Official website of the Murrow Award-Winning Documentary, “Apalachicola Doin’ Time” and various updates
Rally for Apalachicola Bay in August before a Senate field hearing on the health of the bay. (photo by Donna Green-Townsend)
Tuesday, January 9, 2018 UPDATE: The U.S. Supreme Court began hearing arguments on Monday in the 30-year-old water dispute involving Florida, Georgia and Alabama known as the Tri-State Water War. Molly Samuel from public radio station WABE in Atlanta attended the oral arguments. Click to hear her report.
June 1, 2017 UPDATE: Florida asks U.S. Supreme Court to Save Apalachicola River, Oyster Industry:
TALLAHASSEE — Florida is telling the U.S. Supreme Court that it represents the state’s last legal remedy for saving the Apalachicola River and the oysters and people who depend on it. Gov. Rick Scott in 2013 sued Georgia in the Supreme Court, seeking to cap Georgia’s water use upstream on the Chattahoochee and Flint rivers. But a court official recommended in February that the case be dismissed because Florida had not included the Army Corps of Engineers, which operates federal reservoirs on the Chattahoochee River. In a brief filed Wednesday, Florida argues that the court had never found that a state was harmed by upstream water use but then determined it was powerless to do anything about it. If the court dismisses the case, Georgia would be free to continue or increase its water use, Florida said. ….Click herefor the full story.
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October 2013 UPDATE: Florida Governor Rick Scott and Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi have moved forward with their plans to file a lawsuit in the U.S. Supreme Court over the decades old Tri-State Water War. The lawsuit is primarily aimed at Georgia over that state’s withdrawals of water from the Chattahoochee-Apalachicola-Flint River system—a river system Alabama, Florida and Georgia all share. At the heart of the ongoing debate is the health of Apalachicola Bay and Florida’s seafood industry.
Click here to view highlights of the Senate field hearing held in Apalachicola on the issue in August of 2013. To learn more about how the Apalachicola community is affected by the “water war” listen and view segments below:
2000 Edward R. Murrow Award Winning Documentary
Fishing boats along the Apalachicola River bayfront (photo by Donna Green-Townsend)
Donna voicing the “Apalachicola Doin’ Time” documentary at WUFT with co-hosts Daniel Beasley and Josh Azriel in 1999
Various locations around Apalachicola, Florida and some of the people interviewed for the documentary.
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Musical Murrow Celebration
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Just prior to the RTDNA Murrow Award ceremony in Minneapolis, MN, singer songwriter Mark Smith had a celebration at his home which included several of the songwriters who had music utilized in the documentary. In this video Dale Crider sings the song that inspired the documentary.
Crider holding a portrait given to him by Donna Green-Townsend and George Floyd painted by Mary Ann DiNella
For more than three decades Dale Crider worked as a wildlife biologist for the Florida Game and Freshwater Fish Commission. During that time he also followed his other passion, songwriting. Crider wrote many songs about environmental conditions in Florida. “Apalachicola Doin’ Time” was one such song. It was by chance nearly 30 years after Crider penned the song that Apalachicola resident, George Floyd, happened upon one of Crider’s music tapes and heard his song. On that day the concept for the need to tell the story of the Tri-State Water War was born. Crider is considered to be Florida’s Environmental Troubadour. He has inspired musicians across Florida to write songs about the environment.
Listen to an hour-long special on Across the Prairie on WUFT regarding the Re-release and update of the Apalachicola Doin’ Time Documentary Dale and documentary co-producer Donna Green-Townsend were special guests on the longtime Sunday afternoon program on WUFT, Across the Prairie with host Cathy DeWitt. Click on the audio button below.
Cover of Apalachicola Doin’ Time CD
Copies of the two-CD set of “Apalachicola Doin’ Time,” including the music companion CD, are available through the non-profit Will McLean Foundation. Will McLean is considered the “Father of Florida Folk.” He’s the first folk artist inducted into theFlorida Artists Hall of Fame. It was his mission to save Florida through music.
