Steve Kerigan Councilmember, Port St. Joe

Commissioner Steve Kerigan serves on the SASJBEP Policy Board after being asked by the mayor, who recognized his deep concern for St. Joseph Bay and its importance to the City of Port St. Joe. Commissioner Kerigan was born and raised in the community and has a lifelong connection to the Bay and understands firsthand how critical it is to the city’s identity and economy. Port St. Joe has seen significant growth in both residents and visitors, making resource protection combined with thoughtful growth essential.

For Kerigan, the health of the watershed and bays means everything. From scalloping as a child to diving and spending countless hours on the water, he has long been drawn to St. Joe Bay and its rich marine life. As a Policy Board member, he focuses on representing local needs while learning how the Estuary Program can partner to address challenges through science‑based solutions. He is interested in understanding the impacts of freshwater flow through the Gulf County Canal and protecting St. Joe Bay’s status as a pristine ecosystem.

Looking ahead, he hopes to see meaningful restoration across the area, including seagrass habitat and actions to reduce harmful algal blooms. Kerigan emphasizes that restoration must focus on the sources of the issue and hopes to see restoration efforts lead to long‑term protection. When he’s not working, Kerigan enjoys golfing and boating to the tip of Cape San Blas and spending time in what he describes as “God’s country.”