History of APSTA (1977–Present) 

History of the Alligator Point–St. Teresa Association (APSTA)

Serving the Communities of Alligator Point, Bald Point, Bay North, and St. Teresa Since 1977

Introduction

For nearly fifty years, the Alligator Point–St. Teresa Association (APSTA) has served as the principal voice for property owners and residents of eastern Franklin County. What began as an organization focused primarily on protecting taxpayers' interests has evolved into a broad-based civic association dedicated to preserving the natural beauty, safety, and quality of life of one of Florida's most unique coastal communities.

Throughout its history, the association has worked cooperatively with Franklin County, state agencies, and local organizations while remaining an independent advocate for the communities it represents.

Founding of the Association (1977)

The organization was incorporated as the Alligator Point Taxpayers' Association, Inc. on February 11, 1977, as a Florida nonprofit corporation. The organization remains legally incorporated under that name today as a 501(c)(4) civic association. 

Although the names of the original incorporators have not yet been located in publicly available records, the organization's purpose can be inferred from both its original name and the issues facing Alligator Point during the 1970s.

At the time:

• Alligator Point was an unincorporated coastal community. 

• Residents depended entirely upon Franklin County for public services. 

• Permanent residents and second-home owners needed a unified voice regarding taxation, infrastructure, and public safety. 

• The community was beginning to experience increasing coastal development while remaining geographically isolated. 

The newly formed Taxpayers' Association provided that voice.

Early Mission

The Association's earliest mission centered on representing property owners in matters involving:

• Property taxes 

• County budgeting 

• Road maintenance 

• Emergency services 

• Law enforcement 

• Beach access 

• Coastal infrastructure 

• Protection of property values 

Without an incorporated municipal government, the Association became the community's principal advocate before county officials.

Growth During the 1980s and 1990s

Although relatively few historical records from this period are publicly available, longtime residents recall the Association becoming the recognized organization representing Alligator Point homeowners.

As the Point continued to develop, the Association expanded its role beyond taxation and became involved in nearly every issue affecting the community, including:

• Coastal erosion 

• Hurricane recovery 

• Utility concerns 

• Traffic safety 

• Environmental protection 

• Government relations 

• Community communication 

By the late 1990s, county officials routinely sought input from the Association on issues affecting Alligator Point.

Becoming a Regional Community Association

As neighboring communities became more interconnected, the Association gradually expanded its focus beyond Alligator Point.

Rather than representing only taxpayers at Alligator Point, it began serving residents of:

• Alligator Point 

• Bald Point 

• Bay North 

• St. Teresa 

This broader mission eventually led to the public adoption of the name:

Alligator Point–St. Teresa Association (APSTA)

The legal corporate name remains Alligator Point Taxpayers' Association, Inc., while APSTA became the organization's public identity. 

Advocacy and Community Leadership

Throughout the 2000s and into the present, APSTA has become one of the most active civic organizations in Franklin County.

Among its documented activities have been:

Transportation and Roads

• Advocating for maintenance and protection of Alligator Drive. 

• Participating in traffic and transportation studies. 

• Working with county officials on road improvements and public safety. 

Coastal Protection

The Association has supported numerous efforts related to:

• Beach preservation 

• Shoreline stabilization 

• Coastal resilience 

• Hurricane recovery planning 

County records document the Association's involvement during discussions surrounding erosion control and shoreline stabilization projects. 

Public Safety

The Association has worked with:

• Franklin County Sheriff's Office 

• Franklin County EMS 

• Fire protection officials 

• Emergency Management 

to improve community safety and emergency response. 

Government Representation

APSTA members regularly attend:

• Franklin County Commission meetings 

• Public workshops 

• State agency meetings 

To advocate for residents of eastern Franklin County.

Community Building

Over time, APSTA expanded beyond advocacy into building community spirit.

Activities now include:

• Monthly membership meetings 

• Educational guest speakers 

• Beach cleanups 

• Bike path cleanups 

• Holiday celebrations 

• Christmas Golf Cart Parade 

• Beautification projects 

• Volunteer recognition 

• Community communications 

• Membership outreach 

Recent Initiatives

Recent APSTA accomplishments include:

• Funding the repair and replacement of the S-curve boat ramp

• Installation of community benches 

• Beautification landscaping 

• Expansion of public communications 

• Creation of the APSTA Little Free Library 

• Recognition of community volunteers 

• Continued work on traffic safety and beach parking improvements 

• Increased collaboration with Franklin County on infrastructure and public safety issues 

Looking Ahead

Nearly fifty years after its founding, APSTA continues to fulfill the vision established in 1977:

To provide a unified voice for residents while preserving the unique character of Florida's Forgotten Coast.

Today's organization balances advocacy with community service by:

• Protecting property owners' interests 

• Supporting responsible growth 

• Preserving the area's natural environment 

• Encouraging volunteerism 

• Building stronger neighborhoods 

As eastern Franklin County continues to evolve, APSTA remains committed to ensuring that Alligator Point, Bald Point, Bay North, and St. Teresa remain safe, welcoming, and resilient coastal communities.

Historical Research Still Needed

Several aspects of APSTA's history remain undocumented in readily available public sources. Completing the historical record would benefit from access to:

• The original 1977 Articles of Incorporation listing incorporators. 

• Early board meeting minutes. 

• Membership rosters from the late 1970s and 1980s. 

• Newsletters and photographs. 

• Oral-history interviews with founding and longtime members. 

• Past presidents' records and recollections. 

A 50th Anniversary history would be significantly enriched by these materials and could preserve institutional knowledge that might otherwise be lost.

Special thanks to John Kelly for researching and compiling the above information!

As you may have noticed, our History of APSTA page is still a work in progress.

We know Alligator Point has a rich history filled with memorable people, events, storms, traditions, and stories. Unfortunately, much of that history has never been gathered in one place.

That's where you can help.

Do you have old photographs, newspaper clippings, APSTA documents, meeting programs, newsletters, or stories about APSTA? We'd love to hear from you.

Our goal is to create a community history page that preserves and celebrates the people, places, and events that have shaped Alligator Point over the years.

If you have information you'd like to share, please contact us. Together, we can help ensure that the stories of Alligator Point are preserved for future generations.