Bay County, Florida

Bay County [†], part of the Florida Panhandle, is bordered on the north by Washington and Jackson Counties, on the east by Calhoun and Gulf Counties, on the west by Walton County, and on the south by the Gulf of Mexico.

Tourism and recreation, the largest enterprises, are enhanced by the long coastline along the Gulf of Mexico, having what is termed the "world's most beautiful beaches." Forest products and related industries are also important to the economy of the county. Tyndall Air Force Base, which occupies about 28,000 acres, is very important to the economy of the county.

Many types of recreation are available in Bay County other than those provided by the beaches. Econfina Creek provides opportunities for canoeing. Several large lakes provide opportunities for boating, fishing, water skiing, and scuba diving. Several large bays offer a variety of boating, sailing, and fishing. St. Andrews Park and several private trailer and camping areas offer camping, picnicking, hiking, swimming, and other recreational activities. Chartered boats used for saltwater {deep sea) fishing and boat rides are available at many large marinas.

† U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Survey of Bay County, Florida, 2001, modified 2008, www.nrcs.usda.gov, accessed October, 2021.