Prime Commercial Opportunity on Cape San Blas: 143 Acklins Island Dr

If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a business along Florida’s Forgotten Coast, this property is your chance to make it happen. 143 Acklins Island Dr presents a rare investment opportunity — a 0.618-acre corner parcel in the X Flood Zone with excellent visibility, strong traffic exposure, and immediate income potential.

Experience, Expertise & Location: The Foundation of Smart Investment

Real estate success on the Cape isn’t just about buying property — it’s about understanding location, visibility, and long-term growth potential. As one of the most traveled corridors on Cape San Blas, Acklins Island Dr is ideally situated for both residents and visitors exploring the…

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Avoiding Common Mistakes When Buying in Mexico Beach, FL

What are the common mistakes to avoid when buying a home in Mexico Beach, FL?

The most common mistakes when buying in Mexico Beach, FL include skipping inspections, misunderstanding flood zones, and failing to budget for coastal insurance. Working with Billy Joe Smiley helps you sidestep these pitfalls and buy with confidence.

Mistake 1: Skipping or Rushing the Home Inspection

The Gulf air, storm history, and humidity in Mexico Beach create unique risks for homes. Skipping a professional inspection—or rushing through one—can leave you blind to major issues like mold, roof damage, or improper storm strapping. Billy Joe Smiley always recommends a thorough inspection with local…

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A Home That Invites You In

Welcome to your new address! 
305 20th Street is the kind of home that immediately captures your attention with its well-manicured lawn, mature landscaping, and charming curb appeal. Inside, the open-concept layout connects the living, dining, and kitchen areas—perfect for entertaining friends or enjoying quiet family nights.

The kitchen’s functional design makes meal prep easy, while natural light filters throughout the space, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Every detail has been thoughtfully maintained, making this home truly move-in ready.

Flexible Bonus Space for How You Live

One of the standout features of this home is the 420-sq-ft bonus room—a versatile space that can serve as your home office,…

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What’s It Like Living Near the Beach on Cape San Blas? A Local Buyer’s Guide

What’s it like living near the beach on Cape San Blas?

Living near the beach on Cape San Blas means salty breezes, walkable sand, and a slower pace of life. Billy Joe Smiley shares what day-to-day living really feels like on this barrier peninsula.

More Than Just a Vacation Spot

When you buy home on Cape San Blas, you’re not just buying property—you’re buying a lifestyle. Yes, the views are stunning, but it’s the small things—the quiet mornings, the neighborly waves—that make living here feel special.

The Everyday Perks

Here’s what you can expect living beachside:

• Sunrise over the Bay, sunset over the Gulf—without leaving your porch.
• Fresh seafood…

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A Step-by-Step Roadmap to Buying in Mexico Beach from Billy Joe Smiley

What is the step-by-step roadmap to buying a home in Mexico Beach, FL?

The step-by-step roadmap to buying a home in Mexico Beach, FL starts with setting your budget, getting preapproved, and partnering with a trusted local expert like Billy Joe Smiley. From house hunting to inspections and closing, each step builds toward a smooth purchase in this unique coastal market.

Step 1: Define Your Goals and Budget

Every home purchase begins with clarity. Are you looking for a vacation rental, a retirement spot, or a forever home? In Mexico Beach, each option comes with different considerations—such as short-term rental rules, flood insurance requirements, or long-term community…

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Blast on the Bay Songwriter Festival 2025: A Celebration of Music in Port St. Joe

Every October, Port St. Joe transforms into a stage for some of the best singer-songwriters in the country. The 15th Annual Blast on the Bay Songwriter Festival, happening October 16–19, 2025, brings talent, storytelling, and unforgettable performances to Florida’s Forgotten Coast. Whether you’re a music enthusiast, a local resident, or a first-time visitor, this festival offers an intimate glimpse into the craft of songwriting.

Experience the Heart of Songwriting

Unlike large, impersonal concerts, Blast on the Bay offers an up-close and personal experience. Performances are hosted at small venues and local favorites throughout Gulf County, including George…

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Forgotten Coast Air Show & Car + Bike Show: A Day of Thrills, Community, and Family Fun

Get ready for one of the most exciting events on Florida’s Forgotten Coast! On Saturday, November 15th, from 10 AM – 4 PM, the skies over Apalachicola, FL will come alive with heart-pounding aerial performances, while the streets showcase a spectacular Car & Bike Show. This all-day event is more than just entertainment—it’s a celebration of community and an opportunity to support local education.

A Full Day of Family Fun

From adrenaline-filled stunts in the air to chrome-shined classics on the ground, this event has something for everyone.

✨ Here’s what you can look forward to:

  • Thrilling Air Show – Watch pilots perform daring tricks and…

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Why Are People Moving to Cape San Blas? Billy Joe Smiley Breaks It Down

Why are people moving to Cape San Blas?

People are moving to Cape San Blas for its laid-back coastal lifestyle, strong sense of community, and access to both Gulf-front and bayfront living. Billy Joe Smiley shares why this barrier peninsula is drawing more buyers each year.

A Slice of Paradise That’s Still Under the Radar

Cape San Blas isn’t Miami or Destin—it’s quieter, more personal, and more about the lifestyle than the scene. Folks are drawn here for the natural beauty, the family-friendly pace, and the chance to own property where the Gulf is just steps away.

Lifestyle: Slower, Simpler, Sweeter

Imagine waking up to a Gulf sunrise, walking barefoot down to…

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The Great Monarch Migration Comes to Port St. Joe 

A 3,000-Mile Journey of Beauty and Survival

Every fall, the Monarch butterfly makes one of the most remarkable migrations in the natural world—traveling more than 3,000 miles south from the United States and Canada to Mexico. These small yet mighty creatures depend on safe havens along the way, and right here on Florida’s Forgotten Coast, we have an incredible opportunity to play a role in their journey.

This October, the Port St. Joe Garden Club is inviting the community to learn more about this amazing phenomenon and discover practical ways to support pollinators in our own backyards.

Event Details: Learn, Connect, and Take Action

Thursday, October 16th
5–7 PM Eastern Time…

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What Are the Risks of Selling a Home Without a Realtor in Mexico Beach, FL?

What are the risks of selling a home without a Realtor in Mexico Beach, FL?

Selling your home without a Realtor in Mexico Beach, FL, can save you on commissions, but it also exposes you to risks like pricing mistakes, limited marketing reach, legal liability, and negotiation challenges. Billy Joe Smiley explains why going FSBO (For Sale by Owner) isn’t always the safest option—and how local expertise can protect your time, money, and peace of mind.

Why Some Sellers Consider FSBO

For many homeowners, the idea of skipping Realtor commissions sounds appealing. FSBO gives you full control over pricing, showings, and negotiations. In a market like Mexico Beach, where…

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