The Lost City on the “Forgotten Coast”
By Jack Smith
Port St. Joe is a riddle wrapped in a strange history. It’s also one of the best-kept secrets in the state and one of the prettiest towns you’ll ever visit. Founded in 1835 as a deepwater port and linked to inland destinations by rail, St. Joseph, aka Port St. Joe, became an important commercial hub in the early 1800s, for a time the largest city in the state of Florida. In 1838, delegates arrived to draw up the first State Constitution in the years leading up to Florida’s admission as a state in 1845. But the town’s boom ended swiftly: yellow fever swept through the town in 1841, and a hurricane storm surge a few years later wiped out what remained. The once prosperous town of 12,000 was reduced to only 500 residents. By the mid-1800s, Port St. Joe was a virtual ghost town. It wasn’t until 1909 when a new rail track was laid and a new town founded that life began to return to the region.
When walking down Port St. Joe’s main street these days, one wouldn’t be surprised to run into Barney or Aunt Bee shopping in a local market. Though there’s plenty of charm in town, the Cape San Blas area boasts one of the most beautiful stretches of beaches in America and shouldn’t be missed. The “Forgotten Coast” is a name the local chamber of commerce came up with after the paper mill closed to generate some much-needed hype. Many of the permanent residents wish the forgotten coast would remain just that: “forgotten.“ But after several visits, I’ve concluded that “Unforgettable Coast” might hit closer to the mark.
Finding Magic on the “Forgotten Coast”
By Jack Smith
In the past, you’d wake up in Mexico Beach and swear it was 1955. The town that time forgot got remembered at 1 p.m., October 10, 2018, as Hurricane Michael came ashore, a category five storm packing winds of 160 mph. Today Mexico Beach is undergoing a mammoth revitalization effort seldom seen on the Forgotten Coast. Its old-world charm is being replaced with brick-and-mortar buildings built to withstand 175 mph winds and rain. The “New” Mexico Beach is a blend of modern-day amenities and classic old-world Florida, a little slice of paradise featuring white sand beaches, turquoise water, and some of the most downhome people you’ll ever meet. This little town casts the sort of spell on visitors that keeps them coming back year after year. Mexico Beach sits right on the line separating Eastern and Central time zones and offers one of the most unique News Year’s Celebrations in the country. Celebrate twice, once in Port St. Joe, and then take the free shuttle to Mexico Beach to ring in the new year again an hour later. Not bad for a town with no stoplights!
Be sure to visit:
Emerald Coast Jewelry
This wonderful shop has one-of-a-kind items. There is also a jeweler on site who can size your jewelry or add your charm on the spot. The jewelry designs are beautiful and remind you of your visit to the area. The staff is warm and friendly, and has a “good eye” to help you pick what looks just right.
234 Reid Ave, Port St Joe, FL 32456
(850) 229-2500
Cape Tradin’ Post
Located on beautiful Cape San Blas, the Cape Trading Post offers you a full line of groceries, fresh meats, produce, souvenirs, beer, wine and a fully-stocked liquor store. We have just about anything you may need to make your visit enjoyable. Come by for breakfast, lunch, and even dinner! Enjoy your vacation, leave the cooking to us.
4975 Cape San Blas Rd., Port St Joe, FL 32456
(850) 229-8775 | capetradingpost.com
Magnolias Boutique
A must visit when you are in Port St. Joe! Magnolias is a cute boutique featuring trendy clothing and accessories. Find unique clothing and enjoy an atmosphere usually found in major fashion markets.
228 Reid Ave, Port St Joe, FL 32456
(850) 340-0374
Sparks Bar-B-Que & Brew
“Best BBQ in Port St. Joe”
Locally owned barbecue & brew. Our meats are smoked on an “Ole Hickory Pit” which allows our pit-master to create crafted smoked barbecue meats. Our goal is to create high-quality smoked meats in our area and provide exceptional customer service.
218 Reid Ave. Port Saint Joe, FL 32456
(850) 899-9136 | psjbbq.com
Shirley Southern Boutique
A fashion-forward boutique featuring unique clothing, accessories, home decor, gifts and rarities.
230 Reid Ave, Port St Joe, FL 32456
(850) 705-1324
Mango Marley’s
Welcome To The Coolest Place On Mexico Beach!
Mango Marley’s is the coolest place on Mexico Beach! We offer family friendly fun and we’re open 7 days a week. Bring the family and enjoy our arcade, full bar, and delicious food! Mango Marley’s was opened in 2007 by Cathy & Steve Johnson from Valdosta, GA. In July of 2017 Mango Marley’s celebrated 10 years on the beach! It’s been an exciting 10 years and we are ready for 10 more!
3102 U.S. Highway 98, Mexico Beach, FL 32456
(850) 648-5000 | mangomarleys.com
Driftwood Inn
It’s been a long road back from the 2018 hurricane, but the Driftwood Inn has been rebuilt to its former glory. The new design keeps the same theme and style you’ve enjoyed in the past, but with updated amenities that will make your stay with us even more special. We invite you to see what we’ve built and be part of a tradition so many families have enjoyed over the past 50 years.
2105 U.S. Highway 98, Mexico Beach, FL 32456
(850) 648-5126 | www.driftwoodinn.com
Mexico Beach Market
Need groceries? We have what you need, and we’ll get what you want! Meats, produce, frozen foods and more.
625 Paradise Cove Blvd, Mexico Beach, FL 32456
(850) 771-1168
Shipwreck Raw Bar
Serving the best oysters on the planet along with fried, steamed, and
baked seafood delights and steaks. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
7008 W U.S. Highway 98, Mexico Beach, FL 32456
(850) 647-5050
