The Northwest Florida Gulf Coast Beekeepers Association is hosting its first annual workshop on Saturday, March 28, 2015 at Florosa Elementary School, 1700 Highway 98, Mary Esther. Open to the public, the eight hour event will feature hands-on demonstrations of how to raise bees, collect honey, and build beehives. Guest speakers will include Doug Corbin, retired state apiary inspector; Andrew Finch, Florida State Apiary Inspector, Dorothy Lee, Escambia County Extension Office, Dr. Russell Mizell, Professor of Entomology at the University of Florida; Dr. David Westervelt, Apiary Inspection Assistant Chief of the Florida Department of Agriculture, as well as speakers from the NWF GC Beekeepers Association. The topics will include introduction of beekeeping, honey and the cottage food industry law in Florida, and understanding bee behavior.

Registration for the 8:00 am – 4:00 pm event begins at 7:00 am. $30 registration fee per person includes up to two members per household. $10 per child age 10 and under. Register before March 21, 2015 and receive a $10 discount. Registration fee also includes a lunch fish fry. Contact Tracy Tucker at 850-292-4530 or Lessie Hostillo at 850-830-0468 or sea3horse@cox.net for more information. You can also visit The NWF Gulf Coast Beekeepers Association website at www.nwfgcba.com.

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