Enjoying and protecting coastal resources
GULF COUNTY, FLORIDA–MAY 2022–In a place called Gulf County, Florida, one would expect the focus to be on the water. And yes, in this laid-back destination on the central northern Gulf Coast, water is a super star. But it isn’t the only super star. Gulf waters, bays and inlets, rivers and inland lakes are all stars here. As are the white sand beaches, the protected coastal lands and the native flora and fauna of the region. Because here, just two hours southwest of Tallahassee and an hour east of Panama City Beach, they are wild about nature. And locals and visitors alike are encouraged to focus on protecting the wealth of natural resources they enjoy every day.
That dedication to protection is never more evident than in May of each year, across the county. And May is only one example. From one end of the county to another, all year long, the beaches, waters, animals and plant life are protected, so generations to come can continue the tradition of enjoying all the good-natured fun Gulf County has to offer.
On the Gulf beaches, May signals the start of sea turtle nesting season. Each year, from May through October, massive mama sea turtles come ashore to nest. They lay dozens of eggs and those hatchlings make their way to the water roughly two months later. To ensure the safety of both the adult and hatchling turtles, a trained volunteer corps patrols the beaches for new nests, marks and monitor nests and shares information about how everyone plays a role in turtle conservation. All year long, the Forgotten Coast Sea Turtle Center (1001 10th Street, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456) works in all areas of education and preservation of these amazing marine creatures. There’s even a Turtle Trail throughout Gulf County that’s a favorite selfie spot any time of the year.
Just up the road, Wewahitchka is home to the beautiful Dead Lakes known as a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and also for one of the most concentrated strands of Tupelo trees in the country. Each spring, these trees bloom and attract beekeepers who bring hives of bees to harvest the golden delicacy that will become the next crop of much sought-after Tupelo Honey. The community celebrates with the Tupelo Honey Festival each May, but the beauty of the Dead Lakes, from Tupelo and cypress trees to eagles’ nests to bountiful waters, can be enjoyed in any season. Fishing, paddling and birding are popular activities all year long and eco tours are available from Off the Map Expeditions (482 Gary Rowell Road, Wewahitchka, Florida 32465; 850-819-3053). The newly re-opened Dead Lakes RV Campground (482 Gary Rowell Road, Wewahitchka, Florida 32465; 850-340-0645) offers a beautiful setting for overnight visitors and Dead Lakes Park has a fishing pier, bike trail, a playground and pavilion, in addition to a boat ramp.
Those who love this place also love the balance here between protection and public access. Along the coast there are many protected areas offering access to the beaches and beyond:
St. Joseph Bay State Buffer Preserve (3915 State Road #30-A, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-229-1787) spans acres of unmatched coastal habitats. The preserve has multi-use trails for hiking, biking, birding and more. There are four access points to the trails system. Guided tram tours are also available.
St. Vincent Island is part of the St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge (850-653-8808) and is a protected barrier island accessible only by private boat or ferry service (St. Vincent Island Shuttle Services, 690 Indian Pass Road, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-229-1065). It lies just offshore from Indian Pass and comprises thousands of acres of protected coastal landscape. Here, miles of natural beaches and inland habitat welcome those who want to truly get away from it all. This is home to a variety of shorebirds, raptors, alligators, deer and more, and is popular for wildlife viewing, hiking, bicycling, kayaking, fishing and nature photography.
T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park (8899 Cape San Blas Road, Port St. Joe Florida 32456; 850-227-1327) is located at the tip of Cape San Blas and has been recognized as America’s Best State Park and one of the most popular outdoor destinations in the entire Florida State Park system. There is a day-use, walk-on beach access, a boat ramp, public restrooms and a covered picnic area.
Gulf County also has an impressive list of local public parks. From boat and kayak launches to beach and lake accesses to veteran memorials overlooking the water, there are lots of options for getting out to enjoy, appreciate and protect the natural resources that are the heart of this popular coastal destination.
If you go
Gulf County has a wide array of lodging choices to fit any group’s needs. There are vacation rental homes of all sizes and inns and cottages, each with a character all its own. Camping, both primitive camping and full hook-up RV sites, is a popular way to enjoy this coastal area, as well.
The dining options range from enjoying a family meal “at home” with provisions from Cape Trading Post (4975 Cape San Blas Road, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-229-8775) to dining out at one of the many fine restaurants in the area. Of course, seafood is a favorite here. Try the option that fits your group’s vibe.