Havana Hub – Havana, Florida

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  • Bryant Elected to Havana Town Council; Swearing-In Set for April 30

    Bryant Elected to Havana Town Council; Swearing-In Set for April 30

    Havana voters have selected a new representative for Town Council Group 4 following the April 28 municipal election.

    John N. Bryant was elected with 78.85% of the vote, defeating Robert Mosby, who received 21.15%. The seat was previously held by Councilman Landon Seymour.

    Bryant brings decades of experience in public service to the role, including more than 40 years in policy, management, legislative, and budget work with the State of Florida. He is also a graduate of the University of West Florida and has pursued graduate studies in public health.

    In pre-election responses, Bryant said his decision to run was rooted in a desire to serve the community in a more formal capacity, citing his involvement as a local volunteer and his connection to Havana.

    Key Issues Identified During the Campaign

    During the campaign, Bryant pointed to several ongoing challenges facing Havana, including:

    • Aging water and sewer infrastructure
    • Support for fire and police services
    • Access to healthcare and community services
    • The need to recruit and retain a qualified town manager

    He also emphasized the importance of maintaining relationships with local businesses and seeking additional funding sources such as grants to support town operations.

    Mosby, a military veteran who moved to Havana in 2017, focused on community involvement and expressed interest in playing a role in shaping the town’s direction.

    Swearing-In and Upcoming Decisions

    According to a notice from the Town of Havana, a Special Council Meeting is scheduled for April 30 at 6:00 PM at Town Hall (711 N. Main Street).

    The meeting agenda includes:

    • Swearing in council members for seats 4, 6, and 7
    • Appointment of a council member to fill Seat 5
    • Selection of the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem for the coming year

    All meetings are open to the public.

    What Comes Next

    With the Group 4 race decided, attention now turns to the vacant Seat 5 position. While no official action has been taken, Robert Mosby may be considered for appointment, with a decision expected during the upcoming council meeting.

    Bryant is expected to be sworn in at that meeting and begin his term immediately following.

    Havana Hub extends congratulations to John N. Bryant on his election and looks forward to covering the work of the Town Council in the months ahead.

  • Havana This Week: Seafood, Safety, and Sold-Out Music

    Havana This Week: Seafood, Safety, and Sold-Out Music

    There’s a lot happening around Gadsden County and Havana this week… from a new seafood spot opening its doors to a sold-out night of live music and some new tools to help keep our community safe.

    Here’s what’s going on around town.

    Grant’s Crabs 850 Opens in Havana

    It’s officially go time, Havana.

    Grant’s Crabs 850 is opening early so you don’t have to wait.

    Soft Opening
    Wednesday, April 16
    Thursday, April 17

    Grand Opening
    Saturday, April 18

    Located at 309 S Main Street, Grant’s Crabs 850 will be serving a full menu featuring fresh blue crabs, shrimp, corn, and potatoes loaded up and covered in their signature “Stuttah Buttah.”

    If seafood is your thing, you may want to stop by and check them out this week.

    New Safety Message Trailers Arrive

    The Havana Police Department recently received some new portable message sign trailers that will help share safety messaging around town.

    According to Town Manager Kendrah Wilkerson, the trailers were made possible thanks to grant funding secured by Chief Kenny Lewis.

    Thank you as well to the Town of Havana crews who helped unload and get everything set up.

    The trailers will be used to display traffic alerts, safety reminders, and other important messages for the community.

    Anna’s Sold-Out Show at Burned Beard

    It’s going to be a packed house at Burned Beard Brewing this week as the talented Anna Wescoat performs to a sold-out crowd.

    This show is the first in a series of fundraising concerts Anna is hosting this year to help support the release of new music.

    She’ll be joined by friends and fellow local musicians Keal Franklin and Eric Durrance.

    Wescoat says, “So grateful to have a place like Burned Beard Brewing in our community, they are so supportive of local music and original music at that, and I’m thrilled to be able to support them in turn by holding this show at their restaurant.”

    Tickets for the show sold out quickly, but you can still get involved through a raffle for a signed guitar. Reach out to Anna on Facebook for more information.

    Spring Fling

    The First Presbyterian Church of Havana at 213 First Ave. NE is having it’s Spring Fling with live music and skits April 19th at 5:00pm – Enjoy a covered dish dinner after the entertainment.

    Around Town

    Spring is in full swing in Gadsden County… and with new businesses opening, live music filling the air, and community improvements rolling out, there’s plenty going on around town.

    If you have events, announcements, or local happenings you’d like included in a future edition of Havana This Week, send them our way.

    We’ll see you around town, Havana.

  • Havana This Week – Out and About in Spring

    Havana This Week – Out and About in Spring

    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.

