Dedicated in February 2013, Clifford Sims Park is a narrow peninsula of land separating the yacht basin at Port St. Joe Marina from the waters of St. Joseph Bay.

The park provides two wooden fishing piers (home to many interesting stories about the one that got away), two covered gazebos, picnic tables, a public restroom, several hundred feet of bulkhead fishing access, ample parking, and the best sunset viewing available. The park is located at the northernmost point on the Bay Walk Trail system, offering a great place to park while you explore the trail by bike or on foot.

Staff Sgt. Clifford Sims was born Clifford Pittman in Florida on June 18, 1942. Orphaned at an early age, he grew up homeless but survived off the kindness of strangers who allowed him access to food, clothing, and educational resources. He became Clifford Sims when he was adopted by James and Irene Sims of Port St. Joe, FL at the age of 13. After high school, he enlisted in the US Army and married his hometown sweetheart, Mary Underwood. He served in the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, NC before joining "The Delta Raiders" of the 101st Airborne Division at Ft. Campbell, KY during the escalation of the Vietnam War.

While deployed to South Vietnam during the Tet Offensive (1967-68), Sgt. Sims served as a squad leader leading several missions and engaging in heavy fighting in the jungles outside of Hue, South Vietnam. On February 21, 1968, the 1st platoon was pinned down by heavy fire and at risk of being overrun when 25-year-old, Sims, led his squad in a furious attack. They were able to provide covering fire for the company command group so that it could link up with the 3rd platoon, which was also under heavy fire. While leading his squad away from a burning ammunition dump, Sgt. Sims hurriedly ordered his troops to clear out before it exploded. Although two members of his squad were injured by the explosion, Sgt. Sims' prompt actions prevented more serious casualties from occurring. Advancing further into the jungle, Sgt. Sims heard the sound of a booby trap, yelled for his soldiers to get back, then threw his body onto the live explosive, taking the full impact of the blast. By giving his life, Sgt. Sims saved the lives of his fellow soldiers. "His actions were with complete disregard for his own life in the interest of his men and his mission. Staff Sgt. Sims made the greatest sacrifice a soldier can make...and no mark of tribute can be too great" wrote 1st Lt. Cleo Hogan, company commander, in his eyewitness statement supporting a Medal of Honor bid.

Staff Sgt. Clifford Chester Sims was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during the Vietnam War and is buried in the Barrancas National Cemetery near Pensacola, Florida. In his honor, Clifford Chester Sims State Veterans Nursing Home was established in Panama City, FL in 2003. A portion of Hwy. 98 in downtown St. Joe is named Clifford C. Sims Parkway and there is also a street named Clifford C. Sims Drive near where he grew up in Port St. Joe.

Clifford Sims Park Rules: Do not take more than one parking space, boat trailers and RVs are prohibited in the park, and no alcohol is allowed in the park.