The PSJRA won for its “Historic Banner” program. The redevelopment agency partnered with the Gulf Alliance for the Local Arts and the county Tourist Development Council on this program, receiving assistance on funding as well as a resource of artists.

Each entry in the FRA contest is judged on a variety of criteria, from impact on the community – economic, social, design and cultural – to application to other communities to funding and problem solving that went into making the program a success.

The “Historic Banner” program reaches out to local artists who create unique, original art to showcase the history and themes of the city, with each banner hanging along the Reid Avenue business district, the entrance to the marina or in the Dr. Joe Memorial Parking Lot on Williams Avenue illustrating a defining feature of each century in the city’s history:

1600s – Native American;

1700s – A Privateer (pirate);

1800s – The Apalachicola Railroad, with Railroad Workers;

1900s – A Shrimp Boat and shrimpers.

The artist Chuck Creasy wrote the following of his inspiration for the project:

“We have a unique opportunity with this campaign to begin the branding process for the City of Port St. Joe. This community is unique to most in the Northwestern Florida area. It is built upon a rich quilt-work of history that is steeped in the romantic visions of a strong people exploring, settling and carving out a viable ‘sense of place’ from the roughness of a land that was seemingly uninhabitable.

“From the ancient serenity of its native peoples to the advent of explorers, privateers and early European settlers, Port St. Joe teems with images of independence. And it’s from their courageous past that the community has evolved into a gem of opportunity for a continuing line of ‘explorers.’

“Today, Port St. Joe can look back on its early history and draw from it a pride of independence, loyalty, courage, natural beauty and determination to take her into the future.”

As one of the 10 redevelopment agencies being recognized by the FRA, the PSJRA will receive an award and trophy during the FRA annual conference later this month.

Port St. Joe will also be featured in the FRA’s “Best Book” publication, with photos and descriptions of the banners.

The PSJRA will also have a display table at the conference for all participants to see.
The PSJRA gives special kudos to GALA, the TDC, Creasy as well as Lorinda Gingell and Eric Davidson who assisted in putting the applications together.