Gas on St. George Island: There is only one place on St. George Island to get gas. The Piggly Wiggly Express/BP gas station. Located at: 244 Franklin Blvd. Phone: 850-927-2808 *The Express Lane on SGI sells convenience store items but has no fuel. This is the only store on SGI that is open 24/7. Located at: 140 Franklin Blvd. Phone: 850-927-5005 Grocery stores on St. George Island: There is 1 grocery stores on St. George Island. Piggly Wiggly Express- featuring Boars Heads meat & cheese, & fresh produce. The price of groceries in all of Franklin County is on the higher side. The island grocery stores have a larger markup than surrounding cities, but not much. 1) The Piggly Wiggly Express/BP gas station.Located at: 244 Franklin Blvd. Phone: 850-927-2808
Grocery stores in Eastpoint: (the city over the St. George Island bridge) *The St. George Island bridge is approximately 4.5 miles long, and ends directly in Eastpoint. Big Top Super Market. Located at: 357 US-319, Eastpoint, FL 32328. Phone: 850-670-8626 Big top is a small supermarket with limited groceries & produce Dollar General. Located at: 176 US Hwy 98, Eastpoint, FL 32328. Phone: 850-739-6644 Dollar general has a small selection of produce, & frozen food. Family Dollar. Located at: 198 US Hwy 98, Eastpoint, FL 32328. Phone: 850-695-0617
Grocery stores in Apalachicola: (Apalachicola is Approx 15 minutes from SGI) To get to Apalachicola, you will come off the St. George Island bridge onto Island Drive, dead end at the stop sign in front of the Express lane, and hang a left onto Hwy 98. You will go over 2 bridges (the "long bridge" & then the Apalachicola Bridge) Piggly Wiggly.Located at: 130 Avenue E, Apalachicola, FL 32320. Phone: 850-653-8768 IGA (closing soon after Summer 2020, another chain is buying them out, but grocery store location will remain the same) Located at: 425 US Hwy 98, Apalachicola, FL 32320 Phone: 850-653-9695
Grocery stores in Carrabelle: (Carrabelle is Approx 30 minutes from SGI) To get to Carrabelle, you will come off the St. George Island bridge onto Island Drive, dead end a the stop sign in front of the Express lane, and turn right onto Hwy 98. You will go over 1 bridge before reaching downtown area of Carrabelle. Carrabelle IGA. Located at: 812 NW Avenue A, Carrabelle, FL 32322. Phone: 850-697-2710
What restaurants are on the island?
Restaurants/Snack joints located on SGI in alphabetical order: *Hours listed are for high season summer
Sweets & Treats Aunt Ebby's Icecream 11AM-10PM Mon-Sun seasonally. 147 E Gulf Beach Drive. 850-340-0433. (Serving Blue Bell hand dipped Ice cream, & milkshakes, indoor & outdoor seating) Sweet Surf 12PM-6PM. Wagon parked in front of Sparks & Son's Groceries. 119 Franklin Blvd. 850-653-6885 (Snow cones, Frozen Yogurt including sugar free/non dairy/low fat frozen, smoothies) Weber's Little Donut Shop Tue-Sat 7:30AM-11AM or until Sold out. 65 W Gorrie Drive #2702. No Phone #. (Super soft cake style donuts in a variety of flavors, toppings change each day. Arrive Early, long lines in high season!)
