PORT ST. JOE, FLORIDA (April 18, 2008) – The Gulf County Tourist Development office is set to move into its new waterfront location April 28, 2008, and is welcoming the public to the new Welcome Center with an art exhibit of Plein Air paintings from private collections, May 8-18, 2008.

The TDC office, launched in 2000 and led by Executive Director Paula Pickett, has continuously operated from the Gulf County Court House Annex. Pickett says the new facility will better serve the public and the area's growing tourism business as well as provide housing for additional organizations. The Gulf County Economic Development Council, Port St. Joe Redevelopment Agency and the Gulf Alliance for the Local Arts (GALA) offices are also moving into the new building.

"Our goal is that visitors will make this their first stop to learn about everything our county has to offer from the world famous Dead Lakes of Wewahitchka to historic Port St. Joe and America's #1-ranked beaches of Cape San Blas," said Pickett. "From one location, they'll be able to see that we have shopping, dining, lodging, biking trails, scuba diving, golf and more. We believe visitors will want to explore our county further, extend their trip longer and return more often when they see all we have to offer. The Center will provide free wireless internet service as well as area maps and brochures. Additionally, our 4,400 sq ft building will host a variety of events open to the public."

The kickoff event will take place May 8-18, as the Plein Air Paintout returns to Gulf County for its third year. The Welcome Center will feature a public exhibit of area paintings from previous Plein Air events.

The new TDC office and Welcome Center is located at 150 Captain Fred's Place, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456. More information is available by calling 850-229-7800, or by visiting www.visitgulf.com.