May 18, 2013
Tallahassee, Florida- June 25,2012
Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam announced today a two-week extension of the licensing period for the Apalachicola Bay Oyster Harvesting License. Due to extreme conditions caused by Tropical Storm Debby in the Apalachicola Bay Area, the licensing period was extended through close of business July 13.
“The safety of the shellfish harvesters – and all residents who are affected by current weather conditions – is our first priority,” said Commissioner Putnam. “Extending the oyster harvesting license period is a simple way we can ease the burden of Tropical Storm Debby on Apalachicola Bay oyster harvesters,”
Under normal circumstances, the 45-day licensing period for the Apalachicola Bay Oyster Harvesting License, which is required to commercially harvest oysters from the Apalachicola Bay System, ends June 30. With the extension, applicants will not be subject to the $500 late fee until after July 13.
Tropical Storm Debby is currently affecting the Apalachicola Bay area and weather forecasts predict the storm will continue to affect the area through Friday, June 29. The Franklin County offices of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services were closed today until further notice.
For more information about the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit www.FreshFromFlorida.com.
