Gulf County Citizens Coalition
Informed Involved Proactive
Gulf County Citizens Coalition
Working to protect and restore our land, waters, and unique ecology while educating and inspiring the next generation of guardians.
We will:
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provide fact-based information to our elected officials and the community about the benefits and hazards of proposed projects.
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raise awareness of issues impacting public and environmental health and develop community-based solutions.
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build communication between decision-makers, businesses, and citizens to advance our natural resource-based economy and recovery from industrial blight.
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plan, fundraise, and advocate for an educational facility to increase knowledge and appreciation of our waters and the life in and around them.
Our Vision
An informed, involved, and proactive citizenry that is dedicated to safeguarding our lands and waters and passing down a healthy Gulf County to future generations.
It’s not just a vision; it’s a responsibility we all share.
Building an Engaged Community
We are an all-volunteer, 500-member-strong, non-profit, grassroots coalition.
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We seek to build an atmosphere of transparency and cooperation between government, businesses, and the public so we are not at odds but working together to protect our cherished lands and waters.
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We believe that education is critical to fostering environmental preservation.
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Knowledge leads to understanding, which leads to appreciation, connection, and caring.
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People who care are willing to fight for conservation as opposed to exploitation for short-term gains.
Over 500 Coalition Members Strong
Working for a healthy Gulf County
Current Actions and Alerts
DISBANDING OUR PORT AUTHORITY IN FAVOR OF A MULTI-COUNTY BOARD
Our State Representative, Jason Shoaf, drafted a local bill for this legislative session (HB 4105) to give Gulf County a 2 in 5 vote on what occurs at our port. The other 3 commissioners on the New Port Authority will come from Liberty, Gadsden, and Franklin Counties, all appointed by the Governor. The stated plan is "to reopen the port at PSJ, bring industrial opportunities, and connect all 4 counties with a return of the railroad." The general public and our elected officials have had no input on this new "regional port." Rep. Shoaf and Sen. Simon have conducted zero public meetings since they announced the bill 6 months ago. The GCCC believes that Port Commissioners who live as much as 50-100 miles away will be concerned with their own counties' benefits not the environmental and economic risk Port St. Joe will be taking by dredging through the dioxins we know are buried at the port from the paper mill days. Nor will other counties be concerned about the detrimental effects on our city infrastructure by port expansion.
It is too late to contact Rep. Shoaf or Sen. Simon. Now, you must contact the Committee Members in Tallahassee who will determine if HB 4105 moves forward in the legislative process. The list of these members and their contact information can be found at the bottom of our "Learn More" page. This is a "local bill" which means it can be passed in a "bundle" of other local bills in the Senate with no chance to stop it there. We must take action RIGHT NOW to stop it in the House! If you are wondering whether a port might be beneficial rather than harmful, you are not alone. That is why public informational meetings and town halls must happen before such a transformational change occurs in a community. If you believe you don't have adequate information to decide, ask committee members for a delay of the bill until the next legislative session, so we can be informed. The Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee Chair is Representative Berny Jacques 850-717-5059. It is our belief that he can stop the bill from being heard in committee at all (but disclaimer, we are learning this political game as we go along).
GET INFORMED ON CURRENT PORT PLANS!
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