Port St. Joe, Florida is poised to become a magnet for Gulf Coast boaters as Brandy Marine, Inc. takes on management of the city's new marina. The leading international marina management, waterfront development and consulting company was chosen by The Port St. Joe Company, to direct the 199-slip public marina and make it a model facility.

"The City of Port St. Joe is taking a progressive approach to gain maximum value from its marina - both as a community amenity and economic contributor," said Bruce Blomgren, Brandy Marine president. Civic and business leaders say the facility, the first full service public use marina in Gulf County, will help spur economic growth in the wake of the closing of the City's largest industry, the paper mill.

James Rester, president of Arvide/St. Joe West Florida, said the marina is just the first step in turning Gulf County from an "undiscovered paradise" to a coastal destination.

The entire community turned out to celebrate the City's new marina

"We chose Brandy Marine to manage the marina because our interest is in creating a high-quality facility with a commitment to customer service," says Chris Hine. Vice President of Commercial Development for The St. Joe Company. "Brandy Marine is a recognized leader in marina management." Brandy Marine was also integral in shaping Arvida/St. Joe Company's long-term leas arrangement, which with renewals, provides for up to 40 years, and includes a purchase option.