The history of the Alligator Point–St. Teresa Association

If you've ever looked at Alligator Point from the air, you've probably noticed something unique. The narrow peninsula stretching west from eastern Franklin County resembles an alligator making its way through the Gulf. That's how Alligator Point got its name—and for generations, it has been one of Florida's most special coastal communities.

Long before today's neighborhoods took shape, Alligator Point and nearby St. Teresa were quiet vacation destinations with only a handful of seasonal homes and a small marina serving local boaters and fishermen.

Everything changed during World War II.

In 1942, the U.S. Department of War acquired more than 16,000 acres stretching from Carrabelle to eastern Franklin County to establish Camp Gordon Johnston, where soldiers trained for amphibious landings before deployment overseas. The beaches of Dog Island and St. George Island became training grounds, while Alligator Point was used for aerial bombing and gunnery practice. Homes at St. Teresa Beach housed military officers during the war.

When the war ended in 1946, the land was returned to its original owners, and over the following decades the Forgotten Coast slowly began to grow. By the late 1960s and 1970s, Alligator Point and St. Teresa had become increasingly popular destinations for vacation homes, retirees, and outdoor enthusiasts. The area also became an important source of Franklin County revenue through property and sales taxes.

Yet residents faced a unique challenge.

As unincorporated communities located nearly 60 miles from the county seat in Apalachicola, many homeowners felt their concerns were too easily overlooked. Roads, public safety, beach access, emergency services, and protecting the natural beauty of the area all required a stronger voice.

A community comes together

In 1977, local residents formed the Alligator Point Taxpayers' Association, creating a unified voice to represent property owners in eastern Franklin County. The organization was officially incorporated on February 11, 1977, as a Florida nonprofit corporation, and it continues to operate today under that legal name.

As neighboring communities became more connected, the association's mission naturally expanded beyond Alligator Point. To better reflect the communities it serves, the organization adopted its public name, the Alligator Point–St. Teresa Association (APSTA), representing residents of Alligator Point, Bald Point, Bay North, and St. Teresa.

From the very beginning, APSTA has worked cooperatively with Franklin County officials while serving as an independent advocate for local residents. Its mission has remained remarkably consistent: protecting the interests of property owners while preserving the character, beauty, and quality of life that make this corner of Florida's Forgotten Coast so special.

Growing with the community

Over the years, APSTA's work has expanded far beyond its original focus on taxpayer concerns.

The association has advocated for improvements to roads and transportation, public safety, emergency services, beach preservation, shoreline protection, hurricane recovery, environmental stewardship, and responsible growth throughout eastern Franklin County. APSTA members regularly attend county commission meetings, public workshops, and meetings with state agencies to ensure the voices of local residents are heard.

Just as importantly, APSTA has become the heart of the community.

Monthly membership meetings, educational programs, holiday celebrations, beach and bike path cleanups, beautification projects, volunteer recognition, and community events all help strengthen the connections between neighbors while preserving the welcoming spirit that makes this area so unique.

Recent projects have included supporting improvements to the S-Curve boat ramp, installing community benches, expanding community communications, creating the APSTA Little Free Library, recognizing volunteers, and continuing to work with Franklin County on issues involving traffic safety, infrastructure, and beach access.

Looking ahead

Nearly fifty years after its founding, APSTA continues to fulfill the vision of its founders by serving as a cooperative advocate for the residents of Alligator Point, Bald Point, Bay North, and St. Teresa.

Whether working to protect our beaches, improve public safety, preserve our natural environment, or simply bring neighbors together through community events, APSTA remains committed to helping ensure that this special stretch of Florida's Forgotten Coast remains a wonderful place to live, visit, and enjoy for generations to come.

We invite all residents and property owners to join us at our monthly meetings at Mission by the Sea Community Church and become part of the ongoing story of APSTA.

Special thanks to Sam Rogers, one of APSTA's first presidents, who provided his unique perspective, and to John Kelly for researching and compiling the above information!

Help Preserve Our History

Do you have old photographs, newsletters, newspaper clippings, or memories of Alligator Point, St. Teresa, Bald Point, Bay North, or APSTA? We'd love to hear from you. Please contact us so we can help preserve our community's history for future generations.