A comprehensive study and assessment of Northwest Florida's cultural and natural resources conducted between 2016 and 2018 revealed a rich array of sites and entities, including museums, state parks, national parks, and archaeological and historical sites. These are crucial for understanding the maritime history and cultural landscape of the region (Khakzad and Thomin 2019). The study's findings demonstrated that Northwest Florida's maritime landscape, encompassing its rivers, coasts, bays, and sounds, has significantly contributed to the development of the United States' national defense, industry, economy, tourism, and innovation.

However, the study also highlighted that insufficient attention and knowledge regarding these resources have hindered the region from fully leveraging its potential benefits.

This revelation inspired a multidisciplinary effort by the University of West Florida's Askew Institute of Multidisciplinary Studies and the Florida Public Archaeology Network to conduct a feasibility study. The goal is to determine whether the region could be designated as a National Heritage Area. Along with various partner organizations, the MLAP supports this ongoing initiative.