Friends of the Grand Lagoon Logo
History of the Grand Lagoon, Florida
(and why it needs saving …)
In 1952, the state of Florida chose to fill in most of the water causeway for a Thomas Drive/Grand Lagoon Bridge over the Grand Lagoon. The waterway was approximately 1056 feet wide at that time. The state chose to build a 107-foot bridge, reducing the waterway by approximately 949 feet. The severe narrowing of the waterway restricted the flush out of the lagoon and caused much shoaling (sand bars), thus creating shallow water and reduced the natural grass and sea life. For years, those without voices suffered in silence as the lack of tidal flow devastated the aquatic life on the west end of the Grand Lagoon. In 2005, the state of Florida proposes to replace the deteriorating bridge with a bridge of similar specification. That was when people of the area decided to speak up, to right a wrong and to save the Grand Lagoon.
Goals of the Friends of the Grand Lagoon
The Friends of the Grand Lagoon is a 501(c)(3) public non-profit organization, located in Panama CityBeach, BayCounty, Fl. 32408. The mission of the Friends of the Grand Lagoon is to renew and maintain the Grand Lagoon for a sustainable environment and economic growth in and around the areas of the Grand Lagoon, resulting in better quality of life for the residents and improved environment for the general public. The following goals have been established to support this mission:
1. Renew the Grand Lagoon, bringing water condition back to its former glory in the fifties with a 250’ waterway width replacement bridge on Thomas Dr. This will increase flushing and improve aquatic sea life in the Grand Lagoon.
2. Be the voice for the public in the discussion with government officials regarding the replacement Thomas Dr bridge over the Grand Lagoon. This requires conducting surveys and gathering feedbacks from the public.
3. Maintain water quality of the Grand Lagoon by reducing and filtering pollutants in water runoffs into the lagoon.
4. Plant native vegetation along the shoreline so the shore will stay intact and not shift into the lagoon.
5. Dredge the lagoon when necessary to maintain navigation channels for the public.
6. Plant aquatic vegetation after dredging to insure habitat and to attract sea life.
