The Gadsden County Commission has voted against allowing Tipsy’s to operate as a full-time bar and lounge in Havana, bringing an end, for now, to a proposal that drew significant public attention.
In a 4–1 decision, commissioners upheld the recommendation of the planning and zoning committee as well as staff recommendations denying the requested special exception for the property located at 6766 Fla-Ga Highway. Commissioner Brenda Holt cast the lone vote in favor of the request, while the remaining board members sided with staff and committee concerns.
The issue prompted a notable turnout at the commission meeting, with community members speaking both in support of and in opposition to the proposed change. Supporters argued the business could bring new energy to the area, and that the owners should be given a chance. Opponents raised concerns about noise, traffic, and the potential negative impact on the surrounding community, including a church and daycare.
Ultimately, the commission’s decision reflects those concerns, keeping the property from transitioning into a full-time bar or lounge under the current request.
It’s been a busy stretch around town… and now the weather may make its presence known in a big way.
Cigar Days Recap
Another year of Havana Cigar Days is in the books… and once again, it brought a strong crowd downtown. From live music to vendors and cigar history on full display, it’s one of those events that reminds you what makes Havana, well… Havana.
Havana Market Last Weekend
The Havana Market wrapped up its April run last Saturday with a solid turnout. Vendors lined the streets, folks were out enjoying the weather… and downtown stayed buzzing most of the day. It continues to be one of the most consistent drivers of foot traffic for our small businesses.
Car Show Moved to Sunday
If you were planning for the car show this weekend, there’s been a change…
Havana Car Show has been moved to Sunday (May 3) due to the much-needed rain expected this weekend.
From Havana Main Street:
“Due to the weather this weekend, we have some updates on our events. The Havana Summer Fun Stroll has been CANCELLED! The Havana Car Show has been moved to Sunday (May 3rd). Show hours are 1pm–4pm. Car load-in will take place from 11:30am–1pm.”
Not the worst problem to have… we could definitely use the rain.
Reggae Fest This Weekend – Canceled!
Also happening this weekend is the Havana Reggae Festival, bringing live music and good vibes to town. If the weather cooperates, it should be another fun event. This event has been canceled due to weather… Saturday, May 2nd, 2026 1pm-4pm 8583 SALEM ROAD QUINCY, FL 32353
New Exhibit at the Museum
The Havana History & Heritage Museum is kicking off a month-long Miccosukee exhibit starting May 1. In partnership with the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida, the exhibit will feature artifacts, storytelling, and displays highlighting the history, culture, and present-day life of the Miccosukee people.
If you haven’t stopped by the museum in a while… this is a good reason to make the trip. Miccosukee Exhibit May 1st – May 31st 204 2nd Street NW Havana, FL
Around Town
Rain is in the forecast and honestly… it’s been needed. It may shuffle a few plans, but it’s also a welcome sight for yards, gardens, and just about everything else around here.
That’s the snapshot this week… a little rain, a few schedule changes, and plenty still going on around town.
Burned Beard Brewing in Quincy has Bingo tonight, and every Thursday night from 6:30pm-8pm
This week’s Sunday Spotlight shines on Ida-Belle’s Southern Kitchen… a Havana-grown business rooted in tradition, hospitality, and a whole lot of heart.
Owner and Havana native knows this community well… because it’s home. Having grown up right here, it was only natural to build something meaningful in the same place that helped shape her. Ida-Belle’s Southern Kitchen officially launched in 2021, following the closing of her brick-and-mortar restaurant. But instead of stepping away, she leaned in… falling even deeper in love with the hospitality industry and finding new ways to serve others through food and connection.
And if there’s one thing she wants people to know… there are no shortcuts. Everything is done the way her family did it… with care, intention, and pride in every detail.
While catering remains her most popular service, there’s a growing demand for her private chef experiences… and that’s where she really feels her work shines. Cooking for smaller groups allows her to focus not just on the cuisine, but on creating meaningful, intentional moments around the table. That said… she still loves being part of big celebrations like weddings and corporate events.
When asked about her best-selling offering, it comes back to that same idea… the private chef experience. It’s personal, it’s elevated, and it’s where her passion for both food and hospitality truly comes together.
Even after transitioning away from a physical restaurant, the support from Havana hasn’t gone anywhere. She still feels it… and carries that gratitude with her every day. It’s also why she makes a point to support other local businesses whenever she can… because she knows just how much that community support matters.
Behind the scenes, there’s a lot that people don’t always see. She pours everything she has into her work and her clients… so while she may come across as energetic and outgoing, the days can be long and exhausting. Over time, she’s learned how important it is to find balance… to step away when needed and make space for self-care, even in small ways.