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In 2001 several of the musicians whose songs were used in the documentary were featured at not only the Will McLean Festival (March, 2001) but also the state’s official festival, The Florida Folk Festival (May, 2001). Click on the audio button below to hear the live presentation at the Will McLean Festival. The late Jan Glidewell, longtime columnist with the Tampa Bay Times, introduced Donna Green-Townsend who hosted the special musical event.
Dale Crider, Josh Azriel, Donna Green-Townsend and George Floyd and friend
Funding for the “Apalachicola Doin’ Time” documentary was provided by a grant from George Floyd in memory of Jim Floyd and George Kirvin, two of the earliest heralds of the rivers and bays and their value as an undisturbed natural resource.
Apalachicola Documentary Awards
1st Place National RTDNA Edward R. Murrow Award, Best Documentary
1st Place Southeast Regional RTDNA Edward R. Murrow Award, Best Documentary
1st Place Florida Associated Press Broadcasters, Public Affairs category
Silver Reel from the National Federation of Community Broadcasters, documentary category
Finalist, Atlanta Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, Green Eye Shade awards (Southeast 11 state Region)
Finalist, Society of Professional Journalists Sunshine State Awards, Public Affairs category
1st Place, BEA Student Interactive Multimedia competition in the Online category
Silver Addy in the Collateral Material – CD Category for the Apalachicola Doin’ Time CD cover, insert and tray card.
Some of the stations that have carried Apalachicola Doin’ Time:
KBAQ Mesa, Arizona KBOO Portland, Oregon KERA Dallas, Texas KJZZ Phoenix, Arizona Utah Public Radio/KUSU FM Logan, Utah WABE Atlanta, Georgia WETS Johnson City, Tennessee WFSU Tallahassee, Florida WFSW Panama City, Florida WJUF-FM Inverness, Florida WKGC Panama City, Florida WQCS Asheville, North Carolina WSLU Canton, New York WUFT-FM Gainesville, Florida California Public Radio Georgia Public Radio
Documentary Summary by- Co-Producer, Donna Green-Townsend Two hundred yards below the Appalachian Trail in Georgia, the waters of the Chattahoochee River begin a 500 mile journey south. The river flows each day through Atlanta, past Western Georgia cities like Columbus and along the state boundary between Georgia and Alabama — past more than a dozen dams and locks on the way to the Gulf of Mexico. At the Florida-Georgia border the Chattahoochee meets up with Georgia’s Flint River and takes on a new name –The Apalachicola. Sixteen billion gallons of water flow down the Apalachicola into the Bay every day making it Florida’s largest waterway and it’s at the heart of a tri-state water war.
This documentary is an audio journey to the community at the end of the drainpipe so to speak — Apalachicola: a Florida seafood community that worries about being at the mercy of its northern water using neighbors. We journey to the city’s famous waterfront, hear about the history of this unique river town and find out how the community’s affected by the rapid development of ecotourism and growth. We also talk with the key negotiators involved in the current water war involving Alabama, Florida and Georgia as the clock ticks down on a deadline to resolve differences over shared river resources.
There’s a lot at stake for all three southern states: rapid growth in Atlanta creates a strong need to secure drinking water for the future. Farmers want to maintain the ability to irrigate their crops, Alabama residents want to maintain peak hydro power and navigational use, and in Florida, at the end of the Apalachicola River, the seafood industry worries about the future of its oysters, scallops, crabs and shrimp.
To read the full written script with photos click here.
Apalachicola’s oyster industry see historic collapse in 2012 from drought and salinity (originally aired April 26, 2013)
The severe drought in 2012 caused an historic collapse of Florida’s oyster industry. During the past year a variety of state agencies have been working for the Florida Sea Grant Program to try and understand all the causes for the fishery disaster. The cooperative effort is working toward designing a plan to help restore and manage the industry in the future. WUFT’s Donna Green-Townsend talked with the Director of the Florida Sea Grant College Program, Karl Havens, who is heading up the University of Florida’s Oyster Recovery Team, about the findings outlined in the group’s special report this week.
