About St. James Bay
234 acres of Audubon Signature Sanctuary in Carrabelle, FL — a championship par-72 course, eight pickleball courts, two pools, on-site dining, and casually elegant lodging.
St. James Bay is what most coastal Florida resorts used to be before the rest of the state caught up. We're 234 acres of Audubon Signature Sanctuary in Carrabelle, FL — a championship par-72 course, eight pickleball courts, two pools, on-site dining at the Crooked River Grill, and casually elegant lodging that lets you feel like a guest, not a number. We're one of the most distinctive north Florida golf resorts for exactly that reason: it still feels like the Florida Panhandle used to feel.
Carrabelle sits at the heart of the Forgotten Coast — the stretch of Florida between Mexico Beach and Apalachee Bay that the rest of Florida hasn't touched. White sand, prolific offshore fishing, the Apalachicola National Forest at our back, and the quiet that's vanished from most of the state. It's why guests don't just come; they come back.
Robert Walker designed our course to disappear into the landscape, not dominate it. The Audubon Signature Sanctuary designation means every hole was sited and built to protect the wetlands, the forest, and the birds — and you'll see the result every time a heron lifts off as you tee up.
Meet the Team
The heart of St. James Bay is our dedicated team of hospitality, golf, dining, lodging, and events professionals who work together to create memorable experiences for every guest. From planning golf getaways and weddings to recommending the best local attractions along Florida's Forgotten Coast, our team delivers warm service and genuine Southern hospitality at every step of your stay.
Sebrina Brown
General Manager
As General Manager, Sebrina Brown brings a rare combination of hospitality leadership, business experience, and deep community roots to St. James Bay. A longtime Carrabelle resident and the current Mayor of the City of Carrabelle, she is passionate about showcasing the natural beauty, charm, and hospitality that make Florida's Forgotten Coast such a special destination. Since joining the resort, she has played an integral role across operations, guest services, marketing, events, and lodging — strengthening St. James Bay's reputation as one of North Florida's premier golf and vacation destinations. Her focus is on enhancing every part of the guest experience, from accommodations and dining to golf, pickleball, weddings, and special events.
Joseph Hubbard, CGCS, CEMP
Golf Course Superintendent
With more than 40 years of experience in golf course management, Joseph Hubbard brings exceptional expertise and leadership to St. James Bay's golf operations. A Certified Golf Course Superintendent (CGCS) and Certified Environmental Management Professional (CEMP), Joe has overseen premier facilities across the country — including as Director of Golf Maintenance at Broken Sound Club and National Director of Golf Course Operations for Toll Brothers, where he oversaw the development, construction, and maintenance of 15 courses nationwide. He has collaborated with renowned architects including Arnold Palmer, Pete Dye, Art Hills, and Chi Chi Rodriguez. Widely recognized for his commitment to environmental stewardship and Audubon-certified course management, Joe leads the ongoing care of St. James Bay's Audubon Signature Sanctuary course.
Carrabelle, FL
Population ~2,800. Home to the world's smallest police station, the Crooked River Lighthouse, and one of the most laid-back stretches of coast in the southeast.
Nearby Properties & Comparisons
Folks searching for the Franklin Inn (Carrabelle, FL), the Moorings (Carrabelle, FL), or the James Beach Resort are often looking for the kind of small-town Forgotten Coast experience St. James Bay offers — with the added advantage of a full golf and pickleball property on-site. If you're choosing between coastal Panhandle stays, our experience is closer to a private club + boutique resort than a roadside motel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes St. James Bay different from other north Florida golf resorts?+
It's one of the only Designated Audubon Signature Sanctuary courses on the Florida Panhandle, paired with eight new pickleball courts, on-site lodging, and the Crooked River Grill — all on one quiet 234-acre property on the Forgotten Coast.
Is St. James Bay the same as James Beach Resort?+
No — those are different properties. St. James Bay Golf & Pickleball Resort is in Carrabelle, FL, on the Forgotten Coast. James Beach Resort is a separate brand.
How does St. James Bay compare to other Carrabelle stays like the Franklin Inn or the Moorings?+
The Franklin Inn (Carrabelle, FL) and The Moorings (Carrabelle, FL) are smaller, more traditional Carrabelle lodging options. St. James Bay is a full golf and pickleball resort with on-site dining, lodging, two pools, and an Audubon-certified course — a different kind of stay.
Who runs St. James Bay?+
General Manager Sebrina Brown — a longtime Carrabelle resident and the current Mayor of the City of Carrabelle — and Golf Course Superintendent Joseph Hubbard, CGCS, CEMP. Full bios above.
What does "Audubon Signature Sanctuary" mean?+
It's the highest environmental certification a golf course can earn — granted by the Audubon Society to courses designed and operated to protect wildlife, water, and natural habitat. St. James Bay is one of the only Audubon Signature Sanctuary courses on the Florida Panhandle.