Hello, Everyone:

Silver Boots had a long, but very pleasant, crossing to the Other Side. The seas began at less than 2ft dropping to 1ft or less for much of the trip. It doesn't get much better than this. We are anchored in Clearwater, and plan to go outside to Venice tomorrow.

Enjoyed making new friends and catching up with old friends at Port St. Joe Marina. The friendliest marina on the Gulf lived up to it's reputation. We had such a good time biking each day to explore the neat little town. Enjoyed the Chinese New Year feast, breakfast at the Port Inn, oysters at Dockside, and dinner at Sunset Grill; but the best was saved for last at the Marina shrimp boil!

Thanks to everyone for making our stay in Port St. Joe a very pleasant experience.

Until next time . . .

To the employees of the Port St. Joe Marina.

It's interesting that human nature seems to find the time to criticize but less time to say thank you. I want to acknowledge the wonderful time and the great hospitality you served up when a group of AGLCA members met at Port St. Joe Marina. What a great place to have a gathering with a separate building we could use and the friendliness of your staff. Each of you should be personally thanked for a job well done in less than ideal circumstances (rain all weekend).

My wife and I are planning to return again later this year but by boat the next time. We want to make sure that what we enjoyed a couple of weeks ago was real Gust kidding). Your staff is truly sincere in their friendliness and attitude and we want to experience it again. In the meantime keep up the good work.

The Port St. Joe Marina advertises itself as the friendliest marina on the Gulf Coast. We'd differ with that on two points.

First, we would not limit that accolade to the Gulf Coast; Port St. Joe is the friendliest marina anywhere without exception!

Secondly, "friendliest" is not an adequate word. We would use the term "gracious," because everything about this marina is gracious in every way. From the office staff -- manager Clara, Imogene, Lisa, Christie -- who know you by name the second day you're here to the two Johns who work the docks, to Harbor Hosts Ray and Patsy Whitney who do everything from lending their car to Loopers to organizing Christmas dinners -- everything about Port St. Joe makes you feel that you're not just among friends, you are among family.

Sure, there's a grocery store, a movie rental, an ice cream shop, and a hardware store within a couple of blocks. Yes, there are great places to eat within easy walking distance. Yes, there are fabulous sunsets, but the thing that makes Port St. Joe Marina all that it is just people who care - who care about boaters, who care about people, who care about you.

Mr Burt,

The purpose of this email is to commend the staff and management of Port St Joe Marina. My wife and I recently spent 5 nights at your marina. We arrived November 28 and departed December 3.

During this time we experienced the uncommon courtesies that are customary at Port St Joe Marina and very much enjoyed and appreciated our stay. While guests of the marina we also witnessed the marina staff in action preparing for and riding out a few stormy days including a gale. We were favorably impressed with the professional attention to preparation and communication for the benefit of all of the boat owners.

Clara was in constant communication with all boat owners and captains as was her staff including Ima Jean, Lisa and Kristy. John R and John C were very busy with preparations and assisting and checking on the boats. Each of the staff went out of their way to be friendly, helpful and communicative. We appreciate the effort and professional way the duties were handled.

Thank you. It may please you to know that it is our intention to inform boaters that we meet that Port St Joe Marina and its fine staff cannot be topped. You can be assured of our highest recommendation at every opportunity. We look forward to our next visit.

Dear Clara,

In response to your letter thanking us for visiting the Marina, we love the marina and enjoy our stay every time we have an opportunity to drop in. We love the convenience to the services in town, the quaint beauty of St. Joe and the fact that our local friends and relatives are mostly within walking distance. I thought that your rates at the time we stayed there in May were very reasonable and affordable for the average cruiser like us. We generally like to anchor out because that is the reason we cruise, to enjoy nature's beauty and to have our solitude. An occasional Marina stay is nice for resupply and maybe visit a laundry or local restaurant and we don't mind a night or two on the dock as long as the rates are reasonable. I think that is the way most sailboat cruisers feel about marina's and most would probably visit marina's more often if so many of them were not so expensive. Thank you again for your kind letter and for the great facility the PSJ Marina is.

Deborah Ann has moored at Port St. Joe Marina for the past Month. We are not completing the Loop at this time, but wanted to escape the Wisconsin winter and enjoy the warmer weather of the South. Most of the Loopers have passed this point by now, but for those still heading this way, give Port St. Joe a try.

The sign at the harbor entrance says "Port St. Joe Marina, the friendliest marina on the Gulf Coast". I think it should say "on the Great Loop". Port St. Joe Marina is owned and operated by the same companies that own and operate Bay Point in Panama City, which also receives high marks.

The staff has been helpful beyond expectations, the locals have been great. When you arrive you will possibly be greeted by Ray Whitney, commodore of Port St. Joe Yacht Club, a wonderful ambassador of the Port St. Joe area.

There is a grocery store nearby, sporting goods store, laundry, restaurants, and a nice downtown, all within walking distance. Fuel is presently $2.06 for diesel, $3.16 for gasoline, plus sales tax. A discount of .10 per gallon is offered for Boat US/AGLCA members.

Winter slip rate is $1.00 per foot per day, less $.25 per foot lor Loopers. Long term transient rates are very attractive. We plan on staying for another month before heading part of the way back north, and hope to see some Loopers that are continuing South.

Excellent Operation. First time here. Will return. It's obvious that you are dedicated to customer satisfaction.

All the staff is the Best. Always helpful and very friendly. This is my 3rd year back and I hope to come back every year.