*There are a few mobile wagon vendor's that sell snack/lunch style food & dessert, as well as seafood wagons that pack for travel, & produce stands. Hours are based on weather & season, location based on availability of parking. Look for them downtown on the island! Restaurants
Beach Pit 7:30AM-9PM Mon, Tue, Wed, Thur & Sun, 7:30AM-9:30PM Fri & Sat. 49 W Pine Ave. 850-799-1020 (Serving BBQ & Seafood & Breakfast) Blue Parrot Ocean Front Cafe 11AM-9PM Mon-Sun. 68 E Gorrie Drive. 850-927-2987 (Ocean front, tiki bar, indoor & outdoor seating, Seafood, Live music, Live Beach Cam) BJ's Pizza & Subs 11AM-9PM Mon-Sun. 105 Gulf Beach Drive. 850-927-2805 (Pizzas, subs, bluebell icecream, beery, arcade games, indoor & outdoor seating) Mango Mike's (formerly known as Doc Meyers, featuring same tiki hut roof) 12PM-11PM Mon-Sun. 36 W Pine Ave. 850-907-1233 (Oysters, fish sandwiches & American grill fare served in a chill tiki hut with Sports & Bar games) Harry A's Bar & Grill 11:30AM-12AM Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed, Thur. 11:30-2AM Fri & Sat 28 W Bayshore Drive. 850-927-2117 (Bar eatery with seafood & steak dishes, outdoor courtyard w/karaoke, D.J.'s & live music) Paddy's Raw Bar 11AM-11PM. Mon-Sun. 240 3rd Street. 850-927-2299 (Upbeat bayfront bar & restaurant, with seafood, draft beers & daily live bands) Subway with Mama De Luca's Pizza 8AM-8PM. 163 E Gulf Beach Drive. 850-799-1150 (Classic chain Subway restaurant with Pizza/Pasta/Wings available from Mama De Luca's)
Can i check in early or have a late departure?
*Check in is 4PM Eastern time. Check out is 10AM Eastern time. Early check-in, and Late departure are more of a rare "off season" gratuity. For high season Spring break & Summer, most all homes are a back to back reservation. This means, guest check out by 10AM the day of your arrival, and the home has to be cleaned and inspected for you. With large parties in for the Spring & Summer, cleaners cleaning to CDC cleaning guidelines for Covid19, & cleaners having multiple homes to clean on the same day- most homes will take up until 4 PM for high season. If any maintenance issues are present, these will also need to be addressed before you can come in. Due to Covid19 and safety issues, guest cannot come on the property grounds while a cleaner is still at the home. *Guest cannot come in the home for any reason while cleaners are inside, including to put groceries or medicine in the refrigerator. Please plan your arrival time accordingly.
* If the home is previously clean and empty from the day before, YES, we do allow early check-ins. You can Call or Text us before arrival to the island to check on the cleaning status: Kaley 850-653-5046. Jerry 678-371-9250 If the cleaners notify us a home is finished, we will gladly reach out to you so you can check in before 4 PM. Make sure to have a working cell phone. Check out time is a firm 10AM to follow the CDC cleaning guidelines. For high season summer, check out is a firm 10AM . For the off season and emergency situations we do make rare exceptions. (waiting on transport to aiport, sickness, etc) You must call us first thing in the morning if you are having issues with check-out time.
Can I come in a day early or extend my check out date?
YES, you may extend your reservation by check in day or departure day IF the home is available for use. We kindly ask if you are considering extending, that you let us know the day before so we can notify our cleaners who are on a strict schedule. *Discount on extra nights given if the reservation is less than 2 weeks out. *Payments will need to be made via card over the phone for last minute changes. No checks accepted once guest have arrived.
Can i bring my pet to the island and to my rental home?
St. George Island is a very pet friendly island, that adheres to a Florida Lease Law
*We love our pets, but not all homeowners allow pets at their vacation property. If your rental home allows pets, you will clearly know, as each home lists if it is pet friendly or not in the description & amenities section on the home's vrbo listing. If you are unsure, please ask, before booking or bringing.
QUESTION 1: My pet is super trained, quiet, well behaved, potty trained, doesn't bark, hypoallergenic, on medication, and will be in a crate- May I bring my pet to my non pet friendly rental home? No. *Homeowners make their own policy regarding pets in their house for their own personal reasons. Other rental guest may book a home due to it not being pet friendly for allergy & personal reasons. We must strictly abide by the homeowner's policies. Thank you for understanding & making preparations for your pet! You can be immediately evicted from a rental home without refund if you break this rule. Try Penelope's Pet shop or Apalachicola Bay Animal hospital for boarding- both located in Eastpoint, right over the St. George Island Bridge. QUESTION 2:What type of pets are allowed and how many can I bring? Dogs are allowed, maximum of 3. No exotic pets allowed, except hermit crabs in cages that are often purchased on the island.