Upper Chattahoochee River Keeper: The website of the non-profit organization that keeps tabs on everything that deals with the Chattahoochee, including a section on tri-state water issues. Background information on the river, legal issues, and information about joining the group.
Apalachicola Chamber of Commerce: The online home to the Apalachicola area. Find out about the historic nature of “Florida’s Forgotten Coast.”
Tupelo Honey: The largest and densest stands of Tupelo trees grow in the swamps of the lower Apalachicola and Chipola Rivers. Nowhere are Tupelos so dense that honey can be made from and certified pure Tupelo.
Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve: The Apalachicola Reserve includes two barrier islands and a portion of a third. The Reserve also includes the lower 52 miles of the Apalachicola River and its associated floodplain, small portions of adjoining uplands, and the Apalachicola Bay system. The overall high water quality of the Apalachicola estuary, with the combined effects of other factors, provide the ideal living conditions for estuarine biota and have resulted in the creation of a highly productive estuarine system. The myriad of habitats found within the Reserve support a wide range of plant and animal species, many of which are threatened or endangered.
Corps of Engineers: The various recreation sites on the Chattahoochee, Flint and Apalachicola river system, including various lakes, locks, dams, and campgrounds.
Read the original 1999 interviews with key players in the tri-state water war:
Rogers is known for his Travis-style guitar fingerpicking along with his storytelling which brings a mythical Florida county called Oklawaha into the national spotlight.
On October 10, 1991 Rogers lost his life while trying to save a drowning tourist off Flager Beach.
Sec. of State Sandra Mortham presenting Gamble’s wife Nancy with the Artists Hall of Fame Award
On Memorial Weekend 1998, during the Florida Folk Festival, the then Florida Secretary of State, Sandra Mortham, publicly inducted the late Gamble Rogers into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame.
Rogers has joined the likes of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, Will Mclean and Ray Charles in the Florida Artists Hall of Fame. He already has a middle school, state recreation area and a folk festival named in his honor.
Donna Green-Townsend reports on the successful musical career leading up to the induction.
1998 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
During the induction ceremony at the Florida Folk Festival in White Springs Dale Crider performed, “Song for Gamble,” written by Steve Gillette and Cindy Mangsen. Crider was accompanied by Elisabeth Williamson on guitar and vocals and Barbara Johnson on bass.
Here’s audio of the trio practicing the song earlier that afternoon in the campground before the evening ceremony:
In this rare footage, taken by an amateur photographer at the 50th anniversary of “The Yearling” at the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings State Historic Site in Cross Creek in 1988, Rogers joined his folk colleagues, the late Cousin Thelma Boltin and the late Father of Florida Folk Will McLean, to share stories and songs. The short video opens with McLean singing his beloved, “Florida Sand” followed by McLean introducing his friend Gamble.
Here’s a video of Gamble performing Black Label Blues:
In the following interview Gamble’s friends Steve Gillette, Cindy Mangsen and Dale Crider reflect on their long time relationship with the nationally acclaimed guitar player.
Gamble Rogers
Gamble Rogers
Gamble with Red Henry and Dale Crider at Florida Folk Festival in the mid 70s
Gamble with Red Henry, Dale Crider and others at FFF mid 70s
Early photo of Dale Crider and Gamble Rogers sharing a stage
(left to right) Paul Champion, Gamble Rogers and Will McLean
Gamble Rogers
Cover of Gamble’s album Oklawaha County Laissez-Faire
Cousin Thelma Boltin, Gamble and Will McLean at Yearling Festival 1988
Yearling Festival 1988
Yearling Festival 1988
Gamble playing at Yearling Festival 1988
Yearling Festival in Cross Creek, FL 1988
Dale Crider, Lis Williamson and Barbara Johnson performing at the Hall of Fame induction ceremony in 1998
Dale Crider performing at the Will McLean Folk Festival in 2012
Singer Songwriters Steve Gillette and Cindy Mangsen from Bennington, Vermont often tour in Florida. While in the Gainesville area for a house concert the popular duo met up with WUFT’s Donna Green-Townsend.Gillette, who has had a number of his songs recorded by national recording artists, has ties to one of Florida’s legendary guitar players. Steve and Cindy recalled how they first met the late Gamble Rogers. Rogers, who is in the Florida Artists Hall of Fame, is nationally known for his quick wit and guitar playing ability, all while weaving stories about a mythical Oklawaha County in Florida. He died in 1991 trying to save a drowning man off Flagler Beach. Gillette and Mangsen talked with Donna Green-Townsend at the home of environmental troubadour Dale Crider from Windsor, Florida about their mutual friend.
