Alligator Point, Florida facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alligator Point
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The Marina at Alligator Point during the 1960s
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 Alligator Point
Location in Florida
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| Country | United States |
| State | Florida |
| County | Franklin |
| Government | |
| • Body | Franklin County, Florida |
| Population
(2012)
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| • Total | 447 |
| Rough Estimate; Not Conducted by the U.S. Census | |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (EST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
Alligator Point is a small community in Florida, United States. It's on St. James Island in Franklin County. This area is called an "unincorporated community" because it doesn't have its own city government. Instead, the county helps manage it.
Alligator Point is right by the Gulf of Mexico, a big ocean area. You can find it south of Bald Point State Park, along U.S. 98. It's a quiet beach town. Most buildings are beach houses, and there's a place for boats called the Alligator Point Yacht Basin.
It's part of Florida's "Forgotten Coast," a special area known for its natural beauty. Nearby, you can visit Bald Point State Park and the St. Marks Wildlife Refuge. Alligator Harbor is famous for harvesting clams. It was even shown on the TV show "Dirty Jobs."
Contents
Alligator Harbor: A Special Bay
Alligator Harbor is a shallow bay that's about 4 miles long and 1 mile wide. It's like a calm lagoon, protected by the Alligator Point sand spit. The water in the harbor is usually about 4 feet deep.
Why the Water is Salty
Not much fresh water flows into Alligator Harbor. This means the water is almost as salty as the Gulf of Mexico. This high saltiness is perfect for growing clams. That's why clam harvesting is a big industry here!
Fishing and Oysters
The bay also has shallow areas with oyster bars. These spots are great for fishing. Many different kinds of fish live in and around these oyster beds.
Homes and Nature at Alligator Point
Alligator Point has different types of homes. You can find condos near the marina. There are also houses on both the bay side and the gulf side. Some of these houses are quite old, even up to 70 years!
Protecting Wildlife
The very end of Alligator Point is kept as a special place for nature. It's a wildlife refuge. This means it's a safe home for many birds and sea turtles. They can live and nest there without being disturbed.
