Havana Hub – Havana, Florida

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Havana This Week: Food, History, Music and a Big Football Saturday

It’s another busy weekend around Havana and Gadsden County, with a little something for everyone… local food, history, live music and a pretty big football game.

Friday is Food Truck Friday in downtown Havana, from 4 to 8 p.m. This week’s lineup includes Big Whipp’s Kitchen. It’s a good excuse to head downtown, grab some dinner and support the local businesses and vendors helping bring some life to Main Street.

Saturday morning at the Havana History & Heritage Museum, Dr. Kathryn L. Beasley will present The Proof Is in the Dough at 10:30 a.m. The presentation explores the lives, foodways, farming and entrepreneurship of rural Southern women in the early 1900s. A Q&A and book signing will follow. The event is free and open to the public.

Over in Quincy, Burned Beard Brewing has live music both Friday and Saturday night. Set Free takes the stage Friday night, followed by the Jimmy Brazen Band on Saturday. Grab some food, a local beer and enjoy some live music close to home.

Then Saturday afternoon, it’s time for some college football.

Florida State takes on Alabama at 3:30 p.m.

FSU is coming off a 31–17 win over Alabama last season, but the Crimson Tide comes into this one ranked No. 10 in the country. Can the Seminoles pull off another upset?

However you spend the weekend, there’s plenty happening close to home.

September 18, 2026
Havana This Week… WoodFest, Vintage Finds, Waterskiing & a Whole Lot More

September 8–13, 2026

If you were thinking about staying home this weekend, you might want to rethink that.

There is a lot happening around Havana and Gadsden County this week, with Havana WoodFest, a vintage market, a major waterski competition, live music, and a Highway 90 treasure hunt all packed into Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

In other words… you have options.

WoodFest takes over downtown Havana

The big one in Havana this weekend is WoodFest 2026, happening Saturday, September 12, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in downtown Havana.

Havana Main Street is turning downtown into an open-air celebration of woodworking, craftsmanship and local creativity, with handmade wood art, furniture, gifts, demonstrations, food and more.

And if you’ve never been to WoodFest before, this isn’t just an event for people who know the difference between a planer and a jointer.

There will be plenty to see, eat and explore, and it’s a pretty good excuse to spend a Saturday walking around downtown Havana and checking out the local shops while you’re there.

WoodFest 2026
Saturday, September 12
10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Downtown Havana

Looking for something you can’t find at Walmart?

Also happening Saturday is the Out of the Attic Vintage Market at the Havana History & Heritage Museum.

The market runs alongside Woodfest and brings vintage and antique vendors onto the museum grounds. Be sure to catch, Doering’s Doughs inside soaking up the A/C and selling some delicious breads and sweets.

So yes, you can absolutely make a morning of it.

Grab some breakfast, go hunting for something you didn’t know you needed, walk downtown for WoodFest, grab lunch and do some shopping around Havana.

That’s a pretty solid Saturday.

Meanwhile, heading towards Quincy… the water is going to be moving

If you’ve never watched professional waterskiing in person, this is your chance.

The S-Lines Lake 38 Pro-Am returns to Lake 38 in Quincy on Saturday and Sunday, September 12–13.

The event brings elite professional slalom skiers from around the world to Gadsden County for a weekend of competition.

And perhaps the best part for spectators?

It’s free.

S-Lines Lake 38 Pro-Am
September 12–13
Lake 38, Quincy
Free admission

It’s one of those events that sounds a little unusual until you actually watch it… and then you understand why people get hooked.

Friday night: Anna Wescoat at Burned Beard

Before Saturday gets rolling, you can kick off the weekend Friday night at Burned Beard Brewing in Quincy with Anna Wescoat.

It’s a good excuse to grab some food, have a drink and listen to some live music without having to drive all the way into Tallahassee.

And if you’re already planning to spend Saturday in Havana or at Lake 38, Friday night gives you one more reason to start the weekend early.

And then there’s Flea Across Florida

If digging through old stuff looking for something awesome is your idea of a good time, don’t overlook Flea Across Florida.

The Highway 90 treasure hunt is happening Friday and Saturday, with Padgett’s Jewelers in downtown Quincy participating from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days.

The whole idea is basically a giant roadside treasure hunt… antiques, collectibles, yard-sale finds and those completely random things you didn’t know you needed until you saw them sitting on a table for five bucks.

You know how this works.

You leave the house looking for one thing and come home with six things you absolutely cannot explain.

So what’s the plan?

Honestly, Saturday could be a pretty great Gadsden County day without going very far.

Start in Havana for the Out of the Attic Vintage Market.

Stick around for WoodFest.

Grab lunch and wander through downtown.

Then head toward Quincy and check out Lake 38… or make Flea Across Florida your excuse to explore along Highway 90.

And if you still have energy left, there’s always Sunday.

Because this weekend is a pretty good reminder that you don’t necessarily have to drive to Tallahassee to find something interesting to do.

There’s a lot going on right here at home.

If you’re going to one of these events, tell us what you’re looking forward to… and if we missed something happening around Havana or Gadsden County this weekend, let us know in the comments so we can add it.