Cousin Thelma Boltin, Gamble Rogers and Will McLean 1988 50th Anniv of The Yearling in Cross Creek
Lyrics: I’ve seen the paddlewheelers rolling south on a summer’s day I’ve seen lovers at the guard rails with stars in their lemonade And I’ve heard the hobos gather, heard the banjos grace the glade Heard them sing about the river, called it the lazy man’s parade Sing me that song about the river, green, going away I always did feel like a drifter about this time of day Last night I stood by the highway, pretended I was on my way You know a hundred thousand headlights couldn’t match the milky way And when the moonlight touches the water surely something touches me And I go reaching for the river like it’s reaching for the sea. chorus Some things go on forever, the truth don’t ever change The wind may brush the water, but the river holds her sway. chorus
Compass Rose Music, Used with permission
More information about Steve’s music is available at his website
Musician Steve Gillette
Biography:
In a musical age created by the singer-songwriter, Steve Gillette has long been considered to be one of the finest. His music has inspired glowing reviews from the critics and the deep loyalty of his fans. Since Ian and Sylvia first recorded Darcy Farrow in 1966, Steve’s songs have been sung by dozens of major artists including Garth Brooks, John Denver, Nanci Griffith, Waylon Jennings, Gordon Lightfoot, Anne Murray, Tony Rice, Kenny Rogers, Linda Ronstadt, Spanky and Our Gang, Jerry Jeff Walker, Jennifer Warnes, Don Williams, and Tammy Wynette.
Steve’s first album, STEVE GILLETTE, originally released in the Spring of 1968, has recently been reissued by Vanguard on compact disc. The album includes guest performances by Buffy Saint Marie, Bruce Langhorne and Dick Rosmini. His second album, BACK ON THE STREET AGAIN, was produced by John Ware for Outpost Records, with help from Spanky McFarland and Emmy Lou Harris’ Hot Band. Steve’s third album ALONE…DIRECT (solo voice and guitar) was recorded by the direct-to-disc process and produced by John DelGatto on Sierra Records.
Graham Nash produced Steve’s fourth album, A LITTLE WARMTH, which was released on Flying Fish Records in 1979. Appearing on this album were Johnny Barbatta and Pete Sears from The Jefferson Starship, Graham Nash, David Lindley, and Jennifer Warnes.
Since their marriage in April of 1989, Steve Gillette and Cindy Mangsen have been traveling, performing and recording together. Their album LIVE IN CONCERT, recorded at the Ark in Ann Arbor, is available from their own company, Compass Rose Music, and was on many “10 Best” lists when it was released in 1991. A second duet album called THE LIGHT OF THE DAY was named Top Folk Album of 1996 by Rich Warren (WFMT, Chicago) and Matt Watroba (WDET, Detroit).
A collection of twelve of Steve’s original songs was produced in Nashville by Jim Rooney in 1992. The album, called THE WAYS OF THE WORLD (Compass Rose), features studio performances by Stuart Duncan, Mark Howard, Roy Huskey Jr., Kenny Malone, and Mark Schatz. Steve’s latest solo recording is entitled TEXAS AND TENNESSEE (Redwing Music, 1998), with back-up from Charles Cochran, Mark Graham, Mark Schatz, Pete Sutherland, Pete Wasner, Mike Williams and others.
To learn more about the artists and their music for the Apalachicola Doin’ Time documentary click on the links below: