District, Bay County celebrate ribbon cutting at Porter Landing site

YOUNGSTOWN – The Governing Board of the Northwest Florida Water Management District joined with Bay County commissioners Friday to celebrate a property exchange that will provide further protection for Econfina Creek while also expanding public access and recreational opportunities for visitors to the creek.

The District’s Governing Board had previously approved the exchange, which calls for the District to acquire 22.396 acres from a private landowner that fronts Econfina Creek and is bisected by Highway 388 in Bay County. In return, the District will exchange a parcel of land equal in value that already borders the landowner’s property.

The Governing Board also previously approved the District’s request to lease to Bay County the newly acquired land north of Highway 388 and west of Econfina Creek for the creation of a county park.

Bay County Commissioners Keith Baker and William Dozier joined Jeff Porter, representing the Porter family, and District Governing Board members George Roberts and Nick Patronis for a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday at the site.

“The District has a proven track record of stabilizing shorelines, protecting water resources, and enhancing public access,” said George Roberts, Chairman of the District’s Governing Board.

The parcel of land the District acquired is adjacent to the county’s right-of-way for Highway 388 that has become a popular takeout point for canoeists and kayakers. But the property has never been properly developed for that type of activity and years of use have resulted in erosion and sediment impacts to Econfina Creek.

“The Gainer family has deep roots in Econfina Creek,” said State Sen. George Gainer, who represents Bay County. “So it’s great to see the County, District, and Porter family work together to preserve this landing and provide safe public access.”

The area has also seen vehicles parked along the highway in, at times, an unsafe manner. The creation of a county park will help stabilize the shoreline and provide adequate parking for users.

“Econfina Creek is the lifeblood of Bay County,” said State Rep. Jay Trumbull, who represents Bay County. “As a lover of our natural treasures here in northwest Florida, I am excited to be a part of its preservation through the creation of Porter Landing.”