When she does get a break, you’ll likely find her spending time with others in the hospitality world… swapping stories, decompressing, and building connections with people who truly understand the grind. It’s part networking, part therapy, and a whole lot of mutual support… a reminder that even in a group of self-described “misfits,” there’s a strong sense of community.
Ida-Belle’s Southern Kitchen is more than just great food… it’s about connection, tradition, and showing up for people in a meaningful way… one meal at a time.
If you’ve been waiting for a weekend to get out and enjoy Havana and the surrounding area, this is it… from history and markets to cycling, farming, and a few laughs nearby, there’s something happening in every direction.
Cigar Days at the Shade Tobacco Museum
Step into Havana’s roots as the Havana Heritage and History Society hosts Cigar Days at the Shade Tobacco Museum. This event brings the area’s tobacco heritage to life with demonstrations, storytelling, and a look back at the industry that helped shape our town.
The Havana Market returns for its regular fourth Saturday, but with a change of scenery. This month, vendors will be set up on the grassy area just north of the Planters Exchange near the railroad tracks.
You’ll still find your usual mix of local honey, baked goods, produce, handmade crafts, and community spirit… just in a slightly different spot.
When: Saturday, April 25… 10am-2pm
Havana Hills Bike Ride
Cyclists will be rolling through town for the Havana Hills Bike Ride, known for its scenic routes and those famous North Florida hills. It always brings a great energy to the area as riders and visitors pass through.
When: Saturday, April 25… early morning start times with staggered rides
Reminder… Foraging and Farm Day
Don’t forget about the upcoming foraging and farm day at Whitetail Hollow Farms. This is a hands-on experience focused on wild edibles, farm exploration, and slowing things down for a bit.
It’s a great outing for families or anyone curious about connecting more with the land.
When: April 25th starting around 9:30am….
Around the Area… Worth the Drive
Comedy Night in Quincy
Head over to Quincy for a night of laughs at Bwembya’s Market as their Last Laugh Fridays comedy series continues. A fun and easy way to change up your Friday night routine.
When: Friday evening 4/24… 6-10pm
Final Friday in Chattahoochee
Take a short drive to Chattahoochee for their Final Friday event. Expect live music, vendors, and a relaxed community atmosphere to wrap up the week.
When: Friday, April 24… evening hours
A Weekend Worth Showing Up For
This is one of those weekends where you can fill your whole schedule without going far… history in the morning, the market before lunch, bikes rolling through town, and options Friday night in neighboring communities.
Get out, support local, and enjoy it… Havana is going to be buzzing Saturday.
Doering’s Doughs has become a familiar (and delicious) part of the Havana community, known for its fresh-baked breads, creative treats, and the kind of quality you can taste in every bite. What started as a simple idea has grown into a beloved small business, built on early mornings, dedication, and a whole lot of flour.
Four years ago, Missy Doering moved to Havana because she loved the idea of raising her kids in a small, close-knit community. Not long after, Doering’s Doughs was born, originally inspired by a simple goal: to make her children delicious treats made with good, honest ingredients. That same care still goes into everything she bakes today.
This past week marked a special milestone as Doering’s Doughs celebrated its three-year anniversary. In that time, it has grown from a small venture into a local favorite, with best sellers including challah breads, sourdough loaves, muffins, and cookies. Missy’s personal favorite is a sharp cheddar sourdough loaf, toasted with butter. It is simple and hard to beat.
At the heart of it all is a genuine love for people. “I put 100% love into everything I make,” Missy shares, “but my favorite part has truly been meeting the community.” She is also passionate about supporting other local businesses and often brings out-of-town guests to experience the charm of downtown Havana. “There’s so much kindness here. You can really feel it.”
If you have not had a chance to try Doering’s Doughs yet, or just need another excuse, you can find them at the market this Saturday. It is the perfect opportunity to grab your favorites, try something new, and support a local business that continues to grow and dream.
The best way to reach Doering’s Doughs is by text, email, or Facebook.
Something that might surprise people about Missy is that she is also a photographer. When she is not baking, she loves spending time gardening or being with her husband, kids, and dog, soaking up the same sense of home and community that inspired her business in the first place. Simple, heartfelt, and rooted right here in Havana. That is Doering’s Doughs.
This week’s Sunday Spotlight shines on Juarez Roofing LLC, a locally owned roofing company based right here in Havana.
Owned by Monica Juarez, the company will celebrate 7 years in business this May. Roofing runs in the family… Monica says her husband Ricardo has always loved construction, and the two first launched M&R Renovations back in 2014, which is still going strong today. Construction also runs deep in Monica’s family… her father retired from AJAX Building Corp in the mid-2000s, and her stepfather was one of the best known residential brick masons in Tallahassee.
