the street and provides a place to dine and enjoy on cool evenings. If you want to continue to work or want to catch up on socializing on the computer while grabbing lunch, wireless internet is available at the site.
Their menu is filled with unique sandwiches served on tasty Panini bread, delicious soups and salads, and a great dessert menu. Home made cakes and a mouth watering "Peanut Butter Pie" are there to satisfy sweet cravings.
They are open every week day for lunch from 10:30-2:30pm. Or you can enjoy a great dinner special there every Friday from 4:30-9pm. They also serve beer and wines along with the usual assortment of beverages. Bistro Palms also features a jazz theme, with great music often complementing the dining experience.
Plan to drop by the Bistro Palms on Friday afternoon for the opening ceremony, stay for awhile and enjoy the music, and then plan to sit down and enjoy their delicious Friday evening dinner servings. Then stop by again next week for a great mid-day lunch experience.

First Friday Power Breakfast & Speaker Series

Friday, June 5, 2009 7:00 a.m. - 8:45 a.m.

JACKSON COUNTY AGRICULTURE CONFERENCE CENTER
2741 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE, MARIANNA, FLORIDA

Join us at 7:00 a.m. for breakfast and networking. Our program begins at 7:45 a.m.
“Leadership Experiences Behind the Fence”
SPONSOR: Anderson Columbia
FEATURED SPEAKER
Lewis Christopher
“Ike” Eichenlaub
Warden, Federal Correctional Institution (FCI)

Warden Ike Eichenlaub of the Federal Correctional Institution will discuss “life behind the fence” with emphasis on leadership experiences from his 22 years working in federal prisons throughout the United States.

Mr. Eichenlaub, the 10th Warden since the FCI opened in 1988, assumed the CEO position last September. He equates his job to that of a Mayor in a small city in which 1850 people live and work. An innovative leader and compelling public speaker, Mr. Eichenlaub will discuss leadership principles such as communication, relationship-building, empowerment and Emotional Intelligence, and how they apply “behind the fence” or “outside the fence”.


Warden Eichenlaub, or “Ike” as he prefers to be called, has authored and/or co-authored numerous articles about the use of technology in prisons. Special interests include training in leadership and Emotional Intelligence. In 2001, he received the prestigious Bureau of Prisons “National Media Relations Award”. During his career, he has participated in numerous national workgroups and committees whose initiatives impact operations throughout the Bureau of Prisons.

Warden Eichenlaub received his B.A. from Gettysburg College in 1986 and an M.A. from the University of Maryland in 1990. He began his career with the Bureau of Prisons as a research analyst immediately after earning his B.A. in 1986. In 1993 he moved from bureau staff to field operations as a Case Manager at the Federal Correctional Institution in Fort Dix, New Jersey. In 2006 he was promoted to Warden at the Federal Correctional Institution, Milan, Michigan, before accepting the position as Warden at FCI Marianna in 2008.

Currently, there are 1482 inmates at the Marianna facilities, with a staff of 367. Total budget for FCI is nearly $36 million, of which 77%, or about $28 million, goes for salaries. Seventy percent of the staff lives in Jackson County, and the mean age for staff is just under 41 years old. The facility sits on 230 acres, 50 of which are inside the secure perimeter fence.

Don’t miss this exciting program, and the opportunity to learn from a great leader and compelling communicator. Bring a friend or prospective Chamber member, network with fellow business and civic leaders, and set your sights on meeting new and emerging entrepreneurs. Our First Friday Power Breakfast is THE place to be every month. Don’t miss it!