Big Bend Maritime Center

Envisioned as a collection of buildings, boats and equipment, interpretive displays, and activities depicting life as it was, and still is, in coastal Florida, the Big Bend Maritime Center will materially expand opportunities for public education on the scenic beauty, economic significance, and historical value of natural resources and the people of the Big Bend region of Florida ’s Gulf Coast.  In addition, the Center will be designed and managed to serve as a demonstration project for “green construction,” conservation of energy and water, and use of xeriscaping, permeable walkways, and native plants for landscaping.  As such, the Center will contribute to public awareness and understanding of the need for special care in Florida’s coastal areas as well as a demonstration project for local contractors, builders, and real estate professionals.

Initial research has confirmed that—among the more than 600 maritime museums or centers registered in the United States, a majority of which are organized around a historically or militarily significant vessel, the preservation of a landmark such as a lighthouse or lifesaving station, or commemoration of a Civil War battle or other historically noteworthy event—there are few that have the breadth of mission and subject matter that is contemplated for the Big Bend Maritime Center.

Interpreting the Maritime Life
A Natural Location
Serving Local Residents, Students, and Visitors Alike
Linking History to Present-Day Experiences
A Walkable Community
Nature/Heritage Tourism
 Green Construction
Developing a Master Plan Contact Information
Developing a Master Plan
Benefits
More on Nature/Heritage Tourism
Local Interest
Location
Distinctive Features
Vision Plan
Wakulla County Comprehensive Plan

Ø          Interpreting the Maritime Life of the Big Bend region of Florida's Gulf Coast

The Center will respond to a basic need to document, collect, preserve, and research the culture and maritime history—and corollary natural history—of this unique area and region through interpretive displays, exhibits, activities, and educational services.

Ø       A Natural Location

A designated Waterfronts Florida Community, Panacea is located on US Highway 98 on the proposed Big Bend Scenic Byway.  Bordered by the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge and Dickerson Bay, this community lies 30 miles south of Florida’s state capital, and is served by Tallahassee’s Regional Airport and Interstate 10. 

Ø       Serving Local Residents, Students, and Visitors Alike

The Center will encourage people of all ages, abilities, and economic levels to participate in a genuine maritime experience to expand knowledge, enhance skills, and awaken a sense of wonder.

Ø       Linking History to Present-Day Experiences

More than just a museum, the Big Bend Maritime Center will feature working watermen and the skills of their trade--harvesting mullet, crabs, shrimp, oysters, clams--through interactive exhibits, fun activities, on-the-water programs, demonstrations (boatbuilding, hand crafts), hands-on experiential learning, lectures, workshops, and tours. 

Ø       A Walkable Community

The Center’s buildings (restored and new) will link Wakulla County’s Welcome Center with Panacea’s working waterfront, the Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratory, seafood houses, restaurants, shops, parks, docks, and other attractions by a network of landscaped walkways and bike trails.

Ø       Nature/Heritage Tourism

Tourism bolsters employment, injects “imported” funds into local economies, and spreads benefits to rural areas. It is the largest sector in world economies, and the centerpiece of Florida’s economy—representing over $49B or 20% of the state’s total taxable sales.  Along with recreation and beautiful natural sites, tourists cite cultural heritage as one of three major reasons they travel to specific locations.

Ø       Green Construction

The Center will be designed and managed to serve as a demonstration project for “green construction,” conservation of energy and water, and use of xeriscaping, permeable walkways, and native plants for landscaping and monitored through an environmental management system. 

Ø      Developing a Master Plan

Florida Foresight developed a broad-based partnership of agencies, organizations, individuals, and institutions to help create a Master Plan for the Center.  The Big Bend Maritime Center Strategic Plan was published in June 2005.

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Developing a Master Plan

Establishing the Big Bend Maritime Center will require considerable time, effort, research, collection of materials, design of structures and exhibits, and fundraising. Florida Foresight is seeking financial support through grants and donations to implement the vision described in the Strategic Plan.