Juarez Roofing has built its reputation the old-fashioned way… word of mouth. Monica says they don’t really advertise, and most of their work comes from happy customers recommending them to friends and neighbors.
As a woman-owned and minority-owned business, Monica takes pride in running a small company focused on craftsmanship and attention to detail. In fact, she says they’ve never had to return to a completed roof due to workmanship issues… something that speaks to the quality of their work.
Their most popular installs are Owens Corning shingles, though Monica admits she especially enjoys projects involving mechanical standing seam metal roofs… a product she says is both durable and beautiful.
Monica and her family moved to the area about six years ago to live near Lake Tallavana, drawn by the peaceful setting and the small-town feel that makes this community special.
When she’s not on the job, Monica enjoys visiting the monthly Havana Market, spending time outdoors, photographing sunsets, crafting, and hanging out with her dogs.
She also enjoys supporting other local favorites like Flower and Photography by Cindy Aho and Doering’s Doughs… especially the sourdough.
Monica says everything they’ve built has come through dedication and sacrifice… starting with very little and working hard to grow their businesses and support their family. She’s also proud of a big family milestone coming up… their daughter will graduate from the University of Alabama this spring.
850-728-0879 juarezroofing850@gmail.com
Another great local business helping keep roofs strong across Gadsden County… and another reminder of the hardworking folks who make our community what it is. 🏡🔨
Hello Havana friends. It’s Thursday, and spring is officially here. This week’s update is all about getting outside and enjoying what the season has to offer … from gardens and farms to local history and community events.
IFAS and Garden Club Plant Sales
The UF/IFAS Extension in Gadsden County is hosting its annual plant sale this weekend. It’s a great chance to pick up vegetables, herbs, flowers, and gardening advice straight from the extension team.
IFAS 9:00am-3:00pm 2140 W Jefferson St Quincy, FL
The Havana Garden Club Spring Plant Sale is also coming up on April 11 in front of the Havana Shade Tobacco Museum. Whether you’re planting a vegetable patch or adding color to your porch, this event has something for every gardener.
Havana Garden Club 8:30am-12:30pm 204 2nd St NW, Havana, FL 32333
Whitetail Hollow Farms Spring Event
Whitetail Hollow Farms is hosting a Spring Farm Day event this weekend, offering a hands-on look at farm life just northwest of town. Whitetail Hollow is a family-run operation on roughly 45 acres that focuses on sustainable farming, regenerative practices, and connecting people with where their food comes from.
What’s Included Foraging walk with Billy Bailey (Old Ways Education) (AM or PM, pick one) Guided farm tour led by Gigi and Jed Carroll (owners of Whitetail Hollow Farms) Lunch included: 1 hamburger OR 1 hot dog per person + chips + cookie + water Attendee-only plant sale access (plants sold separately; limited quantities)
Dry Conditions Continue
Even with a bit of rain lately, much of Florida—including Gadsden County—is still experiencing severe drought conditions. Fire risk remains elevated, and while there isn’t an official burn ban, local officials continue to urge extreme caution with outdoor burning or fire use until conditions improve.
Help Support the Havana Volunteer Fire Department and head over to Lashley Automotive for their annual car show and fundraiser. 10:00am-3pm 2726 Salem Rd. Havana, FL 32333
Havana Cigar Days Coming Later This Month
The Havana Cigar Days returns on April 25. Hosted by the Havana Heritage and History Society, this annual event highlights our town’s deep roots in the shade tobacco industry that once helped define Havana. It’s always a great way to explore local history and enjoy a day with friends and neighbors.
What’s Happening Around Town
With warmer weather here, community activity is picking up. From plant sales and farm events to our annual traditions and local markets, this is the time of year when folks start getting out more … meeting neighbors, supporting local growers, and celebrating life in Havana.
If you’ve got an event or community news to share for next week’s update, send it our way.
Hello Havana friends. It’s Thursday again, which means it’s time for another Havana This Week. Here’s a quick look at some things happening around town lately and what’s coming up soon.
Easter Bunny Visits the Havana Market
The Havana Market had a special guest last Saturday when the Easter Bunny stopped by for photos and springtime fun. Families came out to enjoy the market, browse local vendors, and snap a few pictures with the Bunny. It was a great reminder that spring has officially arrived in Havana.
Comedy Comes to Burned Beard Brewing
Looking for something fun to do this weekend…. Mitch Fatel will be performing live this Saturday at Burned Beard Brewing.
Fatel has been performing stand-up for more than three decades, with appearances on late night television and multiple comedy specials. If you’re in the mood for a night of laughs, good beer, and a full house of locals, this should be a fun one.
Town of Havana Elections Coming Up
Local elections are right around the corner…. the Town of Havana will hold its municipal election on April 28 for Town Council seats 4, 5, 6, and 7.
