Gulf County leaders push to lock down Port Saint Joe land for maritime academy and dry dock

County commissioners and port officials moved Wednesday to accelerate plans for a maritime training campus and floating dry dock at Port Saint Joe, arguing the project could create well‑paying local jobs and make existing port property more marketable for federal and state grants.

The board heard results of a recent site visit to a maritime program in Mobile and feedback from potential training providers, who proposed a phased approach: a retrofitted semi‑trailer classroom for immediate instruction and a later, larger campus for welding, pipefitting, marine electrical and HVAC training. "I think that's a home run," said a Port Authority representative who said the port board would support an academy, adding the site has concrete pads and utilities that make a quick start feasible.

Commissioners said the county needs to remove legal uncertainty about the property before heavy grant writing and private partners commit funds. Staff and legal counsel warned that proposed state legislation could reconfigure port governance and bring in nonlocal board members, creating risk for county investments. County counsel recommended negotiating purchase terms or a contract that includes triggers and a right of first refusal if the port is dissolved or governance changes.

Local officials also flagged funding considerations: early-phase site work and utilities were estimated in preliminary planning at several million dollars; Commissioners said potential funding sources include FDOT (for associated access improvements), Triumph Gulf Coast and federal workforce development grants tied to maritime infrastructure and training.

Next steps: staff agreed to meet with Port Authority leadership and counsel, draft a purchase or conditional‑conveyance proposal and return to the commission with options at the next regular meeting that would allow the board to vote on authorization to proceed.