T he Strategic Plan--a template for the next phases of public involvement as well as land acquisition, construction, management, and development--includes these elements:

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Benefits

This project promises multiple benefits to the local community and region.  By creating a publicly accessible facility to honor and illustrate the rich maritime heritage of the Big Bend region the Center will provide public education, expand local knowledge, and instill community pride.  By highlighting the experiences and skills of generations of men and women in the fishing industry, from boat-building to net-mending, engine repair, wood carving, crabbing, oystering, deep-sea fishing, and the unique operation of the coastal seineyards, the Center will involve—and provide employment to—the current generation of fishermen and women, many of whose economic livelihoods have been disrupted by ongoing controversy over the enforcement of net limitations in Florida.  A focus on living, working displays at the Center will offer young people an educational opportunity to develop marketable skills.  It is planned that this opportunity will be enhanced through cooperation with institutions such as the Economic and Workforce Development Program of nearby Tallahassee Community College.

The Center also can serve as a focal point in the area for public meetings, lectures, celebrations, training, and displays of arts and crafts related to the historic past, as well as the sustainable future, of Florida’s Big Bend.  It is explicitly understood that the Big Bend Maritime Center, true to its name, will serve not only Panacea but other coastal regions and institutions, by working cooperatively and supportively with, for example, the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, Florida State University Marine Research Laboratory at Turkey Point, Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve, Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratory in Panacea, Florida State Parks, Wakulla County Historical Society (now developing its own museum in Crawfordville), Tallahassee’s Museum of Natural History, Museum of Florida History, and Museum of Underwater Archaeology at the University of West Florida, to cite but a few.  This will enhance the awareness of, and access to, the resources available throughout the entire region for residents as well as visitors…a contribution entirely compatible with designation of the Big Bend Scenic Byway, and the goals of interested agencies such as VISIT FLORIDA.

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Nature/Heritage Tourism

Tourism bolsters employment, injects “imported” funds into local economies, spreads benefits to rural areas, encourages the development of resources, and promotes infrastructure projects.  It is the largest sector in world economies, and the centerpiece of Florida’s economy.  From 1999-2000, it represented over $49 billion or 20% of the state’s total taxable sales, far more than any other single source.  A 1991 U.S. Travel Data Center study showed that, along with recreation and beautiful natural sites, tourists cite cultural heritage as one of three major reasons they travel to specific locations.

Nature/heritage tourism is one of the fastest growing areas of the travel industry.  In 1992, according to the Travel Industry World Yearbook, it comprised about 20% of all travel. Nature and heritage tourism appeals to tourists who are interested in enjoying and helping preserve the natural beauty and integrity of the sites they visit.  Nature and heritage tourism can also provide resources for the conservation of important areas, as well as economic benefit to surrounding communities.  It can enhance local cultural identity, by helping people focus on their distinctive history and natural habitat. It can also educate outsiders about their culture, knowledge, skills, and life styles that perpetuate traditional values. 

While it is premature to estimate the precise economic impact the Big Bend Maritime Center could have on Panacea, the Big Bend, and Florida’s Gulf Coast, these are some preliminary indicators of the size of the nature/ heritage tourism market:

Ø      In 1994, 54 million Americans defined themselves as ‘birdwatching enthusiasts.”  Florida is second in the nation in the amount of retail sales generated by non-consumptive bird use, which supports more than 13,000 jobs.

Ø      A 1993-94 study found that birding in the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary area of Southwest Florida had an economic impact of $9.4 million on local communities.  It is estimated that bird watching generates $477 million in retail sales in Florida every year.

Ø      A 2001 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation conducted by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service found that over 82 million U.S. residents 16 years and older fished, hunted, or watched wildlife in 2001 [34.1M fished, 13M hunted, and 66.1M participated in at least one type of wildlife-watching activity including observing, feeding, or photographing].  Wildlife recreationists’ spending totaled $108 billion, amounting to 1.1% of the GDP ($28B was for trips, $64B for equipment, and $16B for other items). Sportspersons spent $70B ($36B on fishing, $21B on hunting, and $14B on related items).  Wildlife watchers spent $38B on trips, equipment, and other items.

