Page 42 - Panama City Living May/June 2019
P. 42
REGROWING
MEXICO BEACH
BY BRITTANY HAWES and VAL SCHOGER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MIKE FENDER AND COURTESY OF MEXICO BEACH DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
Mexico Beach, a small coastal town extending 5 miles along Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast, was a quaint seaside destination with a crescent-shaped beach and small shops and restaurants. Approximately 1,200 residents called it home. Lovingly dubbed “Mayberry by the Sea,” with palm trees, white sand beaches, cobalt-blue water, and color-streaked sunsets, Mexico Beach was the poster child for Florida.
Beautiful homes were just steps away from the beach; shopping or eating out at charming mom- and-pop businesses felt like stepping back in time.
With unhindered views of the Gulf, Mexico Beach had the charm and feel of Old Florida. Determined to preserve and protect their piece of paradise, city government scrutinized each new development plan and carefully evaluated any changes that might affect the town’s charm. But nothing could protect the town from the devastating force of Hurricane Michael on a Wednesday afternoon in October 2018.
Barreling down on Northwest Florida and impacting thousands of square miles inland, this storm left an unprecedented path of destruction in its wake.
42 • May–June 2019 • www.PanamaCityLiving.com
