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, and 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 New 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!
Visit GulfChamber.org and MexicoBeach.com for more information.
Some excellent establishments to visit:
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
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
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
Carol Erwin, Broker
Forgotten Coast Realty of NW Florida
Genuine • Diligent • Professional
The greatest compliment you can receive is a referral
to your friends, family and colleagues.
(850) 819-1205 cell | (850) 648-3000 office | carol@buytheforgottencoast.net
710 U.S. Highway 98, Mexico Beach, FL 32456
Dave Warriner, Realtor
Coastal Realty Group
Coming to the Forgotten Coast? Meet your new best friend. Dave can show you
where to eat, where to stay and where to live.
Apalachicola – Cape San Blas – Carrabelle – Eastpoint – Mexico Beach Port St. Joe – St. George Island – Wewahitchka
Serving all of Franklin, Gulf and Bay Counties in the Panhandle of Florida
(850) 227-6498 | davew.crg@gmail.com
1252 Cape San Blas Road, Port St. Joe, FL 32456
gulfcoastalproperties.com | coastalrealtyinfo.com
Brian Burkett, Broker/Owner
Coastal Realty Group
Coastal Realty Group is the number one real estate company on the
Forgotten Coast for 2023! We will find your piece of paradise.
Call or text (850) 238-7484 | bburkett@coastalrealitycsb.com
1252 Cape San Blas Road, Port St. Joe, FL 32456
gulfcoastalproperties.com | coastalrealtyinfo.com
Goin’ Coastal PSJ
Goin’ Coastal (formerly Bellou2) showcases the most amazing coastal art, furniture, jewelry, clothing, gifts & oddities on the Forgotten Coast! Open Monday, Tuesday, Saturday 10-5; Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 10-6; Sunday 11-3 (seasonal).
103 Reid Ave, Port Saint Joe, FL 33456
(850) 899-9129 | goin.coastalpsj@yahoo.com
Mexico Beach Marina + Outfitters
You don’t want to leave Mexico Beach without stopping in and saying hi! Our Marina’s General Beach Country Store has everything you need for your fishing trip to Mexico Beach. Whether you plan to surf, inshore, kayak, or offshore fish, we can help you get set up with everything you need…..rod and reel combos (including Penn, Shimano, Lews, Star, and Crowder Rods), bait (frozen and live), tackle, non-ethanol gas and more.
3904 U.S. Highway 98, Mexico Beach, FL 32456 | (850) 648-8900
www.mexicobeachmarina.com
Shell Shack
This part of the Panhandle was largely destroyed by Hurricane Michael in October 2018 and so you will see a lot of newer buildings around Mexico Beach. Shell Shack itself is housed in a newer structure but one that pays homage to its name and legacy. And it is quite the legacy! Shell Shack has been in operation since 1965 under the same family name. It took them two years to rebuild following Hurricane Michael, but business is booming as it has once again become a staple stop for both locals and guests thanks to its mix of offerings. Shell Shack is a truly multi-faceted business that is part souvenir shop, part beach store, and part fish market. Whatever you’re looking for at first, we’re sure you’ll find yourself fascinated by the options at this Mexico Beach business.
710 U.S. Highway 98, Mexico Beach, FL 32456 | (850) 648-8256
