Town History

 One of the three oldest towns, Cedar Grove is located in the heart of the urban area of Bay County. Our largest neighbor to the West is Panama City.

The first resident of note in this area was Emil T. Schmidt, who settled a homestead here in 1885. The first child to be born in this community was Ida Annie, Schmidt's only daughter.

The arrival of Southern Kraft Papermill in 1931 made the Cedar Grove community attractive for homes for the workers. Most families' livelihoods came from the Bay's water and the Papermill.

In 1940, the Town of Cedar Grove came into being when a group of residents met in an abandoned building and, by lamp light, wrote a proposed charter for Cedar Grove. Mrs. Josie Joyner named the Town, Cedar Grove because of the many cedar trees that lined the streets of 15th Street and East Avenue. However, most of the trees were cut down when 15th Street and East Avenue were paved.

The first Town Hall was a wood frame 14 x 20 building. In later years there was an addition to make room for a Police Department and a Water Department in 1987, The Town was blessed with a very beautiful Town Hall with approximately 6,000 square feet that housed all departments of the town.

Cedar Grove is certainly not the largest town in the county, but it contains a special history that cannot be compared. It is a place which many people are proud to call home.

Facts About Cedar Grove

• Cedar Grove is a town in Bay County, Florida, United States.
  
• Incorporated: 1951
  
• Square miles: 11
  
• Population: 6,300 (approximate)
  
• Cedar Grove is located at 30°12′44″N, 85°36′22″W (30.212219, -85.606028)GR1.

Source: Cedar Grove Website