Everything Else is Cleveland

“America has only three cities: New York, San Francisco, and New Orleans. Everywhere else is Cleveland.”

Some attribute this quote to Mark Twain, others to Tennessee Williams. Whoever said it, it’s a clever commentary on the sameness of life that extends across not only cities but small towns and rural areas alike.

Every place has a McDonald’s. Every place has a Walmart. Every place looks the same.

But on the Forgotten Coast, we forgot to homogenize life.

To be fair, some Dollar General stores squeaked through in Carrabelle, when citizens’ efforts to keep them out were unsuccessful. But often, we’ve been able to shut the door on developments that would have impacted our unique vibe, thanks in no small part to resident activism and support from the Franklin County Board of Commissioners.

We want to keep the Forgotten Coast…well, not “weird” exactly, but distinguishable from all the other towns that might as well be Cleveland. Distinctively itself. Authentic.

We want to continue to attract people who like to live on the water, people who want to sail through life unencumbered by a huge house payment, or the need to climb the corporate ladder or fight their way into elite social circles.

We want people who like to hike, and watch birds, and play shuffleboard. People who like to create. People who like to relax. People who prefer to have their morning cup of coffee with friends.

If you’re tired of a world where everything looks the same, come see what the Forgotten Coast has to offer. Being here might remind you of a simpler time. It might even make you remember who you are and what’s important.