The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) invites high school art students across the state to participate in a contest to create a piece of manatee artwork that will be used on the 2011-2012 manatee decal.

Students in grades 9-12 in Florida should coordinate with their school’s art teacher to submit the artwork, because each school may submit no more than five entries. Home-schooled students also are eligible to enter the contest. Contest details and forms are available online at MyFWC.com/Manatee.

The National Park Service and the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument invite you to experience your history with the Monument’s “Florida Secedes from the Union” program on January 8th, 2011. Park Service staff and volunteers will recreate the events of January 10th, 1861, when troops of the newly formed “Republic of Florida” proceeded under orders from Florida Governor Madison S. Perry to Federal Fort Marion (the Castillo de San Marcos). The Governor’s orders were to seize the ordnance and stores of Fort Marion using whatever means necessary. On Saturday, January 8th, the Monument will reenact the events of that January day, one hundred and fifty years ago, when the local State Militia faced down the Federal Ordnance Sergeant stationed there for the possession of Fort Marion. The event will be held twice, first at 11:oo AM and then again at 3:00 PM. There will also be Ranger and Volunteer interpretive programs, as well as historic weapons demonstrations throughout the day.

Garrett, a sophomore at BTHS. I took this during the eclipse for a photo class and wanted to share.