Sustainability efforts add to this Gulf Coast destination’s appeal
GULF COUNTY, FLORIDA–AUGUST 2023–Gulf County, Florida, is the perfect destination for those looking to nurture their natural side. It is known as a place to go and unwind. A place where the beautiful central Gulf beaches aren’t lined with high rises, but where beach houses dot the coast and everyone has the space to relax, rejuvenate and thrive. That goes for the natives, too. Of all species.
Just two hours southwest of Tallahassee and an hour east of Panama City Beach, Gulf County is home, not only to beautiful beaches, but also to a vast ecosystem filled with a diversity of plants, animals, waters, wetlands and more. All this is the foundation of Gulf County’s beauty and bounty as well as its popularity. And locals are making sure that foundation stays solid by taking care of those resources and sharing their importance and their beauty, with the destination’s many visitors each year.
One of the first things visitors notice, and the thing so many love about Gulf County’s coastline, is its low-rise profile. Construction here is limited to three stories, in order to minimize impacts and preserve views. This is just one of the measures in place to ensure the natural resources here are protected and sustained. There is a Leave No Trace ordinance on all beaches, which means visitors bring all their gear off the beach at the end of each day. A happy consequence for visitors is that these clutter-free beaches are even more beautiful to wake up to each day.
An important reason for the ordinance is to protect endangered sea turtles, large and small, as they navigate the sands. Gulf County is the nesting place for more Loggerhead Sea Turtles than any of Northwest Florida’s other beaches. Beginning each May, mama sea turtles come ashore to nest, laying dozens of eggs. A little more than 60 days later, the hatchlings emerge and make their way to the Gulf waters. To further ensure the safety of both the adult and hatchling turtles, a trained volunteer corps patrols the beaches for new nests, marks and monitors nests and shares information about how everyone plays a role in turtle conservation.
Anyone wanting to support the program is invited to support the local Adopt a Nest program. Around the county, visitors can enjoy stops on the Turtle Trail, filled with selfie spots to enjoy any time of the year. The Forgotten Coast Sea Turtle Center (1001 10th Street, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456) is also busy all year long. A visit to the center is a fun way to learn more about these amazing sea creatures and the staff and volunteers work in a variety of areas including sea turtle research and protection and community education.
Of course, enjoying the waters is a big part of the appeal here and there are plenty of ways to do that responsibly. Fishing or snorkeling aboard T-Man’s Charters (Frank Pate Park, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-227-5802) with Captain Tim, a local who is passionate about sustaining this area’s resources, is a day on the water filled with adventure and a good dose of great stories about growing up here. Happy Ours Kayak & Bike Outpost (775 Cape San Blas Road, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 478-442-8810) makes it easy to get out and paddle the bay waters, offering rentals as well as guided eco trips. And on a nature excursion with About Fun Charters (521 5th Street, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-340-1035), visitors benefit from the experience and education of Captain Charlene, who is a marine biologist in addition to being a boat captain.
Just north of the beach in Wewahitchka, the mysterious waters of the Dead Lakes are lined with Tupelo trees, which give birth to the famous Tupelo Honey, produced locally. Fishing, paddling and birding are popular activities for enjoying these waters and eco tours are available from Off the Map Expeditions (482 Gary Rowell Road, Wewahitchka, Florida 32465; 850-819-3053).
Habitats and species get extra protection in areas such as the T.H. Stone Memorial St Joseph Peninsula State Park (8899 Cape San Blas Road, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-227-1327) and the St. Joseph Bay State Buffer Preserve (3915 State Road #30-A, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-229-1787). Here, recreational opportunities abound for both locals and visitors, but protection of the native plants and animals is the primary mission.
The combination of low-impact development, easy access to the abundance of natural resources and a strong commitment to preserving those resources makes Gulf County’s sustainability efforts just one more reason to visit this relaxing Gulf Coast destination.
Where to Stay
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 beach camping and full hook-up RV sites, is a popular way to enjoy this coastal area, as well.