Cultural identity: landscape change in the Florida panhandle (Franklin county)

This research project examined the impact of land development in Franklin County Florida. The St. Joe Paper Company operated a paper mill for over sixty years in the region. However, in recent years the company terminated its mill operation and has refocused its efforts on real estate and land development. This research focused upon cultural identity in terms of how people of this quaint county see themselves as individuals and collectives in the places where they live and how landscape change has influenced their self-perceptions as well as their economic well-being as a result of land development. Examination of focus group data indicate a strong resistance by working class fishermen whose livelihood is tied to the seafood harvesting. Many of the new residents see the development as an over-all positive influence in the county.