In the early 1900s a sand road called Bunker Lift Road passed
here connecting the community of Bunker, two miles north, to the
outside world. Tucker Bayou came off of the southeast corner of
Choctawhatchee Bay, past Eden Garden and almost to Bunker Lift
Road.
Then the Army Corps of Engineers built the intercostal waterway
canal connecting Tucker Bayou with West Bay at Panama City. The
needed land, then in private hands, was acquired by eminent domain
with funding from Panama City. It was agreed that bridges would be
built at both ends of the canal to accommodate Bunker Lift Road and
State Highway 79.
The Highway 79 bridge was built at the town of West Bay but the
Bunker Lift bridge fell prey to the great depression. They were
just finishing the highway 331 bridge and causeway across
Choctawhatchee Bay and had to sell two mules to get enough money to
complete that project. No money was left for Bunker Lift bridge.
The rest of the canal was completed but opening was delayed by the
Bunker Lift bridge so Walton County agreed to operate a temporary
ferry until the bridge could be funded. The canal was opened in
1931 and the temporary ferry ran here until the county closed it in
1989 after extended court battles to keep it open. The promised
bridge never materialized. NOTE: The original US 331 bridge, now
used as a fishing pier bears date 1940.
FERRY OPERATIONS: Well, this cable operated ferry wasn't really
cable operated exactly; more like cable guided. The cable kept the
ferry from being swept away by any current in the canal during
crossing. Propulsion was provided by outboard motor. The cable lay
on the bottom when not in use and was cranked up by hand operated
wench when needed.
The ferry was manned daily from 6 AM until 10 PM. It was funded
by the county; no charge to the passengers. It accommodated two
vehicles in tandem (one behind the other). The ruins of its loading
ramps are still visible on both sides of the canal.
Thanks to George and Bear for the above information.