Mexico Beach’s Recovery & Clean Up Efforts Moving Forward -Destination Opens Canal and Businesses Make Great Strides in Opening Their Doors-

It has been around seven months since Mexico Beach, a tranquil and serene slice of “old Florida” beloved by so many, was ravaged by Hurricane Michael. The destination is moving forward with its recovery and clean-up efforts with high spirits, as businesses make great strides in opening their doors. A small victory has finally come with the re-opening of a portion of the city’s canal, including partial access to Mexico Beach’s most important waterway. Boaters can now access the canal from the boat ramp, U.S. 98 to the second sandbar. Further, the city is making full use out of the sand being dredged from the canal, with plans for use in an emergency berm project to repair dunes washed away by the hurricane.

“We are so thankful for the countless people who worked tirelessly day and night to reopen our canal and get our boaters back in business,” shared Mexico Beach Community Development Council President Kimberly Shoaf. “The re-opening of our canal was a true testament to the resiliency of our community. We are making great progress and pushing forward every day in the effort to bring people back to our little stretch of paradise.”

In addition to Mexico Beach’s canal re-opening, restaurants, hotels, vacation rentals and other businesses are working tirelessly to reopen their doors. In addition to the Rustic Sands Resort Campground currently welcoming visitors, vacation rentals are available (although not directly on the beach), including Forgotten Coast Property Management & Rentals, Gulf Coast Vacation Rentals, #Mexico Beach Sundance Realty, Mexico Beach Vacation Rentals By Owner, No Worries Vacation Rentals, Pristine Properties and VACASA.

Restaurants currently open include Caribbean Coffee, Crazy Beach Pizza and Mango Marley’s, with other businesses now open including Cathey’s ACE Hardware, Barefoot Kayak & Paddle Board Rentals, Mexico Beach Wine & Spirits, Two Gulls At The Beach, Centennial Bank, United States Post Office and Wallace Pump & Supply. The beach is also open with public parking located near the Mexico Beach Welcome Center.

Mexico Beach recently welcomed over 20 internationally acclaimed artists to the area for the Forgotten Coast En Plein Air, America’s Great Paint-Out. The 10-day festival took place May 3-12 and featured demonstrations, workshops, competitions and receptions at varying venues around the area. The destination is now looking ahead to its 22^nd annual Mexico Beach Artificial Reef Associate (MBARA) Kingfish Tournament on August 23-24. A family favorite, attendees will watch as fishermen bring in their prized catch for a chance to win the tournament. The Kingfish Tournament serves as the main fundraising effort by the MBARA for ongoing assistance to marine education and artificial reef deployment in the Gulf of Mexico.

The Mexico Beach Community Development Council is grateful to each and everyone who continues to keep the area in their hearts and will continue to provide updates as available. For the latest updates and to stay connected, please visit www.MexicoBeach.com,  on Instagram (@mexicobeachfla), Facebook (@MexicoBeachFL) and #lovemexicobeach.

About Mexico Beach, Florida

Since 1946, the three miles that make up the city of Mexico Beach have been a tranquil and serene hideaway from the pressures of everyday life. With its close proximity to Panama City Beach and Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, Mexico Beach has big-city accessibility and a small-town feel, making it The Unforgettable Coast® for a reason.

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