Forgotten Coast sees uptick in Tourism

GULF COUNTY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - A drive down the Forgotten Coast might make people remember.

Local rental owners say the local charm keeps people coming back.

“We are such a small place here that we get very, we get people that come here often, and they know this place, so every year we are getting a few new people,” said Taylor Wyatt, co-owner of VIP Vacation Properties.

Wyatt says that development elsewhere makes what they have to offer in Cape San Blas more desirable.

“As 30A starts to bleed into us, we are getting more and more people that are looking for something a little more quiet,” explained Wyatt.

Tyler Chaffin and Kyle Cunningham, who run multiple storefronts like Cape’s Tradin’ Post and Perky’s, say the season is treating them well.

“Overall, I think we are pretty happy with the way things are this year,” said Cunningham.

In Cape San Blas, locals say the coastal town offers a family and outdoor-centered experience.

“If this is a place that you want to come and you want to be entertained, you want to be wined and dined that is not really this isn’t really the pace for you,” said Wyatt.

Those who are looking to get wined and dined are welcome in Port St. Joe, where they would be happy to have more business.

Kelli Orvin, the manager over at the Sugar Shack in Port St. Joe, says she has been scooping more ice cream than normal.

“The visitors have been really great. We have seen numbers higher this year than we have in the last couple of years,” said Orvin. “Which is really good.”

For locals, the Forgotten Coast is about forgetting distractions and remembering what’s important.

“Create that connection, and reconnect with your family because everything is about family,” said Wyatt.

Locals along the forgotten coast say clear weather has also kept crowds coming despite the heat.

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