County: Gulf
ZIP Codes: 32456, 32457
Port St. Joe, Florida, is situated directly on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, making it highly vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storm surges. Given its low average elevation of 13 feet and largely flat terrain, it is particularly prone to flooding, which can be exacerbated by heavy rainfall and hurricane-induced storm surge. Moreover, given the coastal position, the town may face damage from high winds, excessive rain, and coastal erosion, with the potential for infrastructure damage and disruptions to the local economy and tourism industry. In the past 30 years, the town has faced significant hurricane-related impacts, notably from Hurricane Michael in 2018, which was a category 5 hurricane. The storm brought a considerable surge, strong winds, and heavy precipitation, causing substantial destruction to infrastructure, such as homes and businesses. Additionally, in 1995, much of Port St. Joe was underwater due to a large storm surge caused by Category 3 Hurricane Opal. Given these historical precedences, it is essential for Port St. Joe to diligently monitor hurricane forecasts, maintain comprehensive hurricane preparedness plans and pervasively promote public awareness regarding potential hurricane-related risks.