Dive into Adventure: The 2025 Gulf County Scallop Season

Dates: August 16 - September 24, 2025
Location: St. Joseph Bay, Port St. Joe, FL

The 2025 Gulf County Scallop Season is almost here! From August 16th to September 24th, 2025, Port St. Joe will become the ultimate destination for scalloping enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to the adventure, this is the perfect opportunity to dive into the crystal-clear waters of St. Joseph Bay and create unforgettable family memories.

Here’s your ultimate guide to having the best scalloping experience in Gulf County!

Step 1: Get Your Saltwater Fishing License

Before you can start scalloping, you’ll need a Saltwater Fishing License. This ensures you're harvesting scallops legally…

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Why More High-End Buyers Are Investing in St. George Island Real Estate in 2025

Why are more high-end buyers investing in St. George Island real estate in 2025?

Because St. George Island offers luxury, privacy, and timeless Gulf-front beauty, high-net-worth buyers are choosing this quiet Florida gem for second homes and investment properties. With expert guidance from Billy Joe Smiley, navigating the upscale St. George Island market becomes a personal and rewarding experience.

If you're looking to buy a home and want something far from the usual crowded coastlines, St. George Island, FL should be on your radar. This barrier island along Florida’s Forgotten Coast is seeing a noticeable uptick in interest—particularly from high-end buyers…

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What Are the Steps to Buy a Home in Mexico Beach, FL?

What are the steps to buy a home in Mexico Beach, FL?

To buy a home in Mexico Beach, FL, you’ll need to get your finances in order, choose the right mortgage, partner with a local expert like Billy Joe Smiley, and navigate the offer-to-closing journey with eyes wide open. It’s a rewarding process when you know what’s ahead.

Step 1: Know Why You Want to Buy in Mexico Beach

Mexico Beach isn’t just another sunny town on the Gulf — it’s a tight-knit coastal community where people wave from their golf carts and sunsets are a nightly ritual. Whether you’re drawn by the promise of beachfront living, a retirement spot, or a second home to rent out part-time, start by getting crystal clear on…

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194 Sweetwater Shores Dr, Port St Joe, FL

Gulf-Front Luxury Redefined: TOUR This 4-Bedroom Modern Masterpiece at 194 Sweetwater Shores

There’s just something about standing on your deck and seeing nothing but sand, sea oats, and the open Gulf. At 194 Sweetwater Shores Drive in Port St. Joe, that’s not a vacation—that’s home.

With clean coastal architecture, direct Gulf of Mexico frontage, and thoughtful design that blends luxury with livability, this 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home sets the tone for elevated Forgotten Coast living.

Click the link below to view the full video tour on YouTube:
Watch on YouTube

Step Inside: Bright, Airy, and Built for the Beach

The moment you walk in, you’re greeted by walls of glass that draw your eyes…

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Can I Buy a Home on Cape San Blas Without a Realtor? Billy Joe Smiley Explains

Can I buy a home on Cape San Blas without a Realtor?

Sure you can. But just because you can doesn’t always mean you should—especially here on the coast. Buying a home on Cape San Blas without a Realtor might save you a step, but it could cost you more than you think.

Picture This: You, the Beach, and a Real Estate Contract

Let’s be real. Buying a home on Cape San Blas isn’t like buying a home just anywhere. Our little slice of Florida comes with its own rhythm, and its own rules. Whether you're eyeing a stilted cottage near Indian Pass or a bayfront lot tucked behind the dunes, there’s more to the deal than meets the eye.

If you’re thinking you might want to…

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How to Sell My Home in Port St. Joe, FL: Billy Joe Smiley’s Expert Guide

How do I sell my home in Port St. Joe, FL?

To sell your home in Port St. Joe, FL, start by pricing it right, making it shine from the street, and teaming up with a neighbor who knows every nook and cranny — like Billy Joe Smiley.

Understanding the Port St. Joe Real Estate Market

This isn’t just any beach town. Port St. Joe’s got its own rhythm — calm mornings on St. Joseph Bay, Saturday strolls down Reid Avenue, and that unmistakable salty air that keeps drawing folks in. Median home prices here hit around $425K as of early 2025, and homes in Windmark Beach, Barefoot Cottages, and the Downtown area are seeing steady interest. Why? Because people aren’t just buying…

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504 Sea Grove Way: The Gulf View Home That Has It All

You know that moment when you round a corner—and everything just clicks into place? That’s 504 Sea Grove Way. Sitting just steps from the beach and pool in Windmark Beach, this 4-bedroom, 2-bath retreat offers a rare mix of panoramic Gulf views, smart design, and local charm. The kind of place that makes you want to put your phone down... and stay awhile.

✨ Inside Feels Like Vacation, Every Day

Step inside and you’ll immediately notice the light. Plantation shutters let the sun in just right, while electric blinds offer shade when you want it. The kitchen? It’s a cook’s dream, with quartz countertops, a custom backsplash, and premium LG stainless appliances that mean business. Fresh paint,…

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Demystifying Florida Flood Zones

Understanding the Alphabet Soup of Flood Zones, Flood Insurance, and Risk in Mexico Beach, Port St. Joe, Cape San Blas, and St. George Island

Floods rank among the most common—and costly—natural disasters worldwide. For homeowners, prospective buyers, and even renters, understanding Florida flood zones is crucial not only for safety but also for navigating the complexities of insurance, building requirements, and long-term property investment. Yet, the system of flood zones in the United States is notoriously intricate, with a mélange of letters, numbers, and acronyms such as FEMA, AE, VE, and COBRA overlaying maps and policies. In this article, we’ll unravel these terms, clarify their real-world impact, and…

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Understanding Water Clarity: A Comparative Look at Cape San Blas, Indian Pass, Mexico Beach, and St. George Island

Exploring the Natural Factors Behind the Varying Water Hues of Florida's Forgotten Coast

The Forgotten Coast

The shimmering coastline of Florida’s panhandle, known as the “Forgotten Coast,” is renowned for its inviting beaches, tranquil atmosphere, and, for many, the captivating clarity of its waters. While visitors may expect all beaches along this stretch to dazzle equally, those who frequent the area know that water clarity can vary significantly from one place to another. In this article, we unravel the reasons behind these differences, focusing on Cape San Blas, Indian Pass, Mexico Beach, and St. George Island—each of which…

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Discover Your Dream Bayfront Property on St. Joe Bay: A Hidden Gem on North Cape San Blas

If you’ve been searching for the perfect waterfront property on Florida’s beautiful Gulf Coast, look no further than this stunning St. Joe Bayfront property on North Cape San Blas. With 100 feet of bay frontage, a private dock on the Pig Island Channel, and access to some of the best fishing and scalloping in the region, this property offers everything you need to live your coastal dream.

In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at this rare bayfront property, its unique features, and why it’s an opportunity you won’t want to miss.

Why Choose a St. Joe Bayfront Property?

St. Joe Bay is one of the most sought-after coastal locations in Florida,…

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