The message below is copied off the AGLCA list, and is in response to a request for good marinas along the Northern Gulf Coast.
To reach Port St. Joe Marina, you must depart the Norther Gulf ICW, and then cut southwest down the Gulf County Canal to the waters of St. Joseph Bay. It’s then only a a short southerly hop to the well sheltered Port St. Joe Marina harbor.
Believe me, this side trip is well worth your time. Port St. Joe Marina is one of the best facilities in the Florida Panhandle, and they are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

I know its a little out of your preferred area (about an hour) but I would also consider Port St. Joe Marina in Port St. Joe, Fl. It is a great, well protected, and well managed marina. A nice grocery store
(Piggly Wiggly I think) and huge fishing/boating store is right at your back door. The city is just a couple of blocks away with good restaurants, shops, ace hardware, barber shops, etc. The city is very bike friendly and you can easily bike any place in the city. We spent eight days there this past Nov. and plan on going back this fall for a longer stay. Good luck on your marina hunt.
Carlton & Becky Moore