In a move expected to bolster maritime commerce and economic development along Florida’s Northwest Gulf Coast, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Zachary Childs, Christian Johnson, Jessica Rish, and the reappointment of Guerry Magidson to the Port St. Joe Port Authority on June 20, 2025.

The appointments come at a pivotal time for Port St. Joe, the deepwater port in Gulf County that serves as a key link in the state’s growing infrastructure and trade development strategy, particularly in the lesser-known but rapidly developing Forgotten Coast region.

🚢 Strengthening Port Leadership for Regional Growth

The Port St. Joe Port Authority is tasked with overseeing port operations, supporting local infrastructure, and driving economic expansion by attracting new industries and increasing shipping and logistics capabilities. With long-term plans to expand rail access, bulk cargo capabilities, and warehousing, the Port Authority plays a critical role in Gulf County’s future.

Governor DeSantis emphasized the strategic value of Port St. Joe in his statement announcing the appointments:

“These individuals bring strong private-sector leadership and deep community roots that will help unlock the potential of Port St. Joe. This board plays a vital role in strengthening our state’s economy and ensuring that every region, including our rural coastal communities, has a seat at the table in Florida’s growth.”

📋 Meet the Appointees

Zachary Childs

A respected real estate broker with 98 Real Estate Group, Childs is known for his active role in shaping Gulf County’s planning and tourism landscape. He currently serves on both the Gulf County Planning Development Review Boardand the Gulf County Tourist Development Council, two entities that intersect closely with the port’s impact on infrastructure and visitation. He holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing and finance from Valdosta State University.

“Zach brings a blend of commercial insight and regulatory experience to the Authority, especially in guiding responsible growth along the coast,” said a Gulf County planning official.

Christian Johnson

A serial entrepreneur, Johnson is a partner in several Gulf County staples, including The Mill Mercantile, The Haughty Heron, and Uptown Raw Bar. His involvement with the CareerSource Gulf Coast Board of Directors reflects his commitment to workforce development and small business resilience—two crucial areas for port-related job growth. Johnson is a graduate of Flagler College, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

“Christian understands what drives our local economy and the importance of integrating local talent into the port’s expansion,” said a representative from CareerSource Gulf Coast.

Jessica Rish

Rish brings a background in both residential and commercial real estate and previously served on the Port St. Joe Port Authority, making her appointment a return to familiar territory. As a sales agent with Rish Real Estate Group and former owner of Gulf Coast Real Estate Group, she offers deep insight into Gulf County’s real estate dynamics. Rish holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and management from the University of Georgia.

“Jessica’s experience on the board and in regional real estate ensures that she brings continuity and long-range perspective to the Authority,” said a fellow board member.

Guerry Magidson (Reappointed)

Magidson, who is retired, previously served as CEO of GPM Financial, LLC and brings extensive leadership in both finance and community development. He is a former President of the Gulf County Chamber of Commerce and the Gulf County Economic Development Alliance. A graduate of the University of Alabama Birmingham, Magidson’s reappointment signals a desire for stability and experience on the board.

“Guerry is a foundational figure in Gulf County economic development. His guidance has helped steer past infrastructure and business growth initiatives,” noted a Chamber representative.

📈 Port St. Joe’s Vision for the Future

The appointments are expected to energize efforts to fully activate Port St. Joe as a commercial shipping hub. While the port has historically been underutilized, recent years have seen renewed investment and interest in leveraging its strategic location near the Panama City and Apalachicola markets.

With 1,900 linear feet of bulkhead, the port is positioned for dry bulk shipping, industrial access, and intermodal transport, and further enhancements could draw cargo traffic away from more congested Florida ports.

Governor DeSantis’ administration has prioritized regional equity in port development, advocating for small and mid-sized ports to receive the resources and leadership they need to compete with larger facilities in Tampa, Jacksonville, and Miami.

🌊 A Strategic Coastline with Growing National Attention

Port St. Joe’s resurgence is part of a larger trend driving attention to Florida’s Forgotten Coast, where homebuyers, businesses, and developers are converging to tap into the area’s natural beauty and untapped economic potential. Gulf County has seen increased investment in both tourism and long-term infrastructure, including road improvements, new residential developments, and broadband expansion—all of which stand to benefit from a thriving port.

“The Port Authority isn’t just about ships and cargo,” said local business owner Mary Beth Reeves. “It’s about opening doors to opportunity—for jobs, for business growth, and for putting Gulf County on the map.”

📅 Looking Ahead

The next meeting of the Port St. Joe Port Authority will be announced on the official city website, where the newly appointed board members are expected to discuss updated expansion plans, federal funding opportunities, and community partnerships aimed at increasing port utilization over the next five years.

To learn more or follow future developments, visit: www.cityofportstjoe.com

In summary: With these appointments, the DeSantis administration reinforces its commitment to empowering rural coastal communities like Port St. Joe. Through leadership rooted in business, finance, and community involvement, the Port Authority is poised to usher in a new chapter of growth for Florida’s Forgotten Coast.

Governor DeSantis Appoints Four to Port St. Joe Port Authority, Emphasizing Economic Development on Florida’s Forgotten Coast

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