Environmental Justice
Environmental justice is central to North Port St. Joe's efforts to rebuild and improve the community. For decades, the area suffered from pollution caused by industrial activities, including toxic waste dumping by the St. Joe Paper Company. Harmful chemicals like arsenic, lead, and manganese were released into local waterways and wetlands, causing long-lasting damage to the environment and the health of residents. Many homes in this historically Black community were built on contaminated land, leading to issues like sinking foundations and cracked roofs. These environmental harms have hit North Port St. Joe hard, adding to the challenges of redlining, industrial decline and neglect.
Despite these wins, North Port St. Joe still faces challenges from past pollution, economic disinvestment and housing insecurity. The North Port St. Joe Community Development Corporation (NPSJCDC) is focused on tackling these problems by supporting sustainable redevelopment, monitoring community health and creating fair economic opportunities that match the community’s vision for a healthier and more just future.
