Port St. Joe is the largest city of Gulf County and the county seat. This small coastal deep water port community is rich in both history and resources. Known as “The Constitution City,” Port St. Joe lives in history books because it was here in 1838 that delegates from all counties in Territorial Florida assembled to draft Florida’s first State Constitution. In fact this document was the basis of Florida government until the Civil War.
Our present Florida Constitution (1885) embodies many of the provisions of the first Constitution that was drafted and signed in Port St. Joe.
The City of Port St. Joe is in a transitional stage from primarily industrial to a more tourist-friendly community focusing on its natural resources. In Port St. Joe you will hear the soft drawl of southern accents but don’t let the region’s slow charm fool you, the area features snow white beaches, sapphire blue waters, unique are the parks, fishing (freshwater and salt), camping, hiking and hunting.
The Historic Downtown Business District: The downtown area has been transformed into an old strolling, browsing and shopping area. The ongoing renovation of the downtown area including the exceptional brickwork and lighting make it a real must see for visitors. Quaint shopping and unique dining experiences provide a “nice” diversion from the sun and fun the beach offers.
Port St. Joe Marina: Completed in 1999, the Port St. Joe Marina is the city’s crown jewel. Situated on six acres overlooking St. Joseph Bay, the Marina features 128 wet slips and 79 dry storage units, fuel pumps, pump out facilities, ship store, and dockside café. Adjacent to the marina, is a 30 acre parcel that is platted for future tourist related businesses.
Constitution State Museum: The site of Florida’s State Constitution Convention as well as the vanished city of St. Joseph are featured at the Constitution Convention State Museum located in Port St. Joe. More than 150 years ago, St. Joseph was selected over Tallahassee (the territorial capital) as the site of the state’s Constitution Convention. A Constitution monument was erected on the grounds in 1922 and the museum building was added to the 13.5 acre site and opened to the public in 1955. The center is open from 9 a.m. to 12 noon and 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Thursday through Monday, except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Constitution Monument and Park: The monument was erected in 1922 and bears the names of the convention delegates engraved in marble. The vast landscape boasts a promenade of palm trees that escort you fro m the monument to the water’s edge. One of the most picturesque parks in Gulf County, this location has proven ideal for concerts, social gatherings, weddings and festivals.
Shipyard Cove Park: Located at the end of Fourth Street in Port St. Joe. This park features the Maddox House, built in the early 1900’s by the Maddox family and now serving as the headquarters of the Gulf County Chamber of Commerce. The park offers a beach area, natural wetlands, a walking trail, park benches, and picnic tables. A great place to watch the setting sun.
Frank Pate Park: This bayfront park features a lighted tennis court and walking track, playground w/re s trooms, a city maintained boat ramp and a gazebo at the end of a long pier. Picnic tables and grills make this spot ideal for an impromptu picnic as you watch the sun set in the pristine waters of St. Joseph Bay! Also, there is adequate public parking for all facilities.
Forrest Park : There is a 3 hole public course located in the Forrest Park complex that offers the weekend duffer an opportunity to work on those woods and irons!Located in the heart of Port St. Joe’s residential area, Forrest Park boasts a public golf course, tennis court, playgrounds, several lighted baseball and softball fields. Proposed renovations will feature a fresh water fishing pier, picnic facilities and walking track with restrooms.
Golf: Just outside the city, the St. Joseph Bay Countr y Club offers an 18-hole, par 72 regulation course that is open to the public.
Historical Cemetery: The St. Joseph Cemetery is a grim reminder of the yellow fever epidemic (1841) and the hurricane of 1844 that destroyed the town known as St. Joseph, currently Port St. Joe. Here you will find the many names of the community’s founding fathers. Many of the streets in Port St. Joe are named after these prominent citizens.
Nathan Peters, Jr. Park: This newly constructed park located in the nort h e rn park of the city features a walking track with gazebo, basketball courts, baseball field, playground for all ages, volleyball court, and soccer field.
Corrine Gibson Costin Library: This modern facility combines the rapid pace of the Internet with the timeless classics. You have use of Internet, computers, meeting facility, videos, magazines, newspapers and an astounding array of the printed word. Included is a children’s reading program and a vast display of local artifacts.
Lake Alice Park: Home to the “Tupelo Festival” which pays homage to tupelo honey, Wewa’s liquid gold. A serene area nestled under the moss covered trees that borders Lake Alice in the heart of Wewa, this enchanted setting features an elaborate playground for children of all ages, picnic tables, walking trail, fishing, and restrooms.
Dead Lakes State Park: Located just north and east of the city of Wewahitchka in northern Gulf County, this beautifully unique body of water is a result of the Dead Lakes dam, located just east of Wewahitchka. To get to the dam, while on U.S. Highway 71 in downtown Wewahitchka, turn east onto Lake Grove Road, which crosses the Chipola River at the dam. An 80 mile square area that provides some of the best freshwater fishing in the nation. A fisherman’s paradise, the Dead Lakes provides freshwater fishing to satisfy the ardent fisherman. So, if you are after the “big one” or just watching your fishing cork bobble on the water, this is the place for you!! It also features a variety of trees and plants, including the Florida green fly orchid and ball moss, as well as many species of birds, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. The natural areas of the park are maintained to appear as they did when the Spanish arrived there. Activities throughout the park include fishing, camping, boating, canoing, kayaking, and picnicking. The Dead Lakes offers a getaway you won’t soon forget!! |