FWC cancels public meeting on flathead catfish in DeFuniak Springs due to potential tropical storm impacts

Florida – The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has cancelled a public meeting scheduled for October 9 in DeFuniak Springs, citing safety concerns related to the potential effects of Tropical Storm Isaias.

The meeting was originally planned to address flathead catfish in rivers throughout Florida’s Panhandle region. However, wildlife officials decided to cancel the gathering as a precaution because of possible weather-related impacts.

According to the FWC, the decision was made with public safety in mind, as conditions associated with the tropical storm could create concerns for people planning to attend.

The agency emphasized that the cancellation is a precautionary measure rather than a permanent end to the planned public discussion.

Although the October 9 meeting will no longer take place as scheduled, the FWC intends to organize another meeting at a later date.

A replacement date and time have not yet been determined.

Officials said updated information will be announced once the agency finalizes arrangements for the rescheduled meeting.

The original gathering was intended to focus on flathead catfish in Panhandle rivers, providing an opportunity for public discussion about the species.

With the meeting postponed, residents and others interested in the subject will need to wait for further announcements before making plans to attend.

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The FWC has not provided additional details about the format or location of the future meeting beyond its intention to reschedule.

In the meantime, the agency is encouraging the public to stay informed about the operating status of its offices, recreational facilities, and managed areas.

People planning to visit FWC properties can check for closures or changes in access through the agency’s official website.

Current information about whether FWC offices, facilities, and wildlife management areas are open or closed is available at MyFWC.com.

Visitors should select the “WMA OPEN/CLOSED STATUS” option to review the latest notices.

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The information may be particularly useful for residents and visitors making outdoor plans while potential storm impacts remain a concern.

For now, the October 9 public meeting in DeFuniak Springs remains cancelled, and anyone interested in the flathead catfish discussion should watch for a future announcement from the FWC.

The agency has not indicated when the replacement meeting date will be released.

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