Historic St. Andrews City

Historic St Andrews City is located in downtown Panama City, FL.   St. Andrews has been in existence since 1827 when the first European settlers came to the area.  Just a few people lived in the area year round making their living making salt, fishing and boarding vacationers who would come to the area for the "healthy salt baths" and fishing.  By the mid 1800s the summer population would be around 1200 to 1500.  In 1845 the town was officially called St Andrews City by the Post Office.  It continued to grow and lots 25 ft x 82 ft were selling for $1.25 but as St Andrews Bay grew in popularity the lots went up to $8.00.  St. Andrews was incorporated in 1908 and became a popular port on the coast.  During this time other towns were popping up including Panama City which grew rapidly and in 1927 annexed St Andrews and three other towns as part of Panama City. In the 1980s St Andrews businesses moved to the the "new" area in Panama City and St Andrews became run down.  In 1997 it became a project under the Waterfront Florida Program and with monies and work was redeveloped.  By 2008 St Andrews was revitalized with a huge new restaurant, The Shrimp Boat, and several other restaurants and local retailers.  Today it is a popular place to visit and eat.  The Marina is big and is currently playing host to The Governor Stone, a schooner that was built in 1877 in Mississippi and is one of the last ships of its kind that was built during that time.  While we were in St. Andrews we ate at Uncle Ernie's which is a quaint seafood restaurant located next to the St Andrews Marina.  The place was busy and the food was good.  We sat and ate on the porch that overlooks the bay.  St Andrews was quiet while we were visiting but really comes to life on Saturdays with their Farmers Market.  It is a neat area to visit in Panama City.  When you visit St Andrews come hungry and visit one of the many restaurants.