Florida Nature Coast Highlighting features of Florida's Nature Coast . . . for travelers, explorers and adventurers 
Panacea
Population (2020)
735
Area (Square miles)
1.7
Year founded
1895
Year incorporated
N / A
Panacea, Florida, is a quiet, coastal village in Wakulla County, located about 30 miles south of Tallahassee along the western side of Dickerson Bay. Often referred to as part of the "Forgotten Coast," it has avoided the high-rise development typical of most Florida towns, maintaining an "Old Florida" atmosphere centered on commercial fishing and nature.
In the early 1900s, the town was a world-renowned resort destination. People traveled from across the country to bathe in its seven mineral springs, which were believed to have medicinal properties for treating everything from rheumatism to kidney complaints. To get there, tourists would take a mule-drawn tram with wooden rails from the nearby town of Sopchoppy. The iconic Panacea Mineral Springs Hotel was destroyed by a fire in the 1920s. And much of the original resort-era development was destroyed by a major hurricane in 1928, after which the town shifted its focus more toward the seafood industry.

Today, Panacea is a "nature lover’s paradise," sandwiched between the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge and the Apalachicola National Forest. The Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratory is one of the town's biggest draws. It’s a unique, hands-on aquarium and research center that focuses on local sea life from the Gulf of Mexico.

 The town is a hub for both commercial and charter fishing. Rock Landing Dock is the local spot to watch boats unload daily catches of blue crab, shrimp, and oysters. Seafood isn't just a meal in Panacea; it’s the local economy and culture. The annual Blue Crab Festival, held every May is the town's signature event - celebrating the local crabbing industry with a parade, music, and plenty of fresh crab.
 Activities & Facilities
Hotel or B&BRestaurantPlaygroundPicnic shelterDogs allowedZoo/animal displaysShort hiking trailsPaved bike trailsSwimmingOpen gulf kayakingMotor boatingRV sitesFishing
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