Florida's Forgotten Coast-- Part 3: Mexico Beach and Port St. Joe

Some more on the history of these two towns.

MEXICO BEACH--  The area began to grow in the 1930s after the completion of US-98.  In 1946, several business bought 1,850 acres along the beach for $65,000  with intentions of developing.  The town incorporated in 1966.


PORT ST. JOE-- (Originally called St. Joseph) Sometimes referred to as Florida's Lost City.  At one time the largest town in Florida, but essentially disappeared in the 1840s as a result of several factors, including a severe yellow fever epidemic and a particularly bad hurricane.  Another one was it lost its economic competition with nearby Apalachicola.  The population dropped from a high of 12,000 to 6,000 and by 1842, just 400 remained.

Interesting History.  --RoadDog