Scooter Hodges

The North Port St. Joe Master Plan outlines a comprehensive vision for the community, developed through extensive public outreach and stakeholder involvement. The plan aims to revitalize the area by addressing underutilized properties, promoting infill development, and implementing 'Smart Growth' principles. Key focus areas include enhancing livability and connectivity, creating civic spaces, increasing employment and entrepreneurial opportunities, and attracting private capital investment within designated 'Opportunity Zones'. The overarching goal is to achieve sustainable community and economic development, improve the quality of life for residents, and ensure development occurs without displacement, transforming North Port St. Joe into a healthy, functional, and livable community.

The action plan for the City of Port St Joe focuses on creating and retaining jobs while improving the community's quality of life. Key objectives include providing quality education and responsive workforce training to attract new businesses, supporting public education, coordinating with economic development organizations, increasing coordination with the Northwest Florida Manufacturers Council, developing training programs for economic diversification, providing vocational education, and fostering entrepreneurism.

The Board of City Commission of the City of Port St. Joe, Florida held a regular public meeting on October 20, 2020, at 12:00 noon. The meeting included the approval of minutes from the October 6th meeting, discussion of the ongoing state of emergency due to COVID-19, and consideration of several resolutions and grant applications. New business included plat approval for Barefoot Cottages Phase II and updates on various projects, including the FAMU/NPSJ EDA Recovery Project and the Garrison Ave. SCOP Grant.

The strategic plan focuses on protecting coastal resources, promoting economic growth through port development, ensuring transportation efficiencies, and practicing environmental stewardship. Key objectives include coordinating coastal management with county and state entities, enhancing public access to coastal areas, and improving infrastructure. The plan also aims to diversify the economy through strategic facility utilization and the potential establishment of a foreign trade zone. It emphasizes intergovernmental coordination and regional collaboration to enhance economic development opportunities in Northwest Florida, while ensuring financial stability through effective budgetary processes and diverse funding opportunities.

The economic development plan focuses on creating and retaining jobs while enhancing the community's quality of life. Key strategies include diversifying the economy by leveraging the city's location, resources, and infrastructure, and improving the transportation network to attract businesses and increase the tax base. The plan also emphasizes workforce training, tourism promotion, and coordination among local, regional, and state organizations to foster a collaborative business environment. Additionally, it aims to celebrate the region's history and culture through educational venues to attract visitors and create local jobs.