Mexico Beach, Florida, a tranquil coastal community nestled in the Florida Panhandle, is known for its pristine beaches, laid-back atmosphere, and warm Southern hospitality. Among its cherished local businesses was the Driftwood Inn, a family-owned and operated beachfront hotel that embodied the spirit of this charming town. However, in October 2018, Hurricane Michael, aCategory 5 storm, unleashed its devastating fury upon Mexico Beach, leaving an indelible mark of destruction and testing the resilience of its residents and businesses, including the beloved Driftwood Inn.
The Driftwood Inn was more than just a place to stay; it was a home away from home for generations of families. Its story is deeply intertwined with the Wood family, who arrived in Mexico Beach in 1970 seeking a peaceful small-town life. Peggy Wood, the matriarch of the family, envisioned a business that would allow her to raise her children while contributing to the community. In 1971, that vision became a reality when they purchased the Driftwood Inn, a modest seven-unit motel. Over the years, with dedication and hard work, the Woods expanded the inn, adding units one by one, reinvesting profits back into their dream. Even after a fire in 1994 that necessitated a rebuild, the iconic front wall and first six feet of the original structure were lovingly preserved, a testament to the inn’s enduring legacy.
What set the Driftwood Inn apart was its unique charm and unwavering commitment to guest experience. Eschewing the cookie-cutter approach of large hotel chains, the Driftwood Inn offered rooms adorned with antiques and practical tile floors. Uniquely pet-friendly, it welcomed furry companions, fostering a truly inclusive and welcoming atmosphere. But beyond the amenities, it was the sense of community fostered by the Wood family that truly resonated with guests. Potlucks, movie nights, craft parties, and painting classes were regular occurrences, creating a warm, convivial environment. The inn even boasted a chapel, hosting countless weddings, vow renewals, and memorials, solidifying its place as a central hub for life’s significant moments. Eighty percent of their clientele were repeat customers, a powerful testament to the special connection people felt with the Driftwood Inn and the Wood family’s hospitality.
Mexico Beach itself was a community deeply invested in creating memorable experiences. The special events committee orchestrated gumbo festivals, wine celebrations, and Christmas tree lightings, fostering a vibrant social calendar. A unique “sponsor a palm tree” campaign saw personalized plaques adorn beachfront palms, a symbol of community pride and collective ownership of their beautiful coastline.
When Hurricane Michael approached, evacuation orders were issued. Shawna Wood and her family, mindful of their guests, ensured everyone was safely evacuated before leaving themselves. They sought refuge in Dothan, Alabama, anxiously monitoring news and relying on a webcam at a neighboring property, the Summer House, for glimpses of the Driftwood Inn. Initial views offered a glimmer of hope – from the front, the inn seemed relatively unscathed. This initial optimism, however, was brutally shattered upon their return.
The reality on the ground was far more devastating than any distant images could convey. While the front facade offered a deceptive sense of normalcy, the true extent of Hurricane Michael’s wrath was revealed upon closer inspection. The houses, the cottages, much of Mexico Beach – all were severely damaged. The Driftwood Inn, despite the seemingly intact front, was not spared. The interior was ravaged, and soon the crushing news arrived: the building would have to be torn down. The Wood family, along with the entire Mexico Beach community, faced a scene of heartbreaking destruction. Shawna Wood recounts weeks of tears and the overwhelming difficulty of articulating the magnitude of the loss.
Yet, amidst the debris and despair, the indomitable spirit of Mexico Beach shone brightly. At a meeting of local business owners, a powerful display of unity emerged: when asked who would not rebuild, not a single hand was raised. This unwavering commitment to rebuilding, to restoring the heart of their community, fueled the recovery efforts.
The Wood family, integral to this spirit, immediately began planning the resurrection of the Driftwood Inn. Architects, contractors, and structural engineers were consulted, plans were drawn, and the long process of navigating city regulations commenced. While the bottom floor of Shawna’s home, located at the Driftwood Inn property, required complete gutting, renovations were underway to ensure Peggy Wood could return to familiar surroundings.
Shawna Wood’s poignant desire to share her cherished Florida experiences with her children underscores the deep connection residents have with Mexico Beach. Despite lucrative offers for their property, the Wood family remains steadfast in their commitment to preserving the unique character of Mexico Beach. They honor Peggy and her husband’s original promise to never build high-rise condos, resisting the allure of commercialization in favor of maintaining the town’s low-key charm.
The story of the Driftwood Inn is interwoven with the larger narrative of Mexico Beach’s resilience. The “Never Forgotten Coast” campaign emerged as a beacon of hope, initiated by storytellers from Tallahassee who partnered with individuals nationwide to support the recovery. Through the sale of T-shirts and a website sharing survivor stories, the campaign rallied generous donations to aid the community’s rebuilding.
The Driftwood Inn may have been physically dismantled by Hurricane Michael, but its essence – the warmth of family hospitality, the spirit of community, and the unwavering commitment to Mexico Beach – remains very much alive. As plans for rebuilding progress, the promise of a new Driftwood Inn rising from the ashes serves as a powerful symbol of hope and the enduring strength of the Mexico Beach community. To support the ongoing recovery efforts and learn more about the inspiring stories of resilience, visit NeverForgottenCoast.com. For updates on the Driftwood Inn’s rebuilding journey, keep an eye on DriftwoodInn.com. The legacy of the Driftwood Inn, and the spirit of Mexico Beach, will indeed never be forgotten.
