Gulf County is a quiet collection of communities south of Tallahassee laying along a portion of Florida's coast known as the Forgotten Coast. With a population of less than 16,000 in a state with 18 million residents, Gulf County offers the chance to explore a part of Florida that has not suffered the strain endured by many other areas of Florida due to a swelling population and an expanding suburbia.
St. Joseph Peninsula Sate Park
This state park conserves the peninsula that juts northward from Cape San Blas dividing Saint Joseph Bay from the Gulf of Mexico. Featuring miles of white beaches, sand dunes and coastal forests, St. Joseph Peninsula State Park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including sunbathing, kayaking, fishing, camping and hiking.
Apalachicola River
The Apalachicola River forms from the confluence of the Flint and Chattahoochee Rivers. Forming the eastern border of Gulf County, the forested floodplain created by the Apalachicola River is Florida's largest. Much of the floodplain and surrounding forests is conserved by federal, state and private organizations. Hiking, paddling, wildlife viewing and fishing are popular activities along the Apalachicola River. The highly sought Tupelo honey is cultivated by a select group of beekeepers along the Apalachicola River and the nearby town of Wewahitchka hosts a Tupelo Honey Festival in late spring each year.
Gulf of Mexico
The Gulf of Mexico and the associated Saint Joseph Bay is a popular destination for boaters and anglers. SCUBA divers enjoy the wrecks and reefs off of Cape San Blas provide, including the wreck of the Empire Mica some 20 miles off the coast. Sunk by a German U-boat in World War II, she rests in just over 100 feet of water. Several charter fisherman and dive charters operate in the area to facilitate reaching targeted offshore activities.
About The Author
David Chandler is a freelance writer living in the southeastern United States. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of South Florida where he was educated in international studies and microbiology. A former reconnaissance marine, he is an active hiker, diver, kayaker, sailor, and angler. He has traveled extensively throughout North America and South America.