DOG'S RULE! but must have RULES: 1. We kindly ask that you bring bedding/blankets for your dog(s) and that they stay off ALL furniture. It is almost impossible to get dog hair off of linens and soft surfaces like sofas. Our cleaners have limited time for each clean. Thank you for helping us keep pet friendly houses clean! 2. Dogs are NOT to be unattended inside swimming pool gates, and are NOT allowed on elevators. 3. Even the best trained male pet friends have a tendency to hike their legs on walls, & furniture to mark their territory. If your pet has an accident, please clean this up immediately. *Look for doggy waste bags located at the public beach accesses near the boardwalks & trash cans. These are provided free to help make cleaning up after your pet an easier task. Please adhere to the above mentioned Franklin County Leash Law. See leash law by clicking here : > Animal-Control-Ord-2017-07.pdf (franklincountyflorida.com) *Some parts of the state park are not pet friendly, due to protected dunes- always look for signs.
Local Veterinarian services:Apalachicola Bay Animal Clinic- Dr. Hobson Fulmer Local Grooming & Pet Sitting: Penelope's Pet Stop Click on the blue names above to be redirected to outside websites with information. Local vets can connect you with various private pet sitters & boarding services.
HAVE A DOGGONE GOOD DAY!
Golf cart, atv, motorcycle, & boat REgulations
*ATVs are NOT allowed on roadways in Franklin County, no exceptions made. They are enforcing & giving citations. *YES, you may bring your own golf cart, motorcycle or boat to a rental property. Please be mindful of parking large boats. If you have questions as to how many vehicles will fit at your rental home, Please call us. *There is No public boat launch. You can launch your boat at the foot of the St. George Island bridge. *ATVs , Golf Carts & Motorcycles are NOT allowed in the Plantation Gates. If you rent a golf cart and are staying in the plantation, there is a public spot that you may park the cart outside of the plantation. If you are unsure if your home is in the plantation, please call us. Call us for more details.
*Where can I drive my Golf Cart on St. George Island? Golf carts are allowed on all county roads on St. George Island EXCEPT GULF BEACH DRIVE AND FRANKLIN BOULEVARD. You may cross these roads in a golf cart but are not allowed to travel on them, nor on the bike path along Gulf Beach Drive. *Who can drive a Golf Cart? You must be 16 with a Valid Driver's License. Local Law Enforcement Officers are issuing tickets & citations for under age driving. *You can be ticketed for DUI on a golf cart. No open containers on a golf cart!
does my home come with linens, kitchenware, wifi, rental items?
All homes come with bed linens & towel linens (Pillow cases, top sheet, fitted) & (hand towel, wash cloth, bathmats) -Towel linens are provided per bed & maximum occupancy of a home. We encourage guest to be environmentally friendly and re-use towels if possible. Septic systems on St. George Island also require the use of HE Laundry detergent only. Sleeper sofa bed linens & towel linens are also provided. Roll-able cots (if listed as an amenity) are kept in the closets, with linens nearby. There are extra pillows, & blankets in the closets of all homes.
*Due to cleaning to COVID19 CDC standards, our white & colored linens are cleaned with bleach and/or laundry additive disinfectant. If you believe these products would cause a sensitivity to your skin, please bring your own linens. Cleaners are having to use more disinfectant sprays on all surfaces including soft surfaces such as pillows, & sofas. Many of these have a slight scent. This is beyond our control, and a must to make the rental home available to you.
What We Provide: Rental Homes have starter amountsof toilet paper, paper towels *1 roll per bathroom toilet paper, 1 roll of paper towels per kitchen*, pre-packaged hand & body soap, dish washing liquid, & trash bags. What We Suggest You Bring: Laundry detergent, spices, beach towels (our bath towels are standard size), sunscreen, & specialty items such as aluminum foil, charcoal, etc. No food is provided or left in the homes. Please read the description of your home to see if it has a Keurig or standard coffee maker. If your home has a standard coffee maker, we suggest you to bring coffee filters. Some homes include rental items, please read the description of your home to see which rental items are included.
Does my home come with rental items? Included rental items vary per home. Some properties may include rental items such as beach chairs, kayak, etc. Please read the description of your home on vrbo to see which items are included. If you are unsure, please call us. *Rental items are available (when in stock) to ADD to any home for an ADDED fee. We can connect you with a local rental company who gives our guests exclusive discounts. Please contact us for more information.
