In the spring of 1513, Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon sailed to the tip of the Florida peninsula. Legend has it he was in search of the fabled Fountain of Youth. Historians claim his true search wasn’t for a mythical spring of magical water, but rather a more personal journey for rejuvenation and self-discovery. Whatever the true reason for Ponce de Leon’s adventure in the Sunshine State, enchantment or rebirth, he came to the right place.

Local tradition holds that Ponce de Leon made his way to the Emerald Coast and found his fountain in what is present-day Holmes County. The centerpiece of Ponce de Leon State Park, located in county seat and Juan’s namesake – Ponce de Leon – is a spring fed pool that maintains a constant 68-degrees year round. The 443-acre nature reserve is not much different than it was when Ponce de Leon was believed to have explored the Gulf Coast.

Ponce De Leon St Park

Much as it was when settlers and Native American Indian explored the region, Holmes County, rich in history and natural resources, is still a destination for visitors looking for rest and relaxation. Along with Ponce de Leon State Park, there are two other recreational parks – Vortex Springs and Morrison Springs. Divers, swimmers and nature lovers can all enjoy the unspoiled beauty of the region.

Jim Fowler, former host of the Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom, is currently in the planning stage for a wildlife refuge and theme park to be located in Bonifay. The Jim Fowler’s Life in the Wild animal park will initially encompass nearly 1,200 acres and feature a safari-type reserve that will allow guests to view natural animal habitats as they travel in specially constructed vehicles.

Along with Ponce de Leon State Park, and other nature reserves and parks, Holmes County is the perfect location to get away from the ever-growing beach crowds. A quiet change of pace, and still holding on to that small town feel, Holmes County offers fun and sunshine for the whole family and those just wanting to enjoy nature at its most pristine. Whether it is fishing, canoeing and kayaking, camping, hiking and biking, hunting, or swimming and diving, there is a place for you in Holmes County.

• Average yearly temperature: 66.5
• Hottest months: July and August – average high 91
• Coldest month: January – average low 38
• Annual rainfall: 58.24 inches
• Monthly average rainfall: 4.9 inches
• Wettest month: July - 6.9 inches
• Driest month: October – 2.9 inches
• Record high temperature: July 1980 - 104
• Record low temperature: Jan. 1985 - 2
• Hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30 each year
• Major hurricanes (Category 3 and higher) that have struck the Northwest Gulf Coast of Florida in the past 155 years: 14*

(No hurricanes made landfall on the Florida Gulf Coast during the 2006 storm season)

*[As of 11/30/06 – source NOAA]

Population (2000 census) – 18,564, estimated 2005 – 19,264
Total area – 489 square miles: 482 sq. miles land, 6 sq. miles water
Per capita income - $14,135
Median family income - $34,286
Median age – 38
Population ratio (males: females) – 113.6:100
Major industry - tourism

Local Directory

Schools

• Bonifay Elementary
• Ponce de Leon Elementary
• Bonifay Middle School
• Holmes County High School
• Ponce de Leon High School
• Poplar Springs High School
• West Florida Wilderness Institute (for at-risk male students, ages 14-18)

Law enforcement

• Holmes County Sheriff’s Department, 211 N. Oklahoma St., Bonifay – (850) 547-3681
• City of Bonifay Police Department, 809 S Waukesha St. – (850) 547-3661

Post Office

• Highway 90, Bonifay – (850) 547-2542
• Main Street, Noma – (850) 263-6502
• Arrant Road, Westville – (850) 548-5501
• Crooked Creek Road, Ponce de Leon – (850) 863-4311

Library

• W Highway 90, Ponce de Leon – (850) 836-4878
• Holmes County Library, 303 N Harvey Etheridge, Bonifay – (850) 547-3573

Fire Department (Volunteer Fire Departments)

• Esto VFD – Highway 79, Bonifay – (850) 253-0911
• Darlington-Gaskin Fire District, 60 County Highway 181 E, Westville – (850) 834-5311
• Westville VFD – (850) 548-5555
• Red Bay VFD, 10618 Hwy 81, Ponce de Leon – (850) 836-4199
• Pine Log VFD, 1652 N Hwy 81, Westville – (850) 956-2121

City Hall

• Holmes County Board of County Commissioners, 201 N Oklahoma St, Bonifay – (850) 547-1119
• Bonifay City Hall, 301 J. Harvey Ethridge St. – (850) 547-5392
• Ponce de Leon Town Hall, 1580 Hwy 90 – (850) 836-4361
• Westville Town Hall, 2522 Cedar St. – (850) 548-5340
• Esto Town Hall, 3312 2nd Ave. S, Bonifay – (850) 263-6521
• Noma Town Hall, 500 Main St. – (850) 263-3449

Chamber of Commerce

• Holmes County Chamber of Commerce/Development Commission, 106 E Byrd Ave., Bonifay – (850) 547-4682

Airports

• Tharpe Airport, Linwood E, Bonifay – (850) 547-2344 (private airport)
• Tri-County Airport, Chipley – (850) 547-6519 (public service airport serving Holmes, Washington and Jackson counties, does not provide service to commercial airlines.)