    See you next Thursday.

    Havana Hub

  • Havana, Florida… History, Community, and a Small Town Worth Exploring

    Havana, Florida… History, Community, and a Small Town Worth Exploring

    Located just north of Tallahassee is Havana, Florida… this small town in Gadsden County has built a reputation as one of the most unique communities in North Florida. Known for its historic downtown, antique shops, art galleries, and local events, Havana continues to attract visitors looking for a slower pace and a little character.

    While it may be small, Havana has a long and interesting history…and a community that continues to shape its future.

    Havana’s Roots in Tobacco Farming

    Like much of Gadsden County, Havana’s early growth was closely tied to the shade tobacco industry. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, tobacco farms covered much of the surrounding area, producing wrapper tobacco used in premium cigars.

    During those years, Havana became an important center for farming, processing, and trade. Warehouses, packing houses, and local businesses supported the agricultural economy, helping the town grow into a busy small community.

    Even today, parts of that history remain visible around town…from historic buildings to the layout of the original downtown streets.

    A Downtown Full of Character

    As the tobacco industry declined later in the twentieth century, Havana gradually reinvented itself.

    The historic buildings that once served agricultural businesses found new life as antique shops, galleries, cafés, and boutiques. Over time, the town developed a reputation as an antique and arts destination for visitors coming from nearby cities like Tallahassee as well as South Georgia, Alabama, and beyond.

    Today, walking through downtown Havana means finding something different in nearly every storefront…antiques, artwork, vintage décor, handmade goods, and locally owned shops that give the town its personality.

    Community Events and Local Life

    Havana also keeps its small-town spirit alive through regular community events.

    Seasonal festivals, monthly markets, and local gatherings bring residents and visitors together throughout the year. These events help support local businesses while keeping the town active and welcoming.

    It’s part of what makes Havana stand out…people still gather, talk, and support the businesses that make the community unique.

    Looking Ahead for Havana

    Like many small towns across North Florida, Havana continues to evolve while holding onto the qualities that make it special.

    Its proximity to Tallahassee makes it an easy destination for day trips, while its historic charm continues to attract artists, entrepreneurs, and visitors looking for something a little different.

    With a strong sense of community and a growing interest in small-town destinations, Havana remains one of the hidden gems of Gadsden County.

    Happy Easter from Havana Hub

    As spring arrives and gardens across town begin to bloom, we’d also like to wish all Havana Hub members and readers a Happy Easter.

    Thank you for supporting local events, businesses, and the stories that make Havana such a special place to live and visit. We’re glad you’re part of the community…and we look forward to sharing more from around town in the weeks ahead.

  • Havana this Week – The Bad and the Good

    Havana this Week – The Bad and the Good

    Havana, Florida — A Week in Review

    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.

  • Havana This Week – Good News All Around!

    Havana This Week – Good News All Around!

    HPD Golf Tournament – Big thanks to everyone who teed off Friday at Havana Golf & Country Club to support our Police Department’s new Public Safety Building. A fun round of golf and a whole lot of community spirit!

    Prescription for Care – Renovations can begin soon at Havana Medical Center as we welcome Dr. Cameron Browning. Every donation helps modernize this vital community resource.

    Grand Openings This Weekend –

    Personali-Tee opens Saturday at 10 a.m. – stop by and check out their custom creations!

    Sist3r Chicks Sandwich Shop (204 NW 1st St.) celebrates their Grand Opening Saturday, Aug. 16 with a Ribbon Cutting at 10 a.m., a Prize Wheel, and a $50 Gift Card Drawing. Open 10 a.m.–4 p.m. — and yes, the chicken salad is worth the hype!



    Back-to-School Giveaway – Last weekend, Blessings of Hope Empowerment Outreach hosted their annual school supply giveaway at the Carver Heights Senior Citizens Building, helping local students start the year prepared and confident

  • Welcome to the Havana Hub News Section!

    Welcome to the Havana Hub News Section!

    We’re excited to announce the launch of a brand-new feature on HavanaHubFL.com — our News Section!

    Here, you’ll find a mix of lighthearted community stories, important local updates, and thoughtful perspectives from people right here in Havana, Florida. Our goal is to keep our neighbors informed, inspired, and connected.

    In addition to reporting, we’re opening the door for public voices and editorials. We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to share their thoughts and ideas, and this space will give our community just that.

    Do you love to write? Have a story to tell? We’re looking for contributors! If you’re interested in writing for Havana Hub, please reach out to us at havanahubfl@gmail.com — we’d love to hear from you.

    This is just the beginning, and we can’t wait to grow this section with your input and stories. Together, we’ll keep Havana informed and engaged.