Explore the full, continuous history of St. Andrews, Florida — from its early naming by Spanish explorers and the vanished settlements of the 1700s, to John Clark’s 19th-century ambitions, the Ware brothers’ thriving waterfront, Civil War destruction, the Cincinnati Boom, and the transformative dredging of the pass and construction of the jetties. This complete narrative reveals how storms, people, and unshakable local pride shaped the resilient, proudly “Salty” waterfront village known as St. Andrews today.

Discover the modern spirit of St. Andrews, Florida — a proudly “Salty” waterfront village defined by local businesses, community traditions, vibrant festivals, and a fiercely independent culture. This story explores what St. Andrews feels like today: its working waterfront, neighborly charm, live music scene, beloved events like Mardi Gras, the Lighted Boat Parade, the Blessing of the Fleet, the Witches Ride, the Salty Dog Mayor election, and the Dive’s legendary street parties. Learn why locals fight to protect the authentic character that makes St. Andrews one of the Gulf Coast’s most unique and welcoming communities.

Explore the transformation of St. Andrews, Florida from the early 1900s to the present — from the Ware brothers’ thriving waterfront, the dredging of the St. Andrews Pass, and the construction of the jetties to the rise of the state park, hurricanes, rebuilding, and the community’s modern revival. This continuation of St. Andrews’ history reveals how resilience, local pride, and a strong maritime heritage shaped the uniquely “Salty” village we know today.

Discover the forgotten early history of St. Andrews, Florida — from Spanish explorers and shifting barrier islands to John Clark, the Ware brothers, Civil War devastation, and the boom-and-bust era that shaped the waterfront village we know today. This modern retelling of G.M. West’s 1922 book uncovers how storms, settlers, ambition, and reinvention transformed St. Andrews Bay into one of Florida’s most resilient and culturally rich communities.

Discover how St. Andrews got its name—from early Spanish explorers charting “Bahía de San Andrés” to the 1800s waterfront village that kept the name and shaped the community we know today. A clear, engaging history of St. Andrew Bay, the town, and the state park.

A behind-the-scenes look at my weekend at GridLife in Michigan and the lifelong racing journey of my friend Bill Wright—founder of the Florida Winter Tour, national karting veteran, Rush SR racer, and the guy who converted me from a NASCAR-only fan into an avid Formula 1 obsessive. From his childhood roots in motorsports to his current racing and iRacing adventures, this story captures the passion, culture, and chaos of a driver who never lifted.

Explore my latest week at St. Andrews State Park, a place I’ve returned to for nearly 60 years. From sunrise walks and wildlife encounters to scuba divers at the jetties and the Navy’s newest combat ship departing through the pass, this blog captures the beauty, history, and personal meaning of one of Florida’s most iconic parks. Photos include birds, deer, gators, sunsets, shorelines, and everyday moments that make St. Andrews feel like home.

Public Eye SOAR turns Gulf Coast State College into a glowing playground of art, light, and music. In this blog, local photographer Bob Taylor steps out of his usual salty St. Andrews scene to experience Panama City’s most creative festival. From dazzling light projections to live music and an artsy, youthful crowd, discover how this annual event shows another side of Bay County’s culture and community.

Discover the salty spirit of St. Andrews through the wild, hilarious storytelling of Scott Jackson, the Dive Bar Manager at The Dive. His “Adventures of a Dive Bar Manager” posts capture the authentic nightlife energy of this local landmark.

Meet Michael “Bar Dad Backup” Santiago—a retired Army vet and postal carrier turned nightlife booster who never misses a big show. From The Dive to Salty Goat and Ms. Newbys, he brings energy, enthusiasm, and nonstop support to the local music scene. A true character helping keep St. Andrews salty, one bar at a time.

At The Dive in Historic St. Andrews, photographer Chay Whitlock captures more than the music—he captures the soulof the scene. His dark, moody style and signature vignettes reflect the grit, mystery, and energy that help Keep St. Andrews Salty through authentic, artistic photography.

Just a block from my home in Historic St. Andrews, The Dive brings the neighborhood to life with loud guitars, sunset views, and a come-as-you-are crowd. Nearly every night features live local music, cold drinks, and the kind of waterfront energy you can’t fake. It’s St. Andrews at full volume — raw, real, and impossible not to love.

Public Eye SOAR turns Gulf Coast State College into a glowing playground of art, light, and music. In this blog, local photographer Bob Taylor steps out of his usual salty St. Andrews scene to experience Panama City’s most creative festival. From dazzling light projections to live music and an artsy, youthful crowd, discover how this annual event shows another side of Bay County’s culture and community.

St. Andrews has a soul all its own — a mix of grit, beauty, and a kind of honesty you don’t find everywhere. My goal as a photographer is to capture that spirit — the people, the places, and the salty character that make this waterfront village what it is. I’m drawn to the moments that define life along the bay: a tugboat doing its work in the bay, a pelican diving for its meal, or a fisherman throwing a cast net into the shallows. I love the energy that fills the streets when a local band fires up a crowd of visitors and locals alike, or when the day fades and the sky over the bay turns gold and crimson at sunset. Crowds gather along the sidewalks, waiting to get into the local restaurants, laughter and conversation spilling into the warm coastal air.

Oaks by the Bay Park in St. Andrews, Florida, is a place where the past and present intertwine, creating a unique environment that blends natural beauty, history, and art. Overlooking the serene waters of St. Andrews Bay, the park is home to ancient oaks, artistic sculptures, and a community that cherishes its heritage. Two remarkable stories stand out in this space: the enduring presence of the Old Sentry Oak and the sculptured tree trunks created from the aftermath of Hurricane Michael. Today, these stories are evolving in a new and inspiring way.

Discover the excitement of a Sea Screamer adventure in Panama City Beach, FL! This blog post provides a detailed firsthand account of a thrilling dolphin and scenic tour, featuring practical tips for booking, boarding, and enjoying the trip. Learn about the highlights, including dolphin sightings, interactive fun, and breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico. Perfect for families and adventure seekers, the Sea Screamer offers an unforgettable experience. Book your adventure today at 3605 Thomas Drive @ Treasure Island Marina. For more details and reservations, visit Sea Screamer or call (850) 235-3000. Don't miss out on this top-rated attraction in Panama City Beach!

As dawn paints St. Andrews Bay, the charter fishing fleet ignites a maritime ballet during red snapper season. Eager fishermen converge at the marina, loading boats with anticipation. With each engine hum, they depart into the bay, leaving safety behind. Captains navigate, and on deck, camaraderie blossoms. In a brief summer spell of 2023, my camera froze these moments, capturing the allure of the unknown sea. Join me in revisiting these snapshots where sea meets sky, telling tales of St Andrews fishing fleet’s adventures.

Discover the extraordinary clash between a brave raven and a majestic bald eagle at Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley, CA. Explore the captivating behavior of ravens defending their territory against larger intruders and witness the audacious pursuit that unfolded in the skies.

Immerse yourself in the untamed beauty of Saint Andrews State Park as I recount a breathtaking encounter with a majestic bald eagle at campsite 97. Capturing the essence of this awe-inspiring moment against the backdrop of pine needles and a crisp blue sky, join me in reliving the magic of nature's grandeur. Experience the shared reverence among fellow campers as the eagle surveys its domain with regal indifference, leaving an indelible mark on our collective memory. Explore the symbolic strength and freedom of bald eagles, their strategic perching habits, and the intricate dance of nature that unfolded during this extraordinary camping experience.