Ø      The 2001 economic output (combining retail sales, salaries, wages, and taxes) in Florida derived from fresh and saltwater fishing was $1,897,661,327, while hunting output was $396,759,243.

Ø      Another 2001 survey conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Census Bureau found that 1.5 million people in Florida (residents and non-residents) were involved in Watchable Wildlife activities, including observing, photographing, and feeding wildlife.  The total economic effect was estimated at $1.6B ($1.2B by residents and $402.1M by non-residents).  Given that Watchable Wildlife dollars are often spent in rural or lightly populated areas, this economic contribution can be especially important to the rural economic base.

Ø      In 2001, 93 million Americans included at least one cultural/heritage site or event in their travel.  Historic/cultural travel is up 10% from 1996, increasing from 192.4 million person-trips to 212 million person-trips in 2001. In comparison to the average vacationer, such tourists stay in motels or B&Bs more often (62% vs. 56%), and travel longer (5.1 nights vs. 3.4 nights).  Cultural tourists also have a larger economic impact than do tourists in general.  They spend an average of $631 vs. $457 per visit.

Ø      In 1997, the total spending of cultural tourists in Florida amounted to $2.9B, creating $5.6B in gross state product, as well as more than 64,000 jobs and $1.7B in wages.

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Local Interest

Local interest in and strong support for this project has been confirmed during the development of the Strategic Plan and the early stages of implementation with a number of organizations including:

• Wakulla County Board of County Commissioners;
• Panacea's Waterfronts Florida Partnership;
• Apalachee Ecological Conservancy;
• Wakulla County Fisherman's Association;
• Florida DEP Clean Marina Program;
• Florida Gulf Coast University Green Building Program;
• 1000 Friends of Florida;
• VISIT FLORIDA;
• Wakulla County Chamber of Commerce;
• Wakulla County Economic Development Council;
• Wakulla County Tourist Development Council;
• DCA Waterfronts Florida Program.   

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Location

Situated on US Coastal Highway 98 in the center of Florida’s Gulf Coast 30 miles south of Florida’s state capital, Panacea is served by Interstate 10 and Tallahassee’s Regional Airport.  Over the past two years, Panacea—in large measure through its designation as a Waterfronts Florida Community—has entered an exciting new phase in its development, full of challenges and opportunities.  Once a thriving center for tourists who bathed in its medicinal springs and always an active port serving generations of fishermen, oystermen, and crabbers, and playing a central role in the rich tradition of the mullet seineyards, Panacea had fallen into a period of decline.  Today, a variety of initiatives led by the people of Panacea signal a historic upswing for the community.

The Panacea Waterfronts Florida Partnership, in collaboration with sponsors of the annual Blue Crab Festival, the Wakulla County Tourist Development Council, and a growing network of committed business owners and operators, is leading the way.  Noteworthy accomplishments, supported by the Board of County Commissioners, include the completion of the Panacea 2020 Vision Plan; reconversion of an old shoreline restaurant into an attractive Welcome Center for visitors not only to Panacea but all of Wakulla County; and revitalization and upgrading of the waterfront Woolley Park with a new fishing pier, picnic area, and children’s playground facilities.  These changes in turn have inspired further planning for restoration of the long-abandoned Mineral Springs as a tourist destination with new lodging; streetscaping and signage improvements to enhance Panacea’s image; and ways to make Panacea a “walkable community.”

Closely associated with these positive developments has been the leadership demonstrated by USDA Forest Service, Panacea Waterfronts Partnership, Tourist Development Council, and citizens of Wakulla County in the effort to obtain designation for the Big Bend Scenic Byway under the Florida Scenic Highway Program, administered by the Department of Transportation within the guidelines of the national program under the Federal Highway Administration.  If designated according to current plans, the Big Bend Scenic Byway--running 248 miles through portions of Leon, Wakulla, Franklin, and Liberty Counties--would become the longest Scenic Byway in the State of Florida. It would pass directly through Panacea.  Past experience elsewhere strongly suggests that such designation would lead to a significant expansion in tourism and correspondingly increased revenues from tourism-related sources such as lodgings, restaurants, services such as fishing guides, outfitters, canoe, kayak, and bicycle rentals, and the like.

