2020 Census: Bad news for Jackson County

 Adult Population Drop Worst in Northwest Florida

Jackson County lost more than adults over the age of eighteen in the last decade than any county in Florida west of Tallahassee.

The United States Census Bureau released its final 2020 estimates for counties across the nation on August 12, 2021. The numbers for the area still recovering from Hurricane Michael are remarkably good in some counties, worse than expected in others.

Jackson County led the region in adult population loss. In 2020, census workers found 1,568 fewer adults over the age of 18 living in the county versus 2010. As might be expected, the population under the age of 18 also fell - by 859 residents - but drops in numbers of children were common across the region. The county's total population decline between 2010 and 2020 was 2,417.

While some of the population loss in Jackson County is certainly tied to Hurricane Michael, the majority of it was predicted in 2008 before the storm devastated the region (See Economic Chaos Strikes Jackson County).

Among counties in the primary Hurricane Michael strike zone, only Gulf County where the category five storm made landfall experienced an adult population loss close to that suffered by Jackson. Gulf County's 18+ population loss was 1,468. The decline in the 18 and under population there, however, was much smaller, with Gulf County losing 203 younger residents.

Gadsden County actually led the counties west of Tallahassee in total population decline, but much of its drop was due to fewer children in 2020 versus 2010. Gadsden's 18+ population declined by 567 people. Its 18 and under population declined by 1,996. The county's overall population drop was 2,563.

Calhoun County, also impacted heavily by Hurricane Michael, likewise saw its population decline. Calhoun's 18+ numbers were down by 577. The county's 18 and under population dropped by 407.

Liberty County's 18+ population dropped by 81, while the county's 18 and under total declined by 310. Holmes County also saw a small decline, with its 18+ population dropping by 37 and its 18 and under number falling by 227.

Bay County (Panama City/Panama City Beach), which was heavily impacted by Hurricane Michael in its eastern areas, led growth in the region, closely followed by Houston County, Alabama (Dothan).

Bay County reported an 18+ population growth of 7,883, but an 18 and under decline of 1,519, for a total increase of 6,364 people.

Dothan and Houston County saw an 18+ increase of 6,025 people, with 18 and under decrease of 370. The total population increase there was 5,655. 

Other counties in the area with growing populations were:

• Decatur County (Bainbridge), Georgia - 1,525 total increase.
• Franklin County (Apalachicola), Florida - 902 total increase.
• Washington County (Chipley), Florida - 422 total increase.
• Seminole County (Donalsonville), Georgia - 417 total increase.

Victory Bridge construction began 100 years ago

Landmark bridge was the first to span the Apalachicola River.

by Dale Cox

Victory Bridge at Chattahoochee, Florida.

The 100th anniversary of construction for beautiful old Victory Bridge is now underway. The 2,100-foot long structure once spanned Florida's Apalachicola River between Chattahoochee and Sneads.

The bridge gained its name from the Allied victory in World War I, the first "war to end all wars." The cost was paid by Jackson and Gadsden Counties, with assistance from the Federal government.

Sections of the structure still survive, although the central part was removed after the State of Florida built the new U.S. 90 bridge in the 1950s. The longest section stretches out over the river from the high bluffs on the Chattahoochee side. It is easy to see at River Landing Park.

A smaller section survives on the Jackson County side but is more difficult to reach.

The Old Spanish Trail stretched from San Diego on the West Coast to
Jacksonville and St. Augustine on the Atlantic Ocean.

The bridge was part of the original Old Spanish Trail Highway, a coast-to-coast tourist route that carried drivers from San Diego, California, to San Diego, California. The highway commemorated but did not always follow the original trails used by Spanish explorers and missionaries.

The graceful arches and ornate rails were visualized by the bridge's designer, James Austin Mortland of the Florida State Roads Department (today's FDOT). It took crews from Masters & Mullen Construction Company of Cleveland, Ohio, three years to finish the project, which opened to traffic in 1922.

A new interpretive panel will be installed this year at River Landing Park in Chattahoochee to tell the story of Victory Bridge and provide visitors with more information.

Read more about the building of the bridge from the August 24, 1922, issue of Manufacturers Record:

Shepard's Mill

If, like me, you grew up in or around Jackson County, you very well may have enjoyed cornbread or grits made from grain ground at Shepard's Mill across the river in Gadsden County.

The old mill has been grinding corn since 1875, when it opened for business at Telogia Creek on the outskirts of present-day Greensboro. It is one of the last operating commercial gristmills in the South.

Unlike many surviving gristmills that are now in parks or that operate occassionally, Shepard's Mill continues to serve the purpose for which it was built. The owners operate the mill to make cornmeal, grits and a variety of other products that are sold around the world. If you would like to read more on this unique old water mill, please visit www.exploresouthernhistory.com/shepardsmill.

Shepard's Mill is similar to a number of such industries that once stood in Jackson County, at least one of which (Kent Mill) still operates from time to time.

The Apalachicola Arsenal at Chattahoochee, Florida

The historic Apalachicola Arsenal is actually across the river from Jackson County in neighboring Gadsden County, but played an important role in the history of both counties. The facility was an important military post prior to the Civil War and was used as a training facility by the Confederates. It also served as a state prison during the Reconstruction era and eventually formed the core of today's Florida State Hospital.

I'm in the process of making a series of postings about the arsenal on a sister blog, www.civilwarflorida.blogspot.com, that you might find of interest. Just scroll down the page when you get there to read them all and be sure to check back over the next few days as I make more additions.