**Summary:**Florida's Apalachicola Bay, once a thriving oyster hub, was closed in 2020 due to critically low populations. After five years, the bay is set to reopen for wild oyster harvesting on January 1, 2026, offering hope for the region's historic working waterfront. The closure had a devastating impact on the local economy and way of life for generations of commercial fishermen. The decline was due to various factors, including drought, water rights disputes, overharvesting, habitat loss, and hurricanes. Despite concerns that regulations might be too restrictive, the reopening is a step towards restoring a vital part of Florida's heritage and economy.

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