Councilman Landon Seymour will not be running for re-election this year. John Bryant and Robert Mosby are competing for that seat.
Local elections often have the biggest impact on day-to-day life in a small town like ours, so be sure to mark your calendar and get out and vote.
Havana Garden Club Spring Plant Sale
Garden season is here…. and that means it’s time for the annual Havana Garden Club Spring Plant Sale.
This year’s sale will take place April 11 in front of the Havana Shade Tobacco Museum. If you’re looking for flowers, plants, or something new for the yard, it’s always a great event to check out. The Garden Club usually brings a wide variety of plants and plenty of local gardening knowledge.
Around Town
Spring tends to bring Havana back to life…. markets get busier, gardens start blooming, and more folks are out walking around downtown again. If you’ve been meaning to get out and explore the shops, grab a bite, or just enjoy the weather, this is a great time to do it.
That’s all for this week. If you have a local event, announcement, or community news worth sharing, feel free to let us know.
Town leaders in Havana, Florida reportedly approved early plans for Leaf Lagoon, a tobacco heritage water park celebrating the town’s historic farming roots.
Proposed attractions include:
The Cigar Cutter Drop (a straight-down waterslide) The Shade-Grown Lazy River The Little Leaf Splash Pad for kids
Supporters say the park would combine Havana’s agricultural history with something the area definitely needs during Florida summers: more places to cool off.
Beer Pipeline Proposal from Quincy
In what some are calling the “most efficient transportation plan yet,” local officials are rumored to be studying a direct beverage pipeline from Burned Beard Brewing to thirsty residents across Gadsden County, Florida.
The concept would allow fresh craft beer to be “distributed through underground tap lines.”
Supporters say it would:
Reduce traffic Cut down on growler trips And dramatically improve happiness levels countywide.
Havana Antique District Trolley
There’s also talk of a weekend antique trolley connecting the shops in downtown Havana, Florida with visitors coming from Tallahassee, Florida.
The proposed trolley would run every Saturday and feature:
Antique shopping stops Local history narration And optional “porch sitting breaks” built into the schedule.
Early feedback from locals: “Honestly… we’d ride it.”
Tallahassee Tests “Gator Awareness Zones”
Officials in Tallahassee, Florida are reportedly testing Gator Awareness Zones in parks and greenways.
These zones would include:
Warning signs Gator selfie spots And a proposed “Gator of the Month” educational display.
Because… if you’re going to live in Florida, you might as well lean into it.
Now We Want to Hear From You
Which of these sounds the most believable?
🌴 Havana Water Park 🍺 Beer Pipeline from Burned Beard 🚂 Havana Antique Trolley 🐊 Tallahassee Gator Awareness Zones
Or better yet…. what’s your April Fools rumor for Havana or Gadsden County?
Drop your best idea in the comments and let’s see who can fool the most locals today.
Havana WoodFest 2025 Brings Craft and Community to Life
This past Saturday, Downtown Havana buzzed with creativity and community spirit as Havana WoodFest 2025 unfolded from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.. Organized by Havana Main Street, the festival celebrated artisanal woodworking with stunning handcrafted creations, live demonstrations, and locally sourced food trucks.
Music lovers were treated to the lively sounds of acoustic group Hot Tamale, whose performance added a vibrant rhythm to the festival atmosphere.
In a delightful partnership of style and horsepower, the town also hosted its first-ever car show in conjunction with WoodFest. Antique cars, hot rods, motorcycles, and sports cars lined the streets, offering a nostalgic treat to classic car enthusiasts and families alike. Entry was free, and organizers promised plenty of “food and fun” for all.
Shooting in Havana
The week began with a serious incident Sunday night when Florida State University football player Ethan Pritchard was shot inside a vehicle near Havana Heights Apartments at the corner of 16th Street and South Main Street. He was transported to a local hospital by EMS. The Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office and other agencies are investigating.
Allison Christmas Spectacular Moves to Havana Christmas Tree Farm
For its 18th year, the beloved Allison Christmas Spectacular is relocating from Sandy Creek Road to the scenic Havana Christmas Tree Farm (2867 Florida Georgia Hwy, Havana, FL).
Running Thanksgiving through New Year’s, from 6 PM to 10 PM ET, this free, drive-through experience invites families to enjoy festive sights—now enhanced with 14 arches, 30 mega trees, floating LED ornaments, snowfall effects, and 2,000 giant bottle-cap lights! Tune in live to 102.1 FM during your visit, and feel good doing good—donations (including items for the Charity Drive) are welcomed.
The move comes in response to neighborhood concerns over traffic and safety last season, ensuring this magical tradition remains accessible and community-focused for years to come.
