Florida’s Forgotten Coast Keeps on Shucking: We’re Open for the Business of Savoring Fresh Seafood!

If the thought of freshly harvested, plump oysters, shrimp and blue crabs gets your mouth watering, it’s time to come down to the Forgotten Coast! Our area is renowned for fresh, local seafood, especially our world-famous Apalachicola oysters.

Why are we up to “here” with shellfish? Because Apalachicola Bay is one of the most productive estuary systems in the world! The nutrient-rich Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint river system creates a complex network of food chains in our bay. These environmental conditions come together to make the Apalachicola Bay the perfect feeding, breeding and nursery ground for an abundance of oysters, shrimp, blue crabs and other sea life.

While Franklin County used to harvest more than 90 percent of Florida’s oysters straight out of the Bay, the majority of Apalachicola oysters are produced via local oyster “farms” these days. Shrimping is also big business for Franklin County. Apalachicola Bay shrimpers average more than a million pounds per year, nearly 20 percent of the state’s total shrimp supply. There are three major types of shrimp harvested from the waters in and around Apalachicola Bay: white, brown and pink shrimp.

To top it off, Apalachicola is also home to a thriving blue crab industry. Franklin County produces nearly 10 percent of the hard-shell blue crabs harvested in Florida. Blue crabs, both hard-shell and softshell, are typically harvested inshore in the estuary.

If you’re visiting the Forgotten Coast and want to get your “claws” on some of the freshest seafood our area has to offer, be sure to visit these local seafood markets and restaurants:

Barber’s Seafood in Eastpoint

Located at 510 US Highway 98 East, Barber’s Seafood is a full-service, fresh seafood market.

Island View Seafood in Eastpoint

Located at 326 Patton Drive, Island View Seafood offers a wide variety of fresh, local catches. Plus, they can pack up your seafood for safe travel.

Lynn’s Quality Oysters in Eastpoint

Lynn’s is a family owned and operated business with more than 40 years of experience in the seafood industry. Located at 402 Hwy 98, Lynn’s serves up world-famous Apalachicola oysters, scallops, shrimp, crabs, lobster, fish and all other varieties of Florida seafood. As one of the oldest licensed packinghouses in the state of Florida, Lynn’s has developed a reputation for providing the freshest local seafood on the Forgotten Coast.

In addition to the seafood market, Lynn’s also includes a waterfront restaurant. The Raw Bar at Lynn’s features raw, steamed or topped oysters, steamed shrimp, shrimp salad, seafood gumbo, beer and wine. Dine inside or outside on the deck as you watch the sunset over the Apalachicola Bay.

13 Mile Seafood Market in Apalachicola

13 Mile Seafood Market specializes in Apalachicola oysters and shrimp, all fresh caught by local fisherman. Located at 227 Water Street, this pet-friendly market also serves up smoked fish dip, flounder, grouper, crabs, mullet, clams and steamed shrimp.

Millenders Seafood Market in Carrabelle

Founded in 1942, this fourth-generation family owned market offers a wide selection of fresh and fresh frozen seafood. Millenders Seafood Market, located at 607 Southeast Avenue B in Carrabelle, serves up fresh catches from local commercial fishermen.

As you can see, the Forgotten Coast is truly seafood lover’s heaven! For more info about our area’s delicious fresh-caught seafood, visit our Seafood Culture page.