I’m not a Florida native, but I’ve spent the majority of my life living along the Gulf Coast from Biloxi, MS to here in Panama City and points in between like Niceville and Shalimar, FL.
Over the last several years I’ve been blessed and fortunate enough to spend time fishing and exploring areas along the “Forgotten Coast.”
The “Forgotten Coast” is a registered trademark, coined in the early 1990s, by the Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce. This relatively quiet, undeveloped section of coastline stretches from Mexico Beach on the Gulf of Mexico to St. Marks on Apalachee Bay and encompasses the coastal communities of Mexico Beach, Port St. Joe, Cape San Blas, Indian Pass, Apalachicola, Eastpoint, Carrabelle, Lanark Village, Alligator Point, Panacea and Shell Point.
Most local readers are likely well aware of the things to do in these areas, especially the fishing.
Saltwater fishing, inshore and offshore, is the most popular quest and possibly the best in the world, but the Apalachicola River offers some great freshwater action as well for bass, bream, stripers and catfish…all those species grow big in this river which flows into the Gulf of Mexico and comprises the most ecological diverse natural area in the southern U. S. More on this “jewel” another day.
If you’re in a hurry, this is not the place for you. Saddle up to one of the many local oyster bars found here and enjoy a dozen raw and a cold beer and get to know the guy next to you. The seafood is as fresh and good as it gets anywhere, and the fishing tales are epic! (Full disclosure; not all are true.)
If you enjoy cruising in your boat, try sailing from Carrabelle to Panama City Beach via the Intracoastal Waterway. Take in the beauty along the St. George Sound, Apalachicola Bay and River, Jackson River, Lake Wimico, St. Joe Bay and St. Andrews Bay. Stop in at the Port St. Joe Marina and see what makes this such an incredible place to visit or stay.
If you’ve thought about living in paradise or owning property in this area, contact the Peevy Team with Coastal Realty Group at 850-227-7777 or log onto CallThePeevys.com; these guys are the experts! Special to note – Matt Peevy has been featured recently on HGTV’s Beach Hunters and How Close Can I Beach. It seems odd that I’d express my appreciation of the solitude this area offers and point you in the direction of a good Realtor, but I expect if you’re the type that appreciates what this area has to offer, then you’re okay in my book and these communities will welcome you as well.
Florida’s Forgotten Coast, what a great place to be. Beautiful pet friendly beaches where time stands still and best of all..no hi-rises! ~ Capt. Randy Cnota