Since the closing of the St. Joe Paper mill, the city of Port St. Joe has weathered a whirlwind of change. Many cherished friends found it necessary to move away seeking employment. Many new friends have arrived, working side by side with those still here to build what will become the Port St. Joe of the new century. Some businesses were forced to closed, while new ones have opened, gradually shaping what was once a north Florida mill town into a popular coastal vacation and weekend get-away destination.
What has NOT changed about Port St. Joe are the values that make it such a great place to live…values shared by a community of friends that care about each other, look out for each other, and take care of each other. Those values are reflected in part by the large number of area churches. The Port St. Joe area is home to more than thirty local religious fellowships.
One of the most visible changes is the new Port St. Joe Marina. Located at the western end of Marina Drive (formerly 1st Street), the facility offers recreational opportunities previously unavailable in Port St. Joe. Charter boats offer offshore fishing charters, and local captains offer guide services for flats fishing in St. Joe Bay. Boat rentals are also available, as well as a restaurant and ship’s store.
Local festivities include a number of annual events. One of the most popular is the Scallop Festival, held in late summer each year. Christmas On The Coast and the Independence On The Coast (July 4th) are also popular events for tourists and locals alike. Other weekend activities include fishing tournaments, music in the park events, sporting events, and parades. There’s always something to do in this quiet coastal community.
Port St. Joe’s most valuable asset is its people. A sense of community exists here that is unusually strong. It’s what makes Port St. Joe, Florida such a great place to live, work, and play.
