New Video

Hey Steinhatchee friends! A little different from our usual local updates and adventures, but I just uploaded a super relaxing 10-hour video of the Steinhatchee River Falls waterfall sounds—real footage and audio captured right here in our beautiful backyard. Perfect for drifting off to sleep, chilling out, or setting some peaceful ambiance while you work. If you need a break from the hustle, give it a listen!

Check it out here: https://youtu.be/RBkpOS8MSvU?si=vloHXU2loJvI_RgL

What do you think—should we do more nature vibes like this? Drop a if it's helping you unwind! #Steinhatchee #WaterfallSounds #RelaxInFlorida #NatureAmbiance

Steinhatchee’s First Farmers Market: A Vibrant Debut!

What an exciting day in Steinhatchee! This morning, our coastal gem celebrated its first-ever Farmers Market, and it was a hit that brought our community together under a perfect fall sky. Held at the Steinhatchee Community Center, the market buzzed with locals and curious visitors alike from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., showcasing the heart and harvest of Taylor County. For out-of-towners dreaming of an authentic Florida escape, this event is a delightful introduction to our small-town charm. And for us locals? It’s a proud moment to rally around our growers, makers, and musicians. Even better—the organizers are planning to bring it back next month, so mark your calendars!

A Feast for the Senses

The market was a colorful tapestry of local talent. Vendors lined up with everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts, filling the air with the sweet scent of honey and the strum of live music. One standout was Big Bend Honey Products, offering jars of golden goodness straight from the hive—perfect for your next biscuit or tea. Nearby, In A Jam Goods tempted taste buds with homemade jams, their table a burst of rustic charm. Quilters from Keaton Beach Quilting LLC displayed intricate fabrics that caught every eye.

Seafood lovers were in heaven at the River Inn and Marina booth—fresh scallops, shrimp and stone crab claws were a hot commodity, with folks walking away with bags full of Gulf treasures. And who could miss the live chicks at Just A Chick? Those fluffy newcomers stole hearts and sparked smiles across the crowd.

Adding to the mix, Pretty Pond Cottage Kitchen brought their signature baked delights, like the irresistible treats in those charming branded boxes—fresh from a home kitchen that's all about wholesome, pond-side vibes. Vitalogy Chiropractic set up a wellness corner with a striking wooden sign and skeleton model, offering natural health tips. And Mermaid Meadows dazzled with for those with a green thumb, potted plants and vibrant flower arrangements added a pop of color.

Music and Memories

Adding to the festive vibe, Cash Langford Music brought the tunes with a guitar case open for tips, featuring a striking cowboy skull design that turned heads. The live performance was a nod to our Southern roots, with folks tapping their feet and tossing a few dollars his way. It’s moments like these that make Steinhatchee special—a blend of talent and community spirit that you won’t find just anywhere.

Why This Matters

This debut market wasn’t just about shopping—it was about connection. Travelers, you’ll find a warm welcome and a chance to taste the real Steinhatchee. Locals, let’s keep this momentum going by supporting our vendors and spreading the word. The organizers plan to host it again next month at the Steinhatchee Community Center—follow their Facebook page for the exact date and updates.

What was your favorite find today? Drop a comment below or share your own photos—we’d love to hear from you! Plan your next visit at Steinhatchee.com for more local events. Here’s to many more market mornings, y’all!

The Essential Tool for Scallop Season: Florida Sea Grant's Scallop Sorter

Introduction

As scallop season kicks off in Florida’s coastal communities, a new tool is revolutionizing sustainable harvesting practices: the scallop sorter. Developed by Florida Sea Grant in collaboration with the University of Florida’s IFAS and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, this pocket-sized device ensures only mature scallops are harvested, promoting ecosystem health and boosting local economies.

Unfortunately I don’t have a picture of the Sea Grant Sorter. It look similar to this.

Innovation and Collaboration

The scallop sorter originated from stakeholder feedback, evolving from a simple idea of using milk jugs to its current form—a smooth, circular tool with a handle. It’s designed to be user-friendly and effective, helping scallopers distinguish between small and mature scallops easily.

Impact and Distribution

Since its introduction, the scallop sorter has gained widespread popularity. In 2023, over 1,500 sorters were distributed across 13 counties. This year, thanks to support from the Coastal Conservation Association, over 10,000 sorters will be available, helping to protect scallop populations and ensure a sustainable future for this beloved activity.

Conclusion

For scallopers along Florida’s Nature Coast, the scallop sorter is a must-have tool. It not only supports sustainable practices but also enhances the enjoyment of scalloping by ensuring better catches and healthier marine ecosystems. For more information and to find out how to get a scallop sorter, visit Florida Sea Grant’s website.

PSA: Scallop Sorters – What They Are, Why They’re Important, and Where to Get Them

As scallop season kicks off in Steinhatchee, it’s essential to ensure we are practicing sustainable scalloping. One crucial tool in this effort is the scallop sorter.

What is a Scallop Sorter?

A scallop sorter is a simple but effective tool used to measure scallops. If a scallop fits through the hole in the sorter, it is too small to harvest and should be returned to the water. This helps ensure that we are only collecting mature scallops, allowing the smaller ones to grow and reproduce, contributing to future populations.

Why Are They Important?

In Florida, the limit for scallops is based on volume, not count. Early in the season, scallops tend to be smaller, meaning you can legally harvest a larger number of individual scallops within the volume limit. Using a scallop sorter helps prevent over-harvesting of immature scallops, promoting a healthier scallop population for years to come. Although not required by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), using a scallop sorter is highly recommended.

Where to Get Them

Scallop sorters are available for free at many businesses throughout Steinhatchee. Be sure to pick one up before heading out on the water to ensure you’re scalloping responsibly. For more information, you can visit the CCA Florida website or contact Danielle Norwood at Sea Hag Marina at thehag@seahag.com or by calling 352-498-3008.

If you own a business in Steinhatchee and are handing out scallop sorters, please share this post! Let’s work together to promote sustainable scalloping practices in our community.

Thank You, CCA Florida

A big thank you to CCA Florida for providing these essential scallop sorters and supporting sustainable scalloping practices in our community,