What could have happened… didn’t!

At the city commission, December 2 meeting, members of the audience vividly pointed out to the commission a myriad of things that could have happened during last month’s tragic fire that destroyed Apalachicola State Bank.

Specific items pointed out were that some of the fire hydrants in the downtown area didn’t work, and that the city needs to purchase a ladder truck to reach tall buildings similar to the bank building and a stern reminder that the downtown area has already burned to the ground at least twice during Apalachicola’s history.

While I readily admit, that our fire department is currently not the best-equipped fire department in the county, a dilemma that we must and will remedy in the near future. Unlike with other areas of the county, we have neither a ladder truck to reach the tall buildings nor a foam truck to extinguish a wide range of fires.

However, what we do have is a group of men and women who are definitely dedicated to the cause. I personally know of some in the department who would have used a garden hose to fight the bank fire if that’s all they had available.

The fact that we don’t have all the latest and greatest fire equipment speaks volumes for the volunteer that make up the department. To their credit, it was their quick response and dedication to duty that kept matters from getting any worse.

While our firefighters waited on the ladder trucks to arrive and the local pundits to awaken, they stood as the sole physical protectors between that fire and our beautiful city.

City commissioners are fully aware of the need to outfit the fire department with the necessary equipment to protect our city against future fires. However, until we are financially able to do so, I am thankful to God for the dedicated group of men and women that we do have and it's because of them, that what could have happened on that tragic morning... didn’t.

Mixon charged in Bank fire

Apalachicola Police Chief Bobby Varnes announced Thursday, Nov 2 the arrest of 43-year-old Joseph Mixon in connection with the Apalachicola Bank fire. On Saturday, Nov 15, Mixon slammed the seafood truck he was driving into the Apalachicola State Bank building causing an explosion and the subsequent fire that destroyed the historic structure.

Assisted by the State Attorney’s Office, the Apalachicola Police Department (APD) conducted an extensive investigation into the crash and on Thursday, Nov 20, the judge issued a warrant for Mixon arrest.

The Apalachicola Police Department charged Mixon with two counts of felony criminal mischief, and his bond was set at $250,000. If convicted, Mixon could face up to 10-years in prison and $10,000 in fines on the two counts brought by the APD. Under Florida law, criminal mischief resulting in property damage of $1,000 or more is punishable by up to 5-years in jail and/or $5,000 in fines.

The Franklin County Sheriff Office (FCSO) charged Mixon with one count of grand theft auto and a separate bond was set at $20,000.

Mixon could face even more charges in connection with the fire. The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) has an ongoing investigation into the crash and further charges may be forthcoming against Mr. Mixon by the FHP.

At this time all charges against Joseph Mixon are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Out of Tragedy lies Hope

The November 15, fire that destroyed one of Apalachicola’s historic structures was not only a tragic loss to the owners and staff of Apalachicola State Bank, but also to the entire Apalachicola community. It is my sincere prayer, that in the face of this tragedy, that we look toward God for peace and embrace each other for the strength that is needed for tomorrow.

To our local and neighboring fire departments and to all who assisted, thank you, you all preformed a magnificent, unselfish service toward humanity. While I’m thankful that there were no human fatalities, I am hopeful that out of this tragedy will develop a renewed sense of urgency, whereby we join as a community to resolve the issues surrounding fire protection in our city.

The lessons learned from this event will surely help shape future policies and expenditures that govern fire services throughout the City of Apalachicola.

We are a resilient people; throughout my 49-years as a native Apalachicolian, I have witnessed the resolve of this community to bounce back from tornados, hurricanes, red tide, and a host of other foreseen and unforeseen disasters, all with a renewed sense of community.

Because of this, I truly believe that our today is a better day than our yesterday, and that all of our tomorrows will be even better.

Tragic Fire Hits Apalachicola

Residents of the City of Apalachicola arose this morning in the face of a tragic fire in the downtown commercial district. The Apalachicola Fire Department received a dispatch around 5:00 AM after a seafood truck traveling east on U.S. 98 at a high rate of speed slammed into the Apalachicola State Bank building and then exploded.

With assistance from fire departments throughout the county, volunteer firefighters were able to bring the blaze under control before the fire could spread. At this time, injuries to the driver of the vehicle are unknown.

Many thanks to the Harris Brothers and to the Carrabelle, Eastpoint, and St. George Island Volunteer Fire Departments for their dedication to the call of duty in providing the much-needed assistance to the City of Apalachicola.

To see footage of the fire, click the video below.

Footage & photos taken by Gail Johnson