The inspiration for most of these initiatives lies in two basic factors: (1) a commitment to improve the lives and livelihoods of local citizens and to preserve our coastal resources and environment; and (2) a growing recognition of the fact that, in this largely forested and rural Panhandle region, rich in natural resources and scenic beauty, but with over 70% of its land in some kind of protected status, the single most promising strategy for responsible economic development and job creation is the encouragement of nature- and heritage-based tourism.

In keeping with that judgment, the founding of Big Bend Maritime Center could become the keystone for Panacea’s continuing renaissance.  The Center would feature the distinctive local history, coastal resources and environment, traditions, practices, life styles, crafts, and skills of the men and women whose labors created Panacea’s identity as a working waterfront community and supported (and continue to support) generations of local citizens.  It would provide a major attraction and educational facility for residents and visitors alike.

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Distinctive Features

Panacea’s coastline has shaped the story of its people--their history, culture, development, and dependence on the area’s rich natural resources.  W.C. Tully, Sr. founded Panacea in 1895, but remains of hunts from as early as 12,000 B.C., Apalachee Indian middens of clam and mussel shells, and the later development by Spanish and British forces of salt works, prove that the area’s resources were well known long before then.

Tully named the town for the healing properties of its many mineral springs and, at the turn of the century, built a post office, several cottages, and the Mineral Springs Hotel.  Accommodating 125 guests, the hotel offered many amenities to its summer visitors.  In 1901, a mule-drawn tram line was completed between the railroad depot at Sopchoppy and Panacea, replacing the old stage coach that had previously carried both mail and visitors to the resort.

Panacea has always been known for fresh seafood.  Seine fisheries, in operation before the Civil War, supplied locals and tourists alike with black mullet and roe.  Operated in the spring and fall to coincide with spawning or “run” seasons, the seineyards produced rich catches of mullet, which were salt cured and packed in barrels to serve as barter for fresh produce from farm families.  The seineyards were a popular destination for customers who traveled by wagon from as far away as Georgia each season.  In the 1950s, seafood houses were built in Panacea to process blue crabs, which were shipped to Baltimore and New York.

The story of these bygone days still beckons to residents and travelers through old seafood houses and boats; crab traps and buoys; churches and cemeteries; stores and homes; salt vats, docks, and fish camps. Panacea of today is still basically a fishing village where watermen land their catches of blue crab, oysters, pink and white shrimp, mullet, trout, and grouper at the county’s historic Rock Landing dock. Events such as the annual Blue Crab Festival celebrate the role that seafood has played in Panacea’s development—both past and present.

Just as the mullet return to spawn, Monarch and other butterflies, waterfowl, and songbirds pass through the area on their annual migrations—making Panacea a nationally known birding and wildlife destination.  Fiddler Crabs burrow in the flats at low tide and grass beds provide foraging habitat for endangered sea turtles (Kemp’s Ridley and Loggerhead), as well as other rare and endangered birds (e.g., Scott’s Seaside Sparrow, Swallow-Tailed Kite, Wood Stork, and Bald Eagle).  The uplands surrounding the bay include depression marshes and flatwoods that support rare animals such as Florida Black Bear, Sherman’s Fox Squirrel, and Gopher Tortoise.

As fire restores and preserves forest ecosystems, so too do the people of Panacea, through their daily lives, continue to interpret and expand the story of this unique region and its links with nature, adding new vitality and relevance.

