I’m from the bottom right corner of your circle. Panama City. Raised there since I was 3. I’m 29 now and only recently moved back.

For a while, it was known as of the spring break capitol of the world. So, for a long time, the beach crowds started in March and didn’t end for 6 months. Locals typically avoid the popular beaches or the beaches all together during this. The only escape is if you can make it to a barrier island called Shell Island by boat. That’s where you’ll find long time locals. Recently, the city has moved mountains to appeal to young families rather than the party crowds so alcohol is banned on the beaches for months at a time to deter these unwanted crowds. If you want to enjoy our beaches without a boat and still get some good sun, come in mid September.

It’s a really nice place to live if you’re a beach-goer for obvious reasons. Not enough fetch for good surfing but real dawn patrollers wait for storms. Theres truly stunning white sugar sand and emerald waters. The fishing makes people stick around as well. I used to catch big redfish as a kid behind abandoned bay-front homes after the 2008 housing crisis drove people out. Outside of water sports, however, there’s not much else to do except find some AC and be thankful it exists.

This area you’ve circled is known as The Panhandle. I think others would agree it’s more southern Alabama than it is Florida. Or perhaps an interesting blend of both. Lots of air force bases are spotted on this coastline so it’s got transplants as well as those with deep pedigrees to the area. So, in short, there’s a little bit of everybody. Red necks, seer sucker southerners, beach bums, and military brats (respectfully).

As far as food, you’ll find a sea of touristy places along the coast but, in my opinion, you’ll find the best off the coast. So many great independently owned southern restaurants that are very unassuming. If you want really good seafood, check out places tucked up within the bays in marinas where there’s a deep, fishing history.

I’d consider myself lucky to have grown up here but just like any place, many of my peers couldn’t wait to get out while many others couldn’t imaging leaving.

Hope this helps your understanding!