What comes standard at my rental home? ~High Speed Wireless Internet ~Private Washer/Dryer ~Cable Television ~Fully stocked kitchens- (Pots, Pans, Bake-ware, Measuring Cups, Blender, Toaster, Coffee Maker, Mixer, Oven, Microwave, Full size Refrigerator, etc.) ~Bed & Bath linens provided- Beds made upon arrival with towel linens in place. ~Parking & 24/7 Emergency contact help.
CAn I have a bonfire on the beach or shoot fireworks?
FIRES ON THE BEACH: According to local law enforcement, you may have a "SMALL WARMING" fire on the beach, below the average high water line – away from all structures. In the Gulf Beaches, a small warming fire is allowed away from vegetation.
FIREWORKS: Under Florida law, only sparklers, approved by the Florida Division of State Fire Marshal, are legal for consumer usage. It is illegal to use exploding and/or flying fireworks in Florida, which include: shells and mortars, multiple tube devices, Roman candles, rockets and firecrackers. However, as of April 8, 2020 Governor Ron Desantis has approved of firework allowance for designated holidays: July 4, December 31, & January 1. A copy of the designated holiday ordinance can be seen HERE
What is your cancellation policy?
We have a FIRM NO CANCELLATION POLICY. Refunds will not be given for ANY reason, including, but not limited to: weather, illness, change of mind, change of schedule, or death. We STRONGLY suggest you to purchase rental insurance through the outside company of your choosing to protect your vacation investment. If your direct week is during a mandatory evacuation or disaster, we will offer a CREDIT to a new stay at your vacation rental home. We will gladly work with you to reschedule a new date. This new date could be in the same calendar year, or the following year if needed.
Why the firm policy? *Many guest know they are going to cancel before they make their final payment. We have found it more affordable for guest to purchase rental insurance upfront, then to cancel and have us take a 10% cancellation fee from the grand total like many companies do. The 10% cancellation fee is usually higher than the rental insurance itself. We are a small company, we do not offer rental or travel insurance of any kind. We suggest you to price shop online to find the best deal with the best policy for your desired needs.
*Rental insurance can be purchased AFTER your reservation is made. You will contact the rental company of your choosing, and do all cancellation transactions with this company. *****Some banking institutions and credit card companies such as American Express INCLUDE some form of travel protection. You may not be aware of this. Please check with your banking institution or credit card company BEFORE booking to see what type of travel protection they offer. *Many of our homeowners treat their vacation rental as their full time job. Once the property is booked for you, it is reserved for your stay. Homeowner's forfeit their own leisure time at their rental home, to allow your reservation. We decline other reservations through out the year for your stay, and many guest will not re-book from our company once we decline them. Guest will have to look for outside companies because we have the home reserved for you. *For larger rental homes, it is almost impossible to get them booked at the last minute due to a cancellation. Our large homes book up to, and sometimes over a year in advance. Guest consider sports & lesson schedules, school & work schedules, flight & travel arrangements, and so much more when booking a date. To have a large party decide on a week and be on the same schedule at the last minute does not happen often.
booking directly vs booking online
All of our rental homes are listed on VRBO/Homeaway, however, not all of our reservations come through the website. Many guest find our properties by driving by and seeing the sign outside of the home or word of mouth. Because of this, guest are able to book directly with us and avoid those extra fees that online companies charge!
*If you would like secure online payments, you will need to book through VRBO/HOMEAWAY directly. We do not offer online payments of any kind.
To book with us you will need to call us at one of the contact numbers provided in the contact section. A contract with be provided with bookings taken directly through us. You can mail, or email the contract back. * *We recommend the CamScanner App if you have a smartphone to scan and email any printed documents. We accept all major cards over the phone, money order or check by mail. We are not responsible for lost checks or money orders* Checks must arrive prior to check-in with time to clear.
****Customers who book through vrbo and have paid a payment cannot cancel to book with us directly. You must keep your reservation through vrbo. While you may send an inquiry to VRBO/HOMAWAY, do not send a reservation request. CALL US TO BOOK DIRECTLY. If you miss out this time, be sure to call us for your next reservation!