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Vision Plan
 

The Big Bend Maritime Center corresponds with the visions and principles outlined by the citizens of Panacea through their 2020 Vision Plan, including the following:

Ø      A cleaner, more beautiful community that embraces and enhances its waterfront

Ø      A community that has maintained its heritage as a fishing and tourism center while adopting the newest technologies and strategies

Ø      A community in which new development or redevelopment is compatible with the historic look of the community and protective of the natural environment

Ø      Development of a historical museum

Ø      Protection of Panacea’s culture, history, environment, and natural resources

Ø      Adoption of new technologies and leadership in the use of best management practices to benefit the whole community while not exceeding the carrying capacity of the environment

Ø      Assurance that local residents will benefit from future growth and development

The Panacea 2020 Vision Plan identifies goals, strategies, and objectives to improve the community’s economic, environmental, and social future. The development of a Master Plan for the Big Bend Maritime Center will help put “meat on the bones” of the Vision Plan by (1) identifying specific resources of exceptional cultural, historical, educational, and ecological value; (2) promoting awareness of the area’s unique characteristics; (3) developing management tools for resource enhancement, preservation, and interpretation; and (4) establishing long-term management structures for the establishment of the Center.  Conceived as a collection of restored buildings, boats, equipment, interpretive displays, and activities depicting life as it was, and still is, in much of coastal Florida, the Center will serve as a catalyst for achieving multiple objectives, such as:

√        Promoting Panacea as a rich and pristine nature and heritage tourism site

√        Enhancing support and opportunities for commercial, sport, and recreational fishing

√        Facilitating advances in the fishing industry such as a fishermen’s cooperative and value-added local processing of seafood

√        Promoting Panacea as a state and national model for best practices in construction

√        Creating a walkable community

√        Stimulating adequate lodging for visitors and tourists

√        Beautifying the community

√        Expanding public education and training programs

√        Enhancing recreational facilities

√        Documenting community and regional history

√        Increasing the skills of current residents

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Wakulla County Comprehensive Plan

The Wakulla County Comprehensive Growth Management Plan provides a broad foundation of positive objectives, goals, and policies that are fully consonant with plans for the development of a regionally oriented Florida Gulf Coast Maritime Center, including the incorporation of best practices for “green construction.”

Ø     Future Land Use Element-1 includes the goal of: “…ensuring that the character and location of land uses allow for appropriate economic benefit and support the enjoyment of natural and man-made resources by citizens while minimizing the threat to health, safety, and welfare posed by hazards, nuisances, incompatible land uses, and environmental degradation.”

Ø      FLUE-1 also calls for: “…promotion of development patterns which will provide a sustainable environment for residents throughout the planning time frame (until 2020) and beyond.”

Ø      FLUE-1 includes as a goal: “…identification and preservation of historically significant resources.”

Ø      In FLUE-17, regarding Sustainable Communities, the Comp Plan specifies that: “…construction of all buildings shall be in compliance with the Florida Energy Efficiency Code” and that developers shall consult on “energy consumption reduction.” 

Ø      Objective 3 of Wakulla’s Land Development Regulations calls for: “Public land development codes to encourage innovative techniques such as clustering, transfer of development rights, public agency land purchases in Coastal High Hazard zones, land banking, and conservation easements.”

Ø      The Coastal Management Element (CME) of the Land Development Code requires: “…coordinated review of all proposed development in or adjacent to coastal areas with applicable resource management agencies, including the Big Bend Seagrass Aquatic Preserve Management Plan, the Alligator Harbor Aquatic Preserve Management Plan, the Apalachee Bay Aquatic Preserve Management Plan, and the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve Management Plan.”

Ø      Objective 4 of CME-17 states that: “The County shall enhance the public benefit of coastal areas for recreational, educational, cultural, and economic uses by increasing access to beaches and shoreline areas, and by protecting historical resources in the coastal area…”

Ø      The Economic Development Element states that it shall be the policy of the Economic Development Authority to “…recognize the importance of tourism as an economic growth industry,” and “…include as a goal the pursuit of growth within the tourism industry, and shall investigate tourism development activities of other counties and recommend specific actions to the Board of County Commissioners.”  Later in this section, the EDE calls for recognition in land development codes of: “…the economic importance of clean air and water, historic and prehistoric landmarks, and copious natural resources while encouraging expansion of the business community”….especially those that are ”…related to seafood, timber, water resources, and other resources which are dominant in the County.”

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