It is with the greatest pleasure that we announce the nuptials of Miss Alexandria Shianne de la Cruz, of Coral Springs, granddaughter of Dr. Luis Ivar de la Cruz and Mrs. Gladys Marina de la Cruz, of Miami, to Mr. Christopher James Aitken, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, son of Dr. Percy William Aitken and Mrs. Ilsen Aitken, of Miami.The Sacrament of Holy Matrimony was conferred upon the couple on Christmas Eve at St. Patrick Catholic Church, where Father Roger Latosynski celebrated the Nuptial Mass.Mr. Aitken, a gentleman of co...
It is with the greatest pleasure that we announce the nuptials of Miss Alexandria Shianne de la Cruz, of Coral Springs, granddaughter of Dr. Luis Ivar de la Cruz and Mrs. Gladys Marina de la Cruz, of Miami, to Mr. Christopher James Aitken, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, son of Dr. Percy William Aitken and Mrs. Ilsen Aitken, of Miami.
The Sacrament of Holy Matrimony was conferred upon the couple on Christmas Eve at St. Patrick Catholic Church, where Father Roger Latosynski celebrated the Nuptial Mass.
Mr. Aitken, a gentleman of considerable intellect and accomplishment, holds a degree in the computer sciences from the University of Florida. He is well known for his musical sensibility, being proficient in the piano, the guitar, and the charango.
Miss de la Cruz, a lady of varied interests and charitable spirit, serves as secretary to the Apalachicola Tree Committee and holds the position of directress of the Native Flora Society. She has a great appreciation for antiquities, fine architecture, and the beauties of the natural world.
The bride and groom received with joyful anticipation the presence of their most beloved guest, Mawmaw, Mrs. Betty Claudette Manes, of Hollywood. The couple also held dear in their hearts the memory of the late Mr. Donald James Manes who was present in spirit.
The couple enjoyed a honeymoon in Portugal, Spain and Morocco. They reside in Apalachicola.
Apalachicola is enhancing its natural beauty and ecological resilience of Lafayette Park through a new tree planting initiative.
The project, which featured planting 34 native trees from a range of species, was made possible by a grant from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Lafayette Park, a four-acre green space that borders Apalachicola Bay, is a community asset known for its stunning views and serene atmosphere.
“The new native trees are expected to provide a healthier, more storm-resistant environment and further enhance the park’s appeal for both residents and visitors,” said Leslie Glaze, the city’s grant and contract manager.
City officials expressed gratitude for the state funding, noting the importance of such projects in maintaining the area’s unique “old Florida” character and natural habitats. The effort aligns with broader regional initiatives to promote environmental stewardship and native species restoration across Florida, said Glaze.
The project, part of a continuing effort to improve the park’s resources and environmental quality, will help conserve water, and enhance the environment by improving air quality and reducing heat, she said.
“The specific species selected are native to the region, ensuring they are well-adapted to the local climate and beneficial to the native wildlife,” Glaze said.