PANAMA CITY BEACH ECOTOURISM FACTS

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New Natural Wonderland is Emerging
Panama City Ecotourism

As development in South Florida has grown into a sprawling megalopolis resulting in crowded roads, inadequate water supplies, packed schools and a vanishing wildlife habitat, a new natural wonderland is emerging: the Florida Panhandle. Northwest Florida, according to Precious Heritage, a nature conservancy survey of biodiversity in the U.S., is one of the six most important places for diverse and rare species in the country. From an environmental standpoint, the Panhandle is like no other part of the state; the assemblage of plants and animals here occurs nowhere else on earth.

Environmentally Responsible Travelers
It is the lushness of this region and its status as the last undiscovered Florida Coastal area that will bring a new group of environmentally responsible travelers - the "Geotourists," "Cultural Creatives" and "Naturalists," - in droves over the next decade. Activities having to do with nature are on the rise.fishing, hiking, biking, hunting, bird watching, photography, boating, canoeing, kayaking, swimming and tubing.

Ecotourism
Ecotourism has only recently become a mainstream buzzword. Ecotourism-responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well being of local people-is among the fastest growing travel trends. It's about connecting conservation, communities and travel.

West Bay Sector
The West Bay Sector, a 75,000-acre mixed-use project, will be home to the new Bay County International Airport along with commercial, office and industrial space, marinas and other recreational facilities, and nearly 5,500 homes. More than 30,000 acres will be set aside for environmental preservation. Jerry Ray of St. Joe states "We have the potential to develop a 100-square mile wildlife preserve in this area, with a world class nature center, trails and pathways for pedestrians and wheeled vehicles." Creating day trips to such a wildlife preserve and/or wildlife education center would combine adventure with education, so tourists could learn about the importance of natural resources.

Pines and Ponds, Gayle's Trails
The City has designed and is currently developing two nature parks. Pines and Ponds of PCB, 3,000 acres between Highway 79 and Wild Heron, will be a bird-watcher's paradise, containing dirt trails ideal for walking, hiking and off road biking. A large picnic pavilion, parking, restrooms and outdoor classrooms will be located in the nature park. This will open to the public in 2008. Gayle's Trails, the thirty miles of paved trails spanning the island and traveling through wooded areas and subdivisions, contains an abundance of natural plant life and wildlife that includes osprey, eagles and various species of other birds, deer, wild hogs and raccoon.

» download a PDF map of Gayle's Trails

St. Andrews State Recreation Area
St. Andrews State Recreation Area is one of the most popular outdoor recreation spots in Florida. The park's uplands are characterized by rolling, white sand dunes separated by low swales of either pinewoods or marshes. Dunes covered with sea oats abound. Dunes found farther inland are covered with sand pines, scrub oaks, rosemary and other hardy plants that help prevent soil erosion. Visitors are encouraged to hike the Blue Heron Trail that starts at a reconstructed Cracker turpentine still and winds through a number of plant communities. Freshwater and saltwater marshes teem with wildlife and birds. The Gator Lake Trail provides visitors with a beautiful vantage point for spotting alligators and a variety of waterfowl, wading birds and other small animals. Button Bush Marsh is a favorite feeding place for a variety of birds including herons and ibis. The 1,260-acre park is located on the island of Panama City Beach and has over 1.5 miles of beach on the Gulf of Mexico and the Grand Lagoon. Travel Magazine named it the "World's Best Beach" in 1995. The park offers swimming and snorkeling in the warm waters of the Gulf and in the shallow, protected pool behind the jetties. Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the deep-sea, jetty, and surf fishing opportunities. Two fishing piers, boat ramp and concession stands meet every need. For campers, there are two campgrounds located in the pinewoods near the Grand Lagoon. The park's 176 campsites can accommodate everything from tents to 40-foot RVs. Primitive group camping facilities are also available for organized groups.

Shell Island
Beachcombers won't want to miss a trip to Shell Island, a pristine barrier island situated just across the ship's channel from the mainland. This 700-acre island is undeveloped and provides a peaceful spot for sunning or collecting shells. Shuttle boats carry passengers to the island in spring and summer for a small fee.

The Greater Panama City Beaches Chamber is focusing heavily on ecotourism in 2007. We are at "the germ of the event," and there are still many opportunities to develop and market ecotourism in this area. There will come a time, however, when these same opportunities won't present themselves. As with many things, we may only recognize the moment after it has passed. For more information on how you can get involved, call the Chamber at (850) 235-1159.

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Mission Statement: Support, encourage and expand tourism and business development
while preserving the quality of life in our community.

The Greater Panama City Beaches Chamber of Commerce
309 Beckrich Road
Panama City Beach, FL 32407
Phone: 850.235.1159 / Fax: 235-2301
850.234.3193 Referral Service
chamber@pcbeach.org
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