September 8, 2026
Gadsden County Was Once Much, Much Bigger

If you look at a map of Gadsden County, Florida today, it seems pretty straightforward. Quincy. Havana. Chattahoochee. Greensboro. Gretna. Midway. A relatively small county tucked between Leon County and the Apalachicola River.

But that wasn’t always Gadsden County.

Not even close.

When Gadsden County was created on June 24, 1823, it was the fifth county established in Florida. And the county created that day covered a huge portion of what we now think of as North Florida. Its original boundaries stretched from Georgia to the Gulf of Mexico and from the Suwannee River west to the Apalachicola River.

That’s a lot of territory.

Gadsden Before Florida Was a State

There’s another interesting piece of the story: when Gadsden County was created, Florida wasn’t a state yet.

Florida had only recently become a U.S. territory, and its government was still being organized. Counties were being created to bring some structure to a territory that was still largely frontier.

Gadsden was carved out of Jackson County and named for James Gadsden, a military officer who had served with Andrew Jackson and later became a planter and member of Florida’s territorial legislature.

For a short time, the new county even included the area that would become Florida’s territorial capital.

Then things changed quickly.

A County Begins to Shrink

On December 29, 1824, just a year and a half after Gadsden County was created, the territorial legislature established Leon County from Gadsden and Duval counties.

That meant the area that would become Tallahassee and much of present-day Leon County was no longer part of Gadsden. And Gadsden wouldn’t stop losing territory there.

In 1832, Franklin County was created from portions of Gadsden and Washington counties. In 1855, Liberty County was created from Gadsden. There were additional boundary exchanges and adjustments over the years.

Eventually, the enormous county created in 1823 became the much smaller Gadsden County we recognize today.

Interestingly, the boundary story didn’t end in the 1800s. Gadsden and neighboring counties continued to make smaller boundary adjustments into the 20th century, including a 1933 change involving the Ochlockonee River and Leon County.

Meanwhile, Communities Were Taking Shape

As the county and its boundaries evolved, so did the communities inside it. Quincy was incorporated in 1828 and became the county seat.

Agriculture became an important part of the local economy, with crops such as cotton, sugar cane and tobacco playing significant roles in the county’s early history. Later, shade tobacco became particularly important to the Havana area.

The communities we recognize today didn’t all develop at the same time, and each has its own story. That’s part of what makes Gadsden County’s history so interesting. The county isn’t simply one story… it’s a collection of stories that developed alongside one another as Florida changed.

And those stories go back much further than 1823.

Native peoples had lived in this region long before the creation of Gadsden County or the arrival of American territorial government. The early years of the county were also marked by conflict on the Florida frontier, including raids associated with Creek and Seminole groups.

The map may have changed, but the people and communities that shaped this place continued to leave their mark.

So How Big Was Gadsden County?

Here’s the part that’s fun to remember.

The next time you’re sitting in Havana, driving through Quincy, or heading west toward the Apalachicola River, you’re looking at only a fraction of the territory that once carried the name Gadsden County.

Land that is now part of Leon County was once Gadsden County. Parts of today’s Franklin and Liberty counties were once Gadsden County, too. So the next time you cross the county line into Gadsden County, remember…

You’re entering a county that once stretched all the way from Georgia to the Gulf between the Apalachicola and Suwannee Rivers.

August 25, 2026
Havana This Week… Food Trucks, Markets, and the Rodeo..

If you’ve been looking for a reason to get out of the house this weekend, Gadsden County has you covered.

Things get started Friday evening right here in Havana with Food Truck Friday. From 4 to 8 p.m., downtown Havana will come alive with food trucks, local folks and plenty of opportunities to grab dinner while supporting the businesses and people who help make our downtown special. It’s become a great way to kick off the weekend, so bring the family, grab some food and enjoy a little time downtown.

Then, on Saturday morning, it’s time for the Havana Market. The market runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., giving you plenty of time to browse local vendors, find something you didn’t know you needed, pick up something good to eat and support some of the small businesses and makers in our area.

And if you’re looking for a little more excitement Friday or Saturday night, you won’t have to go far.

The Big Bend Rodeo returns to Quincy this weekend, with the gates opening at 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and the rodeo getting underway at 8 p.m. It’s always a big weekend for the area, bringing folks from around Gadsden County and beyond together for a night of rodeo action.

If you’re heading to the rodeo, make plans to turn it into a full night out. Burned Beard Brewing in downtown Quincy will be open until midnight both Friday and Saturday, with live music each night. Stop in before the rodeo for some Brews & Bites, or come by afterward and keep the evening going.

Don’t forget about GCHS Jaguars will be heading to Wakulla for a 7pm football game.

From Food Truck Friday in Havana, to the Havana Market Saturday morning, to the Big Bend Rodeo and a night of live music in Quincy, there’s plenty happening right here in our corner of Gadsden County.

So get out, support local, see some familiar faces and maybe discover a new favorite along the way.

That’s This Week in Havana.

August 19, 2026
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.
April 29, 2026
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.

April 16, 2026
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

April 9, 2026
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.

April 4, 2026
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.

September 8, 2025
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

August 18, 2025